Torque Transmitted Via Radially Spaced Balls Patents (Class 464/906)
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Patent number: 8062137Abstract: An exemplary constant velocity joint includes a first member and a second member rotatably engaging the first member. A clutch pack is disposed between and engages the first and second members. A fastener is used to attach the first member to the second member. The fastener is fixedly connected to the second member and rotatably engages the first member. The fastener exerts a biasing force for urging the first and second members into engagement with the clutch pack.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventors: Tony N. Arden, Samuel J. Oram
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Patent number: 8057313Abstract: A longitudinal shaft, for use in particular in four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive motor vehicles includes a gearbox-side articulation, a differential-side articulation, as well as a central articulation through which a gearbox-side section is integrally linked in rotation to a differential-side section of the longitudinal shaft. To reduce the centrifugal forces occurring at the longitudinal shaft in operation. Therefore, the gearbox-side articulation and the differential-side articulation have each an inner hub, designed to connect the longitudinal shaft integrally in rotation respectively to a gearbox output shaft and to a differential input shaft, the longitudinal shaft being centered on the gearbox output shaft and the differential input shaft by interlocking through the inner hubs.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Shaft-Form-Engineering GmbHInventor: Werner Jacob
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Patent number: 8052537Abstract: A wheel hub-constant velocity joint unit in which a wheel hub (60, 90) with a passage opening (59, 89) that carries inner shaft teeth (44, 74) is tensioned with the outer joint part (46, 76) of a constant velocity joint (42, 72) on which a journal (53, 83) is formed with outer shaft teeth (54, 84), wherein inner shaft teeth (44, 74) of the passage opening (59, 89) and outer shaft teeth (54, 84) of the journal (53, 83) mesh in each other and a two-row wheel bearing (43, 73) is pushed onto the wheel hub (60, 90) that includes an inner bearing ring (64, 94) on which a front face (52, 82) of the outer joint part (46, 76) is supported directly, wherein the pitch circle diameter (TKD) of the roller bearing is greater than the pitch circle diameter (PCD) of the constant velocity joint.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Peter Niebling, Ernst Masur
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Patent number: 8033920Abstract: A flexible, dual ball joint assembly used for increasing the wear life of a mud motor. The ball joint assembly includes an drive shaft with a drive shaft hollow ball joint. An outer circumference of the hollow ball joint includes a plurality of equally spaced apart drive shaft ball bearings. An inner circumference, inside the hollow ball joint, includes a plurality of equally spaced apart drive shaft grooves. Also, the ball joint assembly includes an annular shaped torque coupler with a torque coupler ball joint. An outer circumference of the torque coupler ball joint includes a plurality of equally spaced apart torque coupler ball bearings. The torque coupler ball bearings are received in the drive shaft grooves for providing lateral movement between the drive shaft and the torque coupler. An outer circumference of the torque coupler next to the torque coupler ball joint includes a plurality of torque coupler lobes equally spaced apart therearound.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventor: Todd Benson
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Patent number: 8029373Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint of a structure, which easily allows incorporation of an inner ring into a cage without impairing a function of the joint, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Junichi Izumino, Manabu Hoshino
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Patent number: 8029374Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint is made compact, has little decrease in load capacity even when the fixed constant velocity universal joint is made compact and is at an operating angle, and has improved high angle strength and durability through lessening instances in which a ball runs over a track at a high angle. In the fixed constant velocity universal joint, a cage includes four pockets, the pockets including a pair of long pockets of which a circumferential direction spacing is wide and a pair of short pockets of which the circumferential direction spacing is narrow. The pair of long pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along a circumferential direction and the pair of short pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along the circumferential direction. As a result, the long pockets and the short pockets are alternately disposed along the circumferential direction. A long pocket houses two balls. A short pocket houses one ball.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Teruaki Fujio, Manabu Hoshino, Tohru Nakagawa, Wasaburo Suganuma
