Patents Assigned to GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
  • Patent number: 11761489
    Abstract: A gear-tooth system can be produced on a component of a shaft/hub connection. The component can have a first axis of rotation and a gear-tooth system; wherein the gear-tooth system of the component comprises a plurality of teeth, disposed next to one another along a circumference direction, wherein a tooth interstice is disposed between two teeth, in each instance, and each tooth has a head region and a flank region, in each instance, between head region and a foot region disposed in the tooth interstice, wherein the tooth interstice has a tooth gap width in the flank region; wherein the gear-tooth system has at least a first region and subsequently a second region along an axial direction parallel to the first axis of rotation; wherein the first region has a first tooth gap width and the second region has a second tooth gap width, which is less in comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Carstensen, Artur Mattheis, Sven Krämer
  • Patent number: 11480219
    Abstract: A shaft connection 1 for a longitudinal shaft assembly, has at least a first shaft having a first and second ends, and a second shaft, disposed so as to be coaxial with the first shaft, having first and second ends; the shafts extending axially. The first end forms a hollow portion. The first shaft end forms a first journal having a displacement portion. The first shaft end at least in an initial position of the shaft connection extends through the hollow portion which axially by the displacement portion forms a guide portion and circumferentially forms a form-fitting first connection. In the initial position a mutual axial displacement of the first and second shafts is prevented by an axial securing feature. In a crash the axial securing feature; is releasable by an axial release force. The first shaft is axially displaceable relative to the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Adam Dmytryszyn
  • Patent number: 11446748
    Abstract: Machining ball tracks and guiding webs of an inner part for a constant velocity joint in a clamping arrangement includes mechanical machining of at least one first ball track in a first rotational position; rotating the articulated inner part into a second rotational position for machining at least one further ball track; wherein at least one guiding web is mechanically machined during the rotating of the inner joint part from the first rotational position into the second rotational position. A corresponding device is used for machining ball tracks and guiding webs of an inner joint part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignees: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH, GKN Driveline Vigo SA
    Inventors: Miguel Ángel Giráldez López, Miguel Ángel Fernández Maroto, Horst Franke
  • Patent number: 11384797
    Abstract: A shaft connection, e.g., for a motor vehicle driveline, comprises a metal shaft tube material and a metal connecting element. The connecting element comprises a connecting portion with an outer toothing which is pressed with a press fit into a connecting portion of the shaft tube so that an interlocking connection effective in the circumferential direction is formed for torque transmission, wherein the connecting element comprises a maximum outer diameter in the region of the outer toothing; wherein the shaft tube comprises an axial connecting region which is formed radially inwardly into a section of the connecting portion that is reduced relative to the outer toothing so that an interlocking axial connection effective in the axial direction is formed between the shaft tube and the connecting element for transmitting axial forces. A drive shaft can have such a shaft connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 11378134
    Abstract: A constant-velocity slip ball joint includes an outer joint part with an axis of rotation and outer ball tracks, an inner joint part with inner ball tracks, a plurality of torque-transmitting balls, each guided in associated outer and inner ball tracks, and a cage provided with a plurality of cage windows, which each accommodate each one or more of the balls. The inner joint part can be displaced in relation to the outer joint part by a displacement distance along the axis of rotation. At least a part of the outer ball tracks and at least a part of the inner ball tracks are at a track-helix angle in relation to the axis of rotation. A floor of each ball track, along the displacement path, is spaced apart from the axis of rotation by a respectively constant spacing along a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Günther, Norbert Krancioch
  • Publication number: 20200055127
    Abstract: Machining ball tracks and guiding webs of an inner part for a constant velocity joint in a clamping arrangement includes mechanical machining of at least one first ball track in a first rotational position; rotating the articulated inner part into a second rotational position for machining at least one further ball track; wherein at least one guiding web is mechanically machined during the rotating of the inner joint part from the first rotational position into the second rotational position. A corresponding device is used for machining ball tracks and guiding webs of an inner joint part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicants: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH, GKN Driveline Vigo SA
    Inventors: Miguel Ángel GIRÁLDEZ LÓPEZ, Miguel Ángel FERNÁNDEZ MAROTO, Horst FRANKE
  • Patent number: 10527105
    Abstract: A longitudinal shaft arrangement for a motor vehicle has at least a first shaft and a second shaft, wherein the first shaft has a journal with a first end and a second end, and a constant velocity ball plunging joint for connecting the first shaft to the second shaft, wherein a joint inner part of the constant velocity ball plunging joint is mounted at the second end and a joint outer part is arranged on the second shaft, wherein the joint outer part has a first stop for a cage of the constant velocity ball plunging joint in an end zone of a plunging region, with the result that the cage is brought into contact with the first stop when the first shaft and the second shaft are pushed into one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Lück, Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8925929
    Abstract: A sealing element for sealing a joint chamber of a constant velocity joint is disclosed. The sealing element comprises an inner collar for providing a sealing connection relative to an inner joint part of the constant velocity joint, an outer collar for providing a sealing connection relative to an outer joint part of the constant velocity joint, and a membrane portion which extends between the inner collar and the outer collar. The membrane portion between the inner collar and the outer collar is fold-free and substantially conical in shape. A joint assembly having a constant velocity joint and a sealing element is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz
  • Publication number: 20130252743
