Abstract: A constant velocity joint wherein one or more of the outer ball tracks, the inner ball tracks, or the balls have textured surfaces such as dimples or raised ridges to increase lubrication of the joint and enhance performance characteristics.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly comprises outer and inner joint members having engaging contact surfaces which support the joint for articulation about a common center point. The joint members have ball grooves which diverge inwardly of the joint and whose inner and outer ball groove surfaces are axially offset with respect to the center point for urging the balls axially inwardly. A ball retainer is provided within the outer joint member. The ball retainer is spring-biased into engagement with an end of the inner joint member and pivots about the center point of the joint to engage and hold the balls within the ball grooves, maintaining them in a common plane.

Abstract: A driving wheel bearing device has an outer member on an inner peripheral surface forming double row raceways, an inner member on an outer peripheral surface of which raceways opposing to raceways of the outer member and a wheel mounting flange are formed, double row rolling elements between each raceway of the outer and inner members, and a constant velocity universal joint having a joint outer ring of which a shaft portion is inserted into the inner member such that torque is transmittable, the bearing device rotatably supporting a wheel on an automobile body, wherein a pilot portion is provided between a base part of the shaft portion of the joint outer ring and an end portion of the inner member.

Abstract: A constant velocity fixed ball joint in the form of a counter track joint, having an outer joint part with outer tracks, an inner joint part with inner tracks, torque transmitting balls received in pairs of tracks formed of outer tracks and inner tracks, and a ball cage with cage windows in which the balls are held in a common plane and guided on to the angle-bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. First outer tracks, together with first inner tracks, form first pairs of tracks whose control angles open in a first axial direction. Second outer tracks, together with second inner tracks, form second pairs of tracks whose control angles open in a second axial direction, with the control angles being defined as angles between the tangents at the ball contact points in the tracks when the joint is in the aligned condition. The outer joint part forms a first stop-and-guiding face for a spherical outer face of the ball cage.

Abstract: A constant velocity ball joint in the form of a counter track joint, having an outer joint part, an inner joint part, 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 tracks 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 at least 8° for the respective smaller control angle.

Abstract: An axial plunging unit for transmitting torque within a driveline, includes a profiled sleeve (11) with circumferentially distributed longitudinally extending first ball grooves (12), a profiled journal (13) with circumferentially distributed longitudinally extending second ball grooves (14), and balls (15) which are arranged in pairs of first and second ball grooves (12, 14) in groups (k) of balls, wherein the number of first ball grooves (11) corresponds to m times the number k of the groups of balls and wherein the longitudinal axes of the first, second, etc. to the mth of the first ball grooves 12, as counted circumferentially, are positioned on different pitch circle diameters.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint comprising an outer joint part having a first axis and comprising an inner aperture in which there are provided substantially longitudinally extending first ball tracks, an inner joint part having a second axis and forming a ball hub positioned in the inner aperture of the outer joint part and being provided with substantially longitudinally extending second ball tracks, torque transmitting balls guided in first and second ball tracks associated with one another in pairs, and an annular ball cage which is arranged between the outer joint part and inner joint part and comprises circumferential distributed ball windows in which the individual balls are held in a common plane and guided on to the angle-bisecting plane between the first axis and the second axis, wherein at least the ball tracks of one of the joint parts—outer joint part or inner joint part—comprise a track cross-section which remains uniform along the length of same, whose second derivative ris

Abstract: An annular outer part (2) for a constant velocity joint. In its inner wall (10), the annular outer part (2) includes circumferentially distributed first outer grooves and second outer grooves (13) which start from different end faces (8) and (9) respectively and extend towards the respective other end face in an undercut-free way. First webs (16) and second webs (21) which correspond to the first outer grooves (11) and second outer grooves (13) are projectingly arranged on the cylindrical outer face (15) of the outer joint part (2). In sectional planes (19, 20) containing the groove base (12, 14) of the respective outer groove (11, 13), the outer faces (17) of the webs (16, 21) follow the groove base (12, 14) at a constant distance. There is provided an outer joint part whose wall thickness, if viewed on the circumference, is largely unchanging. In addition, it is possible to use the webs for accommodating the outer joint part in a receiving part in a rotationally fast way.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint has outer and inner joint members formed with aligned ball grooves. A torque-transmitting ball is contained in each set of grooves and is captured within windows of a cage disposed between the joint members. The radial groove profile provides a large operating joint angle but with a relatively low Rx ratio. At zero joint angle the balls are positioned in a ball center plane and define a ball center radius (BCR) in the ball center plane. As the joint angulates, the balls roll on the grooves and, while maintained in a ball plane, are displaced radially relative to the ball center radius (BCR). Rx=BCR/x, which is the ball displacement. The groove profile includes a straight section coupled with a double arc or polynomial curved section which attains high joint angle at a relatively low Rx ratio.

