Intersecting Grooves Patents (Class 464/144)
  • Patent number: 12104661
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint has outer joint member track grooves each with a raceway center line that includes an arc-shaped portion having a curvature center that has no offset with respect to a joint center in an axial direction. The track grooves are formed such that adjacent track grooves are inclined in opposite directions. The joint also has inner joint member track grooves that are each mirror-symmetric with a corresponding one of the outer joint member track grooves. When at a maximum operating angle, a torque transmission ball that moves toward an opening side of the outer joint member track groove loses contact with an opening-side end portion of that track groove, and when at an operating angle of 0°, an end portion of a cage projects from the opening-side end portion of the outer joint member in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teruaki Fujio, Masashi Funahashi
  • Patent number: 12055188
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint has outer joint member track grooves each with a raceway center line that includes an arc-shaped portion having a curvature center that has no offset with respect to a joint center in an axial direction. The track grooves are formed such that adjacent track grooves are inclined in opposite directions. The joint also has inner joint member track grooves that are each formed to be mirror-symmetric with a corresponding one of the outer joint member track grooves with a plane including the joint center and being orthogonal to the axis of the joint at an operating angle of 0°. When at a large operating angle, an operating angle at which a torque transmission ball loses contact with the inner joint member track groove is larger than that at which the torque transmission ball loses contact with the outer joint member track groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Funahashi, Teruaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 11713075
    Abstract: A track deviation sensing mechanism for a steering column includes a sleeve having an inner wall and an outer wall defining an annular opening. The inner wall defines a plurality of internal splines and the sleeve receives the steering column. A sensor has a first axial opening, and a ring is disposed within the first axial opening. The ring defines a second axial opening for accommodating the sleeve. A first part is functionally disposed between the sleeve and the ring such that the first part is lockingly connected to the sleeve and the ring. The first part has a third axial opening. A second part has a fourth axial opening and locks the sensor and the first part at a prerequisite configuration. The first axial opening, the second axial opening, the third axial opening, the fourth axial opening and the annular opening are coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Shrikant Joshi, Sheik Syed, Jayath Menon, Thiemo Flebbe
  • Patent number: 11378134
    Abstract: A constant-velocity slip ball joint includes an outer joint part with an axis of rotation and outer ball tracks, an inner joint part with inner ball tracks, a plurality of torque-transmitting balls, each guided in associated outer and inner ball tracks, and a cage provided with a plurality of cage windows, which each accommodate each one or more of the balls. The inner joint part can be displaced in relation to the outer joint part by a displacement distance along the axis of rotation. At least a part of the outer ball tracks and at least a part of the inner ball tracks are at a track-helix angle in relation to the axis of rotation. A floor of each ball track, along the displacement path, is spaced apart from the axis of rotation by a respectively constant spacing along a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Günther, Norbert Krancioch
  • Patent number: 11053986
    Abstract: Track grooves of an outer joint member include first and second track groove portions. An end portion of the ball raceway center line of each of the first track groove portions is located on the opening side with respect to a joint center and a ball raceway center line of each of the second track groove portions is connected to the end portion. A ball raceway center line of each of the track grooves of the inner joint member is formed to be mirror-image symmetrical with a ball raceway center line of a corresponding one of the paired track grooves of the outer joint member with respect to a plane that includes the joint center at an operating angle of 0° and is orthogonal to a joint axial line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teruaki Fujio, Masashi Funahashi
  • Patent number: 11047425
    Abstract: In a fixed type constant velocity universal joint, an axial offset amount of a curvature center of each of track grooves of outer and inner joint members is set to 0. The track grooves of the outer and inner joint members are each inclined with respect to an axis line. The track grooves adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction are inclined in opposite directions. The track grooves of the outer and inner joint members that are opposed to each other are inclined with respect to the axis line in opposite directions. A chamfered portion is formed on a track inlet end of each of the track grooves of the outer joint member. When the cage and the inner joint member are inclined with respect to the outer joint member, balls are incorporated into two cage windows at the same time through the chamfered portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Teruaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 10837498