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Patent number: 8021235Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a first shaft member and a second shaft member telescopically engaged with the first shaft member. A roller carrier supporting a plurality of rollers is disposed between the first and second shaft members. The first shaft member defines a first slot extending along and angled relative to a longitudinal axis. The second shaft member defines a second slot extending along and angled relative to the first slot and the longitudinal axis. The roller carrier defines a carrier slot extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pin extends through the first slot, the second slot and the carrier slot and moves the roller carrier at a slower speed than the relative movement speed between the first shaft member and the second shaft member during telescoping movement. A wedge is disposed between the first shaft member and a portion of the rollers to de-lash the shaft assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Arthur W. Nellett, William D. Cymbal, Richard K. Riefe
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Patent number: 8012030Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting assembly which is used, more particularly for use in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal 3 with an outer journal groove 34; a constant velocity universal joint 4 with an inner joint part 6 which, for the purpose of transmitting torque, is connected to the shaft journal 3 in a rotationally fixed way, wherein the inner joint part 6 comprises a sleeve-like portion 20 with an inner annular groove 35; a radially elastically widenable axial securing ring 30 which is provided for axially fixing the inner joint part 6 and which is positioned in the journal groove 34 of the shaft journal 3; and securing means 41 which are fixed to the sleeve-like portion 20 and prevent the axial securing ring 30 from being radially widened.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbHInventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz
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Patent number: 8007366Abstract: A wheel bearing device includes a hub ring, a double-row bearing and a constant velocity universal joint which are unitized together. At least one of double-row inner raceways of the bearing and a wheel mounting flange are formed on a hub ring. The hub ring and a stem portion of a joint outer ring of the constant velocity universal joint are fitted through a torque transmission assembly, wherein a pilot member as a separate element having a wheel guide portion and a brake guide portion is fitted to a side-end portion of the wheel mounting flange of the hub ring, and the hub ring and the pilot member are fixed to the joint outer ring by swaging.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Eiji Tajima, Hiroyuki Ogura, Syougo Suzuki, Shigeaki Fukushima, Mitsuru Umekida, Akira Torii, Akira Sera, Hisashi Ohtsuki
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Patent number: 8002640Abstract: A wheel hub/universal joint assembly having an axis of rotation A constant velocity universal joint with an outer joint part, an inner joint part, and torque transmitting balls The outer joint part has a first face toothing which engages a second face toothing provided at a collar on a sleeve portion of the wheel. Clamping means axially clamps the wheel hub to the outer joint part 22. The clamping means is axially supported on the wheel hub and the outer joint part 22. The ratio of the axial length BL of the wheel bearing 13 and the mean diameter DV of the face toothing is smaller than 0.63, i.e. BL/DV<0.63.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbHInventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz, Christoph Sieber
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Patent number: 7997990Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint collet connector includes an outer joint part having outer ball tracks, an inner joint part having inner ball tracks, a cage and a plurality of balls. The inner joint part is articulately secured in a rotationally fast way to the outer joint part with the plurality of balls held in the cage. The inner joint part includes a front portion, an inner bore, a collet extension and at least one slot. The collet extension extends from the inner ball tracks to the front portion of the inner joint part. The slot extends into the collet extension from the front portion between an outer surface and the inner bore of the inner joint part, wherein the collet extension of the inner joint part is compressible for selective attachment to a journal shaft of a supplied drive unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Hahn, Hans Wormsbaecher
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Patent number: 7997988Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector includes an outer joint part, and inner joint part, a cage and a plurality of balls. The outer joint part includes outer ball tracks. The inner joint part includes inner ball tracks and a rotational axis, wherein the inner joint part has a face spline oriented about the rotational axis. The plurality of balls are provided in the cage and engage the inner and outer ball tracks of the respective inner and outer joint parts, thereby allowing torque transmission by way of the face splines. Also provided is a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connection.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventors: Hans Wormsbaecher, Eric James LaMothe
