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.

Abstract: A constant velocity counter track joint having an outer joint part with outer ball tracks having first tracks opening toward the aperture end and second tracks opening toward the attaching end. The center line of the second tracks, departs, radially inwardly, a first reference radius centered in the point of intersection of a perpendicular line on the tangent at the center line of the ball track and the longitudinal axis. In the inner joint part, the center line of the ball tracks departs, radially inwardly, a second reference radius centered in the point of intersection of a perpendicular line on the tangent at the center line of the ball track and the longitudinal axis. In the outer joint part, the center line of the ball tracks towards the aperture end, moves radially outwardly beyond said first reference radius. In the inner joint part, the center line of the ball tracks towards the attaching end, moves radially outwardly beyond said second reference radius.

Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint having an outer joint part (12) with outer ball tracks (221, 222), an inner joint part (13) with inner ball tracks (231, 232), the outer ball tracks and the inner ball tracks forming pairs of tracks (211, 231; 222, 232), the pairs of tracks each accommodate a torque transmitting ball (141, 142). Each two adjoining pairs of tracks comprise outer ball tracks with center lines in planes extending substantially parallel relative to one another, as well as inner ball tracks with center lines in planes extending substantially parallel relative to one another. An annular ball cage (16) is positioned between the outer joint part (12) and the inner joint part (13). In an aligned joint, centers of the balls are held by the ball cage in the joint center plane and when the joint is articulated, they are guided onto the angle-bisecting plane between the longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A constant velocity counter track joint having an outer joint part with outer ball tracks having first tracks opening toward the aperture end and second tracks opening toward the attaching end. The center line of the second tracks, in departs, radially inwardly, a first reference radius centered in the point of intersection of a perpendicular line on the tangent at the center line of the ball track and the longitudinal axis. In the inner joint part, the center line of the ball tracks departs, radially inwardly, a second reference radius centered in the point of intersection of a perpendicular line on the tangent at the center line of the ball track and the longitudinal axis. In the outer joint part, the center line of the ball tracks towards the aperture ends moves radially outwardly beyond said first reference radius. In the inner joint part, the center line of the ball tracks towards the attaching ends, moves radially outwardly beyond said second reference radius.

Abstract: A longitudinal plunging unit (11) for torque transmitting purposes in a shaft assembly, comprising an outer profiled sleeve (21) having circumferentially distributed, inner, longitudinally extending first ball grooves (22) to be connected to a first attachment part, a profiled journal (31) positioned inside the outer profiled sleeve (21) and having circumferentially distributed, outer, longitudinally extending second ball grooves (32) to be connected to a second attachment part, groups of balls (41) arranged in pairs of first and second ball grooves (22, 32), and a sleeve-shaped ball cage (42) which is positioned in the annular space between the profiled sleeve (21) and the profiled journal (31) and which fixes the groups of balls (41) in their respective positions relative to one another.

Abstract: A longitudinal plunging unit (11) for torque transmitting purposes in a shaft assembly, comprising an outer profiled sleeve (21) having circumferentially distributed, inner, longitudinally extending first ball grooves (22) to be connected to a first attachment part, a profiled journal (31) positioned inside the outer profiled sleeve (21) and having circumferentially distributed, outer, longitudinally extending second ball grooves (32) to be connected to a second attachment part, groups of balls (41) arranged in pairs of first and second ball grooves (22, 32), and a sleeve-shaped ball cage (42) which is positioned in the annular space between the profiled sleeve (21) and the profiled journal (31) and which fixes the groups of balls (41) in their respective positions relative to one another. The profiled journal (31) is a hollow journal comprising a material with a substantially uniform wall thickness with a maximum deviation of ±15%.

Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint comprising an outer joint part forming an annular member with a first longitudinal axis and comprising first ball tracks. The first ball tracks extend at a distance from the first longitudinal axis and each form a first angle of crossing therewith. The joint also includes an inner joint part forms a hub with a second longitudinal axis and comprising second ball tracks. The second ball tracks extend at a distance from the second longitudinal axis and each form a second angle of crossing therewith. The first ball tracks and the second ball tracks are circurnferentially distributed and associated with one another in pairs, with the first angles of crossing and the second angles of crossing of the pairs of ball tracks being identical in size and opening in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axes. When the longitudinal axes coincide, the points of intersection of the pairs of ball tracks form a central joint plane.

