Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint member 10 formed with three track grooves 12 having roller guide surfaces 14 arranged in circumferentially opposed relation to each other, a tripod member 20 having three radially projecting trunnions 22, rollers 34 inserted in the track grooves 12, and rings 32 fitted on the trunnions 22 to support the rollers 34 for rotation, the rollers 34 being movable along the roller guide surfaces 14 axially of the outer joint member 10, wherein the roller 34 is composed of a set of annular roller portions 34a and 34b and a plurality of balls 36 are interposed between outer raceway surfaces formed in rows each in the inner periphery of the annular roller portion 34 and two rows of inner raceway surfaces formed in the outer periphery of the ring 32.

Abstract: A tripod type constant-velocity joint is proposed which is lower in cost and lighter in weight. Raceway grooves are formed in side faces of each track groove formed in the inner periphery of an outer ring and in side faces of each guide block supported by each of three trunnions of a tripod member. A plurality of rolling elements mounted between the raceway grooves are retained by retainers. The retainers have such a structure that a plurality of pockets are formed in plate members and a plurality of claws extending in opposite directions are provided on the periphery of each pocket so that it can be formed by pressing. It is thus possible to achieve reduced cost and lighter weight for a tripod type constant-velocity joint.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint is provided, which can ensure a smooth torque transmission, extend the useful life thereof, maintain the constant velocity, and damp vibrations and abnormal sounds. The constant velocity universal joint having at least two sets of link mechanisms. The link mechanism has: link hubs installed in an input shaft and an output shaft, respectively; end link members rotatably each coupled with the link hubs installed in the respective input and the output shafts; and a central link member to which the end link members on the respective input and output shaft sides are rotatably coupled. Geometries of the mechanism on the input shaft side and the output shaft side are identical to each other across a transverse plane in a center of the link mechanism. The universal joint further has rotational resistance reducing means installed in at least either coupling part between the link hub and the end link member or coupling part between the central link member and the end link member.

Abstract: It is intended that the induced thrust and slide resistance of a constant velocity joint should be further reduce.

Abstract: An annular support ring 32 is fitted onto the outer periphery of each trunnion 22. This support ring 32 and the roller 34 are unitized via a plurality of needle rollers 36 to constitute a roller assembly capable of relative rotations therebetween. In longitudinal section, each trunnion 22 has an outer periphery of straight shape, parallel to the axis of the trunnion 22. In cross section, the trunnion 22 has a generally ellipse shape with the major axis orthogonal to the axis of the joint. The inner periphery of each support ring 32 is arcuate and convex in section. This combines with the general elliptic cross sections of the trunnions 22 and the provision of predetermined clearances between the trunnions 22 and the support rings 32, to allow the support rings 32 to move along the axial directions of the trunnions 22 as well as make tilting movements with respect to the trunnions 22.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint with a further reduction in inductive thrust and slide resistance. The constant velocity universal joint comprises: an outer joint member 10 having three track grooves 12 each having circumferentially-opposed roller guideways 14; a tripod member 20 having three radially-projecting trunnions 22; a roller 34 inserted in each of the track grooves 12; and a ring 32 fitted on each of the trunnions 22 to support the roller 34 rotatably, the roller 34 being movable in axial directions of the outer joint member 1 along the roller guideways 14. Here, the inner periphery of the ring 32 is shaped arcuate and convex in section. The outer periphery of each of the trunnions 22 is shaped straight in longitudinal section, as well as formed in cross section so as to make a contact with the inner periphery of the ring 32 along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the joint and create a clearance with the inner periphery of the ring 32 in an axial direction of the joint.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes an outer joint member having eight axially extending curved guide grooves formed in a spherical inner surface. Likewise, an inner joint member has eight axially extending curved guide grooves formed in a spherical outer surface. Eight ball tracks are defined between the guide grooves of the inner and outer joint members. Each ball track is enlarged in wedge form in a sense of the axial direction. A torque transmitting ball is disposed in each ball track and a cage is provided having a corresponding number of pockets for storing the torque transmitting balls. A bearing is provided having a fixing member, first and second outer races, first and second inner races, and rolling members between the first and second outer races and the first and second inner races. The first and second outer races are provided in the fixing member while the first and second inner races are provided on the outer joint member.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint comprises an outer joint member 1 having 8 curved guide grooves 1b axially formed in the spherical inner surface 1a thereof, an inner joint member 2 having 8 curved guide grooves 2b axially formed in the spherical outer surface 2a thereof and serrations (or splines) 2c formed on the inner surface for connection to a shaft portion 5, 8 torque transmitting balls 3 disposed in ball tracks defined between the guide grooves 1a and 2b of the outer and inner joint members 1 and 2, and a cage 4 for retaining the torque transmitting balls 3.

