Torque Transmitted Via Radially Spaced Balls Patents (Class 464/906)
  • Patent number: 7357724
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint 1 disposed on the outboard side of a drive axle for transmitting drive power to a wheel, comprising an outer joint member 2 having a plurality of track grooves 3 on the spherical inner peripheral surface 2a, an inner joint member 4 having a plurality of track grooves 5 on the spherical outer peripheral surface 4a, torque transmitting balls 6 disposed in a plurality of ball tracks formed by the opposed track grooves 3 and 5 of both joint members 2 and 4, and a cage 8 interposed between both joint members 2 and 4 and receiving and holding the torque transmitting balls 6 in pockets 7, wherein the outboard-side end of the cage 8 is formed with an opening 8x for removably inserting the inner joint member 4 and the inboard-side end is formed with an opening 8y whose diameter is smaller than that of the outboard-side opening 8x.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Nakagawa, Kazuhiro Azuma
  • Patent number: 7347786
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stroking ball-type constant velocity joint including a plurality of straight grooves and a plurality of cross grooves. The straight and cross grooves can be disposed along the interior of the joint in alternating fashion. For example, a cross groove passageway can be positioned between two straight groove passageways. The inner joint member can include helical grooves extending in a right-hand direction and in a left-hand direction. The helical grooves can be disposed in alternating fashion such that a left-handed groove is disposed between two right-handed grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Keith A. Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 7347785
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Worman, Jr., James P. Downs
  • Patent number: 7297067
    Abstract: A shaft system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The shaft system includes a tube. A constant velocity joint is secured to the tube. The shaft system also includes a plug arranged within the constant velocity joint wherein the plug is secured within the joint by a weld curl that is also used to secure the constant velocity joint to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Harry Meyer
  • Patent number: 7258616
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint having an outer joint member having eight arcuate guide grooves extending in the axial direction in an inner spherical surface, an inner joint member having eight arcuate guide grooves extending in the axial direction in an outer spherical surface. Eight balls are disposed between the guide grooves of the outer joint member and guide grooves of the inner joint member. A cage is interposed between the outer and inner joint members for retaining the balls. A center of the guide grooves of the outer joint member is offset from the center of the inner spherical surface, and the center of the guide grooves of the inner joint member is offset from the center of the outer spherical surface by an equal distance to opposite sides in the axial direction. A relation of 0.45?B/A?0.65 is established, where A represents the wall thickness of the cage, and B represents the radial displacement of balls at a maximum joint angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masazumi Kobayashi, Tohru Nakagawa, Tomoshige Kobayashi, Masamichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7235017
    Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint includes a joint outer part and a joint inner part with crossed ball raceways. The ball raceways of the joint outer and inner parts form ball raceway pairs and balls are disposed in respective ones of the ball raceway pairs. A cage is held in place at one of the joint parts. Windows in the cage receive the balls. One of the joint parts has a cage guiding surface for axially holding the cage in a first direction. A termination element is provided as a separate element at the one of the joint parts. The termination element has a counterface and the cage is held axially in a second direction opposite the first direction by the counterface of the termination element. The cage guiding surface of the joint part has an undercut-free region toward the termination element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oliver Clemm, Gregor Schaaf
  • Patent number: 7229358
    Abstract: A high performance constant velocity universal joint is based on a body which encloses the constant velocity joint components and provides a smooth spherical outer surface. A one-piece semi-rigid plastic boot in the form of a truncated sphere has a smooth internal spherical surface sized to match the outer surface of the body. The plastic of the boot is sufficiently elastic to allow the boot to snap over the body, yet sufficiently resilient to snap the open end closed after the boot is snapped over the body to provide a substantial seal preventing entry of debris under the seal. A retaining ring is positioned on the boot near the truncated end to resist plastic creep which would result in enlarging the opening and allowing debris to enter the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Rockford Acromatic Products Company
