With Intermediate Positioning Cage For Ball Patents (Class 464/145)
  • Publication number: 20120129616
    Abstract: The invention relates to a constant velocity joint having an inner race (3), an outer race (4), a journal (9) that can be connected with the outer race for connecting the joint and with a reinforcement ring (7), that can be positively connected with the outer race, which encases the outer race (4) in torque-proof manner and has at least one stop section (7a, 7b), which defines the position of the outer race (4) in the reinforcement ring (7) in a first axial direction. The journal (9) has a flange-like shoulder section (8), for example, with an axial stop surface (8a), which defines the position of the outer race (4) in the reinforcement ring (7) in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction, whereby the journal (9) is fixated on the reinforcement ring (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: BF New Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Claus Disser
  • Patent number: 8182352
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint smoothly rotates under a high operating angle and large torque and reduces an excessive load applied to the cage. The universal joint includes an outer joint member having an inner spherical surface with multiple track grooves and an inner joint member having an outer spherical surface with multiple track grooves paired with the track grooves of the outer joint member. The universal joint also includes multiple balls interposed between the track grooves of the inner and outer joint members to transmit torque and a cage interposed between the outer joint member and the inner joint member to retain the balls. A tapered relief portion retracted with respect to the outer spherical surface is formed with low curvature at a back end portion of the outer spherical surface of the inner joint member to be smoothly continuous with the outer spherical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Masazumi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120108348
    Abstract: A ball joint having an inner hub which has an inner hub axis and an outer surface, in which inner races and cage guide surfaces are arranged in the inner hub; an outer hub which has an outer hub axis and an inner surface, in which outer races and cage guide surfaces are arranged in the outer hub, and a cage which is ring-shaped and has a cage axis. The inner surface of the cage extends in the direction of the cage axis, the outer surface of the cage extends away from the direction of the cage axis, an inner race is constructed to extend straight and/or parallel to the inner hub axis, and an outer race is constructed to extend straight and/or parallel to the outer hub axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Martin LEHMANN
  • Patent number: 8162765
    Abstract: In a fixed type constant velocity universal joint, a center of each of guide grooves of an outer joint member is offset to a position of being spaced apart from a joint central plane to a joint opening side by an axial distance, and is spaced apart from a joint central axis line to an opposite side in a radial direction with respect to each of the guide grooves by a radial distance. Further, a center of each of guide grooves of an inner joint member is offset to a position of being spaced apart from the joint central plane to a joint innermost side by the axial distance, and is spaced apart from the joint central axis line to the opposite side in the radial direction with respect to each of the guide grooves by the radial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Sone, Kazuhiko Yoshida, Hirokazu Ooba
  • Patent number: 8162766
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member having an inner spherical surface in which a plurality of track grooves extending in an axial direction are formed; an inner joint member having an outer spherical surface in which a plurality of track grooves extending in the axial direction while paired with the track grooves of the outer joint member are formed. A plurality of balls are interposed between the track grooves of each of the outer joint member and the inner joint member, for transmitting a torque, and a cage is interposed between the inner spherical surface of the outer joint member and the outer spherical surface of the inner joint member, for holding the balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hisaaki Kura, Shin Tomogami, Tomoshige Kobayashi, Teruaki Fujio, Takeshi Kohara, Tomoaki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8162764
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to ensure the miniaturization, strength, durability, load-carrying capacity, and an operating angle of a constant velocity universal joint. Six balls 3 are disposed in the constant velocity universal joint. The ratio r1 (=PCDBALL/DBALL) between the pitch circle diameter PCDBALL (PCDBALL=2×PCR) of the ball 3 and the diameter DBALL thereof is set in a range of 1.5?r1?4.0. The ratio r2 (=DOUTER/PCDSERR) between the outside diameter DOUTER of an outer member 1 and the pitch circle diameter PCDSERR of serrations (or splines) 2d of an inner joint member 2 is set in a range of 3.0?r2?5.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Ishijima, Kenta Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8157658
    Abstract: A drive joint, particularly a fixed joint in the form of a counter-track joint, for establishing a connection between two components in the drive train of a motor vehicle. The joint is provided with joint parts such as an inner hub, an outer hub and a ball cage containing torque-transmitting balls as additional joint parts. The outer hub of the drive joint can be destroyed in the case of an accident. The invention also relates to a drive shaft comprising such a drive joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Shaft-Form-Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Langer, Claus Disser, Volker Szentmihalyi
