Tripod Coupling Patents (Class 464/111)
  • Patent number: 5507693
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Schwarzler, Volker Bergmann, Dieter Burghardt, Norbert Hofmann, Michael Ricks, Hans-Heinrich Welschof
  • Patent number: 5505660
    Abstract: A transmission joint of the sliding type has a joint body (12) and a tripode (14) having three arms (16) each of which is capable of sliding between two parallel and plane surface portions (36) by means of an articulation element (18) which is carried by the arm (16) of the tripode (14) and which comprises two parallel and opposite plane faces (20) each of which interacts with one of the plane surface portions (36) with interposition of a row of bearing needles (32), wherein the joint body (12) comprises three bearing races each comprising two tracks (38) each of which consists of a component comprising a plane surface portion (36) and a convex cylindrical surface portion (40) which interacts with a complementary concave cylindrical bearing surface (42) formed in the joint body (12) with respect to which it is capable of pivoting, and in that each arm (16) of the tripode comprises a journal on which the intermediate articulation element (18) is mounted to revolve about an axis (Y-Y) parallel to its opposite p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Van Dest
  • Patent number: 5496217
    Abstract: A stroking constant velocity universal joint including a tulip housing having three longitudinal drive channels therein and a spider having three radial trunnions reaching into the drive channels. A cylindrical drive roller is disposed in each drive channel and has a radial bore therein with an inner convex surface around a cylindrical bearing race on the corresponding radial trunnion. A full complement of needle bearings is disposed in the clearance between each cylindrical bearing race and the corresponding inner convex surface. A pair of annular washers are mounted on each radial trunnion at opposite ends of the bearing race thereon. A counterbore in a side of each washer facing the corresponding drive roller has a diameter less than the minimum diameter of the inner convex surface in the drive roller and overlaps an end of the full complement of needle bearings to hold the needle bearings closer to the cylindrical bearing race than the inner convex surface of the drive roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Scott J. Perrow, Jon N. Miller
  • Patent number: 5474500
    Abstract: A constant-velocity joint has an outer member formed centered on an axis with three radially inwardly open and axially extending channels each having a pair of angularly confronting and axially extending inner running surfaces that are each concave toward the other inner running surface of the respective pair, an inner member formed centered on a respective axis with three radially outwardly projecting trunnions each engaged in a respective one of the channels and each defining respective radially extending trunnion axes, and respective annular rollers rotatable on the trunnions about the respective trunnion axes and having outer running surfaces riding on the inner running surfaces of the respective channels and each radially outwardly convex relative to the respective trunnion axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Sobhy L. Girguis
  • Patent number: 5460573
    Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with at least two circumferentially distributed longitudinally extending tracks to receive rollers. The outer part is non-rotatingly connected to a first driveshaft. An inner joint part is coupled with the outer joint part. The inner joint part has radial arms which engage the tracks and on which the rollers are rotatably and radially movably supported. The inner part is non-rotatingly connectable to a second driveshaft. The outer joint part further includes an outer annular member directly and firmly connected to the first driveshaft. Track elements directly guide the rollers, and resilient intermediate elements are arranged between the two parts. A mutual centering mechanism is provided between the annular member of the outer joint part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Werner Krude
  • Patent number: 5411440
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type having an outer joint part provided with three circumferentially distributed, axially extending longitudinal recesses with circumferentially distributed opposed running faces, an inner joint part provided with three circumferentially distributed radial journals engaging the longitudinal recesses, with the journals being provided with roller members which are held substantially isogonally in the longitudinal recesses and which are held relative to the journals so as to be radially displaceable and angularly movable, with each roller member being rotatably supported on a roller carrier and with the journals, at their ends, each having pivot heads which are firmly connected thereto and which engage a radial cylindrical inner recess of a roller carrier so as to be radially movable and angularly movable at right angles thereto around two axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Jorg Bensinger, Krude Werner, Dieter Jost
  • Patent number: 5397271