    Abstract: In a fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention, six torque transmitting ball tracks (20) are defined as a first track, a second track, a third track, a fourth track, a fifth track, and a sixth track along a circumferential direction. Further, in the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention, an axial offset amount of a curvature center of each of track grooves (12) of an outer joint member (13) and an axial offset amount of a curvature center of each of track grooves (15) of an inner joint member (16) are set to 0. Further, in the fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention, the track grooves (12) of the outer joint member (13) and the track grooves (15) of the inner joint member (16) are each inclined with respect to an axis line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Teruaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 10648512
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes balls each rollably supported by an associated one of outer ball grooves and an associated one of inner ball grooves facing each other such that the inclined direction of the associated outer ball groove relative to a central axis of an outer joint member is opposite to the inclined direction of the associated inner ball groove relative to a central axis of an inner joint member. The inner joint member includes escape portions to allow escape of the balls from the inner ball grooves to a first side of the central axis of the inner joint member. Each of the escape portions is provided at least between an end face at the first side of the central axis of the inner joint member and a first rolling guide lateral surface of the associated inner ball groove that forms an acute angle with the end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Isashi Kashiwagi, Takashi Okazaki, Tomotaka Minami
  • Patent number: 10047801
    Abstract: An integrated pinion shaft and constant velocity joint (PS/CVJ) assembly for use in motor vehicle driveline applications to transfer torque between a propshaft and a ring gear. The PS/CVJ assembly includes a pinion shaft having a pinion gear segment meshed with the ring gear and a hollow pinion shaft segment. The PS/CVJ assembly also includes a constant velocity joint having an inner race coupled to the propshaft and an outer race integral with or fixed to an end portion of the pinion shaft segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Bradley Ketchel, Wade Smith
  • Patent number: 9556915
    Abstract: Track grooves of an outer joint member include first and second track groove portions. Each of the first track groove portions is formed into an arc shape having a curvature center at a position offset to an opening side with respect to a joint center. The first track groove portions are inclined in a peripheral direction of the outer joint member with respect to a joint axial line and adjacent to each other in the peripheral direction with their inclination directions opposite to each other. Each of the second track groove portions includes a linear part and is connected to the each of the first track groove portions at a position on the opening side with respect to the joint center. Track grooves of inner and outer joint members are formed to be mirror-image symmetrical with respect to a joint center plane at an operating angle of 0°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Hirukawa, Kenta Yamazaki, Kisao Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9551382
    Abstract: Provided is a fixed type constant velocity universal joint, in which: each of first track groove portions positioned on an interior side of an outer joint member includes an arc part having a curvature center that is positioned without being offset in an axial direction with respect to a joint center; the first track groove portions are inclined in a peripheral direction with respect to a joint axial line (N-N) and adjacent to each other in the peripheral direction with their inclination directions opposite to each other; each of second track groove portions positioned on an opening side is formed into a different shape from a shape of the each of the first track groove portions so as to increase an effective track length at a maximum operating angle; the each of the first track groove portions and the each of the second track groove portions are connected to each other at a position on the opening side with respect to the joint center; each of track grooves of an inner joint member is formed so as to be mirr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Hirukawa, Teruaki Fujio, Kenta Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9410581
    Abstract: In a fixed type constant velocity universal joint, track grooves of an outer joint member include first and second track groove portions positioned on interior and open sides, respectively. Each of the first track groove portions includes an arc-shaped ball raceway center line having a curvature center prevented from being offset in an axial direction of the outer joint member with respect to a joint center. Planes each including at least the ball raceway center line and the joint center are inclined with respect to a joint axial line with their inclination directions opposite to each other in the first track groove portions, which are adjacent to each other in a peripheral direction of the outer joint member. Each of the second track groove portions includes a ball raceway center line having a straight part when being projected onto corresponding one of the planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Hirukawa, Kenta Yamazaki, Kisao Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9255611