Abstract: My universal joint will use the outer and inner members to hold the balls in alignment. The male or female part would hold the ball in a half spherical recess and the other component would have a race groove to allow movement. It will also have means of attachment on each end with both ends being integral components of the final product. The male and female components could be made out of a pipe, tube, bar or cylinder of any length desired. The male component could consist of the unit holding 3 balls. This method would turn the friction wear of a rubbing surface into a rolling movement that would allow more speed of motion and less vibration. If necessary, in order to provide more bearing surface, increase torque, speed and reduce vibrations, it would be possible to use several paired ball tracks and ball seats. The center ball would impart rolling movement to all balls in contact with the ball race.

Abstract: A constant velocity fixed ball joint in the form of a counter track joint, having an outer joint part with outer tracks, an inner joint part with inner tracks, torque transmitting balls which are received in pairs of tracks consisting of outer tracks and inner tracks, and a ball cage with cage windows in which the balls are held in a common plane and are guided on to the angle-bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. First outer tracks, together with first inner tracks, form pairs of tracks whose control angles open in a first axial direction and in which first balls are held. Second outer tracks, together with second inner tracks, form pairs of tracks whose control angles open in a second axial direction and in which second balls are held. The control angles are defined as angles between the tangents at the ball contact points in the tracks. The outer joint part, on its inside, forms a stop-and-guiding face for a spherical outer face of the ball cage.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly (10) comprising a constant velocity universal joint (12) including a hollow shaft (20) and a connecting shaft (18) is provided. The hollow shaft (20) includes an aft open area (34) and is connected to an outer joint part (23) that has outer ball tracks (32). The connecting shaft (18) is connected to an inner joint part (25) that has inner ball tracks (46). A ball cage (26) that has a plurality of balls (28) is included. A standard plunge (22) that has an aft plunge portion (54) is also included. The aft plunge portion (54) and the aft open area (34) having inner diameters that are greater then or equal to an inner diameter D1 of the outer joint part (23). A first stop (55) limits the ball movement of travel in the aft direction. The first stop (55) is forcibly dispensable such that the connecting shaft (18) may release the first stop (55) and intrude significantly within the aft open area (34) which is outside a normal operating range (24).

Abstract: An improved constant velocity joint grease cover and flange assembly and method of making the same. The constant joint has a mating surface with a first anti-slip portion. The flange has a mating surface with a second anti-slip portion, the grease cover has a first mating surface with a third anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the first anti-slip portion of the constant velocity joint, and a second mating surface with a fourth anti-slip portion adapted to receive and mate with the second anti-slip portion of the flange. The respective anti-slip portions functions to reduce shearing forces on connecting bolts of the assembly caused by applied torque.

Abstract: The constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint member 1 that has three curved guide grooves 1b formed in the axial direction on a spherical inner circumferential surface 1a thereof, an inner joint member 2 that has three curved guide grooves 2b formed in the axial direction on a spherical outer circumferential surface 2a thereof, three torque transmitting balls 3 disposed in ball tracks that are formed by the coordination of the guide grooves 1b of the outer joint member 1 and the guide grooves 2b of the inner joint member 2, a cage 4 that holds the balls 3, and elastic pressing means 5 interposed between the outer circumferential surface 2a of the inner joint member 2 and the inner circumferential surface 4a of the cage 4.

Abstract: A constant velocity stroking joint includes a housing having an inner cylindrical surface formed with axial guide channels aligned with guide channels of an inner race to provide axial ball tracks for a set of spherical balls. A double offset outer cage has a part-spherical outer diameter surface and a spherical inner diameter surface with centers of curvature axially offset from a center plane of the balls on opposite side thereof to provide constant velocity. An intermediate cage is provided between the inner race and outer cage having a spherical outer diameter surface with a radius of curvature matching that of the mating surface of the outer cage for maintaining constant velocity.

