Patents by Inventor Tomoshige Kobayashi
Tomoshige Kobayashi 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).
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Publication number: 20240052893Abstract: A plunging type constant velocity universal joint 1 for a propeller shaft includes an outer joint member 2, an inner joint member 3, eight torque transmidetting balls 4, and a cage 5. A center of curvature O1 of a spherical outer surface 12 and a center of curvature O2 of a spherical inner surface 13 of the cage 5 each have an equal and axially opposite offset (f) with respect to a center O3 of pockets 5a. A ratio f/PCDBALL between the offset (f) of the cage 5 and a pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL) of the torque transmitting balls 4 is 0.07 or more and 0.09 or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Masazumi KOBAYASHI, Tomoshige KOBAYASHI
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Patent number: 11835096Abstract: A plunging type constant velocity universal joint 1 for a propeller shaft includes an outer joint member 2, an inner joint member 3, eight torque transmitting balls 4, and a cage 5. A center of curvature O1 of a spherical outer surface 12 and a center of curvature O2 of a spherical inner surface 13 of the cage 5 each have an equal and axially opposite offset (f) with respect to a center O3 of pockets 5a. A ratio f/PCDBALL between the offset (f) of the cage 5 and a pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL) of the torque transmitting balls 4 is 0.07 or more and 0.09 or less.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2019Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Masazumi Kobayashi, Tomoshige Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20230043113Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member, an inner joint member, eight balls, and a cage. The fixed type constant velocity universal joint has a ball retaining mechanism. A ratio of an axial length from a joint center to an opening-side end surface of the outer joint member to a diameter of each of the balls is within a range of 0.35 to 0.52. A ratio of a width of the cage to the diameter of each of the balls is within a range of 1.63 to 1.80. The ball retaining mechanism includes a cylindrical shaft portion at an end portion of a shaft and an angle restriction stopper surface of the outer joint member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2020Publication date: February 9, 2023Inventors: Tomoshige KOBAYASHI, Masazumi KOBAYASHI
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Patent number: 11519462Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint includes an inner ring and an outer ring. A cage is disposed between an outer spherical surface of the inner ring and an inner spherical surface of the outer ring, and has windows in which respective balls are received. The cage has ball contact surface areas with which the balls come into contact, and includes soft portions that are lower in hardness than the ball contact surface areas. The soft portions are formed by local heat treatment at portions of the windows that are kept out of contact with the balls or surface portions around the windows.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Tsubasa Nishikawa, Masashi Funahashi, Tomoshige Kobayashi, Teruaki Fujio
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Patent number: 11359677Abstract: A plunging type constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member, an inner joint member, eight balls, and a cage. A curvature center of a spherical portion of an outer peripheral surface of the cage and a curvature center of a spherical portion of an inner peripheral surface of the cage are offset to opposite sides in the axial direction with respect to a joint center by an equal distance. A ratio PCDBALL/DBALL of a pitch circle diameter PCDBALL of the balls to a diameter DBALL of each of the balls is set from 3.3 to 3.6. A ratio TI/DBALL of a radial thickness TI of the inner joint member to the diameter DBALL of each of the balls is set from 0.30 to 0.45.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Masazumi Kobayashi, Tomoshige Kobayashi
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Patent number: 11359676Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint (3) includes an outer joint member (31), an inner joint member (32), eight balls (33), and a cage (34). A diameter (D31c) of the outer joint member (31) at an opening end of an inner peripheral surface (31c) is set larger than an outer diameter (D34b) of the cage (34) at a center portion in a circumferential direction of pockets (34a) when the cage (34) is seen from an axial direction of the joint. A bottom surface (31f) of a mouth section (31a) of the outer joint member (31) is arranged so as to interfere with an imaginary spherical surface (Q) being an extension of the inner peripheral surface (31c) of the outer joint member (31) toward a deep-side.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoshige Kobayashi, Masazumi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 11353066Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint (3) includes an outer joint member (31), an inner joint member (32), eight balls (33), and a cage (34). A curvature center (O31d) of track grooves (31d) of the outer joint member (31) and a curvature center (O32e) of track grooves (32e) of the inner joint member (32) are offset to opposite sides in an axial direction of the joint with respect to a joint center (O(f)) by an equal distance. A ratio (PCDBALL/DBALL) of a pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL) of the balls (33) to a diameter (DBALL) of each of the balls (33) is set from 3.70 to 3.87. A ratio (TC/DBALL) of a radial thickness (TC) of the cage (34) to the diameter (DBALL) of each of the balls (33) is set from 0.22 to 0.25.