    Inventors: Sean M. Carlini, John C. Frana
  • Patent number: 7214134
    Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint includes: an outer ring having a plurality of track grooves extending axially in its inner spherical surface; an inner ring having a plurality of track grooves extending axially in its outer spherical surface; torque transmission balls arranged in ball tracks formed by cooperation of the track grooves of the outer ring and the track grooves of the inner ring; and a cage having pockets for retaining the torque transmission balls. The center of the track grooves of the outer ring and the center of the track grooves of the inner ring are offset from the spherical center of the inner spherical surface and the spherical center of the outer spherical surface, respectively, by the same distance axially in opposite directions. An axial clearance between the pockets and the torque transmission balls is set within the range of ?0.006 and ?0.035 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Nakagawa, Morihiro Wada
  • Patent number: 7211002
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint is provided that includes an outer race having a bore with an inner surface, a cage arranged within the bore of the outer race, an inner race having an outer surface, a plurality of balls arranged within the cage, and a shaft connected to the inner race. The cage, outer race, inner race, and balls interrelate to center and support the cage. The cage remains in a non-supporting state with the outer race and the inner race through a no angle and a high angle position of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Dine, Noel W. Sutton, John A. Ramey
  • Patent number: 7204760
    Abstract: A vent valve for use in a constant velocity joint having a vent aperture in communication with a joint cavity comprises a body portion having a first end and a second end and a plurality of escape pathways extending therebetween. An umbrella shaped flexible retention cap is disposed adjacent the first end of the body portion and the plurality of escape pathways, wherein the retention cap is operative in a normally closed position to cover the plurality of escape pathways and seal the joint from external contaminants, and in response to internal pressure created in the joint cavity functions to bellow outward and expose the plurality of escape pathways to permit air to escape from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Shen-Ling Allen Wang
  • Patent number: 7201664
    Abstract: A fixed constant velocity joint is provided, which is suitable for an application where a rotational backlash should be avoided. A pressing member is attached to a shaft, and simultaneously a receiving member is attached to a cage. Then, an elastic force of an elastic member elastically bring a pressing part of the pressing member in contact with a receiving part of the receiving member. As a result, an inner race and a cage relatively travel in the axial direction, balls are pushed toward a direction along which wedge-shape ball tracks narrow, and consequently a track clearance in the axial direction decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kenta Yamazaki, Junichi Izumino, Kenji Terada, Hisaaki Kura
  • Patent number: 7175531
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an outer part, an inner part, and a full cage that is accommodated in a self-holding manner between these parts. The cage is formed with windows for holding balls inside races on the outer part and on the inner part. The cage is guided around a common center of curvature via spherical outer surfaces on the outer part and via spherical inner surfaces on the inner part. During assembly, the outer part and the cage can be slid inside one another in the direction of their component axes. This permits a particularly compact design of constant velocity joints with Stuber offset. Special openings on the outer part enable the balls to be inserted when the inner part is already connected to a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gregor Schaaf, Gerhard Kaiser
  • Patent number: 7172510
    Abstract: A hub member and shaft joint assembly includes an inner joint part of a constant velocity joint and a shaft journal. The hub member has a central through-aperture with inner toothing for receiving the shaft journal, and outer ball tracks. The inner toothing is formed in a predetermined limited length as far as a toothing run-out and is followed by a bore with a reduced diameter. The shaft journal has shaft toothing and, at a distance from the shaft end, a first conical step serving as a top face relative to the toothing run-out and directly contacting same. A larger second conical step is positioned axially spaced from the first step and forms a toothing end of the shaft toothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Fuhrmann, Herbert Frielingsdorf, Volker Hainz, Jean Spolmayeur
  • Patent number: 7153213