Abstract: A longitudinally plungeable constant velocity universal ball joint has an outer joint part (1) with inner first straight ball tracks (2), an inner joint part (7) with outer second straight ball tracks (8). Each set of associated first and second ball tracks (2, 8) accommodates one ball (10) of a plurality of torque transmitting balls (10) and with the center lines of at least part of the associated first and second ball tracks (2, 8) intersecting one another while crossing the axes (M.sub.i, M.sub.a) of the outer joint part (1) and inner joint part (7) respectively at opposed angles of equal size.

Abstract: A universal joint for small articulation angles, especially, an intermediate joint in a propeller shaft of motor vehicles, has an outer joint part (11) with longitudinally extending first ball tracks (14) which, between stop faces, include an axial length with an unchanged cross-section; an inner joint part (31, 51) with longitudinally extending second ball tracks (36, 56) whose axial length is greater than that of the first ball tracks (14); and torque transmitting balls (15) guided in the radially opposed first and second ball tracks (14, 36, 56). The outer joint part (11), at least in the axial region of the ball tracks (14) is produced as a formed plate metal part with an approximately constant wall thickness. The ball tracks (14), in the outer joint part (11), are formed by circumferentially distributed formations (13) axially closed at both ends by stops (16, 17).

Abstract: A convoluted boot (11) seals an annular gap between two parts which are non-rotatably connected to one another and articulatable relative to each other. The invention is especially useful at a constant velocity universal joint. The boot has a plurality of fold units (20) which each consist of two annular flanks (21, 22) connected to one another by an outer annular fold (23). Two fold units (20) are connected to one another by an inner annular fold (24). The boot has a first collar (14) to be fixed to one of the parts, and a second collar (15) to be fixed to the second one of the parts. The collar adjoin the longitudinally outer fold units (20). Annular ribs (27) are formed on the annular flanks (21, 22) at a distance from the outer annular folds (23) and the inner annular folds (24).

Abstract: A universal joint for small articulation angles has parallel, longitudinally extending tracks in the inner joint part and in the outer joint part and axially freely movable torque transmitting balls held in an uncontrolled way in the tracks. The tracks in the two joint parts include a constant cross-section adapted substantially, without a clearance, to the balls. The rolling movement of the balls is limited by axial stops in one of the joint members. The inner joint part includes outer spherical surface parts which are interrupted by the tracks. The spherical surface parts act as sliding faces. The outer joint part includes inner surface parts which are interrupted by the tracks and which act as guiding faces. When the joint is articulated, the surface parts which act as guiding faces, supportingly act on the surface parts acting as sliding faces around at least one fulcrum positioned on the longitudinal axis of the outer joint part.

Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal ball joint has an outer joint part with an inner aperture including substantially longitudinally extending outer ball tracks. An inner joint part forms a hub member positioned in the inner aperture of the outer joint part. The inner joint part includes substantially longitudinally extending inner ball tracks. Torque transmitting balls are guided in outer and inner ball tracks associated with one another in pairs. The ball tracks are curved in the longitudinal direction. An annular ball cage is positioned between the outer joint part and inner joint part. The cage includes circumferentially distributed cage windows which hold the balls in a common plane and guide the balls onto an angle bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. The ball tracks are asymmetric in section. The outer track pairs of two adjoining outer ball tracks are formed in the outer joint part. The outer ball tracks extend parallel relative to one another.