Abstract: A compact constant velocity joint includes outer and inner joint members having surfaces to provide articulation of the joint. The surfaces are formed with aligned grooves to receive torque-transmitting balls. A ball retainer is provided axially adjacent the balls, adjacent an open end of the outer joint member to retain the balls in the grooves during operation. The ball retainer articulates on the same center point as that of the outer and inner joint members.

Abstract: A wheel bearing with an integrated constant velocity joint. The joint has a sheet-metal outer ring. Drive torque is transmitted from the outer ring of the constant velocity joint to the inner ring flange of a surrounding bearing by a tooth system. The tooth system is formed in the inner ring flange in such a way that it supports a wavelike outer contour of the outer ring of the constant velocity joint over a defined circumferential length section of the outer ring. The outer ring of the joint has tracks that mesh with the tooth system. The ends of the tracks are bent inward away from the tooth system.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint vent for use in a constant velocity joint. The vent includes a permeable membrane located within a chamber of the vent. The vent further includes a neck having a plurality of orifices thereabout, wherein the orifices allow gases to travel between an interior and exterior of the vent. The orifices also provide a secondary function of stopping any lubricant from entering and contaminating the permeable membrane of the vent system.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a shaft (14) and a female part (6) fixed in terms of rotation on the shaft by rotational-fixing means which cooperate through complementary shapes (16), the female part also being fixed axially on the shaft, and the female part (6; 160; 360) comprising axial first stops (52; 54; 152) which cooperate with associated second stops (44; 46; 144) belonging to the shaft. The first and second stops (44; 46; 52; 54; 144; 152) act in the direction of mounting. The female part (6) further comprises first axial-retention surfaces (60; 160; 360) cooperating with associated second axial-retention surfaces (50; 150; 350) belonging to the shaft. The first and second retention surfaces (50; 60; 150; 160; 350; 360) act in the opposite direction to mounting. The invention applies in particular to ball-type constant-velocity joints for motor vehicles.

Abstract: Each pocket of a cage is composed of a pair of axial wall surfaces opposing each other along the axial line of the cage, a pair of circumferential wall surfaces opposing each other along the circumference direction of the cage, and radii linking the axial wall surfaces and circumferential wall surface. A ratio (R/d) of the radius of curvature R of the radii to the diameter d of the torque transmitting balls is set within a range 0.45 R/d 0.62. Also, the circumferential wall surfaces and radii are shaped along an arc having the radius of curvature R. Further, as to the axial wall surfaces, variance in the treatment margin is lessened by applying the grinding, hardened steel cutting, or the like after the heat treatment (carburized hardening and tempering) is applied to the cage.

Abstract: A cage having a plurality of pockets, and a pair of end faces of each pocket formed in the cage that oppose each other in a circumferential direction of the cage are formed by surfaces cut after hardening and their surface hardness is reduced to a value lower than the surface hardness of a pair of side faces of each pocket that oppose each other in an axial direction of the cage to impart toughness to the bridge portions defined between the pockets and thus to increase the strength of the cage.