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity joint includes a cylindrical joint outer ring having an inner spherical surface formed with circumferentially equispaced axially extending track grooves, a joint inner ring having an outer spherical surface formed with circumferentially equispaced axially extending track grooves, balls disposed in ball tracks defined by cooperation between the track grooves in the joint outer and inner rings, and a cage for holding the balls in the ball tracks. The rear open end of the joint outer ring has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the joint inner ring, an inner diameter surface of said cage is a surface having a shape such that the region located forwardly of the axial center is capable of controlling the forward movement of the joint inner ring while the region located rearwardly of the axial center is capable of allowing the axial movement of the joint inner ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Sone, Masafumi Nakakoji
  • Patent number: 7147565
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity joint is disclosed in which the angle defined by a straight line connecting a contact point between a cage and an outer joint member and a contact point between the cage and an inner joint member, and the centerline of the cage is made not more than 10 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Nakagawa, Masazumi Kobayashi, Masamichi Nakamura, Hiroshi Tone
  • Patent number: 7137896
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes an outer joint member, an inner joint member, torque transmitting ball assemblies guided in pairs of tracks, and a cage having windows for receiving the ball assemblies and cage webs defined between the windows. Each ball assembly comprises a slide shaft having lugs at the ends, a roller shaft rotatably and slidably disposed on the slide shaft, and a first and second annular sub-rollers rotatably disposed on the roller shaft. Each of cage webs includes web grooves formed radially at the circumferential faces, engaging the lugs of the slide shaft, thereby allowing a limited radial movement of the ball assembly relative to the cage window, and transmitting any axial force to and from the ball assembly. The ball assemblies reduce the friction loss and wear of constant velocity joints by providing the sub-rollers that roll independently on the inner or outer tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Jungho Park
  • Patent number: 7128654
    Abstract: The contact angle of the ball 15 with each first guide track 21 of an inner joint member 12 is made to become smaller gradually from an opening portion side toward a bottom portion side, and the curvature radius for the first guide track 21 is made to become larger gradually from the opening portion side toward the bottom portion side. If the contact angle only were made to become smaller gradually from the opening portion side toward the bottom portion side, the contact angle would become too small thereby to cause chattering in rotation to be generated. If the curvature radius only were made to become larger gradually from the opening portion side toward the bottom portion side, a contact ellipse M2 defined by the ball 15 and the first guide track 21 would become tool small, which would cause the ball 15 to make dents on the surface of the first guide track 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomonori Ohwaki, Tomoo Suzuki, Kazuyuki Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7112140
    Abstract: A constant velocity counter track joint having an outer joint part (12) and an inner joint part forming first and second pairs of tracks (22, 23; 24, 25) each accommodating a torque transmitting ball (14), and a ball cage (15) with windows (18) each receiving at least one of the balls (14). When the joint is aligned, the opening angle (?) of the first pairs of tracks (22, 23) opens from the aperture end to the attaching end, and the opening angle (?) of the second pairs of tracks (24, 25) opens from the attaching end to the aperture end. The first pairs of tracks (22, 23) are designed in such a way that, when the joint is articulated, the opening angle (?) of the first pairs of tracks (22, 23), at a ball (14) entering the outer joint part (12) via the central plane (EM), initially becomes zero and then opens towards the aperture end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Weckerling
  • Patent number: 7104893
    Abstract: A wheel-driving unit and a method for manufacturing the same. The circumferential-direction widths of teeth respectively constituting a male spline portion (47a) and a female spline portion (48a) are varied gradually in the respective axial directions of the male and female spline portions (47a), (48a). The directions where the widths of the teeth respectively constituting the male and female spline portions (47a), (48a) increase in the axial direction are set so as to differ from each other, whereby the spline teeth are engaged with each other in a wedge-like manner. A retaining ring (33b) is bridgingly interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the outer end portion of the spline shaft (17) and the inner peripheral surface of the near-to-outer-end portion of the spline hole (14) to thereby prevent the spline shaft (17) from slipping out of the spline hole (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Ouchi, Takeo Ohkuma, Kiyoshi Okubo
  • Patent number: 7097567
