Patents by Inventor Shigeaki Fukushima

Shigeaki Fukushima has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20220176739
    Abstract: Provided is a bearing device for a vehicle wheel that is suitable in being able to prevent impairment in assemblability of the bearing device for a vehicle wheel to a knuckle without cost increase. A bearing device for a vehicle wheel (1) is provided with an inner member and an outer ring (2) which is an outer member having a vehicle-body-mounting flange part (2d), wherein the outer ring (2) has a pilot part (2e) disposed inward of the vehicle-body-mounting flange part (2d), and the pilot part (2e) has a fitting portion (2f) configured to be fitted to a knuckle (10) and a guiding portion (2g) having a diameter which gradually decreases inward from the inner-side end of the fitting portion (2f).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Shigeaki FUKUSHIMA, Natsuko NAGAI
  • Publication number: 20220065290
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a bearing device for a vehicle wheel (1) includes: a pressure adjusting step of enclosing, in a work chamber (Rw), the bearing device for a vehicle wheel (1) to which a sealing member (9) on an outer side is fitted in the work chamber (Rw), and adjusting a pressure in the work chamber (Rw) to a predetermined atmospheric pressure (Pt) according to an environment of a use area of the bearing device for a vehicle wheel (1); and a sealing step of fitting a cover (12) that seals an inner side opening (2a) of an outer ring (2) or an inner side sealing member (6) that seals between the outer ring (2) and a hub ring (3) or an inner ring (4) to the inner side opening (2a) in the work chamber (Rw) in which a pressure has been adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Shigeaki FUKUSHIMA, Natsuko NAGAI
  • Patent number: 9527345
    Abstract: A wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member, an inner member and double row rolling elements. A pulser ring is fit onto the inner ring. A second cap is fit on the inboard-side end of the outer member. A rotational speed sensor is mounted on the second cap. A cup-shaped first cap is press-fit into the inner circumference of an inboard-side end of the outer member. The first cap has a cylindrical fitting portion press-fit into the outer member. A disk portion extends radially inward from the fitting portion. The sensor abuts the disk portion. The second cap is press-fit into the inner circumference of an inboard-side end of the outer member via a predetermined interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Syougo Suzuki, Shigeaki Fukushima, Masuo Takaki, Sadako Takada, Hisashi Ohtsuki
  • Publication number: 20150069826
    Abstract: A wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member, an inner member and double row rolling elements. A pulser ring is fit onto the inner ring. A second cap is fit on the inboard-side end of the outer member. A rotational speed sensor is mounted on the second cap. A cup-shaped first cap is press-fit into the inner circumference of an inboard-side end of the outer member. The first cap has a cylindrical fitting portion press-fit into the outer member. A disk portion extends radially inward from the fitting portion. The sensor abuts the disk portion. The second cap is press-fit into the inner circumference of an inboard-side end of the outer member via a predetermined interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Syougo SUZUKI, Shigeaki FUKUSHIMA, Masuo TAKAKI, Sadako TAKADA, Hisashi OHTSUKI
  • Patent number: 8944694
    Abstract: A bearing device for a driving wheel includes an outer race having an inner periphery in which double-row outer raceway surfaces are formed; a hub wheel and an inner race having outer peripheries in which double-row inner raceway surfaces opposed to the outer raceway surfaces are formed; and double-row rolling elements interposed between the outer raceway surfaces and the inner raceway surfaces. A shaft hole of the hub wheel is formed into a cylindrical shape, and a male spline is formed on an outer periphery of a stem section of the outer joint member so that the stem section of the outer joint member is press-fit into the shaft hole of the hub wheel. With this, recesses caused to fit on the male spline with interference are formed in the shaft hole of the hub wheel, whereby the hub wheel and the outer joint member are separably coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Fukumura, Masayuki Kuroda, Hisaaki Kura, Shin Tomogami, Hiroshi Kawamura, Shigeaki Fukushima, Masahiro Ozawa, Yuichi Asano
  • Patent number: 8480306
    Abstract: A bearing unit for driving wheels, and a manufacturing method thereof, includes a hub, a bearing, and a constant velocity universal joint, such that a process for assembling the bearing unit to a knuckle member is simplified. In order to achieve this, a hub (10) and an outer joint member (31) of an out-board side constant velocity universal joint (30) are plastically joined together. An outer peripheral surface (26a) of an outer member (26) is press-fitted into an inner peripheral surface of the knuckle member, and a maximum diameter dimension (D1) of the out-board side constant velocity universal joint (30) is set smaller than a minimum diameter dimension (Dn) of the knuckle member (6). Also, a maximum diameter dimension (D2) of an in-board side constant velocity universal joint (40) is set smaller than the minimum diameter dimension (Dn) of the knuckle member (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Fukumura, Masayuki Kuroda, Hisaaki Kura, Shin Tomogami, Hiroshi Kawamura, Shigeaki Fukushima
  • Patent number: 8132968
    Abstract: A cylindrical pilot portion (72) to be fitted to an inner periphery of a wheel (80) is formed at an inner diameter part of a brake rotor (70). A shape of a hub wheel, in particular, the shape on an outboard side is thus simplified, and the hub wheel can be formed at low cost through cold forging or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Fukumura, Masayuki Kuroda, Hisaaki Kura, Shin Tomogami, Hiroshi Kawamura, Shigeaki Fukushima