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Patent number: 7972218Abstract: A homokinetic joint includes an outer hub having outer running tracks, an inner hub having inner running tracks, balls which are guided in pairs consisting of an outer running track and an inner running track and a cage having cage windows, in which the balls are accommodated. The homokinetic joint further includes a sleeve that is firmly connected with the inner hub and disposed coaxial to it and sealing means having an accommodation part that is connected with the outer hub so as to rotate with it. The sealing means have a sealing membrane firmly connected with the outer hub by means of an outer collar, and connected with the sleeve by means of an inner collar, forming a seal, and having a securing ring for fixing the inner collar in place on the sleeve. The sleeve has a circumferential annular groove, into which the sealing membrane engages with an inner annular bead that is formed on.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Shaft-Form-Engineering GmbHInventor: Claus Disser
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Patent number: 7966730Abstract: A constant velocity joint in the form of a counter-track joint. The circumferential length (L1) of the first cage windows for the balls in the first pairs of tracks is greater than the circumferential length (L2) of the second cage windows for the balls in the second pairs of tracks. This permits a method of assembly wherein first the first balls, one after the other, are mounted in first pairs of tracks which widen from the aperture end to the attaching end and wherein then the second balls, one after the other, are mounted in second pairs of tracks which widen from the attaching end to the aperture end. For mounting the second balls in the second pairs of tracks, only a small overarticulation angle is necessary, and thus a shorter circumferential length of the respective windows than there is required for mounting the first balls in the first pairs of tracks.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbHInventors: Stephan Maucher, Ida Hassenrik, Thomas Weckerling
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Patent number: 7967686Abstract: A longitudinal drive shaft for motor vehicles, for transferring a torque, consists of two or more shaft sections which are connected with one another by way of an intermediate shaft or a journal. The intermediate shaft or the journal is the carrier of a center bearing and is connected to the shaft section by a homokinetic displacement joint rigidly disposed in a pipe. The parts of the center bearing and shaft sections that are displaced in a crash are configured to be smaller than the inside diameter of the pipe. The inside diameter of the outer joint ring is greater than the outside diameters of the roller bearing of the center bearing and of the pipe. The homokinetic displacement joint is sealed off with a sealing cap and a sealing bellows in the direction of the shaft section, and has a closure lid assigned to it.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: IFA-Technologies GmbHInventors: Sebastian Frost, Christian Korotwa, Gerald Langer
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Patent number: 7951009Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint is made compact, has little decrease in load capacity even at an operating angle, and can improve high angle strength and durability through lessening instances in which a ball runs over a track at a high angle. A cage includes four pockets, a pair of long pockets of which a circumferential direction spacing is wide and a pair of short pockets of which the circumferential direction spacing is narrow. The long pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along a circumferential direction and the short pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along the circumferential direction. The long pockets and the short pockets are alternately disposed along the circumferential direction. A long pocket houses two balls. A short pocket houses one ball. An offset amount in the cage is made large to be almost the same as an offset amount of track grooves. Track grooves on a joint inner side are deepened and cage thickness on an opening side is increased.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Manabu Hoshino, Teruaki Fujio, Tohru Nakagawa, Wasaburo Suganuma
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Patent number: 7942750Abstract: A joint outer ring of a constant-velocity joint has a stem portion protruding from of a cup portion and inserted to a through hole of a hub in a bearing device. The joint outer ring has an abutment face abutting against an end face of a bearing inner ring fitted to an outer periphery of the hub in an outer bottom face of the cup portion, and is composed of a forged product of a steel material. The joint outer ring has a base material portion composed of a standard structure and an outer surface layer partially formed as a non-standard structure portion. The non-standard structure may be a tempered martensite structure, or a mixed structure including the tempered martensite structure and at least one of an upper bainite structure and a lower bainite structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Isao Hirai, Kazuhiko Yoshida