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint has an outer joint member having eight curved track grooves axially extending along an inner circumferential surface, an inner joint member having eight curved track grooves axially extending along an outer circumferential surface, eight balls respectively arranged in eight ball tracks provided as pairs of the track grooves of the outer and inner joint members. The center of each track groove of the outer joint member is axially displaced a predetermined distance from the spherical center of the inner circumferential surface. The center of each track groove of the inner joint member is axially displaced the same distance from the spherical center of the outer circumferential surface in the direction opposite to that of the outer joint member. A PCD gap in the ball track is in the range of 5 ?m to 50 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masazumi Kobayashi, Kazuhiro Azuma, Tohru Nakagawa, Isamu Tanimoto, Katsuyuki Ikei, Hisaaki Kura
  • Patent number: 7097563
    Abstract: A universal joint assembly has a housing and a universal joint in a chamber within the housing. A diaphragm seal in the housing forms a wall of the chamber. The chamber is substantially sealed to exclude entry of foreign elements. The diaphragm seal is flexible to allow for expansion and contraction of the chamber due to changes in temperature to prevent any substantial increase or decrease in the pressure within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A Benson, Rhae M Suarez, Anthony R Burg
  • Patent number: 7094156
    Abstract: A joint assembly has outer and inner joint members supported for relative angular movement while preventing rotation between the joint members. The outer joint member is fitted with a lip seal device presenting at least one seal lip which dynamically engages and sealingly wipes at least one corresponding sealing surface of the inner joint member at all angles to seal a space for the retention of lubricant and exclusion of contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Leland Nels Olgren
  • Patent number: 7094155
    Abstract: A spherical inner surface of the outer race and track grooves in the outer race are each defined by a post-hardening cut surface. A spherical outer surface of the inner race and track grooves in the inner race are also each defined by a post-hardening cut surface. A retainer has a spherical outer surface, a spherical inner surface and inner surfaces of the pockets, all of which are defined by a post-hardening cut surface. Respective surfaces of the retainer, the outer race and the inner race which contact with each other are formed with a surface treatment layer for reducing a frictional resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Hosoya, Keizo Nagasawa, Katsuyuki Ikei
  • Patent number: 7090583
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint is provided that includes an outer race having a bore with an inside surface, a cage arranged within the bore of the outer race, an inner race having an outer surface; and a plurality of balls arranged within the cage. A shaft is connected to the inner race. The cage remains in a non-contacting state with said outer race through a zero angle and a high angle position of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W. Dine
  • Patent number: 7077753
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an outer part, an inner part, a plurality of balls, and a cage having windows for retaining the balls in the ball tracks of the outer and inner parts. The cage retains the balls in a plane. Corresponding pairs of outer and inner ball tracks guide the balls. Corresponding pairs of outer and inner ball tracks that are axially straight alternate with corresponding pairs of outer and inner ball tracks forming angles of intersection with respect to an axis. The outer part and the inner part operate in a normal axial range, there being at least one energy absorption surfaces located in the outer extended axial range or the inner extended axial range of either part. The energy absorption surface interferes with at least one of the balls when the joint is operated beyond the normal axial range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramon Kuczera, Michael Miller, Donald Dine, James Lyon
  • Patent number: 7040991
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an outer part, an inner part, a plurality of torque transmitting balls, and a cage having windows for retaining the balls in the ball tracks of the outer and inner parts. The balls are retained in a plane by the cage and guided by corresponding pairs of outer and inner ball tracks. The outer and inner ball tracks form angles of intersection with respect to an axis where the angles are identical in size but set in opposite directions to one another. The outer part and the inner part operate in a normal axial range, there being at least one energy absorption surfaces located in the outer extended axial range or the inner extended axial range. The energy absorption surface interferes with at least one of the torque transmitting balls when the joint is operated beyond said normal axial range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramon Kuczera, Michael Miller, Donald Dine, James Lyon
  • Patent number: 7025685