Abstract: The constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint member 1 that has three curved guide grooves 1b formed in the axial direction on a spherical inner circumferential surface 1a thereof, an inner joint member 2 that has three curved guide grooves 2b formed in the axial direction on a spherical outer circumferential surface 2a thereof, three torque transmitting balls 3 disposed in ball tracks that are formed by the coordination of the guide grooves 1b of the outer joint member 1 and the guide grooves 2b of the inner joint member 2, a cage 4 that holds the balls 3, and elastic pressing means 5 interposed between the outer circumferential surface 2a of the inner joint member 2 and the inner circumferential surface 4a of the cage 4.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint having an inner race, an outer race provided along a periphery of the inner race, a cage sandwiched in between the inner race, the outer race, and balls. A crossing angle between a central axis of the inner race and a central axis of the outer race is bisected, and the balls are disposed within a bisection plane orthogonal to a plane including these two central axes. If a ratio tc/Da is set to rt, there is satisfied a relationship such as: (0.054/rt)·Da≦w≦(0.16/rt)·Da where Da is the major diameter of each ball, w is the circumference-directional width of each of the column members existing between the pockets adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the cage, and tc is the diameter-directional thickness of each of the column members of the cage.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint having an inner race, an outer race provided along a periphery of the inner race, a cage sandwiched in between the inner race, the outer race, and balls. A crossing angle between a central axis of the inner race and a central axis of the outer race is bisected, and the balls are disposed within a bisection plane orthogonal to a plane including these two central axes. If a ratio tc/Da is set to rt, there is satisfied a relationship such as: (0.054/rt)·Da≦w≦(0.16/rt)·Da where Da is the major diameter of each ball, w is the circumference-directional width of each of the column members existing between the pockets adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the cage, and tc is the diameter-directional thickness of each of the column members of the cage.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint comprises an outer race, an inner race, a plurality of balls and a cage. The outer race and inner race have crossed grooves of multiform length. The outer race grooves and the inner race grooves are circumfercntially spaced and paired to hold the balls. The central planes of paired grooves are inclined from the longitudinal direction and are crossed relative to one another. The outer race, inner race and cage having mating part-spherical surfaces that accommodate joint angulation while supporting the components against axial stroking about a fixed center. The grooves have a substantially uniform depth along their lengths including toward the closed end of the outer race to provide full support to the balls at high joint angles.

Abstract: The invention relates constant velocity fixed universal joints A fixed constant-velocity ratio universal joint, comprising an outer joint part, an inner joint part, a ball cage and a plurality of balls. The ball cage is disposed between the inner and outer joint parts and includes windows in which respective balls are received and constrained such that their centers lie in a common plane. At least two opposing windows are wider than said outer joint part lands to accommodate receiving the lands during assembly. The cage includes substantially spherical inner and outer surfaces which engage the land surfaces on the inner and outer joint parts respectively. The ball cage also includes a relief groove between at least one pair of adjacent windows thereby providing a reduced circumference for the ball cage outer surface in the region of the groove.

Abstract: A Rzeppa-type ball spline constant velocity joint includes an outer race, an inner race, and an intermediate race disposed between the inner and outer races and supporting the inner race for angular pivotal movement. The intermediate race and outer race are formed with aligned axial ball channels. A plurality of rows of spline balls are supported by a ball spline cage between the intermediate race and the outer race and extend beyond the ends of the intermediate race to provide free rolling support of the intermediate race along the full limits of the axial stroke of the intermediate race within the outer race.

Abstract: There are provided an outer race of a constant velocity joint which has better operability and lower cost, and a method for manufacturing the same. First, an outer race 1 having a shaft portion 1a and a cylindrical portion 1b is prepared as a blank. Then with a punch set 4 fitted with an initial clearance in the radial direction into the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 1b, the cylindrical portion 1b is pressure-inserted into the die 6 from the opening side thereof to form the ball rolling grooves 2 on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 1b, with the ironing operation being stopped when the ball rolling grooves of a predetermined length is formed while leaving an inner-most portion of cylindrical portion 1b intact, thereby forming a margin recess 7 for a grinding wheel at the base of the ball rolling groove 1.

Abstract: A groove is cut into an end surface of a shaft component to deform the shaft component into irregularities provided on a tubular component, thereby coupling the shaft component with the tubular component to form an outer ring for a constant velocity joint. This type of joint provides an outer ring having a strong coupling force and high coupling precision. The irregularities are preferably in the form of a spline cut in a portion of an inner perimeter surface of the tubular component, at a location where coupling of the tubular component with the shaft component is desired. The spline optionally includes a notch which provided additional coupling strength, especially in the shaft direction. The tubular component is shaped by pressing the inner surface of the tubular component into a mandrel having an outer surface shape of the desired inner surface shape of the tubular component. Hydraulic pressure is used to supply the force to press the material onto the mandrel to form the tubular component.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint having an inner race, an outer race provided along a periphery of the inner race, a cage sandwiched in between the inner race, the outer race, and balls. A crossing angle between a central axis of the inner race and a central axis of the outer race is bisected, and the balls are disposed within a bisection plane orthogonal to a plane including these two central axes. If a ratio tc/Da is to rt, there is satisfied a relationship such as: (0.054/rt)·Da≦w≦(0.16/rt)·Da where Da is the major diameter of each ball, w is the circumference-directional width of each of the column members existing between the pockets adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the cage, and tc is the diameter-directional thickness of each of the column members of the cage.