    Abstract: Articulated transmission joint (10) of the slidable type comprising a transmission joint body (12) and a tripod element (14) having three radial arms (16) each of which arms is slidable between two planar surface portions (36) through the medium of two articulation elements (18) which are pivotally mounted on a spherical trunnion (21) of the tripod element (14), each articulation element (18) defining a planar surface (20) which is cooperative with one of the planar surface portions (36). The joint body (12) comprises three bearing ways each comprising two tracks (38) each of which tracks is constituted by a member defining a planar surface portion (36) and a convex cylindrical surface portion (40) which is cooperative with a complementary concave cylindrical bearing surface (42) formed in the joint body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Bernard Poulin
  • Patent number: 5395289
    Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three circumferentially distributed axis-parallel recesses which form circumferentially opposed tracks. An inner joint part with a star-shaped cross-section and three circumferentially distributed arms engages the recesses of the outer joint part. The arms hold roller assemblies. Each roller assembly includes a roller carrying means and a roller directly riding on the tracks. On each arm, a roller carrying element is held to be axially and angularly movable relative to the arm axis. Also, on each roller carrying element, the roller is axially secured and rotatably supported via a rolling contact bearing. A friction reducing mechanism is provided between the roller carrying elements and rollers. The friction reducing mechanism is effective with respect to the relative rotational movements taking place between the elements and rollers under axial forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Damian
  • Patent number: 5391013
    Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three circumferentially distributed, axis-parallel recesses forming circumferentially distributed opposed tracks. An inner joint part has a star-shaped cross-section and three circumferentially distributed arms engaging the recesses in the outer joint part. The arms support roller assemblies. When torque is transmitted with the joint in an extended position, the resultant K.sub.1 of the forces acting from the inner joint part directly on a roller forms a shorter perpendicular distance from the joint axis than the resultant K.sub.2 of the counter forces acting from the outer joint part on the roller, so that, when torque is introduced into the joint, at any angle of articulation of the operating range, the roller is subject to a tilting moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignees: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH, GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Michael Ricks, Norbert Hofmann, Friedholm John, Werner Krude, Dieter Jost, Peter Harz, Jorg Bensinger
  • Patent number: 5380249
    Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three circumferentially distributed, axis-parallel recesses which form circumferentially opposed tracks. An inner joint part with a star-shaped cross-section and three circumferentially distributed arms engaging the recesses in the outer joint part is associated with the outer part. The arms support roller assemblies. Each roller assembly has at least one inner ring and an outer roller. The inner ring is angularly movable relative to the arm and axially movable relative to the arm axis. A rolling contact bearing is arranged between an outer surface of the inner ring and an inner surface of the outer roller. Also, the outer surface of the outer roller rolls directly on the tracks. The inner ring and outer roller, with reference to the joint axis, are each supported radially outwardly independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Werner Krude
  • Patent number: 5376050
    Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part with an annular housing (1) and roller track elements forming roller tracks, and an inner joint part with a tripod member (6) including rollers (5). The rollers (5) are guided on roller tracks (4) in the roller track elements (2). The roller track elements (2) include longitudinal edges (3) facing an inner face (10) of the tripod housing (1). At the end faces of their longitudinal edges (3), the roller track elements (2) are non-releasably connected to the annular housing (1). The substantially cylindrical tripod housing (1), at one end face, has a housing aperture whereas at the opposite end, it is connected to a shaft journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Werner Krude, Dieter Jost
  • Patent number: 5376049
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Heinrich Welschof, Peter Schwarzler, Michael Ricks, Norbert Hofmann, Friedhelm John, Hans Wormsbacher, Dieter Burghardt
  • Patent number: 5374219