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint which can provide an improved strength in a stem portion by simple and effective countermeasure. The constant velocity universal joint include a bowl-shaped mouth portion and an outer joint member having the stem portion with a serration formed on its outer peripheral surface. The stem portion extends from a bottom portion of the mouth portion in its axial direction as an integrated part. An induction hardened area C is formed in the bottom portion of the mouth portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Yoshida, Kazuhiro Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 7025684
    Abstract: A universal joint includes an inner race, an outer race, a ball cage, and balls positioned within windows of the ball cage. One end of the ball cage extends beyond the windows further than the other end of the ball cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Aircraft Gear Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Frana, James N. Olson, Sean M. Carlini
  • Patent number: 7025683
    Abstract: A constant velocity fixed ball joint provided with an outer joint with outer tracks and an inner joint part with inner tracks. The outer tracks and inner tracks form sets of tracks, with a torque transmitting ball being guided in each set of tracks. A ball cage accommodates the balls in circumferentially distributed cage windows and, when the joint is articulated, guides the balls on to the angle-bisecting plane between the longitudinal axes. The cage windows each accommodate pairs of balls. When the joint is in the aligned condition, in the central joint plane, the angular distance of the balls within the individual pairs of balls is smaller than the angular distance between balls associated with pairs adjoining one another; and the center lines of the sets of tracks of the pairs of balls extend in planes which extend parallel relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Schwärzler
  • Patent number: 7008326
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint has an outer race provided with longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced outer race grooves in its inner concave surface. An inner race is provided with longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced inner race grooves in its outer convex surface. The inner race is disposed within the outer race with its outer convex surface spherically engaged with the inner concave surface of the outer race for relative angular movement of the inner and outer races. Each of the inner race grooves is arranged opposite a corresponding one of the outer race grooves to define a plurality of ball-groove pairs. The grooves of each ball-groove pair are disposed in transverse crossing-relation to one another. A ball is disposed in each of the crossing ball-groove pairs for movement therealong during the relative angular movement of the inner and outer races.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Zexi J. Song
  • Patent number: 7008327
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an outer part, an inner part, a plurality of torque transmitting balls, and a cage having windows for retaining the balls in the ball tracks of the outer and inner parts. The balls are retained in a constant velocity plane by the cage and guided by corresponding pairs of outer and inner ball tracks. The cage has an outer spherical face guided in contact by an inner bore of the outer part and inner concave face rotatably guided in contact by the convex face of the inner part. The outer part having a normal axial range, an extended axial range, and at least one energy absorption surfaces located in the extended axial range. Wherein the energy absorption surface interferes with at least one of the torque transmitting balls when the joint is operated beyond said normal axial range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramon Kuczera, Michael Miller, Donald Dine, James Lyon
  • Patent number: 7004842
    Abstract: A compound driveshaft assembly includes a first driveshaft section that is connected through a front stub shaft to an inner race of a constant velocity universal joint. The constant velocity universal joint includes a unitary outer race and splined member having an outer race portion that is disposed about the inner race and a splined portion that extends axially rearwardly from the outer race portion. The unitary outer race and splined member is formed from a single piece of material, not from an assembly of two or more separate components. A plurality of balls provide a driving connection between the outer race portion of the unitary outer race and splined member and the inner race. The splined portion of the unitary outer race and splined member is connected for rotation with a rear stub shaft. To accomplish this, the rear stub shaft includes a splined portion that cooperates with the splined portion of the unitary outer race and splined member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Fairchild, D. Dennis Wang
  • Patent number: 7001281