  • Patent number: 8157657
    Abstract: A barrier membrane assembly for sealing a constant velocity joint assembly includes at least one selectively expandable and contractible barrier membrane body. The barrier membrane body has no openings therethrough and may selectively expand and contract in response to operational pressures acting against the barrier membrane body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric LaMothe, Robert Leslie Cassell
  • Patent number: 8147342
    Abstract: Internal dimensions for fixed-type constant velocity universal joints are defined to optimize the geometry of the components of the joints and to readily achieve a larger operating angle of the joints. In the joint, the track grooves of an outer ring and an inner ring are tapered by an angle not exceeding 12°. The ratio (f/PCR) of the cage offset amount f to PCR is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 0.12. The ratio (Do/d) of the cage outer diameter (Do) to the ball diameter (d), the ratio (t/d) of the cage wall thickness (t) to the ball diameter (d), and the ratio (w/d) of the cage width (w) to the ball diameter (d) are such that 3.9?Do/d?4.1, 0.31?t/d?0.34, and 1.8?w/d?2.0, respectively. The end of the spherical outer surface of the cage adjacent to the open end is axially extended, and the end of the spherical inner surface of the cage adjacent to the open end is tapered so that the tapered surface has an increasing diameter toward the end of the spherical outer surface adjacent to the open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Hoshino, Tohru Nakagawa, Hiroshi Tone, Wasaburo Suganuma
  • Patent number: 8145097
    Abstract: A constant-velocity joint includes an outer ring having an annular space therein and an opening at one axial end thereof. The annular space is defined by a radially outer wall and a radially inner wall of the outer ring. At least one of the radially outer wall and the radially inner wall has three axially extending track grooves circumferentially spaced apart from each other by 120 degrees. A cage is inserted in the annular space. The cage has pockets at positions corresponding to the track grooves, respectively. A ball is received in each of the pockets so as to roll along one of the track grooves. A pair of diametrically opposed protrusions is formed at radially inner and outer open ends of the pockets of the cage to prevent the balls from coming out of the pockets of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamazaki, Satoru Fukuzawa, Masaaki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8128504
    Abstract: An inner joint component and a shaft of a constant velocity universal joint are connected in a configuration it difficult for backlash to occur. An axis hole inner diameter of an inner member of the constant velocity universal joint is unhardened, and a spline serving as a recess and projection section running along a circumferential direction is formed on an axial end outer diameter of the shaft. A hardened layer n is formed on the axial end outer diameter of the shaft. The shaft and the inner member are joined by an axial end of the shaft being pressed into the axis hole inner diameter of the inner member to incuse a shape of said recess and projection section onto the axis hole inner diameter of the inner member 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Fukumura, Hisaaki Kura, Shin Tomogami, Tohru Nakagawa, Yuichi Asano
  • Publication number: 20120015751
    Abstract: A joint, particularly a constant velocity ball joint, including an inner hub and an outer hub, which hubs exhibit respective inner and outer ball tracks which are associated with each other in pairs, and further including balls disposed in the pairs of associated inner and outer ball tracks, the tracks being configured such that at the contact points of the balls with the ball tracks the tangential planes form an angle of inclination, and the ball tracks exhibiting at any given time a continually changing curvature, as a result of which the angle of inclination is constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Mathias LUTZ, Thomas Gregor
  • Patent number: 8096888
    Abstract: An opposed path joint including an inner hub, which is provided with first and second inner grooves, and 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 includes a ring-shaped cage, which is placed between the inner hub and the outer hub and which has radial openings whose number corresponds to that of the groove pairs. Balls that engage inside the grooves are guided inside these radial openings. The outer hub of the opposed path joint has at least two elements that are located one behind the other on the outer hub axis and jointly center the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Shaft-Form-Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Jacob, Martin D. Jacob
  • Patent number: 8096887
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system comprises: an outer race having a plurality of guide grooves formed in an axial direction in the inner spherical surface of the outer race; an inner race having a plurality of guide grooves formed in an axial direction in the outer spherical surface of the inner race, said guide grooves of the outer race and the inner race together forming a plurality of ball guide tracks; a plurality of balls disposed in the ball guide tracks; and a cage installed between the inner spherical surface of the outer race and the outer spherical surface of the inner race, said cage having a plurality of windows for retaining the balls therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 8083597