    Abstract: An outer ring for a vibration proof homokinetic joint has inner and outer casings. Vibration proof members made of an elastic material are disposed between the inner and outer casings. The outer casing is formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof with protrusions angularly spaced therebetween. The inner casing is formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof with grooves angularly spaced therebetween to receive the protrusions therein with predetermined gaps formed therebetween and extending in the direction of rotation of the joint. The vibration proof members are mounted between the adjacent protrusions and between the inner peripheral surface of the outer casing and the outer peripheral surface of the inner casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kohara, Katsumi Furutani, Takashi Nozaki, Isao Mikuriya
  • Patent number: 5362275
    Abstract: A constant-velocity joint has an outer member formed centered on an axis with three radially inwardly open and axially extending channels each having a pair of angularly confronting and axially extending inner running surfaces that are each concave toward the other inner running surface of the respective pair, an inner member formed centered on a respective axis with three radially outwardly projecting trunnions each engaged in a respective one of the channels and each defining respective radially extending trunnion axes, and respective annular rollers rotatable on the trunnions about the respective trunnion axes and having outer running surfaces riding on the inner running surfaces of the respective channels and each radially outwardly convex relative to the respective trunnion axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Sobhy L. Girguis
  • Patent number: 5348512
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint including a housing having a plurality of longitudinally extending channels has an inner rotatable member having a plurality of radially disposed trunnions, each of which extends into a respective one of the channels. A ball and socket joint, including a ball member and a socket member, is disposed intermediate each trunnion and the housing. A bearing is located between each trunnion and the respective ball member to permit relatively frictionless axial movement between the trunnion and the respective ball member. The bearing includes a generally rectangularly shaped cage retaining a plurality of needle rollers on at least two of the sides of the cage. The central longitudinal axes of the needle rollers are disposed normally to the direction of axial movement of the trunnion with respect to the respective ball member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Ina Bearing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bobby L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 5330389
    Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part (1, 41, 61) with three circumferentially distributed longitudinal recesses (2, 42, 62) each forming circumferentially opposed tracks (4, 5; 45, 65). An inner joint part (7, 47, 67) with tripod arms (9, 49, 69) which extend into the longitudinal recess (2, 42, 62) is positioned within the outer joint part (1, 41, 61). Rolling members (10, 50, 70) in rolling contact with the tracks (4, 5; 45, 65) are supported and movably and pivotably held on the tripod arms (9, 49, 69). The longitudinal recesses (2, 42, 62) include guiding means (18, 19) holding the rolling members (10, 50, 70) in the longitudinal recesses (2, 42, 62) so as to be axis-parallel with the joint. The rolling member (10, 50, 70) are in contact with one of the tracks (4, 5,; 45; 65). In each case, there is provided a first contact point (C) for accommodating a circumferentially extending transmission force F.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Dieter Jost, Werner Krude
  • Patent number: 5299981
    Abstract: A transmission joint body (10) intended to be connected to a shaft (13) has several bearing paths for articulation elements distributed around an axis (X--X) of the body. Each bearing path comprises two fixed or movable tracks (14) arranged so as to cooperate with articulation elements of the transmission joint. Each track is constituted by a first surface (16) of a metal part (14). A second surface (18) is associated with a complementary surface (20) of the joint body (10) formed in a portion (12) of the joint body constructed of a composite material constituted by a reinforced thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix. At central longitudinal axis (ACR) of each bearing path, contained in a plane containing the axis (X--X) of the shaft (13), forms an angle (.alpha.) with the geometrical axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventors: Bernard Poulin, Michel Margerie
  • Patent number: 5290202
    Abstract: A joint comprises a tripod equipped with three spherical pivots, and a barrel with six cylindrical inner tracks. Intermediate elements comprise a cylindrical surface complementary with the spherical pivot and a surface of circular profile complementary with the circular profile of the tracks. The intermediate elements are blocks, the surface of circular profile of which is a cylindrical surface permanently bearing slidably in the tracks. The joint enables reducing the contact pressures, increasing the telescopic stroke, simplifying the form of the intermediate elements and making it possible to produce them from a material of moderate hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventor: Michel Orain
  • Patent number: 5279522