    Abstract: A constant velocity ball joint in the form of a counter track joint, has an outer joint part, an inner joint part, and torque transmitting balls received in pairs of tracks formed of outer tracks and inner tracks, and a ball cage. First pairs of tracks whose first control angles open in a first axial direction hold first balls. Second pairs of track whose control angles open in a second axial direction hold second balls. The control angles are defined as angles between the tangents at the ball contact points in the pairs of tracks. The outer joint part and the inner joint part are axially displaceable relative to one another. The first control angle and the second control angle change in opposite senses when a relative axial displacement occurs. The axial displacement path is limited to observing a minimum value of least 8° for the respective smaller control angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Krude
  • Patent number: 6988950
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint with an outer part having innerly a normal range, an extended range, and a plurality of outer bores circumferentially spaced between a plurality of longitudinally extending tracks, Each track having a bottom spaced between two oppositely disposed sidetracks. An inner part is disposed within said outer joint part, having a plurality of sides circumferentially spaced between a plurality of trunions, each trunion having a top and an inner race. Also, a plurality of rollers each having an inner bore are mounted on said inner race of each trunion, whereby angular and axial displacement occur between the inner joint and the outer joint. Wherein at least one energy absorption surfaces is located in the extended range on the outer part. The energy absorption surface interferes with at least one of the rollers when the joint is operated beyond said normal range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramon Kuczera, Michael Miller, Donald Dine, James Lyon
  • Patent number: 6981919
    Abstract: A power train includes a driving shaft and a follower shaft connecting to the driving shaft by way of a first joint. The follower shaft is adapted to slide relative to the driving shaft in an axial direction. The follower shaft includes: a holder shaped substantially into a cylinder, and a tubular shaft section coupled with the holder in the axial direction. The first joint includes a member defining an outer diameter. The holder holds therein the member of the first joint. The tubular shaft section coupled with the holder in the axial direction causes an inner curl to a second joint coupling the holder and the tubular shaft section. The inner curl defines an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the member of the first joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Sugiyama, Toshiyuki Masuda, Masao Kishi
  • Patent number: 6922897
    Abstract: Ball cage for homokinetic joints, formed from a blank that is configured as a substantially annular spherical segment, the ball cage includes: window-type ball pockets located along an equator with substantially equator-parallel bearing surfaces that interact with joint balls, with substantially annular functional zones that are designed at least on outer ring edge areas and that interact with a joint bell, and with substantially annular functional areas that are designed on inner ring areas and interact with the joint spider, wherein on the blank at least some of the functional zones are elevated compared to the neighboring areas of the ball cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: IPROTEC Maschinen- und Edelstahlprodukte GmbH
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Adams, Angel Alvarez-Mendez, Ralf Andreas Schellhaas, Volker Steude, Peter Josef Strötgen, Guido Kochsiek
  • Patent number: 6913540
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint for use with a propeller shaft which reduces its weight and size as well as facilitates assembling a stub shaft, thereby reducing the number of parts used and improving rotational balance. The universal joint, comprising: an outer ring with a cup-shaped enlarged diameter portion having track grooves formed on an inner peripheral surface and with a hollow reduced diameter portion integrated with the enlarged diameter portion; an inner ring having track grooves formed on an outer peripheral surface; balls, interposed between the track grooves of the inner and outer rings, for transmitting torque; a cage, accommodated in an annular space between the inner and outer rings, for holding the balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Michio Iihara, Yoshihiro Sagisaka, Masazumi Kobayashi, Akio Sakaguchi, Ryuma Mano, Kikuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 6910970
    Abstract: It is made easy to design so that the sliding resistance, when subjected to an impact in the axial direction, is kept within a prescribed value. A constant velocity universal joint is provided, which has track grooves extending in the axial direction on the outer circumference surface of the inner ring, and formed in an intersecting arrangement, and which also embeds balls in these track grooves. In this constant velocity universal joint, the cross-sectional shape of the track groove of the inner ring is constituted by a Gothic arch portion which is a Gothic arch shape up to a location that exceeds a contact point where the groove angular contacts with the ball, and a straight-line portion which is formed continuously with the Gothic arch portion, between the location exceeding the contact point and a shoulder portion of the track groove, and which extends in the direction of the tangent line at the location that exceeds the contact point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Masazumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6893352