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Patent number: 7927220Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint 11 having first and second outer ball tracks 16, 18, and first and second inner ball tracks 17, 19, forming first pairs of tracks 16, 17 which widen in a first axial direction. Ri1 (?), and forming second pairs of tracks 18, 19 which widen in a second axial direction Ri2 (?). Balls 20 are guided in the pairs of tracks and have centers Z positioned on a pitch circle radius PCR around a joint centre M. A ball cage 21 holds the balls 20 in a common central plane E on to the angle-bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. There is provided an axial clearance permitting a relative axial displacement S wherein, when in the aligned condition, the ratio between the axial clearance S and the pitch circle radius PCR ranges between 0.01 and 0.09 (0.01<S/PCR<0.09).Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbHInventors: Thomas Weckerling, Orkan Eryilmaz
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Patent number: 7914382Abstract: A dual type constant velocity universal joint solves the problems of greasing work efficiency and lubricating ability of a double Cardan Joint. The dual type constant velocity universal joint includes two constant velocity universal joints. Each constant velocity universal joint includes: a cylindrical outer ring in which a plurality of guiding grooves that extend in an axial direction are formed on a spherical inner circumferential surface; an inner ring in which a plurality of guiding grooves that extend in an axial direction are formed on a spherical outer circumferential surface; balls for torque transmission each of which is disposed in each of a plurality of ball tracks which are through coordination between the guiding grooves of the outer ring and the guiding grooves of the inner ring; and a cage 5 for holding the balls.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Akio Sakaguchi, Kousei Kuriki
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Patent number: 7909702Abstract: A shaft mounting structure of a constant velocity joint is capable of ensuring sufficient strength of a fitting portion between an inner ring and a shaft. In the shaft mounting structure, a groove is formed on the shaft middle side compared to the position of a male spline of a shaft and the outside diameter of a bottom portion of the groove is set at a value larger than the root diameter of the male spline.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: NTN CorporationInventor: Keisuke Nishio
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Patent number: 7905785Abstract: An embodiment of a constant velocity joint includes a first rotational member having a generally cylindrical surface. The generally cylindrical surface is defined, at least in part, by a groove portion. The constant velocity joint further includes a grease cover selectively positioned adjacent the first rotational member. An edge portion of the grease cover is positioned within the groove to at least partially retain the grease cover in a desired position.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventors: Michael Vincent Madden, Andrew Patrick Gregory, Noel W. Sutton, Shen-Ling Allen Wang
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Patent number: 7896749Abstract: The present application is directed to a direct torque flow connector for torque transmission. The DTF connector includes a direct torque flow constant velocity universal joint having an outer race part and an inner race part, and a shaft coupled to the outer race part. The direct torque flow connector has at least one direct torque flow optimized ratio. Further, the inner race part of the direct torque flow connector may be selectively connected to a journal shaft of a drive unit. A direct torque flow connection with optimized ratios in attachment methods is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventor: Danny Lee Booker
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Patent number: 7883424Abstract: A torque transmission device such as a fixed constant velocity ball joint constructed as an opposed track joint and a process for producing such a device, in which the curvatures bases of the tracks of the joint deviate in their axial course from the curvatures of the ball contact lines. The process is characterized in that prior to the formation of a longitudinal profile of the joint component, the component is brought to an increased hardness by a hardening process and a diffusion layer is partially or completely removed in the region of the longitudinal profile.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbHInventors: Volker Szentmihalyi, Mathias Lutz, Ekkehard Koerner
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Patent number: 7867099Abstract: A connecting arrangement between a shaft journal (2), which is mounted so as to be axially fixed with respect to a unit, and a joint part (10) which can be pivotably attached to the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed manner. A shaft nut (5) having an internal thread (6) which can be screwed onto an external thread (4) of the shaft journal, is provided with an additional external thread (8) onto which a further nut (12) can be screwed via a counter-thread (21) to produce an axially acting interlocking connection (13) between the further nut (12) and the joint part (10).Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbHInventors: Volker Szentmihalyi, Mathias Lutz, Ewald Baechle