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoshige Kobayashi, Masazumi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 11326649Abstract: A rear-wheel drive shaft (1) includes a fixed type constant velocity universal joint (3), a plunging type constant velocity universal joint (2), and an intermediate shaft (4) coupling both the constant velocity universal joints to each other. A ratio (PCDBALL(f)/DBALL(f)) of a pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL(f)) of balls (33) of the fixed type constant velocity universal joint (3) to a diameter (DBALL(f)) of each of the balls (33) is set from 3.70 to 3.87. A ratio (PCDBALL(s)/DBALL(s)) of a pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL(s)) of balls (23) of the plunging type constant velocity universal joint (2) to a diameter (DBALL(s)) of each of the balls (23) is set from 3.3 to 3.6.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Masazumi Kobayashi, Tomoshige Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20210172481Abstract: A plunging type constant velocity universal joint 1 for a propeller shaft includes an outer joint member 2, an inner joint member 3, eight torque transmitting balls 4, and a cage 5. A center of curvature O1 of a spherical outer surface 12 and a center of curvature O2 of a spherical inner surface 13 of the cage 5 each have an equal and axially opposite offset (f) with respect to a center O3 of pockets 5a. A ratio f/PCDBALL between the offset (f) of the cage 5 and a pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL) of the torque transmitting balls 4 is 0.07 or more and 0.09 or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2019Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: Masazumi KOBAYASHI, Tomoshige KOBAYASHI
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Patent number: 10962063Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member having a cup shape, an inner joint member, which is received in the outer joint member, and transmits torque between the outer and inner joint members through intermediation of balls while allowing angular displacement, and a shaft, which is coupled to the inner joint member so as to allow torque transmission. A recessed portion is formed in a bottom portion of the outer joint member, and an embedded stopper that enters the recessed portion of the outer joint member is mounted to a shaft end portion of the shaft opposed to the recessed portion. The embedded stopper is allowed to interfere with the recessed portion of the outer joint member at an angle that is smaller than an incorporating angle of the balls and larger than a maximum operating angle during use of the joint.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Yuichi Asano, Tomoshige Kobayashi
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Patent number: 10875357Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member having a cup shape, an inner joint member, which is received in the outer joint member, and transmits torque between the inner and outer joint members through intermediation of balls while allowing angular displacement, and a hollow shaft, which is coupled to the inner joint member so as to allow torque transmission. A threaded hole is formed in a bottom portion of the outer joint member along an axial direction. A recessed hole is formed to be open in a shaft end portion of the hollow shaft opposed to the threaded hole. An embedded stopper that enters the threaded hole is press-fitted into the recessed hole. The embedded stopper is retractable into the hollow shaft in a press-fitting direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoshige Kobayashi, Yuichi Asano
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Publication number: 20200277997Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint is provided which includes an inner ring and an outer ring. A cage is disposed between an outer spherical surface of the inner ring and an inner spherical surface of the outer ring, and has windows in which respective balls are received. The cage has ball contact surface areas with which the balls come into contact, and includes soft portions that are lower in hardness than the ball contact surface areas. The soft portions are formed by local heat treatment at portions of the windows that are kept out of contact with the balls or surface portions around the windows.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2018Publication date: September 3, 2020Applicant: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Tsubasa NISHIKAWA, Masashi FUNAHASHI, Tomoshige KOBAYASHI, Teruaki FUJIO
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Publication number: 20200240477Abstract: A rear-wheel drive shaft (1) includes a fixed type constant velocity universal joint (3), a plunging type constant velocity universal joint (2), and an intermediate shaft (4) coupling both the constant velocity universal joints to each other. A ratio (PCDBALL (f)/DBALL (f)) of a pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL (f)) of balls (33) of the fixed type constant velocity universal joint (3) to a diameter (DBALL(f)) of each of the balls (33) is set from 3.70 to 3.87. A ratio (PCDBALL(s)/DBALL(s)) of a pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL(s)) of balls (23) of the plunging type constant velocity universal joint (2) to a diameter (DBALL(s)) of each of the balls (23) is set from 3.3 to 3.6.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2018Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Masazumi KOBAYASHI, Tomoshige KOBAYASHI
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Publication number: 20200240476Abstract: Provided is a plunging type constant velocity universal joint (2) comprising an outer joint member (21), an inner joint member (22), eight balls (23), and a cage (24). A curvature center (O24b) of a spherical portion (24b) of an outer peripheral surface of the cage (24) and a curvature center (O24d) of a spherical portion (24d) of an inner peripheral surface of the cage (24) are offset to opposite sides in the axial direction with respect to a joint center (O(s)) by an equal distance. A ratio PCDBALL/DBALL of a pitch circle diameter PCDBALL of the balls (23) to a diameter DBALL of each of the balls (23) is set from 3.3 to 3.6. A ratio TI/DBALL of a radial thickness TI of the inner joint member (22) to the diameter DBALL of each of the balls (23) is set from 0.30 to 0.45.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2018Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Masazumi KOBAYASHI, Tomoshige KOBAYASHI