Abstract: A connection for transmitting torque between an internally toothed hub and an externally toothed shaft insertable into the hub has internal hub teeth and shaft teeth which are provided with different tooth flank profiles. The tooth flanks of the shaft teeth rest against the tooth flanks of the internal teeth on the pitch circle diameter D.sub.T. Thus, off the pitch circle diameter a clearance exists between the tooth flanks and the circumferential direction. The shaft teeth at its end directed towards the shaft shank, include a run-out region with a tooth height h.sub.Z decreasing as a function of the axial direction. The run/out region of the shaft teeth is substantially positioned within the internal hub teeth with respect to both their axial extensions.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a wheel hub/constant velocity universal joint unit which includes a double-row bearing which has a one-piece outer bearing ring to be connected to a wheel carrier. The bearing inner bearing rings are directly formed by the wheel hub, on the one hand, and by the outer part of the constant velocity universal joint, on the other hand. The parts non-rotatingly engage one another in a form-fitting way and are axially tensioned relative to one another, with the wheel hub, on the one hand, and the outer part of the constant velocity universal joint, on the other hand, including form-fitting engaging mechanism, which are adapted to one another and which enable the two parts to be connected in only one single angular position relative to one another.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly has external profiled teeth at its end and a slide-on hub with a shaft bore with corresponding inner profiled teeth. A first securing mechanism form-fittingly engages a groove or thread radially cut into the profiled teeth and provided at the free end of the driveshaft and axially supporting the hub in the direction of the end of the driveshaft. External profiled teeth, which are provided at the driveshaft and which, when the hub is fully slid on to the driveshaft while being in contact with the first securing mechanism, extend axially relative to the shaft shank and beyond the length of the hub. A second securing mechanism, with a radially undisturbed profile of the profiled teeth, is supported on the run-out of the profiled teeth or on an adjoining conical face of the driveshaft. The second securing mechanism is plastically formed in-situ and axially supports the hub in the direction of the shaft shank of the driveshaft.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type has an outer joint part with three axially extending, circumferentially distributed longitudinal recesses with circumferentially distributed opposed tracks. The tracks have surfaces which are grooved so as to have the shape of a circular cylindrical portion. An inner joint part includes three radial circumferentially distributed arms each engaging one of the longitudinal recesses and carrying roller assemblies having roller carriers and roller elements. The roller elements have running faces in the shape of a spherical portion and are axially guided so as to roll on the tracks in the longitudinal recesses of the outer joint part. The roller carriers are guided on the arms so as to be pivotable and longitudinally movable relative to the respective arm axis.

Abstract: A convoluted boot made of a resilient material has a first collar with a large diameter and a second collar with a smaller diameter. The collars are positioned on rotatable parts which are rotatable relative to one another in an articulatable and/or axially movable condition. Also, the boot has a guiding portion positioned between at least one first freely deformable and movable fold and at least one second freely deformable and movable fold. The guiding portion is angularly movably held on a guiding member connected to one of the rotatable parts. The guiding member, on its outside, is enveloped and defines a spherical face.

Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint component having three circumferentially distributed recesses with parallel axes forming circumferentially opposing tracks. An inner joint component has a spider-shape cross-section with three circumferentially distributed arms which engage recesses of the outer joint component. The arms support roller assemblies. Each roller assembly includes a roller-carrier and a roller that runs directly on the tracks. The roller is arranged to slide axially along the arm axis and swivel with angular movement relative to the arm axis. A support is provided between the roller assembly and the outer joint component. The support absorbs tilting moments exerted on the roller assembly about an axis parallel to the joint axis and tilting moments exerted on the roller assembly about an axis perpendicular to, and spaced from, the joint axis.

Abstract: A rotary ball joint, especially for angularly movable driveshafts for motor vehicles, has an outer joint member (11) with ball tracks (18) uniformly distributed on its inner circumference and an inner joint member (12) non-rotatingly connected to the outer joint member (11). The inner joint member (12) includes ball sockets (13) which correspond to the ball tracks of the outer joint members (11). The ball sockets comprise spherical inner faces and, via the balls (14) supported therein, establish a form-fitting connection between the inner joint member (12) and the outer joint member (11). A plurality of bearing balls (15) are positioned in the sockets to provide a bearing surface for the force-transmitting balls (14). In the inner joint member, the force-transmitting balls (14) are guided in the ball sockets (13) and in the outer joint member they are guided in the ball tracks (18).

Abstract: A constant velocity ratio universal joint of plunging type, comprising an outer joint member (1), an inner joint member (2), facing pairs of tracks (3, 4) in the joint members receiving balls (5) for torque transmission, and a cage (6) constraining the balls and having first and second control surfaces (7, 9) with centers of curvature unequally off-set from the ball center plane I, in order to guide the balls to the bisect or plane, wherein the first control surface of the cage comprises two portions (7.sub.1, 7.sub.2). The first portion (7.sub.1) is part-spherical, and the second portion (7.sub.2) is a surface of revolution about the axis of the cage of an arc of radius of curvature less than the radius of curvature of the part-spherical portion (7.sub.1).