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint smoothly operates under load and during speed rotation, and also suppresses heat generation and has enhanced durability. An offset in an axial direction between a center of curvature of each of track grooves and a center of curvature of an inner surface of an outer joint member, and an offset in the axial direction between a center of curvature of each of track grooves and a center of curvature of an outer surface of an inner joint member are each set to zero. The track grooves of the outer and inner joint members are each inclined with respect to an axial line. A circumferential length of each of pockets of a cage is set so that two pockets allow balls to be assembled therein at one time under a state in which the two pockets are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Teruaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 9228573
    Abstract: A wabble plate type variable displacement compressor has a wabble plate rotation preventing mechanism including an inner ring axially movable relative to a main shaft, an outer ring connected to the wobble plate, a plurality of balls placed between guide grooves of the inner and outer rings and performing power transmission, and a sleeve axially movably engaged with the inner ring, provided so as to be axially movable together with the inner ring. A shape differs between the axial cross-sectional profiles of substantially concave spherical surfaces formed respectively in the inner periphery of the outer ring and the outer periphery of the sleeve such that the closer to the axial opposite ends of the contact portion between both the surfaces the position is, the greater the clearance between these surfaces. Implementation of the wabble plate rotation preventing mechanism in such a compressor can provide excellent durability and silent performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Sanden Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Tagami
  • Patent number: 9206855
    Abstract: Track grooves of an outer joint member include first and second track groove portions positioned on interior and opening sides, respectively. Each first track groove portion has an arc shape with a curvature center at a position offset to the opening side with respect to a joint center. The first track groove portions are inclined in a peripheral direction of the outer joint member with respect to a joint axial line and adjacent to each other in the peripheral direction with their inclination directions opposite to each other. Each second track groove portion has a shape that is different than each of the first track groove portions so as to increase an effective track length at a maximum operating angle. The second track groove portions are connected to the first track groove portions at a position on the opening side with respect to the joint center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenta Yamazaki, Hiroyasu Hirukawa
  • Patent number: 9169877
    Abstract: An outer joint member has first and second track groove portions located respectively on depth and opening sides. The first track groove portions each have a circular-arc ball-raceway center line having a curvature center that is not offset in an axial direction with respect to a joint center. The second track groove portions each have a ball-raceway center line including a straight part to increase an effective track length at a maximum operating angle. Track grooves of an inner joint member each have a ball-raceway center line that is mirror-image symmetrical with a ball-raceway center line of the paired track groove of the outer joint member with respect to a plane passing through the joint center at an operating angle of 0°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Hirukawa, Kenta Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9163672
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint has track grooves of an outer joint member including first and second track groove portions located on depth and opening sides, respectively. The first track groove portions each have a circular-arc part having a curvature center that is not offset in an axial direction with respect to a joint center, are inclined in a circumferential direction with respect to a joint axial line, and are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with their inclination directions opposite to each other. The second track groove portions have a different shape than the first track groove portions to increase an effective track length with respect to a maximum operating angle. The first and second track groove portions are connected respectively to each other on the opening side with respect to the joint center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenta Yamazaki, Kisao Yamazaki, Teruaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 9144638
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for use in a blood pump includes a first component that has a convex bearing surface and a first outer surface proximate the convex bearing surface. The bearing assembly includes a second component that a concave bearing surface and a second outer surface proximate the concave bearing surface, the concave bearing surface being configured to receive the convex bearing surface. A plurality of grooves are defined through the convex bearing surface and first outer surface or through the concave bearing surface and the second outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: THORATEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen Zimmermann, Carine Hoarau, John Duc Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8979659