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity joint includes: an outer race having an inner spherical surface, and a plurality of guide grooves formed in the inner spherical surface of the outer race; an inner race having an outer spherical surface, and a plurality of guide grooves formed in the outer spherical surface of the inner race, said guide grooves of the outer race and said guide grooves of the inner race together forming a plurality of ball guide tracks; a plurality of balls disposed in the ball guide tracks; and a cage having a plurality of windows for retaining the balls therein. The ball guide tracks include first tracks and second tracks with different groove configurations and having dual, multiple, or differentiated center offsets with smaller offsets applied to the tracks having relatively large ball movements and larger offsets applied to the tracks having relatively small ball movements as the joint is articulated for assembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 8083430
    Abstract: A connecting assembly is disclosed. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal, a constant velocity universal joint and a threaded sleeve. The shaft journal is axially secured. The constant velocity universal joint has an inner joint part engaged by the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed way so as to transmit torque. The threaded sleeve is at least indirectly connected to the inner joint part so as to be axially secured and freely rotatable relative to the inner joint part. The threaded sleeve comprises a thread which is threaded on to a counter thread on the shaft journal so as to axially fix the inner joint part to the shaft journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8079912
    Abstract: A power transmission shaft mitigates the concentration of both tensile stress and shear stress to achieve an improvement in terms of fatigue strength. A male spline section is formed on an outer periphery of the power transmission shaft. On a valley section of the male spline section, at an axially opposite end side portion thereof, there is provided a diameter-expanded section whose outer diameter dimension is gradually increased toward an axially opposite end. Rounded sections having a circular arc cross-section are provided on both circumferential sides of the diameter-expanded section. A radius of curvature of the rounded sections is gradually increased toward the axially opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Matsubara, Hiroo Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8075411
    Abstract: Constant-velocity fixed joints may comprise an outer joint part with outer ball tracks, an inner joint part with inner ball tracks, torque transmitting balls which are guided in pairs of tracks each formed of an outer and an inner ball track, and a ball cage with circumferentially distributed cage windows in which the balls are received. Here, the balls are held in a common central plane and are guided onto the bisecting plane when the joint is deflected. Constant-velocity rotary joints of this type are known as Rzeppa fixed joints (RF) or as undercut-free fixed joints (UF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Marta Diez, José Manuel Cubert, Inaki Gutierrez, Joachim Schmeink
  • Patent number: 8070613
    Abstract: A connecting assembly for use in the propeller shaft of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal with an annular groove; a constant velocity universal joint with an inner joint part which is connected in a rotationally fixed way to the shaft journal for the purpose of transmitting torque; an axial securing ring for the inner joint part, which axial securing ring is positioned in the annular groove of the shaft journal; and a holding ring which is releasably connected to the inner joint part; wherein, in a mounted condition of the inner joint part, the axial securing ring is axially fixed on the shaft journal between a contact face of the inner joint part and the holding ring connected to the inner joint part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Cermak
  • Patent number: 8066575
    Abstract: Automatic installation of a circlip is facilitated even when an axial length (inner race width) of a protrusion of an inner race is reduced. An inner race is installed in a constant velocity universal joint for transmitting torque while allowing angular displacement between itself and an outer race, with a shaft being inserted in a shaft hole formed in an inner bore to be spline-fitted thereto so as to be prevented from coming off by virtue of the circlip. A two-step chamfer having different chamfer angles is provided at a shaft insertion side end portion of the shaft hole. The two-step chamfer includes a first chamfer section situated on a shaft hole opening side and a second chamfer section provided on the side opposite to the shaft hole opening so as to be continuous with the first chamfer section. The chamfer angle ? of the first chamfer section is set larger than the chamfer angle ? of the second chamfer section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Masazumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8062139
    Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint with eight balls achieves improvement in cage strength by increasing a smallest outer diameter of a cage and improvement in joint strength at a high operating angle by ensuring required inner spherical area and spherical surface angle in an outer member regardless of the smallest outer diameter of the cage. In the fixed constant velocity joint of the present invention, among eight frontal sections adjacent to an inner spherical surface on an outer member opening side, present between adjacent ball grooves formed on the inner spherical surface, and forming a smallest inner diameter of an outer member opening, any one or any two mutually opposing frontal sections are retracted from the smallest inner diameter in an outward radius direction by a distance required to allow insertion of the cage through the one or two frontal sections (cylindrical surfaces or planar surfaces) in a state in which a cage axial line is perpendicular to an outer member axial line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Ooba, Keisuke Sone