    Abstract: A transmission joint body has an envelope inside which are provided bearing paths for articulation elements of a transmission joint (10). A connection system for the joint body includes a radial flange connected to the envelope. The flange is made at least partially from a material comprising a thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix reinforced with short fibers or with particles. According to a preferred embodiment, the inner space defined radially by the inner peripheral surface of the envelope of the joint body is partially filled with a material comprising a thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix reinforced with short fibers or with particles, and which is extended outside the envelope through one axial end of the latter in order to form the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventors: Michel Rouillot, Bernard Poulin, Michel Margerie
  • Patent number: 5277660
    Abstract: A tripod joint provides unlimited rolling plunge capabilities by using a chain-linked plurality of roller bearings. The roller bearings travel in an endless path around the inner member continuously providing plunging movement of the outer member with respect to the inner member. The angular travel of the joint is accommodated by angular movement of the inner member with respect to an inner roller. This insures that the plurality of roller bearings will maintain a rolling movement with respect to the outer member even when the joint is operated at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick J. Uchman
  • Patent number: 5267901
    Abstract: A tripod joint has an outer joint part (1) with three uniformly circumferentially distributed axis-parallel recesses (2) forming circumferentially opposed tracks (4, 5), and an inner joint part (6) having a tripod-shaped cross-section with three circumferentially distributed arms (7) which extend into the recesses (2) of the outer joint part (1). Roller assemblies (8) are supported on the arms 7. Each roller assembly has at least one inner ring (12) and one outer roller (9) supported by the arms (7). The roller surface of the outer roller (9) rolls directly on the track (4, 5), with surfaces in each case being paired, such surface pairing enabling at least one radial sliding movement of at least part of a roller assembly (8) relative to the associated arm (7). A space (16) is formed between the roller assemblies (8) and the arms (7) for storing a first lubricant for the surface pairs enabling the radial sliding movement. The remaining joint interior or cavity (3) is filled with a second lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Dieter Jost, Werner Krude
  • Patent number: 5256107
    Abstract: An outside member connected to a first shaft is provided on the inner peripheral surface with three grooves extending in the axial direction of the first shaft at circumferentially equal intervals. An inside member connected to a second shaft has roller shafts extending outward in the radial direction of the second shaft so as to respectively enter into the grooves of the outside member, each roller shaft being provided on the outer periphery with a convex spherical surface. A cage provided on the inner periphery with a concave spherical surface is mounted on each roller shaft by fitting the concave spherical surface to the covex spherical surface of the roller shaft. A ring-like roller is rotatably supported by the cage to contact with the outside member. When the first shaft and the second shaft are rotated with a joint angle made between the first and second shafts, the position of the roller relative to the axis of the first shaft is maintained constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takumi Matsumoto, Yasuyoshi Yasui, Tsuyoshi Togame
  • Patent number: 5254038
    Abstract: A triplan constant velocity joint has an outer member, an inner member, shoes, rolling elements between the shoes and the outer member, and a positioning spring to position the rolling elements in relation to the inner member. The spring has a body with first and second arms for retaining the rolling elements with respect to the inner member. The spring also includes a retaining mechanism which both secures the spring to the inner member and provides a restoring force to position the rolling elements in relation to the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5224899
    Abstract: A constant velocity ratio universal joint of the tripod type comprising a hollow outer joint member having a rotational axis and three interior guide grooves parallel to its rotational axis and equally circumferentially spaced thereabout, each guide groove having a base portion and opposed side portions; an inner joint member, inside the outer joint member, having a rotational axis and three arms equally spaced about this rotational axis and extending radially into the outer member guide grooves; each arm carrying a roller assembly with an outer roller element having an external surface engaging opposed side portions of a guide groove; an inner roller element mounted on the arm and supporting the outer roller element so that the outer roller element can rotate about, move lengthwise of, and tilt relative to the arm; and a guide element engaging the base portion of the guide groove for sliding movement therealong and also engaging the outer roller element to constrain the outer roller element against tilting r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Hardy Spicer Limited