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Publication number: 20200018356Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint (3) includes an outer joint member (31), an inner joint member (32), eight balls (33), and a cage (34). A curvature center (O31d) of track grooves (31d) of the outer joint member (31) and a curvature center (O32e) of track grooves (32e) of the inner joint member (32) are offset to opposite sides in an axial direction of the joint with respect to a joint center (O(f)) by an equal distance. A ratio (PCDBALL/DBALL) of a pitch circle diameter (PCDBALL) of the balls (33) to a diameter (DBALL) of each of the balls (33) is set from 3.70 to 3.87. A ratio (TC/DBALL) of a radial thickness (TC) of the cage (34) to the diameter (DBALL) of each of the balls (33) is set from 0.22 to 0.25.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2018Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Tomoshige KOBAYASHI, Masazumi KOBAYASHI
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Publication number: 20200018357Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint (3) includes an outer joint member (31), an inner joint member (32), eight balls (33), and a cage (34). A diameter (D31c) of the outer joint member (31) at an opening end of an inner peripheral surface (31c) is set larger than an outer diameter (D34b) of the cage (34) at a center portion in a circumferential direction of pockets (34a) when the cage (34) is seen from an axial direction of the joint. A bottom surface (31f) of a mouth section (31a) of the outer joint member (31) is arranged so as to interfere with an imaginary spherical surface (Q) being an extension of the inner peripheral surface (31c) of the outer joint member (31) toward a deep-side.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2018Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Tomoshige KOBAYASHI, Masazumi KOBAYASHI
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Patent number: 10443647Abstract: A corrugated portion is formed in one end edge portion of the metallic shaft main body (2), and a triangular corrugated portion (11) is formed in an end edge portion of the shaft auxiliary body (3) on the metallic shaft main body side. The metallic shaft main body (2) and the shaft auxiliary body (3) are integrated by being linearly arranged by way of meshing that brings a side of the triangular corrugated portion (9) on the main body side and a side of the triangular corrugated portion (11) on the auxiliary body side into contact with each other. A fiber orientation angle (?) of the fiber reinforced plastic of the shaft auxiliary body (3) is set so as to be in the same direction as a direction of stress generated in a hypotenuse of each triangular portion under a torque load state.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Taku Itagaki, Yuichi Asano, Tomoshige Kobayashi, Takeyoshi Konomoto, Minoru Ishijima
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Patent number: 10309464Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member having eight curved track grooves, an inner joint member having eight curved track grooves, eight torque transmission balls, and a cage configured to hold the torque transmission balls in pockets. A curvature center of each of the track grooves of the outer joint member and a curvature center of each of the track grooves of the inner joint member are offset from a joint center by an equal distance to opposite sides in the axial direction. The joint has grease sealed therein. Initial pocket gaps between the pockets and the balls each have a positive value. The grease has an initial consistency equivalent to consistency number 1 or 2, and a mixture stability of from 390 to 440.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2015Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoshige Kobayashi, Mika Kohara, Teruaki Fujio
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Patent number: 10247250Abstract: An outer joint member includes a cutout portion that is formed at least at each corner portion on an opening side of a cup section, which is defined between a radially inner opening end portion of each of track grooves and a radially inner spherical surface portion formed between the track grooves. The cutout portion is configured to prevent a cage from interfering with the outer joint member when the cage is incorporated into the outer joint member. The cutout portion and the track grooves of the outer joint member are finished by cold-forging ironing using a single ironing punch.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoshige Kobayashi, Kouji Masuoka
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Publication number: 20180313406Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member having a cup shape, an inner joint member, which is received in the outer joint member, and transmits torque between the outer and inner joint members through intermediation of balls while allowing angular displacement, and a shaft, which is coupled to the inner joint member so as to allow torque transmission. A recessed portion is formed in a bottom portion of the outer joint member, and an embedded stopper that enters the recessed portion of the outer joint member is mounted to a shaft end portion of the shaft opposed to the recessed portion. The embedded stopper is allowed to interfere with the recessed portion of the outer joint member at an angle that is smaller than an incorporating angle of the balls and larger than a maximum operating angle during use of the joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2016Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventors: Yuichi ASANO, Tomoshige KOBAYASHI