  • Patent number: 8029374
    Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint is made compact, has little decrease in load capacity even when the fixed constant velocity universal joint is made compact and is at an operating angle, and has improved high angle strength and durability through lessening instances in which a ball runs over a track at a high angle. In the fixed constant velocity universal joint, a cage includes four pockets, the pockets including a pair of long pockets of which a circumferential direction spacing is wide and a pair of short pockets of which the circumferential direction spacing is narrow. The pair of long pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along a circumferential direction and the pair of short pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along the circumferential direction. As a result, the long pockets and the short pockets are alternately disposed along the circumferential direction. A long pocket houses two balls. A short pocket houses one ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Teruaki Fujio, Manabu Hoshino, Tohru Nakagawa, Wasaburo Suganuma
  • Patent number: 8029373
    Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint of a structure, which easily allows incorporation of an inner ring into a cage without impairing a function of the joint, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Izumino, Manabu Hoshino
  • Publication number: 20110212788
    Abstract: Provided is a fixed type constant velocity universal joint, including: an outer joint member having an inner spherical surface provided with a plurality of track grooves extending in an axial direction; an inner joint member having an outer spherical surface provided with a plurality of track grooves extending in the axial direction in pairs with the plurality of track grooves of the outer joint member; a plurality of balls interposed between the plurality of track grooves of the outer joint member and the plurality of track grooves of the inner joint member so as to transmit torque; and a cage interposed between the inner spherical surface of the outer joint member and the outer spherical surface of the inner joint member so as to hold the plurality of balls, at least one of the plurality of track grooves of the outer joint member and the plurality of track grooves of the inner joint member being formed by cold-forging finishing, in which components including the outer joint member, the inner joint member, t
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Masazumi Kobayashi, Kisao Yamazaki, Minoru Ishijima
  • Publication number: 20110212789
    Abstract: Wedge angles are formed between mutually facing central track-groove portions (11b, 12b, 21b, 22b) of an outer joint member (1) and an inner joint member (2). Track grooves (11, 12) provided to the outer joint member (1) and track grooves (21, 22) provided to the inner joint member (2) include a first pair of track grooves (11, 21) respectively including the central track-groove portions (11b, 21b) forming therebetween the wedge angle (?) opening to an opening side of the outer joint member (1) under a state in which an operating angle is 0°, and a second pair of track grooves (12, 22) respectively including the central track-groove portions (12b, 22b) oppositely forming therebetween the wedge angle (?) opening to an inner-end side of the outer joint member (1) under the state in which the operating angle is 0° .
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Hirokazu Ooba, Masayuki Kuroda, Hisaaki Kura, Tatsuro Sugiyama, Teruaki Fujio
  • Patent number: 7997988
    Abstract: A direct torque flow constant velocity joint connector includes an outer joint part, and inner joint part, a cage and a plurality of balls. The outer joint part includes outer ball tracks. The inner joint part includes inner ball tracks and a rotational axis, wherein the inner joint part has a face spline oriented about the rotational axis. The plurality of balls are provided in the cage and engage the inner and outer ball tracks of the respective inner and outer joint parts, thereby allowing torque transmission by way of the face splines. Also provided is a direct torque flow constant velocity joint connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Wormsbaecher, Eric James LaMothe
  • Patent number: 7979327
    Abstract: A quality control method for a constant velocity universal joint 13 includes a step of attaching an IC tag 9 to the constant velocity universal joint 13, a step of recording information in the IC tag 9 about the constant velocity universal joint 13, a utilizing step for reading the information recorded in the IC tag 9 at any arbitrarily chosen time. The IC tag 9 is attached to one of elements 2 such as an outer race 14, an inner race 15, an intermediate shaft 12 and boots 18, all forming respective parts of the constant velocity universal joint 13. This IC tag 9 is recorded with information on, for example, the manufacturing step, the identification number, the date of manufacture and/or the place of manufacture with respect to the elements 2 and the constant velocity universal joint 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Ikeda, Hideki Kondou
  • Patent number: 7966730