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes eight or twelve torque transmitting balls arranged in ball tracks formed of pairs of track grooves of an outer joint member and track grooves of an inner joint member, respectively. A center of curvature of each of the track grooves of the outer joint member and a center of curvature of each of the track grooves of the inner joint member have an axial offset of zero. When eight torque transmitting balls are employed, the track grooves of the outer joint member and the inner joint member each include inclined tracks arranged at a 90° pitch along a circumferential direction and inclined in opposite directions with respect to an axial line and other tracks which are formed between the inclined tracks and parallel to the axial line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Teruaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 8808097
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint prevents heat generation when a high load is applied or during high-speed rotation to improve durability, and suppresses a contact resistance between a cage and inner and outer races to improve constant velocity performance. Curvature centers of track grooves of outer and inner joint members have an offset of 0 in an axial direction. Track grooves of the outer and inner joint members, which are tilted in opposite directions from each other with respect to an axis line, are alternately formed in a circumferential direction. An outer surface of the inner joint member is a spherical surface to be brought into sliding contact with an inner spherical surface of the cage. An inner surface of the outer joint member is a cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Teruaki Fujio, Tatsuro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8771092
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint is configured such that an axial offset amount of a curvature center of each track groove of an outer joint member and an axial offset amount of a curvature center of each track groove of an inner joint member are zero. Track grooves of the outer joint member are formed alternately in a circumferential direction to be inclined in mutually opposite directions with respect to an axis, and track grooves of the inner joint member are formed alternately in the circumferential direction to be inclined in mutually opposite directions with respect to the axis. An outer surface of the inner joint member is formed into a spherical surface which is held in slide-contact with an inner spherical surface of a cage. An inner surface of the outer joint member is formed into a cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Teruaki Fujio
  • Publication number: 20140038733
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint prevents heat generation when a high load is applied or during high-speed rotation to improve durability, and suppresses a contact resistance between a cage and inner and outer races to improve constant velocity performance. Curvature centers of track grooves of outer and inner joint members have an offset of 0 in an axial direction. Track grooves of the outer and inner joint members, which are tilted in opposite directions from each other with respect to an axis line, are alternately formed in a circumferential direction. An outer surface of the inner joint member is a spherical surface to be brought into sliding contact with an inner spherical surface of the cage. An inner surface of the outer joint member is a cylindrical surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teruaki FUJIO, Tatsuro SUGIYAMA
  • Patent number: 8616987
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system includes: an outer joint member and an inner joint member, each having a plurality of ball grooves, the ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves of a skewed groove shape with a first skew angle other than zero and alternately arranged in opposite directions relative to an axis of rotation of the outer and inner joint members, and a second group of grooves of a skewed groove shape with a second skew angle other than zero and alternately arranged in opposite directions relative to an axis of rotation of the outer and inner joint members, the second skew angle less than the first skew angle. In addition to the differentiated skew angles, the contact angles of the balls in the first and second group of grooves may also be differentiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 8568245
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint prevents heat generation when a high load is applied or during high-speed rotation to improve durability, and suppresses contact resistance between a cage and inner and outer races to improve constant velocity performance. Curvature centers of track grooves of outer and inner joint members have an offset of 0 in an axial direction. Track grooves of the outer joint member and the inner joint member, which are tilted in opposite directions from each other with respect to an axis line, are alternately formed in a circumferential direction. An outer surface of the inner joint member is a spherical surface which is to be brought into sliding contact with an inner spherical surface of the cage. An inner surface of the outer joint member is a cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Teruaki Fujio, Tatsuro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8500566