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Patent number: 7862439Abstract: Unpleasant vibration and muffled sound are restrained. A constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint part having a plurality of track grooves formed on its cylindrical inner circumferential surface and extending in an axial direction, an inner joint part having a plurality of track grooves formed on its spherical outer circumferential surface and extending in the axial direction, six torque transmitting balls, each being put in a ball track formed by a pair of the track groove of the outer joint part and the track groove of the inner joint part, and a cage having pockets for retaining the torque transmitting balls. The center of curvatures of the spherical outer circumferential surface and the center of the spherical inner circumferential surface of the cage are offset by the same distance in the opposite directions along the axis about the center of the joint.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Naohiro Une, Katsuhiro Suzuki, Tatsuhiro Goto
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Patent number: 7854658Abstract: A constant velocity counter track joint having an outer joint part with outer ball tracks having first tracks opening toward the aperture end and second tracks opening toward the attaching end. The center line of the second tracks, departs, radially inwardly, a first reference radius centered in the point of intersection of a perpendicular line on the tangent at the center line of the ball track and the longitudinal axis. In the inner joint part, the center line of the ball tracks departs, radially inwardly, a second reference radius centered in the point of intersection of a perpendicular line on the tangent at the center line of the ball track and the longitudinal axis. In the outer joint part, the center line of the ball tracks towards the aperture end, moves radially outwardly beyond said first reference radius. In the inner joint part, the center line of the ball tracks towards the attaching end, moves radially outwardly beyond said second reference radius.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbHInventors: Peter Schwarzler, Heiko Harnischfeger
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Patent number: 7850530Abstract: An outer joint part of a constant velocity universal joint for a wheel hub-constant velocity fixed joint unit wherein a wheel hub (60, 90) with a through-aperture (59, 89) carrying inner shaft teeth (44, 74) is clamped relative to the outer joint part (46, 76) of a constant velocity universal joint (42, 72), to which outer joint part (46, 76) there is formed on a journal (53, 83) with outer shaft teeth (54, 84), wherein the inner shaft teeth (44, 74) of the through-aperture (59, 89) and the outer shaft teeth (54, 84) of the journal (53, 83) engage one another and wherein a double-row wheel bearing (43, 73) is slid on to the wheel hub (60, 90) which wheel bearing comprises an inner bearing race (64, 94) which directly supports an end face (52, 82) of the outer joint part (46, 76), wherein the ratio of the journal diameter at the journal base (DZ) and the journal length (LZ) is greater than 0.95.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbHInventor: Herbert Cermak
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Patent number: 7841948Abstract: A cross groove type constant velocity joint 10 comprises a cuplike outer race 11, an inner race 12, plural balls 13 and a cage 14. The outer race 11 has plural outer grooves 11a twisting about a rotational axis of the outer race 11 on its inner surface. The outer race 11 itself has plural restrictions 11b at the back of the outer grooves 11a to prevent the balls 13 from dropping out of the outer grooves 11a where the respective ball 13 is at the innermost end of the outer groove 11a.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Satoshi Suzuki, Kenji Oe
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Patent number: 7833103Abstract: A linkage generally consisting of a first shaft having a first connecting component provided with an annular in a face thereof, disposed coaxially with such first shaft; a second shaft having a second connecting component provided with an annular disposed axially with the second shaft inserted in the annular recess of the first component; and a set of circumferentially spaced threaded fasteners securing such first and second components together, wherein the first and second components are angularly displaced relative to a common axis thereof so that a residual imbalance of one of such components offsets a residual imbalance of the other of such components.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Audi AGInventors: Alfred Rehr, Roland Pfersich, Gerald Seebacher, Paul Witte
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Patent number: 7833105Abstract: A bearing device for a drive wheel, wherein an annular first seal member is disposed in a clearance between a knuckle member and the outer peripheral surface of an outer ring member. A third clearance small in the radial direction and continued by the length of a first annular side part is formed between the second inner diameter surface of the knuckle member and the first annular side part. Thus, water and slurry are prevented from entering into the clearance formed around a hub bearing.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhisa Nagayama, Aya Suzuki