Abstract: A tripod type constant velocity universal joint of a single roller type is provided, which can be used in a vehicle operating at high angles without causing an increase in costs by lowering the level of vibration even at a high operating angle. A tripod type constant velocity universal joint is composed of an outer joint member with three track grooves, extending in its axial direction, on the inner circumferential surface of the outer joint member, a tripod member with three radially projecting leg shafts around the circumference of the tripod member, and rotatable rollers mounted on each leg shaft through a plurality of needle rollers and positioned in the track grooves of the outer joint member, the outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers being guided by roller guide surfaces provided on both sides of the track grooves. In this construction, grooves extending along the track grooves are provided on the roller guide surfaces where the rollers contact.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprises an outer joint member 10 formed with three track grooves 12 having roller guide surfaces 14 arranged in circumferentially opposed relation to each other, a tripod member 20 having three radially projecting trunnions 22, rollers 34 inserted in the track grooves 12, and rings 32 fitted on the trunnions 22 to support the rollers 34 for rotation, the rollers 34 being movable along the roller guide surfaces 14 axially of the outer joint member 10, wherein the roller 34 is composed of a set of annular roller portions 34a and 34b and a plurality of balls 36 are interposed between outer raceway surfaces formed in rows each in the inner periphery of the annular roller portion 34 and two rows of inner raceway surfaces formed in the outer periphery of the ring 32.

Abstract: The tripod member has three trunnions which are projected radially. Each of the trunnions carries a roller, and this roller is accommodated in one of the track grooves in the outer joint member. The outer peripheries of the rollers and the roller guideways make angular contact with each other. Support rings are fitted onto the outer peripheries of the trunnions. These support rings and the rollers are assembled (unitized) via a plurality of needle rollers to constitute roller assemblies capable of relative rotations. In longitudinal sections, the outer peripheries of the trunnions have straight shapes parallel to the axes of the trunnions. In cross sections, the outer peripheries are elliptic in shape, with their respective major axes perpendicular to the axis of the joint. The inner peripheries of the support rings have arcuate convex sections.

Abstract: The constant velocity joint comprises an outer joint member 1 in which eight linear guide grooves 1b are axially formed on an inner cylindrical surface 1a thereof, an inner joint member 2 in which eight linear guide grooves 2b are axially formed on an outer spherical surface 2a thereof and serrations 2c for connecting a shaft are formed on an inner surface thereof, eight torque transmitting balls 3 disposed in the ball tracks formed by cooperation of the guide grooves 1b of the outer joint member 1 and the guide grooves 2b of the inner joint member 2, and a cage 4 for retaining the torque transmitting balls 3. The spherical center B of the outer spherical surface 4b and the spherical center A of the inner spherical surface 4a of the cage 4 are respectively offset equidistantly to the opposite side in the axial direction with respect to the center 0 of the pocket 4c.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly for a vehicle, having a fixed-type constant velocity joint linked at one end of a shaft portion of a vehicle and a plunging type constant velocity joint linked to the other end of the shaft portion. The fixed type constant velocity joint includes an outer joint member having eight curved guide grooves axially formed in the spherical inner surface and an inner joint member having eight curved guide grooves axially formed in the spherical outer surface. Serrations (or splines) are formed on the inner surface for connection to a shaft portion. Eight torque transmitting balls are disposed in ball tracks defined between the guide grooves of the outer and inner joint members. A cage retains the torque transmitting balls.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint comprises an outer joint member 1 having eight curved guide grooves 1b axially formed in the spherical inner surface 1a thereof, an inner joint member 2 having eight curved guide grooves 2b axially formed in the spherical outer surface 2a thereof and serrations (or splines) 2c formed on the inner surface for connection to a shaft portion 5, eight torque transmitting balls 3 disposed in ball tracks defined between the guide grooves 1b and 2b of the outer and inner joint members 1 and 2, and a cage 4 for retaining the torque transmitting balls 3.

Abstract: The homokinetic joint has an inner ring and and an outer ring formed with axial track grooves so as to be opposite to each other, balls received in the track grooves, a cage mounted between the inner and outer rings and having pockets accommodating the respective balls, whereby torque is transmitted between the inner and outer rings through the balls so that the inner and outer rings will rotate at the same speed. The distance between said track grooves formed in the inner ring and those formed in the outer ring is determined so that the balls are fitted in the grooves between the ring and the inner ring with a predetermined interference, while leaving an axial clearance between the pockets of the cage and the balls. Thus, the balls can roll smoothly with little play in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: In a lamp for an automobile in which the front opening edge of a lamp housing is covered with front lenses or outer lenses to form lamp chambers for accommodating therein bulbs serving as light sources. An inner lens is provided inside the front lenses or the outer lenses, and a diffusion reflection layer fabricated by roughening processing or the like is formed particularly on a part of an outer peripheral surface of a flange portion of the inner lens or the entire outer peripheral surface thereof. Light emitted by the bulb is irregularly reflected by the diffusion/reflection layer so as to prevent a portion higher in brightness than other portion from appearing in the light emitting planes of the front lenses or the outer lenses.