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system comprises an outer joint member and an inner joint member each having a plurality of ball grooves in pairs for accommodating balls therein, the ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves, each groove of which having a linear groove shape with no skew angle or a skewed groove shape with a relatively smaller skew angle, and a second group of grooves, each groove of which having a skewed groove shape with a relatively larger or regular skew angle. In addition to having the differentiated skew angles in the first and second groups of grooves, a taper angle is provided to the pair of grooves of at least one or both of the first and second groups of grooves in order to reduce the potential risk of ball locking in the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 8444495
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system includes an outer joint member and an inner joint member, each having a plurality of ball grooves, the ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves of a skewed groove shape with a first skew angle other than zero and alternately arranged in opposite directions relative to an axis of rotation of the outer and inner joint members, and a second group of grooves of a skewed groove shape with a second skew angle other than zero and alternately arranged in opposite directions relative to an axis of rotation of the outer and inner joint members, the second skew angle less than the first skew angle. In addition to the differentiated skew angles, the contact angles of the balls in the first and second group of grooves may also be differentiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai WIA Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
  • Publication number: 20130085003
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system comprises: an outer joint member having a plurality of inwardly facing outer ball grooves, the outer ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves and a second group of grooves with composite or non-linear groove pattern; an inner joint member disposed inside the outer joint member and having a plurality of outwardly facing inner ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves and a second group of grooves with composite or non-linear groove pattern, each inner ball groove of the inner joint member being coupled with a corresponding outer ball groove of the outer joint member generally in crossed pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI WIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hyundai Wia Corporation
  • Patent number: 8409020
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system comprises: an outer joint member having a plurality of inwardly facing outer ball grooves, the outer ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves and a second group of grooves with composite or non-linear groove pattern; an inner joint member disposed inside the outer joint member and having a plurality of outwardly facing inner ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves and a second group of grooves with composite or non-linear groove pattern, each inner ball groove of the inner joint member being coupled with a corresponding outer ball groove of the outer joint member generally in crossed pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 8382600
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system comprises: an outer joint member having a plurality of inwardly facing outer ball grooves, the outer ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves and a second group of grooves with composite or non-linear groove pattern; an inner joint member disposed inside the outer joint member and having a plurality of outwardly facing inner ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves and a second group of grooves with composite or non-linear groove pattern, each inner ball groove of the inner joint member being coupled with a corresponding outer ball groove of the outer joint member generally in crossed pair; and a cage having circumferentially displaced cage windows to accommodate a plurality of balls therein. The groove patterns of the ball grooves can be a combination of skewed grooves and non-linear grooves, a combination of non-linear grooves such as a curved groove or a compositely shaped groove, or a combination of linear grooves and non-linear grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 8348772
    Abstract: A plunging type constant velocity universal joint includes an inner joint member having an outer peripheral surface in which a plurality of linear track grooves are formed in an axial direction and inclined with respect to an axial line, an outer joint member having an inner peripheral surface in which a plurality of linear track grooves are formed in the axial direction and inclined with respect to the axial line in a direction opposite to that of the track grooves of the inner joint member, and having an inside filled with a lubricant, balls incorporated in respective crossing portions between the track grooves of the inner and outer joint members, and a cage arranged between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface for retaining the balls in the same plane, in which a large number of minute recesses are formed at random in surfaces of the balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Naohiro Une, Tatsuro Sugiyama, Shin Tomogami, Hisaaki Kura
  • Patent number: 8277329
    Abstract: A homokinetic rotary ball joint in the form of a plunging joint is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Braun, Joachim Prölss, Volker Bergmann, Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Patent number: 8257187