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Patent number: 7824272Abstract: A wheel hub/constant velocity joint unit wherein a wheel hub (60, 90) with a through-aperture (59, 89) carrying inner shaft teeth (44, 74) is clamped to an outer joint part (46, 76) of a constant velocity fixed joint (42, 72), which outer joint part (46, 76) comprises a formed-on journal (53, 83) with outer shaft teeth (54, 84), wherein the inner shaft teeth (44, 74) of the through-aperture (59, 89) and the outer shaft teeth (54, 84) of the journal (53, 83) engage one another and wherein a double-row wheel bearing (43, 73) is slid on to the wheel hub (60, 90) which comprises an inner bearing race (64, 94) which directly supports an end face (52, 82) of the outer joint part (46, 76), wherein half the sum of the pitch circle diameter of the joint balls PCD and the bearing width BL is greater than the center-to-center distance AGL between the constant velocity universal joint (42, 72) and the wheel bearing (43, 73).Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbHInventors: Herbert Cermak, Alfred Springer, Ernst Masur, Peter Niebling
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Patent number: 7810407Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity joint has a plurality of torque transmitting ball tacks, the torsional angle at the input torque 0 Nm in a torque-torsional angle diagram be approximately 0. Further, the torsional rigidity in the vicinity of input torque 0 Nm in the torque-torsional angle diagram is placed in a range of 1.5 Nm/deg to 6 Nm/deg.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Minoru Ishijima, Kenta Yamazaki
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Patent number: 7806773Abstract: A drive shaft, in particular a longitudinal shaft for a motor vehicle, includes at least one hollow shaft cross-section and at least one homocinetic joint whose external hub is connected to the hollow shaft cross-section. The homocinetic joint is sealed off from the hollow shaft section by a lid, the lid and the hollow shaft section being configured and disposed so that the inner hub of the homocinetic joint does not penetrate significantly into the hollow shaft section as a result of an axial force that act on it, such as an axial force resulting from an accident.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Shaft-Form-Engineering GmbHInventor: Claus Disser
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Patent number: 7806772Abstract: A homokinetic displacement joint for longitudinal shafts of motor vehicles, has an outer and inner joint body having ball raceways, a cage between the joint bodies, and balls provided in the individual pairs of ball raceways. The balls are guided in the cage and the ball raceways are provided in alternating sequence, alternately rising to the right and left, to form slanted, spatially arranged ball raceways in the assembled state of the joint bodies. The individual ball raceways possess a track slant angle ? 8 and an incline angle ?? 9 that are determined, relative to one another, by the ratio ?:??=5:3.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: IFA Technologies GmbHInventors: Sebastian Frost, John Sherlock
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Patent number: 7785205Abstract: A cross groove constant velocity universal joint for a drive shaft or a propeller shaft of an automotive vehicle includes an inner ring and an outer ring each having ball grooves which are alternately slanted in respective directions opposite to each other while alternating with each other in a direction circumferentially thereof. Torque transmission balls are positioned at a crossing area where each of the ball grooves in the inner ring and the associated ball groove in the outer ring are crossed with each other. A cage is provided to retain the torque transmission balls. The number of torque transmission balls is ten, and a crossing angle between the axis of the inner or outer ring and each of the ball grooves in the inner or outer ring is within the range of 10 to 15° or 6 to 9° for the drive shaft or the propeller shaft, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: NTN CorporationInventor: Yoshihiko Hayama
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Patent number: 7785206Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint using eight torque transmitting balls has a ratio which a non-hardened layer assumes in a bar 48 of a cage 40 is set to be 0.30?C/S?0.75, where S represents a cross-sectional area of the bar 48 and C represents an area of the non-hardened layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Tadashi Suzuki, Masaru Murayama, Masazumi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7771283Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly includes a substantially cylindrical hollow propeller shaft, a stub shaft and a constant velocity joint having inner race and an outer race drivingly interconnected by a plurality of balls. The stub shaft has a first end fixed to the propeller shaft and a second end drivingly coupled to the inner race. The second end includes a portion positioned adjacent to the inner race that defines an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter defined by the interface between the inner race and the plurality of balls.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: William E. Worman, Jr., James P. Downs