    Abstract: The invention relates to a constant velocity joint having an outer part (3), an inner part (8), a cage (14) and balls (24). For the purpose of fitting the inner part (8) in the cage (14), there is provided a groove (16a) which can be entered by the inner part (8) by means of the web (13), so that the inner part (8) can be introduced into the cage (14), although the outer diameter of the inner part (8) is greater than that of the end aperture of the cage (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Jacob, Werner Jacob
  • Patent number: 6872143
    Abstract: A driveshaft having at least one counter-track joint, the joint having an outer joint part (11), an inner joint part (21), torque-transmitting balls (36) accommodated in pairs of tracks, and a ball cage with cage windows in which the balls are held in a common plane. First outer tracks and first inner tracks form first pairs of tracks which diverge from one another when viewed in a first axial direction towards the connection end of the inner joint part (21) and hold first balls. Second outer tracks and second inner tracks form second pairs of tracks which diverge from one another when viewed in a second axial direction towards the connection end of the outer joint part 11 and hold second balls. The first pairs of tracks are positioned radially opposite each other and the second pairs of tracks are positioned radially opposite each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weckerling, Stephan Maucher, Anna Gremmelmaier, Herbert Taureg
  • Patent number: 6848999
    Abstract: A constant velocity fixed ball joint in the form of a counter-track joint comprising an outer joint part with outer tracks, an inner joint part with inner tracks, torque-transmitting balls accommodated in pairs of tracks, and a ball cage with cage windows in which the balls are held in a common plane. First outer tracks and first inner tracks form first pairs of tracks which diverge from one another running in a first axial direction towards the connection end of the inner joint part and hold first balls. Second outer tracks and second inner tracks form second pairs of tracks which diverge from one another running in a second axial direction towards the connection end of the outer joint part and hold second balls. First pairs of tracks are positioned radially opposite other first pairs of tracks, and second pairs of tracks are positioned radially opposite other second pairs of tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Weckerling, Stephan Maucher, Anna Gremmelmaier, Herbert Taureg
  • Patent number: 6817950
    Abstract: A high angle constant velocity joint for use in a vehicle. The high angle constant velocity joint includes an outer race having a bore therethrough. The outer race also includes a plurality of tracks on an inside surface of the outer race. The constant velocity joint includes a cage arranged within the bore of the outer race without contacting the outer race. The constant velocity joint also includes an inner race arranged within the cage, the inner race having a plurality of tracks on an outer surface with one half of the tracks open in a direction opposite of another one half of the tracks on the inner race. The constant velocity joint also includes a plurality of large diameter balls arranged within the cage and tracks of the inner and outer race. The constant velocity joint has a shaft connected to the inner race and a pliable boot arranged between the outer race and the shaft. The constant velocity joint also includes a cap contacting the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W. Dine
  • Patent number: 6811003
    Abstract: A mounting for a road wheel of an automotive vehicle includes a cast housing having a radial portion and a sleeve-like axial portion that projects beyond the front and back faces of the radial portion. The mounting also includes a hub having a shaft that extends into the axial portion of the housing and a flange located outside the housing where it is offset axially from the front face of the radial portion. The hub rotates in a bearing that is around its shaft and within the axial portion of the housing. A brake rotor is attached to the hub flange, and it includes a drum and a disk extended outwardly from the drum. A park brake is within the drum, and it includes at least one arcuate shoe curved around the axial portion of the housing. A service brake is mounted on the radial portion, and it has pads which clamp down on the disk of the brake rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: The Tinken Company
    Inventor: David A. Novak
  • Patent number: 6796906