    Abstract: A constant velocity (CV) joint assembly comprising a CV joint and an input member is disclosed. The CV joint that has a cage and a gear between which rotational drive can be transmitted. The input member is connected to the cage of the CV joint for transmission of rotational drive about an axis from an external component to the CV joint. The rotational drive is transmitted between the cage and the input member through interacting drive faces that are disposed in a plane that is generally parallel to the axis. The cage and the input member are retained in interconnection by fastening means that are not responsible for transmission of rotational drive between the cage and the input member. By separating the task of transmission of torque and retention of the connection between the cage and the input member, the fastening means required to perform the latter task can be comparatively light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Xtrac Limited
    Inventors: Michael Kerr, Adrian Paul Moore
  • Publication number: 20120202607
    Abstract: Provided is a fixed type constant velocity universal joint capable of suppressing heat generation under high load and during high-speed rotation to improve durability, and suppressing a contact resistance between a cage and inner and outer joint members to improve the constant velocity property. An axial offset amount of a curvature center of each track groove (22) of an outer joint member (23) and an axial offset amount of a curvature center of each track groove (25) of an inner joint member (26) are zero. Track grooves (22a, 22b) of the outer joint member (23) are formed alternately in a circumferential direction to be inclined in mutually opposite directions with respect to an axis, and track grooves (25a, 25b) of the inner joint member (26) are formed alternately in the circumferential direction to be inclined in mutually opposite directions with respect to the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Teruaki Fujio
  • Publication number: 20120010005
    Abstract: A cross groove-type constant-velocity universal joint includes an inner ring (10) having an outer circumferential surface on which ball grooves (12a, 12b) tilted in mutually opposite directions with respect to an axial line are alternately formed in a circumferential direction; an outer ring (20) having an inner circumferential surface on which ball grooves (22a, 22b) tilted in mutually opposite directions with respect to the axial line are alternately formed in the circumferential direction; a ball (30) received in an intersection of a pair of the ball groove (12a, 12b) of the inner ring (10) and the ball groove (22a, 22b) of the outer ring (20); and a cage (40) interposed between the inner ring (10) and the outer ring (20) to retain the ball (30) on the same plane. The maximum diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring (10) is greater than the minimum diameter the inner circumferential surface of the cage (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Teruaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 8070611
    Abstract: A cross-track plunging constant velocity joint assembly includes an inner race having an outer diameter, an axial length, inner ball tracks, and a spline engageable with a first torque transfer member. An outer race has an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and outer ball tracks. The outer race is connectable to a second torque transfer member. A cage having multiple windows is disposed between the inner and outer races. A plurality of balls (N) having a ball diameter are held by the cage within the windows and engage pairs of the inner and outer ball tracks. The balls define a joint pitch circle diameter (PCD). The inner race has a plunge depth within the outer race. The ratio of 1.2?(outer race outer diameter/outer race inner diameter)?1.7 is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Wormsbaecher, Danny Lee Booker
  • Publication number: 20110092299
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system comprises: an outer joint member having a plurality of inwardly facing outer ball grooves, the outer ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves, each groove of which having a skewed groove shape with a first skew angle other than zero and alternately arranged in opposite directions relative to an axis of rotation of outer joint member, and a second group of grooves, each groove of which having a skewed groove shape with a second skew angle other than zero and alternately arranged in opposite directions relative to an axis of rotation of outer joint member, the second skew angle less than the first skew angle; and an inner joint member disposed inside the outer joint member and having a plurality of outwardly facing inner ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves, each groove of which having a skewed groove shape with a first skew angle other than zero and alternately arranged in opposite directions relative to an axis of rotation of inner joint m
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI WIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
  • Publication number: 20110070954
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system comprises an outer joint member and an inner joint member each having a plurality of ball grooves in pairs for accommodating balls therein, the ball grooves consisting of a first group of grooves, each groove of which having a linear groove shape with no skew angle or a skewed groove shape with a relatively smaller skew angle, and a second group of grooves, each groove of which having a skewed groove shape with a relatively larger or regular skew angle. In addition to having the differentiated skew angles in the first and second groups of grooves, a taper angle is provided to the pair of grooves of at least one or both of the first and second groups of grooves in order to reduce the potential risk of ball locking in the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI WIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 7857682