    Inventors: Colin F. S. Turner, Colin A. Bird
  • Patent number: 5222912
    Abstract: A transmission joint has a body connected to a first shaft which delimits a cavity. Inside the cavity is formed at least one pair of running tracks, in which is received a running element connected to a second shaft. The joint has an element for axially retaining the body relative to the second shaft, which element comprises an elastically deformable element which has the shape of a body of revolution, a high axial rigidity and two coaxial, cylindrical joining surfaces, an inner surface and an outer surface, which are connected to the second shaft and the body, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventor: Francois Moulinet
  • Patent number: 5213545
    Abstract: A coupling for coupling two shafts. The coupling is well suited for use as the inboard plunging coupling for a front wheel drive vehicle. The coupling includes a drive canister, a trunnion received within the drive canister and bearing assemblies which mount the trunnion for plunging and pivoting motion within the drive canister. The bearing assembly can include a series of radially spaced bearing surfaces so as to distribute load about a greater area thereby increasing the torque carrying capacity of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Russell D. Ide
  • Patent number: 5213546
    Abstract: A tripod joint separates the internal components of the joint responsible for angular and plunging movement of the joint. The tripod joint comprises an outer race, a spider having three radially extending trunnions, three rollers and a plurality of barrel shaped rollers. The barrel shaped rollers are disposed between the outer rollers and a respective trunnion located on the spider. Plunging movement of the joint either at 0.degree. joint angle or when the joint is at an angle is accommodated by a rolling action of the rollers against the outer race. Angular movement is accommodated by sliding movement of the barrel shaped rollers against an adjacent component or by the outer rollers against the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5209700
    Abstract: Constant-velocity joints in tripod construction have an external joint component (1) in which are formed three circumferentially spaced axial guide tracks (2) with bearing surfaces opposite each other in the circumferential direction. An interior joint component (3) has three circumferentially spaced radial trunnions (4) which engage in the guide tracks (2). A roller unit (8) is on each of the trunnions (4) and is radially supported in the guide tracks (2). The roller units (8) are essentially held at constant angles in the guide tracks. The roller units (8) are, relative to the trunnions (4) and radially movable with angular mobility. The roller unit (8) are each mounted, free to rotate, on a roller carrier (6). The trunnions (4) have connected to their ends, spherical heads (5) which engage a radial internal recess of the roller carrier (6). A needle bearing (7) with a cage (9) is located between each roller carrier (6) and roller unit (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignees: GKN Automotive AG, FAG Kugelfischer
    Inventors: Jurg Bensinger, Werner Krude, Manfred Troster
  • Patent number: 5207616
    Abstract: A transmission joint has a first element connected to a first shaft and mounted in an articulated manner in a second element to form a housing fastened to a transmission member. The housing includes a radial fastening flange mounted axially slidably relative to the outer casing of the housing and an apparatus for immobilizing the fastening flange axially relative to the outer casing of the housing when the second element is in the fixed position on the transmission member. The process employed to assemble the transmission joint temporarily secures the housing relative to the first member until the housing is secured to the fastening flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventor: Francois Moulinet
  • Patent number: 5203741
    Abstract: A constant velocity ratio universal joint of the tripod type, comprising an outer joint member (10) with three guide grooves (20), and an inner joint member with arms (13) each carrying a roller (21) which is able to rotate about, move lengthwise of, and tilt relative to the arm, wherein both the external surface (22) of the roller and each side portion of a guide groove (20) engaged thereby is of a gothic arch cross sectional shape to provide for angular contact between roller and guide groove and improve the guidance of the roller so that it remains aligned in the groove for rolling therealong and with the gothic arch section of the roller and/or guide groove side comprising arcuate portions with different centers of curvature, or having part-elliptical or part-involute portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Hardy Spicer Limited
    Inventors: Turner, Colin F. S., Colin A. Bird
  • Patent number: 5199925