    Abstract: A sealing element for sealing a joint chamber of a constant velocity joint is disclosed. The sealing element comprises an inner collar for providing a sealing connection relative to an inner joint part of the constant velocity joint, an outer collar for providing a sealing connection relative to an outer joint part of the constant velocity joint, and a membrane portion which extends between the inner collar and the outer collar. The membrane portion between the inner collar and the outer collar is fold-free and substantially conical in shape. A joint assembly having a constant velocity joint and a sealing element is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz
  • Patent number: 8430758
    Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint. The center line (M22) of the outer ball tracks (22) towards a first side (S1) departs, radially inwardly, a reference radius centered in the point of intersection between a perpendicular line on tangents (T22) at the center line (M22), and the longitudinal axis (L12). The center line (M23) of the inner ball tracks (23) towards a second side (S2) departs, radially inwardly, a reference radius centered in the point of intersection of a perpendicular line on the tangent at the center line (M23), and the longitudinal axis (L13). In the outer joint part, from the joint center plane (EM) to the second side (S2), the center line (M22) moves beyond the reference radius radially outwardly. In the inner joint part (13), from the joint center plane (EM) to the first side (S1), the center line (M23) moves beyond the reference radius, radially outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Schwärzler, Heiko Harnischfeger
  • Patent number: 8322941
    Abstract: A connecting assembly for transmitting torque comprising a shaft journal with an outer annular groove and a hollow shaft with an inner annular groove, wherein, for torque transmitting purposes, the hollow shaft is rotationally fixed to the shaft journal and comprises at least one recess towards the outer circumferential face of the hollow shaft in a partial circumferential region of the inner annular groove. The connecting assembly also includes a radially elastically widenable axial securing ring which is positioned in the outer annular groove of the shaft journal and in the inner annular groove of the hollow shaft, wherein the axial securing ring comprises at least one outwardly projecting projection which is arranged in the at least one recess of the hollow shaft, and securing means which cover the at least one recess and prevent the axial securing ring from being radially widened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8277329
    Abstract: A homokinetic rotary ball joint in the form of a plunging joint is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Braun, Joachim Prölss, Volker Bergmann, Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Patent number: 8235395
    Abstract: A joint seal of a constant velocity universal joint which has a sealing effect relative to a shaft journal includes an axial securing sleeve which is connected to the inner joint part and which ends in individual axial fingers which radially elastically engage an annular groove in the shaft journal, wherein the ventilation channels for the joint interior of the constant velocity universal joint are formed by axial slots between the individual axial fingers which freely end in the interior of the rolling boot and can be closed towards the outside of the rolling boot by a sealing lip which is formed on to the rolling boot, which, in the position of rest, annularly sealingly contacts the shaft journal and which, at an increased speed, lifts off the shaft journal to expose the ventilation channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8187108
    Abstract: A longitudinal shaft assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising at least a first shaft and a second shaft, a ball-type constant velocity joint for connecting the first shaft to the second shaft and at least one central bearing for supporting the longitudinal shaft assembly with respect to a body of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Lobel, Sven Lehmann, Frank Pflanzer
  • Patent number: 8083430
    Abstract: A connecting assembly is disclosed. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal, a constant velocity universal joint and a threaded sleeve. The shaft journal is axially secured. The constant velocity universal joint has an inner joint part engaged by the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed way so as to transmit torque. The threaded sleeve is at least indirectly connected to the inner joint part so as to be axially secured and freely rotatable relative to the inner joint part. The threaded sleeve comprises a thread which is threaded on to a counter thread on the shaft journal so as to axially fix the inner joint part to the shaft journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8070613
    Abstract: A connecting assembly for use in the propeller shaft of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal with an annular groove; a constant velocity universal joint with an inner joint part which is connected in a rotationally fixed way to the shaft journal for the purpose of transmitting torque; an axial securing ring for the inner joint part, which axial securing ring is positioned in the annular groove of the shaft journal; and a holding ring which is releasably connected to the inner joint part; wherein, in a mounted condition of the inner joint part, the axial securing ring is axially fixed on the shaft journal between a contact face of the inner joint part and the holding ring connected to the inner joint part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8025454
    Abstract: A connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal with an outer journal groove; a constant velocity universal joint with an inner joint part which, for the purpose of transmitting torque, is connected to the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed way and which comprises a sleeve projection, wherein, in an outer circumferential face of the sleeve projection, there is provided an engagement recess; a securing sleeve for axially fixing the inner joint part relative to the shaft journal; wherein the securing sleeve comprises inner holding portions which engage the journal groove, as well as outer holding portions which engage the at least one engagement recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8025578
    Abstract: A wheel hub/universal joint assembly having a wheel hub with a wheel flange for connecting a wheel and with a sleeve portion for receiving a wheel bearing. A constant velocity universal joint is provided with an outer joint part, an inner joint part and torque transmitting elements. The outer joint part has a first face toothing with first teeth and wherein the sleeve portion has a second face toothing with second teeth, wherein the two sets of face toothings engage one another for torque transmitting purposes. Clamping means is also provided for axially clamping the wheel hub to the outer joint part, the clamping means being axially supported on the wheel hub and on the outer joint part 22. At least one of the two face toothings is provided such that the first and second teeth, when clamping together the assembly, contact one another first on the radial outside and, as the clamping operation progresses, also on the radial inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8012030
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz
  • Patent number: 8002640
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz, Christoph Sieber