    Abstract: A process machining inner joint parts (11) of constant velocity universal ball joints, which inner joint parts (11) comprise a longitudinal axis (A) and at least one guiding face by which the inner joint part (11) is continuously angularly movably guided in a ball cage, and which comprise a plurality of ball tracks (12) which are distributed around the circumference of the guiding face and which divide the guiding face into a corresponding plurality of guiding webs (13) and in which torque transmitting balls can be held so as to be longitudinally displaceable. One ball track (12) and at least one guiding web (13) are machined simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Cremerius
  • Patent number: 7841948
    Abstract: A cross groove type constant velocity joint 10 comprises a cuplike outer race 11, an inner race 12, plural balls 13 and a cage 14. The outer race 11 has plural outer grooves 11a twisting about a rotational axis of the outer race 11 on its inner surface. The outer race 11 itself has plural restrictions 11b at the back of the outer grooves 11a to prevent the balls 13 from dropping out of the outer grooves 11a where the respective ball 13 is at the innermost end of the outer groove 11a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Suzuki, Kenji Oe
  • Publication number: 20100292016
    Abstract: A cross-track plunging constant velocity joint assembly includes an inner race having an outer diameter, an axial length, inner ball tracks, and a spline engageable with a first torque transfer member. An outer race has an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and outer ball tracks. The outer race is connectable to a second torque transfer member. A cage having multiple windows is disposed between the inner and outer races. A plurality of balls (N) having a ball diameter are held by the cage within the windows and engage pairs of the inner and outer ball tracks. The balls define a joint pitch circle diameter (PCD). The inner race has a plunge depth within the outer race. The ratio of 1.2?(outer race outer diameter/outer race inner diameter)?1.7 is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: HANS WORMSBAECHER, Danny Lee Booker
  • Patent number: 7806772
    Abstract: A homokinetic displacement joint for longitudinal shafts of motor vehicles, has an outer and inner joint body having ball raceways, a cage between the joint bodies, and balls provided in the individual pairs of ball raceways. The balls are guided in the cage and the ball raceways are provided in alternating sequence, alternately rising to the right and left, to form slanted, spatially arranged ball raceways in the assembled state of the joint bodies. The individual ball raceways possess a track slant angle ? 8 and an incline angle ?? 9 that are determined, relative to one another, by the ratio ?:??=5:3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: IFA Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Frost, John Sherlock
  • Patent number: 7785205
    Abstract: A cross groove constant velocity universal joint for a drive shaft or a propeller shaft of an automotive vehicle includes an inner ring and an outer ring each having ball grooves which are alternately slanted in respective directions opposite to each other while alternating with each other in a direction circumferentially thereof. Torque transmission balls are positioned at a crossing area where each of the ball grooves in the inner ring and the associated ball groove in the outer ring are crossed with each other. A cage is provided to retain the torque transmission balls. The number of torque transmission balls is ten, and a crossing angle between the axis of the inner or outer ring and each of the ball grooves in the inner or outer ring is within the range of 10 to 15° or 6 to 9° for the drive shaft or the propeller shaft, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Hayama
  • Patent number: 7717793
    Abstract: A fixed-center constant velocity joint has a race located concentrically to a rotational first axis, and a ring-shaped cage located concentrically to a rotational second axis. Both the race and the cage are centered to a common center point lying on the first and second axes regardless of the angular state of the joint. A spherical surface carried by the race radially opposes a spherical face carried by the cage for angular movement with respect to the center point. The surface and face are in close or contacting relationship to prevent telescoping movement with respect to the first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo Mondragon-Parra, Keith A. Kozlowski
  • Publication number: 20080254903
    Abstract: An opposed path joint comprising an inner hub, which is provided with first inner grooves and second inner grooves, and comprising an outer hub, which is provided with first outer grooves and second outer grooves that respectively form a pair with the first and second inner grooves. The opposed path joint also comprises an annular cage, which is placed between the inner hub and the outer hub and which has a radial openings whose number corresponds to that of the groove pairs. Balls that engage inside the grooves are guided inside these radial openings. According to the invention, the outer hub of the opposed path joint is a single-piece closed ring, in which the outer grooves are formed without cutting. Alternatively, the outer hub has at least two elements that are located one behind the other on the outer hub axis and, together, center the cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Werner Jacob, Martin D. Jacob