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Patent number: 7771282Abstract: The present invention provides a fixed type constant velocity universal joint suitable for applications where vibration is harmful. A fixed-type constant velocity universal joint (1) includes an inner member (20) fitted in an outer member (10) with a retainer (40) therebetween, and balls (30) provided between track grooves (14, 24) of the outer member (10) and the inner member (20) as well as retained by the retainer (40). The outer member (10) is constructed as a multilayer structure of three or more layers formed of an outside member (15), one or a plurality of intermediate members (16), and an inside member (17), and at least one of the intermediate members (16) is constructed of an elastic material. Cushioning action of the intermediate members (16) can reliably absorb vibration transmitted from either of the outer member (10) and the inner members (20) with the members (10, 20) set to a predetermined operation angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Kenta Yamazaki, Minoru Ishijima
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Patent number: 7758433Abstract: A joint assembly has a secured type constant velocity universal joint, a slide type constant velocity universal joint, and substantially cylindrical elastomer unit covers. The secured type constant velocity universal joint includes one outer joint member formed with a plurality of curved and axially extending first track grooves on its inner circumference. A joint inner ring is formed on its outer circumference with second track grooves opposite to the first track grooves. Torque transmitting balls are contained within ball tracks formed by the first and second track grooves. A cage rollably holds the torque transmitting balls within the ball tracks. A drive shaft has one end connected to the joint inner ring. A boot is mounted on the drive shaft and on an outer circumference at an opened side of the one outer joint member. The slide type constant velocity universal joint includes a boot mounted on the drive shaft and on an outer circumference at an opened side of the outer joint member.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: NTN CorporationInventor: Kiyoshige Yamauchi
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Patent number: 7758431Abstract: A cage having a plurality of cutouts for receiving rolling bodies of a joint, wherein the cage comprises a quenched and tempered steel, and the entire cage has a substantially uniform ductility over its cross section without surface hardening.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbHInventors: Rolf Cremerius, Rainer Adolfs
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Patent number: 7758432Abstract: An outer joint part (12) of a constant velocity universal joint (11) in the form of a joint bell (16) with an attached connecting journal (17) and a radial supporting face (18) at the joint bell (16). The outer joint part (12), by threading, can be tensioned relative to a wheel hub (25) slid on to the connecting journal and which is supported either directly or indirectly on the supporting face (18). An annular disc (22) which is made of a low-friction material and is positioned on the supporting face (18) so as to be concentric relative to the connecting journal (17).Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2004Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbHInventors: Nestor Rekalde Arrieta, Joseba Romatet, Julian Arrillaga
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Patent number: 7753801Abstract: A joint assembly has a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a connecting drive shaft. A cover unit protects the constant velocity universal joints and prevents hanging down of the joints under their own weight. The unit cover is arranged to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and boots. The unit cover is formed from elastomer material by injection molding. The cover unit inner circumferential surface has a configuration corresponding to the outline configurations of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and the boots.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Mitsuru Umekida, Shigeaki Fukushima, Kiyoshige Yamauchi, Masahiro Ozawa, Hiroshi Kawamura
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Patent number: 7736239Abstract: A homokinetic joint includes an inner hub and an outer hub, wherein several pathways are associated together in pairs, wherein balls which are guided in a cage are received in order to transmit torque between the inner hub and the outer hub. A sealing arrangement includes a set of bellows and seals the homokinetic joint. The radially outer edge of the set of bellows is coupled to the outer hub and/or to a carrier housing engaging therewith. The radially inner edge is secured in a stationary manner on the inner hub.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Shaft-From-Engineering GmbHInventors: Manfred Niederhüfner, Claus Disser