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint in the form of a counter-track joint. The circumferential length (L1) of the first cage windows for the balls in the first pairs of tracks is greater than the circumferential length (L2) of the second cage windows for the balls in the second pairs of tracks. This permits a method of assembly wherein first the first balls, one after the other, are mounted in first pairs of tracks which widen from the aperture end to the attaching end and wherein then the second balls, one after the other, are mounted in second pairs of tracks which widen from the attaching end to the aperture end. For mounting the second balls in the second pairs of tracks, only a small overarticulation angle is necessary, and thus a shorter circumferential length of the respective windows than there is required for mounting the first balls in the first pairs of tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Maucher, Ida Hassenrik, Thomas Weckerling
  • Patent number: 7967685
    Abstract: An inner ring of a constant velocity universal joint includes ball tracks formed in an outer surface at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction. Portions of side walls of the ball tracks that form edge lines with the outer surface are formed with a chamfer along the entire length of the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7951009
    Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint is made compact, has little decrease in load capacity even at an operating angle, and can improve high angle strength and durability through lessening instances in which a ball runs over a track at a high angle. A cage includes four pockets, a pair of long pockets of which a circumferential direction spacing is wide and a pair of short pockets of which the circumferential direction spacing is narrow. The long pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along a circumferential direction and the short pockets are shifted by 180 degrees along the circumferential direction. The long pockets and the short pockets are alternately disposed along the circumferential direction. A long pocket houses two balls. A short pocket houses one ball. An offset amount in the cage is made large to be almost the same as an offset amount of track grooves. Track grooves on a joint inner side are deepened and cage thickness on an opening side is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Hoshino, Teruaki Fujio, Tohru Nakagawa, Wasaburo Suganuma
  • Publication number: 20110124420
    Abstract: To achieve both cost reduction and strength enhancement of a cage by appropriately managing, at the time of forming pockets through a punch-pressing process in a base material made of medium-carbon steel, a size of a secondary fracture portion formed in a shear surface of the base material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Hirokazu Ooba, Kazuhiko Yoshida, Keisuke Sone, Kiyohiro Itou
  • Publication number: 20110092300
    Abstract: A method for producing a torque transmission device such as a fixed constant velocity ball joint constructed as an opposed track joint in which the curvatures bases of the tracks of the joint deviate in their axial course from the curvatures of the ball contact lines. The method is characterized in that prior to the formation of a longitudinal profile of a joint component, the component is brought to an increased hardness by a hardening process and a diffusion layer is partially or completely removed in the region of the longitudinal profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Neumayer Tekfor Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Volker SZENTMIHALYI, Mathias LUTZ, Ekkehard KOERNER
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110065519
    Abstract: Provided is a fixed type constant velocity universal joint of an eight-ball undercut-free type, which is capable of achieving an improvement of torque capacity at a high operating angle while ensuring durability at the time of a low operating angle. In the fixed type constant velocity universal joint of the eight-ball undercut-free type, a center of a track groove (32) of an outer joint member and a center of a track groove (35) of an inner joint member are separated from a joint center plane (P) respectively to both sides in an axial direction, and are offset to be positioned away from a joint center axis (X) to a radially opposite side relative to the track grooves (35). When Rt represents a distance between a center of a ball (37) and the center of the track groove (32) of the outer joint member, and F represents an axial distance between the joint center plane (P) and the center of the track groove (32) of the outer joint member, a ratio R1 between F and Rt is set to satisfy 0.061?R1?0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Keisuke Sone, Hirokazu Ooba, Kazuhiko Yoshida, Kiyohiro Itou
  • Publication number: 20110059804
    Abstract: Provided is a fixed type constant velocity universal joint which is capable of achieving the following even at the time of an unexpected high-angle operation, in particular, even when an angle expected during use of a constant velocity universal joint is exceeded: reduction of stress generated when balls and edge portions interfere with each other, suppression of chipping of the edge portions, and prolongation of a service life of the joint as a whole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Kisao Yamazaki, Masazumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7896749
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a direct torque flow connector for torque transmission. The DTF connector includes a direct torque flow constant velocity universal joint having an outer race part and an inner race part, and a shaft coupled to the outer race part. The direct torque flow connector has at least one direct torque flow optimized ratio. Further, the inner race part of the direct torque flow connector may be selectively connected to a journal shaft of a drive unit. A direct torque flow connection with optimized ratios in attachment methods is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny Lee Booker