  • Patent number: 8057314
    Abstract: A joint assembly has a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a connecting drive shaft. A cover unit protects the constant velocity universal joints and prevents hanging down of the joints under their own weight. The unit cover is arranged to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and boots. The unit cover is formed from elastomer material by injection molding. The cover unit inner circumferential surface has a configuration corresponding to the outline configurations of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and the boots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Umekida, Shigeaki Fukushima, Kiyoshige Yamauchi, Masahiro Ozawa, Hiroshi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8007366
    Abstract: A wheel bearing device includes a hub ring, a double-row bearing and a constant velocity universal joint which are unitized together. At least one of double-row inner raceways of the bearing and a wheel mounting flange are formed on a hub ring. The hub ring and a stem portion of a joint outer ring of the constant velocity universal joint are fitted through a torque transmission assembly, wherein a pilot member as a separate element having a wheel guide portion and a brake guide portion is fitted to a side-end portion of the wheel mounting flange of the hub ring, and the hub ring and the pilot member are fixed to the joint outer ring by swaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Tajima, Hiroyuki Ogura, Syougo Suzuki, Shigeaki Fukushima, Mitsuru Umekida, Akira Torii, Akira Sera, Hisashi Ohtsuki
  • Publication number: 20110053696
    Abstract: A joint assembly has a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a connecting drive shaft. A cover unit protects the constant velocity universal joints and prevents hanging down of the joints under their own weight. The unit cover is arranged to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and boots. The unit cover is formed from elastomer material by injection molding. The cover unit inner circumferential surface has a configuration corresponding to the outline configurations of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and the boots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Umekida, Shigeaki Fukushima, Kiyoshige Yamauchi, Masahiro Ozawa, Hiroshi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 7874732
    Abstract: A drive wheel support bearing assembly includes a hub axle, a constant velocity joint and a bearing unit which are unitized together, and an inner member made up of an outer coupling member of the CVT with the hub axle mounted on an outer periphery of a hollow stem portion of the outer coupling member. Inner peripheral side raceway surfaces are formed on the hub axle and the outer coupling member. Hardened indentations are formed in an inner periphery of the hub axle, and the hub axle and the outer coupling member are plastically coupled integrally with each other by radially outwardly expanding a mounting area, at which the hub axle is mounted on the hollow stem portion, to allow it to bite into the indentations to crimp. Sensors for detecting the displacement or deformation of the outer coupling member and the hub axle are provided in the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Ozaki, Shigeaki Fukushima
  • Patent number: 7832939
    Abstract: A bearing apparatus for a wheel comprising a rolling bearing for rotatably supporting a wheel relative to a body of vehicle having double row rolling elements (20) arranged between an inner member 1 and an outer member (10); a wheel mounting flange (5) for fastening the wheel on a hub wheel (2); and an annular groove (7) formed on the wheel mounting flange (5) and having a predetermined width including hub bolts (6); characterized in that one side of the wheel mounting flange (5) at a region other than the annular groove (7) is formed as a cut-finished surface cut after the press fit of the hub bolts (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Umekida, Kazunari Yamamoto, Eiji Tajima, Hiroyuki Ogura, Shigeaki Fukushima, Masahiro Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20100239202
    Abstract: Provided are: a double-row angular bearing capable of enhancing its rolling life and cost reduction; a bearing device for a wheel, which is capable of reducing a number of assembling process steps in an assembly factory of automobiles and the like, is excellent in productivity, and is capable of cost reduction; and a method of producing an outer race and an inner race of a bearing, which can achieve their weight reduction to a large extent. The double-row angular bearing includes: an inner race having inner rolling surfaces on a radially outer surface thereof; an outer race having outer rolling surfaces on a radially inner surface thereof; and rolling elements rotatably housed between the outer rolling surfaces of the outer race and the inner rolling surfaces of the inner race. The outer race or the inner race is formed of a plastically worked article formed by cold rolling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Masayuki Kuroda, Shigeaki Fukushima, Hiroya Kato, Isao Hirai, Keizo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7753801
    Abstract: A joint assembly has a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a connecting drive shaft. A cover unit protects the constant velocity universal joints and prevents hanging down of the joints under their own weight. The unit cover is arranged to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and boots. The unit cover is formed from elastomer material by injection molding. The cover unit inner circumferential surface has a configuration corresponding to the outline configurations of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and the boots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Umekida, Shigeaki Fukushima, Kiyoshige Yamauchi, Masahiro Ozawa, Hiroshi Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20100092122