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint includes an outer joint part, an inner joint part, torque transmitting balls guided in pairs of tracks, and an annular ball cage held between the outer joint part and the inner joint part, wherein the ball cage forms an inner face which is internally widened between two end apertures of the ball cage. The inner joint part has a greatest outer diameter which is greater than each of the inner diameters of the end apertures of the ball cage. Adjoining inner ball tracks of the inner joint part form webs whose axial length is greater than the circumferential extension of the cage windows of the ball cage. The ball cage can be elastically ovalised to the extent that, when the axes of the ball cage and of the inner joint part intersect one another approximately perpendicularly upon contact between a web of the inner joint part and the inner face of the ball cage, the opposed web of the inner joint part is able to pass through an end aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 6793581
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint for use with an automotive vehicle. The constant velocity joint includes an outer race and an inner race supported within the outer race. The constant velocity joint includes a cover, wherein that cover creates a barrier between a lubricant and the atmosphere. The constant velocity joint also includes a permeable membrane adjacent to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Meyer, Joachim Proelss
  • Patent number: 6793583
    Abstract: A longitudinal plunging unit for a shaft assembly used for torque transmitting purposes. The unit includes a profiled sleeve (11) with circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending first ball grooves (12), a profiled journal (21) with circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending second ball grooves (22), balls (31, 32, 33) which are arranged in groups of balls in pairs of first and second ball grooves (11, 21), and a ball cage (41) which is positioned between the profiled sleeve (11) and the profiled journal (21) and axially fixes the balls in their positions relative to one another, wherein in the region of the ball grooves (12, 22), the profiled sleeve (11) and the profiled journal (21) include the same torsional stiffness, such that, during the introduction of torque, they are subject to the same angles of torsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Heinrich Welschof
  • Patent number: 6790145
    Abstract: Wheel bearing unit for motor vehicles, comprising a roller bearing and a constant-velocity joint arranged inside the roller bearing. The outer part of the constant-velocity joint is situated opposite the inner ring flange of the bearing with clearance, and the outer part has an axially aligned extension section, in the area of which torque is transmitted. Only the extension section has radially directed projections, which project into recesses of the inner ring or the inner ring flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: FAG Kugelfischer AG
    Inventors: Peter Niebling, Heinrich Hofmann, Peter Kleinmann, Rainer Breitenbach
  • Patent number: 6780114
    Abstract: In a drive wheel bearing assembly, a fixed type constant velocity universal joint is coupled to a wheel bearing, mounted to one end of an intermediate shaft, and a sliding type constant velocity universal joint, is coupled to a differential, mounted to the other end portion of the intermediate shaft. One end portion of a stub shaft is connected to an inner joint ring of the constant velocity universal joint via torque transmission portions; one end portion of the intermediate shaft is connected to the other end portion of the stub shaft via torque transmission portions. A threaded portion is formed on an outer diameter portion of either the intermediate or stub shaft; a nut member threadedly engages the threaded portion; and a keeper ring is fitted into annular grooves formed on the outer diameter portion of the intermediate shaft or the stub shaft and an inner diameter portion of the nut member allowing the nut member to rotate, but not move axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Sahashi, Kazuhiko Hozumi, Keisuke Sone, Masahiro Ozawa, Akira Torii, Hiroyuki Ogura, Mitsuru Umekida, Shigeaki Fukushima, Eiji Tajima, Hisashi Ohtsuki
  • Patent number: 6749517
    Abstract: A wheel drive unit comprises a bearing unit for wheel drive which is light in weight and low in cost. The components constituting the bearing unit for wheel drive have optimum properties to secure the durability thereof. Of the components constituting the bearing unit for wheel drive, the portions indicated by a diagonal grid hatching are quench-hardened with the other portions being not quench-hardened and left as they are, whereby the rolling fatigue life and wear-resistance of the components are improved and cracking is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Ouchi
  • Patent number: 6739978
    Abstract: A hub/bearing unit 20 including a housing 22 and a hub 24 having a flange 27, an inboard surface 29 and a centrally located bore 25. A constant velocity joint 10 provides an inner joint member 14 attached to a shaft 16, an outer joint member 12 disposed about the inner joint member 14, a plurality of balls 15 between the inner joint member 14 and the outer joint member 12 wherein the balls 15 transmit rotational force between the inner joint member 14 and the outer joint member 12, respectively. An attachment device 52 has a threaded portion 54 and a shoulder portion 56. The shoulder portion 56 contacts a backing surface 60 of the constant velocity joint 10 to attach the constant velocity joint 10 to the hub/bearing unit 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Hacker, Mark Joki