    Abstract: A universal joint of the tripod type comprising an outer joint member (1) in the form of a sleeve with three internal axis-parallel recesses (2) each with circumferentially opposed track pairs (3, 4), an inner joint member (7) with three arms (8) extending into the recesses, intermediate elements (12) pivotally supported on the arms, and rollers (15) guided in the tracks in the recesses and running on rolling members (14) carried by the intermediate elements, wherein the arms of the inner joint member have part-spherical surfaces (10, 11) facing the tracks in the outer joint member, the intermediate elements are non-rotatably held on the arms and have part-spherical internal surfaces engaging the part-spherical surfaces of the arms, and the rollers are displaceable radially of the joint on the rolling members carried by the intermediate elements as well as being rotatable thereabout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Heinrich Welschof
  • Patent number: 5184977
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint with a hollow outer part having three equally spaced longitudinal grooves, each having two opposite groove walls; an inner part with three outwardly projecting trunnions, the axes of the trunnions lying in one plane; and a roller surrounding each of the trunnions and rotating thereabout. Rings are placed around the rollers within the opposite groove walls and are slidably engaged with the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventor: Sobhy L. Girguis
  • Patent number: 5184978
    Abstract: A telescopic triplan universal joint having an inner joint member and an outer joint member. The outer joint member has three longitudinal chambers equally spaced about an axis of rotation. Each chamber has a pair of face-to-face longitudinal guideways. The inner joint member has three trunnions which radially extend into the three longitudinal chambers. Each longitudinal guideway is rollingly engaged by a planar roller bearing which is movable therealong. A movable race is disposed between each planar roller bearing and the trunnion extending into its associated chamber. The movable race has a flat surface engaging the planar roller bearing, a concave trunnion seat mating with the spherical surface of the trunnion, and a pair of transverse stop abutments which limit the longitudinal displacement of the planar roller bearing along the guideways relative to the movable race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis L. Fillmore, Michael J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5176576
    Abstract: A transmission joint has a joint body integrally connected to a first shaft and delimits a cavity (14), open at its end opposite the first shaft. Inside is formed at least one pair of running tracks between which is received a running element connected to a second shaft. A bellows seals the cavity, and a first end of which is connected to the body and the second end of which is connected to the second shaft. The axial free end edge of the joint body which delimits the opening of the cavity is equipped with a cap piece of a complementary shape which extends axially from the edge towards the second shaft, and the first end of the bellows is fixed to the cap piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventor: Francois Moulindt
  • Patent number: 5173083
    Abstract: A transmission joint body has a plurality of bearing passageways for articulation elements distributed around the axis of the body and, each comprising two raceways arranged to cooperate with articulation elements of the transmission joint. Each raceway includes a first surface of a metal member, a second surface of which is associated with a complementary surface of the joint body and, formed in a portion of the joint body. The body is made of a composite material of a reinforced thermosetting or thermoplastic matrix. The second surface of the metal member is capable of displacement relative to the complementary surface of the joint body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Van Dest
  • Patent number: 5171185
    Abstract: A plunging tripod constant velocity universal joint consists of an outer joint member with a cavity having three longitudinal chambers. An inner joint member is displaced within this cavity. The inner joint member consists of a spider member and three sets of roller assemblies. The roller assemblies each have an annular inner roller, an annular outer roller and a plurality of needle rollers. The inner and outer rollers are provided with flanges which form a pocket to retain the plurality of needles without the use of snap rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5167583
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type having an outer joint part provided with three circumferentially distributed, axially extending longitudinal recesses with circumferentially distributed opposed running faces, an inner joint part provided with three circumferentially distributed radial journals engaging the longitudinal recesses, with the journals being provided with roller members which are held substantially isogonally in the longitudinal recesses and which are held relative to the journals so as to be radially displaceable and angularly movable, with each roller member being rotatably supported on a roller carrier and with the journals, at their ends, each having pivot heads which are firmly connected thereto and which engage a radial cylindrical inner recess of a roller carrier so as to be radially movable and angularly movable at right angles thereto around two axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Jorg Bensinger, Werner Krude, Dieter Jost