    Abstract: Provided is a small-sized, lightweight, low-cost, and highly reliable bearing device for a driving wheel which needs no tapered spline, and eliminates a circumferential backlash in spline fitting portions to thereby prevent unusual noise. The bearing device for a driving wheel comprises an outer race (5) having an inner periphery in which double-row outer raceway surfaces (13, 14) are formed; a hub wheel (1) and an inner race (2) having outer peripheries in which double-row inner raceway surfaces (7, 8) opposed to the outer raceway surfaces (13, 14) are formed; and double-row rolling elements (3, 4) interposed between the outer raceway surfaces (13, 14) of the outer race (5) and the inner raceway surfaces (7, 8) of the hub wheel (1) and the inner race (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Fukumura, Masayuki Kuroda, Hisaaki Kura, Shin Tomogami, Hiroshi Kawamura, Shigeaki Fukushima, Masahiro Ozawa, Yuichi Asano
  • Patent number: 7686517
    Abstract: A wheel bearing apparatus for a driving wheel is formed as a unit of a wheel hub, a double row rolling bearing and a constant velocity universal joint. The double row rolling bearing has an outer member with a body mounting flange mounted on a knuckle and double row outer raceway surfaces. An inner member includes the wheel hub and an outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint. The wheel hub has an inner raceway surface corresponding to one of the double row outer raceway surfaces. The outer joint member has another inner raceway surface corresponding to the other of the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double row rolling elements are rollably arranged between the outer and inner raceway surfaces. Seals are mounted in an annular space opening formed between the outer member and the inner member. A sensor is fit into a mounting aperture formed in the knuckle. A pulser ring is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the outer joint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawamura, Shigeaki Fukushima, Kiyoshige Yamauchi, Masahiro Ozawa, Mitsuru Umekida
  • Publication number: 20090169143
    Abstract: A drive wheel support bearing assembly includes a hub axle, a constant velocity joint and a bearing unit which are unitized together, and an inner member made up of an outer coupling member of the CVT with the hub axle mounted on an outer periphery of a hollow stem portion of the outer coupling member. Inner peripheral side raceway surfaces are formed on the hub axle and the outer coupling member. Hardened indentations are formed in an inner periphery of the hub axle, and the hub axle and the outer coupling member are plastically coupled integrally with each other by radially outwardly expanding a mounting area, at which the hub axle is mounted on the hollow stem portion, to allow it to bite into the indentations to crimp. Sensors for detecting the displacement or deformation of the outer coupling member and the hub axle are provided in the outer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Takayoshi Ozaki, Shigeaki Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20090136168
    Abstract: A wheel bearing apparatus for a driving wheel is formed as a unit of a wheel hub, a double row rolling bearing and a constant velocity universal joint. The double row rolling bearing has an outer member with a body mounting flange mounted on a knuckle and double row outer raceway surfaces. An inner member includes the wheel hub and an outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint. The wheel hub has an inner raceway surface corresponding to one of the double row outer raceway surfaces. The outer joint member has another inner raceway surface corresponding to the other of the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double row rolling elements are rollably arranged between the outer and inner raceway surfaces. Seals are mounted in an annular space opening formed between the outer member and the inner member. A sensor is fit into a mounting aperture formed in the knuckle. A pulser ring is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the outer joint member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawamura, Shigeaki Fukushima, Kiyoshige Yamauchi, Masahiro Ozawa, Mitsuru Umekida
  • Publication number: 20090129715
    Abstract: A process for assembling to a knuckle member a bearing unit for driving wheels including a hub, a bearing, and a constant velocity universal joint is simplified. In order to achieve this, a hub (10) and an outer joint member (31) of an out-board side constant velocity universal joint (30) are plastically joined together. An outer peripheral surface (26a) of an outer member (26) is press-fitted into an inner peripheral surface of the knuckle member, and a maximum diameter dimension (D1) of the out-board side constant velocity universal joint (30) is set smaller than a minimum diameter dimension (Dn) of the knuckle member (6). Also, a maximum diameter dimension (D2) of an in-board side constant velocity universal joint (40) is set smaller than the minimum diameter dimension (Dn) of the knuckle member (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Fukumura, Masayuki Kuroda, Hisaaki Kura, Shin Tomogami, Hiroshi Kawamura, Shigeaki Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20090074342
    Abstract: A wheel bearing device includes a hub ring, a double-row bearing and a constant velocity universal joint which are unitized together. At least one of double-row inner raceways of the bearing and a wheel mounting flange are formed on a hub ring. The hub ring and a stem portion of a joint outer ring of the constant velocity universal joint are fitted through a torque transmission assembly, wherein a pilot member as a separate element having a wheel guide portion and a brake guide portion is fitted to a side-end portion of the wheel mounting flange of the hub ring, and the hub ring and the pilot member are fixed to the joint outer ring by swaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji TAJIMA, Hiroyuki Ogura, Syougo Suzuki, Shigeaki Fukushima, Mitsuru umekida, Akira Torii, Akira Sera, Hisashi Ohtsuki