Abstract: A process of finishing outer joint parts formed in a non-cutting way and intended for constant velocity joints, said outer joint parts having a longitudinal axis and an inner recess which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis and which, in the direction of the longitudinal axis, is substantially undercut-free, with the inner recess being provided with tracks which comprise contact zones for the rolling contact of rolling contact members, characterized by the following sequence of process stages: non-cutting forming of the outer joint part, surface-layer-hardening of the inner recess at least along the length of the contact zones, for the purpose of producing a hardened surface layer, at least in the region of the contact zones above an unhardened matrix, calibrating the contact zones in respect of their radial positions and axial linearity by displacing the hardened surface layer in the region of the contact zones within the unhardened matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a constant velocity fixed joint and to the introduction of the cage into the outer joint part of a constant velocity fixed joint. The joint comprises an outer joint part, an inner joint part, a ball cage and balls. The outer joint part forms a bell-shaped member comprising a first longitudinal axis, a base, an aperture and circumferentially alternating first and second outer ball tracks. The inner joint part forms a hub comprising a second longitudinal axis and circumferentially alternating first and second inner ball tracks. The first outer and first inner ball tracks, together form first track pairs and the second outer and second inner ball tracks, together, form second track pairs. Each track pair accommodates a torque transmitting ball, with the tangents at the balls in the points of contact with the track pairs forming control angles.

Abstract: A retainer assembly is provided for attaching a splined shaft with a splined hub. The retainer assembly is particularly useful in a constant velocity joint to attach the halfshaft with an inner hub (either an inner race or spider assembly). The retainer comprises specifically designed grooves at the outboard end of the splined shaft and splined bore of the hub. The grooves are located outside of the splined area. A retaining ring is also provided. The retaining ring has a specific geometry that includes a pair of opposing legs that are integrally connected to provide a v-shaped cross section and are flexible with respect to one another. The first of the legs of the retaining ring engages the groove on the shaft and the second of the legs engages the groove on the hub to prevent relative axial movement between the shaft and the hub when in the retained position. A method of assembling the retainer is also provided.

Abstract: A driveshaft (11) having two ball type constant velocity fixed joints (12, 13), a shaft part (14) connecting said two joints, and an axial plunging part (15) arranged in said shaft part (14). The ball type constant velocity fixed joints (12, 13) each comprise: a bell-shaped outer joint part (16, 26) provided with internally positioned first ball tracks (18, 28); a hub-shaped inner joint part (19, 29) provided with externally positioned second ball tracks (21, 31) and arranged inside said outer joint part (16, 26); balls (24, 34) engaging pairs of first ball tracks (18, 28) and second ball tracks (21, 31); and an annular ball cage (22, 32) with circumferentially distributed cage windows in which the balls are held in a common plane. The pairs of first ball tracks (18, 28) and second ball tracks (21, 31), when viewed in a longitudinal section, form opening angles (&agr;12, &agr;13) relative to one another for controlling the balls (24, 34) in the ball tracks.

Abstract: In this ball joint the centers (B, C) of the director lines (16, 17) of the two grooves (9, 12) in each of said axial half-planes, in the aligned position of the joint, being offset axially and symmetrically relative to the transverse diametral plane (P) of the joint and radially by the same distance (d2) relative to the central axis (X—X, Y—Y) of the joint on the side opposite the grooves, with a radial offset from approximately 15% to approximately 25% of the pitch circle diameter of the joint.

Abstract: A sealing assembly on a constant velocity universal joint which comprises an outer joint part with at least one aperture at an axial end, an inner joint part having a driveshaft connected thereto and being inserted into said outer joint part, and further comprising rolling members effective between the outer joint part and the inner joint part and serving the transmission of torque. The sealing assembly includes at least one sheet metal element having an annular face, which rests on an end face of the outer joint part, with the outer joint part and the sheet metal element being clamped to one another. A first face—the annular face or the end face—has a surface structure, with planar contact faces and grooves provided therein. The respective other face—the annular face or the end face—forms a planar counter face.