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Patent number: 7717793Abstract: A fixed-center constant velocity joint has a race located concentrically to a rotational first axis, and a ring-shaped cage located concentrically to a rotational second axis. Both the race and the cage are centered to a common center point lying on the first and second axes regardless of the angular state of the joint. A spherical surface carried by the race radially opposes a spherical face carried by the cage for angular movement with respect to the center point. The surface and face are in close or contacting relationship to prevent telescoping movement with respect to the first and second axes.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Eduardo Mondragon-Parra, Keith A. Kozlowski
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Patent number: 7708645Abstract: A shield for sealing a joint includes a first end, a second end and an annular shell. The first end is adapted for axial retention on an outer joint part, where the outer joint part is rotationally coupled to an inner joint part. The second end is adapted for abutting contact with a semi-spherical portion of the inner joint part. The annular shell extends between the first end and the second end thereby providing a seal for the joint. Also provided is a grease shield sealing system for a direct torque flow constant velocity joint.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventors: Michael Miller, Eric LaMothe, Robyn Tsukayama
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Patent number: 7704150Abstract: The constant velocity universal joint includes a plurality of vehicle body attachment flanges provided apart from each other in the outer circumferential direction of the joint outer ring and partly protruding in the radial direction. The joint outer ring has a flower outer circumferential shape corresponding to the inner circumferential shape, and the vehicle body attachment flanges are provided at outer recesses positioned between the track grooves of the joint outer ring. In this joint, the number of the balls is six, and the pitches of the ball tracks are random, unequal and not less than 55.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Shuji Mochinaga, Manabu Hoshino, Katsuhiro Suzuki, Tomoaki Kaneko, Masazumi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7704149Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity joint includes an outer ring (1), an inner ring (2), torque transmitting balls (3), a cage (4), and a pre loading mechanism in which either a pressing section for axially applying an elastic pressing force or a receiving section for receiving the pressing force from the pressing section is disposed in the cage (4), the other being disposed in the inner ring (2). The axial clearance between the inner ring (2) and the cage (4) is greater than the axial clearance which is due to the radial clearance of the track, and the axial clearance which is produced by the radial clearance of the track is 2.5-6.5 times as large as the radial clearance of the track. Further, the center of the outer spherical surface (2b) of the inner ring (2) is shifted to the spread side of the ball tracks (1a, 2a) over the center of the inner spherical surface (4b) of the cage, thereby improving the cross operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Kenta Yamazaki, Minoru Ishijima
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Patent number: 7699710Abstract: A sealing sleeve (11) of the rolling boot type having a first larger, substantially cylindrical collar (12), a second smaller, substantially cylindrical collar (13), as a well as a wall portion (14) which is positioned between the collars (12, 13) and which forms at least one axially open annular fold (15) with circumferentially distributed indentations (18) in the convex curvature of the axially open annular fold (15), or with radial ribs (21) in the concave inner curvature of the axially open annular fold.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: GKN Driveline International, GMBHInventor: Joachim Wette
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Patent number: 7691001Abstract: A method for producing a joint connection for torque-transmitting connection of a component (1) provided with spur gear teeth (13) with a constant velocity joint (2) provided with corresponding spur gear teeth (11). The spur gear teeth can be brought into interengagement by applying an axial engaging force and have flanks (25) that contact each other as functional surfaces. The invention also relates to a joint connection of the aforementioned type.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignees: Shaft-Form-Engineering GmbH, BF New Technologies GmbHInventors: Mathias Lutz, Werner Jacob, Manfred Niederhuefner
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Patent number: 7686696Abstract: A constant velocity joint 10 comprises an outer race 12, an inner race 11, balls 14 and a cage 13. The outer race 12 has a partially spherical inner surface 12a provided with plural outer ball grooves 12b. The inner race 11 has a partially spherical outer surface 11 a provided with plural inner ball grooves 11b arranged to correspond to the outer ball grooves 12b. The balls 14 are interposed between the outer ball grooves 12b and the inner ball grooves 11b. The radial distance of the outer ball grooves 12b from the rotational axis of the outer race increases toward an opening end of the outer race 12 in a predetermined zone H, and a contact angle ? between each ball 14 and each outer ball groove 12b decreases toward the opening end of the outer race 12 in the predetermined zone H.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventor: Kazuyuki Ichikawa