  • Patent number: 5160297
    Abstract: A tripod constant velocity universal joint having an annular outer member, an inner member and three multiple component rollers. The interior surface of the outer member has three longitudinal lobes forming opposing pairs of parallel longitudinal guideways which are engaged by the multiple component rollers. The inner member is centrally positioned within the outer member and has three trunnions extending radially into the three longitudinal lobes. A multiple component roller is pivotally attached to each of the trunnions. Each multiple component roller has oppositely disposed pairs of elongated rollers, each of which engages an adjacent guideway that corresponds to its trunnion. The axis of rotation of the elongated rollers is substantially perpendicular to its adjacent guideway. Each elongated roller is mounted such that it can be axially displaced along its axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick J. Uchman
  • Patent number: 5160298
    Abstract: A positioning spring for a triplan universal joint has a body with a first and second end. Arms to retain bearings extend from each end of the body. A resilient finger, between the arms on the body, secures the spring to a trunnion and positions the bearing with respect to the trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5137496
    Abstract: A restriction flange formed integrally on one end of each cylindrical holder in a sliding universal joint abuts the bottom surface of the respective transmitting groove to prevent inclination of the holder relative to a center axis of the outer member of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Sasaki, Seiji Esaki, Yasushi Hashimoto, Shigeo Kurita
  • Patent number: 5135438
    Abstract: A transmission joint of the sliding type in which a first element (12) is connected to a first shaft (14) and comprises trunnion journals (20) distributed angularly in a regular manner about the geometrical axis (A1) of the first shaft (14), each trunnion journal (20) receives a rolling element (22) which is mounted so as to rotate and slide on the trunnion journal, the geometrical axis (AT) of the trunnion journal forms a first acute angle with respect to a reference line perpendicular to the axis (A1) of the first shaft (14) and contained within a plane containing the geometrical axes (A1, AT) of the first shaft (14) and of the trunnion journal (20), and in which a second element (16) is connected to a second shaft (18) and comprises rolling paths distributed angularly in a regular manner about the geometrical axis (A2) of the second shaft, each rolling path comprises two parallel tracks (34) between which is accommodated a rolling element (22), the center longitudinal axis (ACR) of the rolling path contain
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventors: Bernard Poulin, Michel Margerie
  • Patent number: 5129860
    Abstract: A homokinetic universal joint having an outer ring formed in its inner periphery with three axially extending cylindrical track grooves and a tripod member mounted in the outer ring and having three trunnions extending radially so as to be inserted in the track grooves. A guide roller is mounted on each trunnion through needle rollers so as to be engaged in each track groove. Each needle roller or each guide roller is formed with minute recesses arranged at random so that the RMS(L)/RMS(C) ratio will be not more than 1.0 wherein RMS(L) and RMS(C) are surface roughness values in the longitudinal and circumferential directions, respectively. An SK value, another surface roughness parameter, is set to be not more than -1.5. Each minute recess should have an area ratio of the minute recesses to the entire surface being 10-40% and an average area of 35-150 square microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Asahara, Haruo Nagatani, Takeshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5127881
    Abstract: A constant-velocity joint with a tripod of the type comprising a tulip and a tripod whose center pivots with radial freedom of movement against the base of the tulip. The tripod is held under axial prestress against this base by an elastic clip having a central part in the form of a cup comprising a base which is in contact with a facing surface of the center of the tripod, and a side wall from the peripheral edge of which extend legs, the free ends of which are joined to the tulip. Each portion of the side wall which extends between two consecutive legs has a hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventors: Daniel Guingand, Francois Verbrugge
  • Patent number: 5125873
    Abstract: A plunging constant velocity ratio universal joint comprising an outer joint member (1) with three circumferentially spaced pairs of tracks (19, 20) in its interior, an inner joint member (3) with outwardly extending pairs of limbs (17, 18) with opposed part-cylindrical surfaces (17a, 18a), and three intermediate members each with a part-spherical portion (2) received between the surfaces (17a, 18a) of the limbs, and projections (10, 11) extending in opposite directions therefrom. Each projection has a pair of oppositely disposed tracks (13, 14, 15, 16) facing the tracks in the outer joint member, at least two rolling members (5, 6, 7, 8) engaging in the facing tracks of the projections and outer joint member, and respective cage (4) for constraining the rolling members of each intermediate member relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Heinrich Welschof