Abstract: A spring ring (41) of rectangular cross section has adjacent its ends arms which extend generally radially outwardly. The ring (41) is used to hold together two members (31, 40) in telescopic engagement by engaging in an internal groove (45) in one member and in an external groove (46) in the other. During assembly of the members the ring is located entirely in one of the grooves by a holding element (51) supported wholly by the arms on the ring. After assembly the holding element is withdrawn radially outwardly through a slot (47) in the external member.

Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint has an outer part 1, an inner part 9, a cage 18 and balls 23 which are guided by the cage 18 in the outer running grooves 5 of the outer part 1 and in the inner running grooves 14 of the inner part 9. The inner part 9 is held relative to the outer part 1 entirely by the balls 23 in the radial direction and by the ball 23 on the one hand and by a control element 24 on the other hand, which control element 24 is supported on the inner part 9 and on a supporting element 35 associated with the outer part 1. Beyond the advantageous supporting conditions achieved by said assembly, it is possible to achieve a further reduction in friction by friction-reducing means which are provided in the form of lubricating grooves 31, 33 for example, thus achieving hydro-dynamic lubrication conditions which are advantageously affected in that the control element 24 achieves high sliding speeds relative to the supporting element 35.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting linear rolling bearing (16) comprises ball circuits (24) which are formed in a cage (18) between an inner profiled element (17) and an outer profiled element (19), and rolling elements (22) travelling through a first guide track (24a) are elastically biased by a spring sheet (23).

Abstract: The width (L) in the circumferential direction of the outer surface 2a of an inner joint member 2 is L≧3.5 mm. When the assembly angle (&thgr;0) of the torque transmitting ball 3 is set to 50°, the width (W) in the axial direction is set so that the ratio Rw (=W/PCDSERR) between the width (W) in the axial direction and the pitch circle diameter (PCDSERR) of the teeth of an engagement portion 2c lies within the range of 0.57<Rw≦0.95. Thus, while enabling the assembly of the torque transmitting ball at the assembly angle &thgr;0=50°, cold forging on the inner joint member 2 is made possible, thereby reducing the processing cost. By reducing the width (W) in the axial direction as much as possible, the weight, dimension, and material cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A motor vehicle torque transfer case with integral constant velocity (CV) joint including a constant velocity (CV) bell, a chain sprocket, a speed sensor tone wheel, a chain sprocket splined to the chain sprocket spindle, two (2) support bearings, a single seal, a constant velocity (CV) inner race and cage assembly, a front output shaft, and a constant velocity (CV) boot. The constant velocity (CV) bell, the chain sprocket spindle and the speed tone wheel are preferably of one-piece construction. The constant velocity (CV) joint is preferably of a double offset plunging design, although other designs for the constant velocity (CV) joint could be utilized if desired. The spline connecting the chain sprocket to the chain sprocket spindle is preferably a slip fit and a drawn cup needle roller bearing is pressed into the torque transfer case housing.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint for transmitting torque, having an outer joint part with outer ball tracks, an inner joint part with inner ball tracks, torque transmitting balls guided by pairs of outer and inner ball tracks positioned in corresponding meridian planes, and a ball cage which receives the balls in circumferentially distributed windows and holds same in a common plane and guides same on to the angle-bisecting plane when the joint is ariculated, with the center lines of the outer and inner ball tracks being composed of at least two differently curved portions adjoining one another, with the center lines of the ball tracks of the outer joint part each comprising convexly curved inner portions and, towards the open end, concavely curved end portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly having a first constant velocity fixed joint 1 which comprises an inner part 5 with an attaching bore 8. The inner part 5 is connected to a plunging journal 15 associated with a plunging unit of a connecting shaft 3. To achieve adaptability to different installation conditions, the plunging journal 15, in its outer face, is provided with first grooves 16 which extend over the entire length of same and thus also serve to establish a rotationally fast connection with the inner part 5. The length 19 of the plunging journal 15, which projects beyond the inner part 5 is greater than the rolling adjustment path 15 which results from the adjustment of the plunging sleeve portion 11 relative to the plunging journal 15 when the rolling contact members 21 roll in the first grooves 16 and in the second grooves 14 between the stops 23, 24.