  • Publication number: 20110045914
    Abstract: Provided is a cage for a constant velocity universal joint, which is capable of extending a life of a cutting tool and achieving reduction in manufacturing cost. The cage for a constant velocity universal joint includes: an outer diameter surface guided by an outer joint member; an inner diameter surface (15) guided by an inner joint member; and pockets for accommodating multiple balls which are interposed between the outer joint member and the inner joint member. A spherical surface roughness in a range extending from an axial center (17) of the inner diameter surface (15) to an end (A) side of the inner diameter surface (15) which corresponds to an opening side of the outer joint member is different from a spherical surface roughness in a range extending from the axial center (17) of the inner diameter surface (15) to an end (B) side of the inner diameter surface (15) which corresponds to an inner side of the outer joint member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Hamaguchi, Yumiko Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7877043
    Abstract: A constant-velocity joint includes an outer ring having an annular space therein and an opening at one axial end thereof. The annular space is defined by a radially outer wall and a radially inner wall of the outer ring. At least one of the radially outer wall and the radially inner wall has three axially extending track grooves circumferentially spaced apart from each other by 120 degrees. A cage is inserted in the annular space. The cage has pockets at positions corresponding to the track grooves, respectively. A ball is received in each of the pockets so as to roll along one of the track grooves. A pair of diametrically opposed protrusions is formed at radially inner and outer open ends of the pockets of the cage to prevent the balls from coming out of the pockets of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamazaki, Satoru Fukuzawa, Masaaki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7867098
    Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint comprising an inner hub (1) and an outer hub (6) inside which tracks are disposed that are associated with each other in pairs. At least one ball is arranged in each track in order to transmit torque between the inner hub and the outer hub. The ball-and-socket joint further includes at least one diaphragm which seals the outer hub with respect to a joining element that can be connected in a torsion-proof manner to the inner hub. The outer hub is provided with a metallic interior element encompassing the tracks, a dampening element which embraces the interior element in at least some areas, and a cap that embraces the damping element in at least some areas in order to connect the outer hub to a driving part or a part to be driven. The damping element is made of a material having a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the metallic material of the interior element and/or the cap of the outer hub while being greater than the modulus of elasticity of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Shaft-Form-Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Jacob, Martin D. Jacob
  • 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: 7854658
    Abstract: A constant velocity counter track joint having an outer joint part with outer ball tracks having first tracks opening toward the aperture end and second tracks opening toward the attaching end. The center line of the second tracks, departs, radially inwardly, a first reference radius centered in the point of intersection of a perpendicular line on the tangent at the center line of the ball track and the longitudinal axis. In the inner joint part, the center line of the ball tracks departs, radially inwardly, a second reference radius centered in the point of intersection of a perpendicular line on the tangent at the center line of the ball track and the longitudinal axis. In the outer joint part, the center line of the ball tracks towards the aperture end, moves radially outwardly beyond said first reference radius. In the inner joint part, the center line of the ball tracks towards the attaching end, moves radially outwardly beyond said second reference radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Schwarzler, Heiko Harnischfeger
  • Patent number: 7844202
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes a first rotation body and a second rotation body. The first rotation body includes a cup unit, a shaft, and ribs that project from the cup unit and connect the cup unit to the shaft. One of the first rotation body and the second rotation body transmits a rotational driving force to other one of the first rotation body and the second rotation body through balls. The first rotation body is so formed that the cup unit and the shaft are formed into one piece using resin material. Moreover, the rib is so formed into one piece with the cup unit and the shaft using resin material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignees: Ricoh Company, Limited, NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Junya Takigawa, Yoshimi Asayama
  • Patent number: 7806773
    Abstract: A drive shaft, in particular a longitudinal shaft for a motor vehicle, includes at least one hollow shaft cross-section and at least one homocinetic joint whose external hub is connected to the hollow shaft cross-section. The homocinetic joint is sealed off from the hollow shaft section by a lid, the lid and the hollow shaft section being configured and disposed so that the inner hub of the homocinetic joint does not penetrate significantly into the hollow shaft section as a result of an axial force that act on it, such as an axial force resulting from an accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Shaft-Form-Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Claus Disser