  • Patent number: 5098342
    Abstract: In a tripod type constant velocity joint a tripod is disposed within a cylindrical housing such that three equi-angularly spaced trunnions of the tripod are received within corresponding recesses of the housing. Each trunnion has a spherical roller mounted thereon through a plurality of rolling bearing members, and a cylindrical roller mounted on the spherical roller. An inner peripheral concave spherical surface of the cylindrical roller is in intimate sliding contact with an outer peripheral convex spherical surface of the spherical roller, and an outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical roller is in rolling contact with the opposite side surfaces of the corresponding recess. The rolling bearing members, the spherical rollers, and the cylindrical rollers are disposed within a circle formed by linking the ends of the trunnions together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasumasa Mizukoshi
  • Patent number: 5073144
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a universal joint of the tripot type comprises a drive block and bearing rollers which are retained by two cage pieces which are mounted on the respective opposite driving sides of the drive block so that the bearing rollers on each driving side are retained by a single cage piece. The cage pieces are retained on the drive block by fastening the cage pieces to each other or to the drive block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Stenglein, Robert C. Farrell, Michael A. Derry
  • Patent number: 5069653
    Abstract: A tripot type constant velocity universal joint comprises a first rotary member provided with three sets of track surfaces each consisting of two parallel planar surfaces, a second rotary member provided with three trunnions corresponding to the track surfaces, and cylindrical roller assemblies loosely fitted to the trunnions and fitted on the track surfaces. The cylindrical roller assemblies are pivoted around corresponding points on the axes of the trunnions. The roller assemblies have a pivot controlling member for controlling pivot of the roller assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasumasa Mizukoshi
  • Patent number: 5062821
    Abstract: A transmission joint of the type comprising a socket is connected to a first shaft. Inside the socket is formed at least one pair of rolling tracks in which a rolling element connected to a second shaft is received. A protective closing cover of a generally cylindrical form is mounted on the outer wall of the socket, with a gasket interposed in the vicinity of an end of the socket adjacent the first shaft. The other end of the cover keeps a free annular edge of a sealing bellows gripped between an inner cylindrical wall of the cover and an opposite socket portion. The cover is mounted on the socket in the vicinity of its two opposite ends so as to provide a radial play between the inner wall of the cover and a rough outer wall of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventor: Francois Moulinet
  • Patent number: 5061223
    Abstract: A homokinetic universal joint having an outer ring formed in its inner surface with three axial track grooves, a tripod member inserted in the outer ring and having three legs, and guide blocks pivotally and axially slidably mounted on the respective legs and received in the respective track grooves. The guide blocks are formed in each side thereof with a ball circulating passage having straight raceways. A plurality of balls are rollingly received in each ball circulating passage. The track grooves are formed at both sides thereof with raceway grooves extending parallel to the axis of the track grooves to guide the balls along the straight raceways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kadota, Yo Mihata, Mamoru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5030168
    Abstract: In an articulated transmission joint for automobiles, there is provided a large telescopic range of travel for the joint. A first shaft having a tripod element composed of three radial arms is joined to another shaft with a bowl element. The bowl element is provided with rolling tracks therein. Each arm of the tripod element has two roller segments pivotable thereabout. The roller segments are in rolling contact with the rolling tracks of the bowl element. Each set of roller segments not only has an arrangement for limiting the angular range of movement of the roller segments about their respective arms, but also is provided with an arrangement for limiting the range of telescopic movement of the arms to a maximum extension and a maximum compression position. This arrangement further ensures that the roller segments are at their respective limits of angular movement about each arm when their arm is at an end point of its range of movement in the bowl element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Glaenzer Spicer
    Inventor: Michel Orain