  • Patent number: 7347786
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stroking ball-type constant velocity joint including a plurality of straight grooves and a plurality of cross grooves. The straight and cross grooves can be disposed along the interior of the joint in alternating fashion. For example, a cross groove passageway can be positioned between two straight groove passageways. The inner joint member can include helical grooves extending in a right-hand direction and in a left-hand direction. The helical grooves can be disposed in alternating fashion such that a left-handed groove is disposed between two right-handed grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo R. Mondragon-Parra, Keith A. Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 7303482
    Abstract: A connecting assembly for transmitting torque between a rotational part (11) having through-holes (13) and an attaching flange (17). Bolts (21) pass through the through-holes (13) and are threaded into threaded holes (18) to bolt the rotational part (11) and the attaching flange (12) together to transmit torque. The bolts (21) have a bolt shank (23) and a threaded portion (24), wherein the diameter of the shank (D1) is greater than the diameter of the threaded portion (D2). The through-holes 13, on the inside, include radial projections (15, 16) which reduce the cross-section and which are radially deformed when the bolts (21) are inserted and threaded in, so that bolts (21), by way of the bolt shank (23), rest in a play-free way against the projections (15, 16) in the through-holes (13) of the rotational part (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Heinrich Welschof
  • Publication number: 20070259724
    Abstract: A ball cage (2) for a constant velocity universal joint. The ball cage (2) is an annular member with a longitudinal axis (A). In the annular member there are provided a plurality of windows (3) which are distributed around the circumference and which, in the circumferential direction, are separated from one another by longitudinal webs (4) and in the axial direction by annular webs (5, 6). In circumferential regions of the ball cage (2) in which there are arranged the windows (3), the annular webs (5, 6) have a greater radial wall thickness than in the circumferential regions of the ball cage (2) in which there are arranged longitudinal webs (4). A process of producing a ball cage as well as a constant velocity universal joint with a ball cage are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Alexander Pohl
  • Patent number: 7235017
    Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint includes a joint outer part and a joint inner part with crossed ball raceways. The ball raceways of the joint outer and inner parts form ball raceway pairs and balls are disposed in respective ones of the ball raceway pairs. A cage is held in place at one of the joint parts. Windows in the cage receive the balls. One of the joint parts has a cage guiding surface for axially holding the cage in a first direction. A termination element is provided as a separate element at the one of the joint parts. The termination element has a counterface and the cage is held axially in a second direction opposite the first direction by the counterface of the termination element. The cage guiding surface of the joint part has an undercut-free region toward the termination element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oliver Clemm, Gregor Schaaf
  • Patent number: 7232373
    Abstract: A driveshaft assembly having two CV joints and an intermediate shaft. One of the CV joints (11) includes an outer joint part (12) with first ball tracks (14), an inner joint part (17) with second ball tracks (18), and balls (19) held in a common plane by a cage (20). First and second angles of intersection of the ball tracks (14, 18) of a pair of tracks are identical in size and are positioned symmetrically relative to the joint axis. The ball cage (20) is axially fixed in the constant velocity joint. The intermediate shaft includes a longitudinal plunging unit (41) having a sleeve (42) with first ball grooves (43) which extend axially, a journal (44) with second ball grooves (45) which extend axially, balls (46) which are held in a cage (47) in groups in pairs of the first and second ball grooves (43, 45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hildebrandt, Thomas Weckerling, Stephan Maucher, Michael Ricks, Peter Bilz, Kiyoshi Taniyama
  • Patent number: 7077753
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an outer part, an inner part, a plurality of balls, and a cage having windows for retaining the balls in the ball tracks of the outer and inner parts. The cage retains the balls in a plane. Corresponding pairs of outer and inner ball tracks guide the balls. Corresponding pairs of outer and inner ball tracks that are axially straight alternate with corresponding pairs of outer and inner ball tracks forming angles of intersection with respect to an axis. The outer part and the inner part operate in a normal axial range, there being at least one energy absorption surfaces located in the outer extended axial range or the inner extended axial range of either part. The energy absorption surface interferes with at least one of the balls when the joint is operated beyond the normal axial range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramon Kuczera, Michael Miller, Donald Dine, James Lyon