  • Publication number: 20100234115
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compact constant velocity universal joint having high strength, and superior operability and durability. In the constant velocity universal joint of the present invention, an offset angle øT formed by a center of curvature OT0 of a guiding groove 2b of an outer component 2, an intersecting point Q between a joint plane P and a PCD, and a center of curvature OT1 of a guiding groove 3b of an inner component 3 is set to 11.0°?øT?15.0°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Yoshida, Masazumi Kobayashi, Kazuhiro Azuma
  • Publication number: 20100234116
    Abstract: Provided is a fixed type constant velocity universal joint capable of obtaining, in every angular region, wear resistance against rolling of balls and a stable high fatigue strength characteristic. The fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes: an outer joint member including an inner surface (21) in which a plurality of track grooves (22) are formed; an inner joint member including an outer surface (24) in which a plurality of track grooves (25) are formed; a plurality of balls (27) interposed between the track grooves (22) of the outer joint member and the track grooves (25) of the inner joint member so as to transmit torque; and a cage (28), which has pockets (29) for housing the balls (27), and is interposed between the outer joint member and the inner joint member. When a maximum operating angle is formed, the balls (27) roll up to track-groove-opening-end portions (22a) of the outer joint member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Masazumi Kobayashi, Kenji Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100227696
    Abstract: The invention relates to a displacement unit and to a universal shaft comprising said type of displacement unit. Said displacement unit comprises a tubular-type external part on whose inner surface outer paths are provided at least in sections, an inner part that can be displaced in an axial direction in the external part, on whose outer surface inner paths are arranged at least on sections, and balls that are guided in a cage, said balls being arranged for transmitting torque, respectively in outer and inner paths that are arranged in pairs. The external part and/or the inner part comprise cage guide paths for displacing the cage axially, arranged between at least a few of the outer paths or the inner paths. The number of cage guide paths is smaller than the number of pairs of paths formed by the outer paths and the inner paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: BF NEW TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventor: Claus Disser
  • Patent number: 7785206
    Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint using eight torque transmitting balls has a ratio which a non-hardened layer assumes in a bar 48 of a cage 40 is set to be 0.30?C/S?0.75, where S represents a cross-sectional area of the bar 48 and C represents an area of the non-hardened layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Suzuki, Masaru Murayama, Masazumi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20100216559
    Abstract: A homokinetic rotary ball joint in the form of a plunging joint is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Braun, Joachim Proelss, Volker Bergmann, Hans Wormsbaecher
  • Publication number: 20100216558
    Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity joint comprises: an outer race having an inner spherical surface, and a plurality of guide grooves formed in an axial direction in the inner spherical surface of the outer race, each guide groove having a circular shape in a longitudinal cross section thereof; an inner race having an outer spherical surface, and a plurality of guide grooves formed in an axial direction in the outer spherical surface of the inner race, each guide groove having a circular shape in a longitudinal cross section thereof, said guide grooves of the outer race and said guide grooves of the inner race together forming a plurality of ball guide tracks arranged around the circumference of the joint; a plurality of balls disposed in the ball guide tracks; and a cage installed between the inner spherical surface of the outer race and the outer spherical surface of the inner race, said cage having a plurality of windows for retaining the balls therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: WIA Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Tark Oh, Tae Hong Kim
  • Publication number: 20100210368
    Abstract: In order to ensure sufficient strength of an inner joint member even when the thickness of the inner joint member is reduced for achieving reduction in weight and size and even when a high operating angle is formed and high load torque is applied, a constant velocity universal joint includes: an outer joint member (10) having an inner surface (12) in which a plurality of track grooves (14) extending in an axial direction are formed; an inner joint member (20) having an outer surface (22) in which a plurality of track grooves (24) extending in the axial direction are formed while being paired with the track grooves (14) of the outer joint member (10), and an inner surface having a shaft hole (26) in which a spline (28) extending in the axial direction is formed; a plurality of balls (30) interposed between the track grooves (14) of the outer joint member (10) and the track grooves (24) of the inner joint member (20) so as to transmit torque; and a cage (40) interposed between the inner surface (12) of the oute
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Masazumi Kobayashi