Abstract: A constant velocity ball joint having an outer joint part with an inner cylindrical guiding face provided with first, longitudinally extending ball grooves; an inner joint part with a convex guiding face provided with second, longitudinally extended ball grooves; and torque transmitting balls which run in the first and second ball grooves. The balls are held by an annular ball cage in a ball center plane (E). The ball cage comprises an outer spherical control face whose greatest diameter is axially removed in a first direction by a distance (x) from the ball center plane (E) and wherein the ball cage comprises an inner concave control face whose greatest diameter is axially removed in a second direction by a distance (x) from the ball center plane (E). The inner control face in the ball cage forms end stops for delimiting an axial displacement path of the inner joint part relative to the ball cage.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint comprises an inner race, an outer race provided along a periphery of the inner race, a cage sandwiched in between the inner race, the outer race, and balls. A crossing angle between a central axis of the inner race and a central axis of the outer race is bisected, and the balls are disposed within a bisection plane orthogonal to a plane including these two central axes. If a ratio tc/Da is set to rt, there is satisfied a relationship such as: (0.054/rt)·Da≦w≦(0.16/rt)·Da where Da is the major diameter of each ball, w is the circumference-directional width of each of the column members existing between the pockets adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the cage, and tc is the diameter-directional thickness of each of the column members of the cage.

Abstract: A constant velocity ball joint includes an outer race having a plurality of first tracks separated by first lands. Each first land has a first land surface. The joint further includes an inner race having a plurality of second tracks separated by second lands. A cage is disposed between the races. The cage has an outer cage surface facing the outer race, an inner cage surface facing the inner race, and a plurality of circumferentially distributed windows. A plurality of torque-transmitting balls are disposed in the windows, and are engageable with the tracks. At least one of the group consisting of the first land surfaces and the inner cage surface includes ramped portions that are engageable with a respective one of the group consisting of the outer cage surface and the inner race.

Abstract: An impact-absorbable power transmission device is constituted by establishing a frictional spline connection between a shaft and a pipe to allow an axial slide therebetween and to forbid a relative rotation therebetween. An inner race of a universal joint is fixed to another end portion of the shaft by press-fitting. A flange for receiving a press-fitting force of the inner race is formed at an intermediate portion of the shaft. Therefore, the power transmission device ensures an impact absorbing performance while avoiding a lowering of a mechanical strength caused by the inner race installing operation.

Abstract: A hub unit includes an axle hub, a brake rotor, an axle bearing, and a constant velocity universal joint and transmits power of an engine of an automobile to drive wheels via a drive shaft. The axle hub takes the role as a bearing inner ring of the axle bearing and an outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint. The axle hub, brake rotor, axel bearing, and constant velocity universal joint are compactly assembled. The ratio r2 (=Douter/PCDserr) between the outer diameter Douter of the axle hub (outer joint member) and the pitch circle diameter (PCDserr) of the tooth profile (serrations or splines) of the fitting portion of the inner joint member is set in a range of 2.5≦r2<3.2.

Abstract: In an inner joint member (20) that has eight guide grooves (24) formed to extend in the axial direction located at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer circumference (22) of spherical shape and a fitting portion (26) provided on the inner circumference for the purpose of coupling with a stub shaft, ratio of width W between the center of curvature O2 of the outer circumference (22) of spherical shape and the end face to the pitch circle diameter Ds of the fitting portion (26) is set as W/Ds>0.27, thereby making it possible for a plunging constant velocity universal joint for propeller shaft of the vehicle to be lighter in weight, more compact and is capable of contributing to the improvement of the NVH characteristic of the vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly consisting of a constant velocity universal joint having an outer joint part, an inner joint part and torque transmitting elements which, in the direction of rotation, constitute positive engaging means between the outer joint part and the inner joint part and having a shaft attachment flange. The outer joint part and the shaft attachment flange comprising threaded attaching means for the purpose of being threaded to one another. The threaded attaching means are positioned at the circumference on a diameter outside a rolling circle of the torque transmitting elements. Centering means are provided for centering the outer joint part relative to the shaft attachment flange. The outer joint part comprises an integrally formed-on base on the side of the shaft attachment flange and the entering means are provided directly on the base on a diameter inside the rolling circle of the torque transmitting elements.