Abstract: A constant velocity joint for a drive system 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; 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, 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 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; wherein each of the guide grooves of the outer race is shaped to have a longitudinal cross section formed with two circular regions with different centers, a first circular region disposed at a first lateral side of the outer race and a second circular region di

Abstract: A cage having a plurality of cutouts for receiving rolling bodies of a joint, wherein the cage comprises a quenched and tempered steel, and the entire cage has a substantially uniform ductility over its cross section without surface hardening.

Abstract: Provided is a fixed type constant velocity universal joint which is capable of reducing the size and weight while keeping the strength of a cage, and is also capable of improving the high angle strength and the durability. In the fixed type constant velocity universal joint, a center curvature of an outer spherical surface (28a) of a cage (28) is offset to a joint opening side with respect to a joint center, and a center curvature of an inner spherical surface (28b) of the cage (28) is offset to a joint back side with respect to the joint center, at regular distances in opposite sides to each other in the axial direction, respectively.

Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint includes: an outer race (10) having a spherical inner circumferential surface (14), the outer race (10) including axially extending ball grooves (16) formed in the spherical inner circumferential surface (14) at regular circumferential intervals; an inner race (20) having a spherical outer circumferential surface (24), the inner race (20) including axially extending ball grooves (26) formed in the spherical outer circumferential surface (24) at regular circumferential intervals; balls (30) interposed between pairs of the ball grooves (16) of the outer race and the ball grooves (26) of the inner race; and a cage (40) having pockets (46) for receiving the balls (30), the pockets (46) being formed at predetermined circumferential intervals. The outer race (10) is produced by hot forging or lathe-turning and subjected to thermal refining treatment.

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.

Abstract: The outer peripheral surface (32) and the inner spherical peripheral surface (34) of a cage (30) of a double-offset constant velocity universal joint are cut after quenched. More specifically, to finish the outer peripheral surface (32) of the cage (30) made up of a spherical portion (32a) and tapered portions (32b, 32c), the spherical portion (32a) and the tapered portions (32b, 32c) are cut after quenched. Then, the spherical portion (32a) is cut at a cutting speed lower than that for the tapered portions (32b, 32c), thereby providing a better roughness to the cut surface of the spherical portion (32a) than to the cut surface of the tapered portions (32b, 32c).

Abstract: A boot for constant-velocity universal joint comprises a major-diameter cylindrical portion 2, a minor-diameter cylindrical portion 3 being separated away from and being put in place concentrically with the major-diameter cylinder portion 2, and having a smaller diameter than that of the major-diameter cylindrical portion 2, and an intermediate portion 10 connecting the major-diameter cylindrical portion 2 with the minor-diameter cylindrical portion 3. The intermediate portion 10 comprises a stretchable bellows portion 19 being connected with the minor-diameter cylindrical portion 3 integrally, and a rigidity-producing portion 11 being connected with the bellows portion 19 and the major-diameter cylindrical portion 2 integrally. The rigidity-producing portion 11 enlarges diametrically from the bellows portion 19 toward the major-diameter cylindrical portion 2, and additionally at least an outer peripheral surface 101 of the rigidity-producing portion 11 has a plurality of shoulders 61 in a stepwise manner.

Abstract: A connecting assembly between a shaft journal which is axially secured, and a constant velocity universal joint whose inner joint part is engaged by the shaft journal in a rotationally fast way, wherein there is provided a threaded sleeve which is held so as to be axially secured and freely rotatable relative to the inner joint part and which comprises a thread which can be threaded on to a counter thread on the shaft journal.

Abstract: Provided is a constant velocity universal joint capable of being smoothly rotated even when a high operating angle is formed and large torque is born and of reducing excessive load applied to the cage so as to strengthen the cage. The constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member having an inner spherical surface (1) in which multiple track grooves (2) are formed; an inner joint member having an outer spherical surface (4) in which multiple track grooves (5) paired with the track grooves (2) of the outer joint member are formed; multiple balls (7) interposed between the track grooves (2) of the outer joint member and the track grooves (5) of the inner joint member so as to transmit torque; and a cage (9) interposed between the inner spherical surface (1) of the outer joint member and the outer spherical surface (4) of the inner joint member so as to retain the balls (7).

Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity joint includes an outer ring (1), an inner ring (2), torque transmitting balls (3), a cage (4), and a pre loading mechanism in which either a pressing section for axially applying an elastic pressing force or a receiving section for receiving the pressing force from the pressing section is disposed in the cage (4), the other being disposed in the inner ring (2). The axial clearance between the inner ring (2) and the cage (4) is greater than the axial clearance which is due to the radial clearance of the track, and the axial clearance which is produced by the radial clearance of the track is 2.5-6.5 times as large as the radial clearance of the track. Further, the center of the outer spherical surface (2b) of the inner ring (2) is shifted to the spread side of the ball tracks (1a, 2a) over the center of the inner spherical surface (4b) of the cage, thereby improving the cross operation.

Abstract: To easily achieve reduction in weight and size and increase in durability even when contact force at contact portions with respect to balls increases.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint 10 comprises an outer race 12, an inner race 11, balls 14 and a cage 13. The outer race 12 has a partially spherical inner surface 12a provided with plural outer ball grooves 12b. The inner race 11 has a partially spherical outer surface 11 a provided with plural inner ball grooves 11b arranged to correspond to the outer ball grooves 12b. The balls 14 are interposed between the outer ball grooves 12b and the inner ball grooves 11b. The radial distance of the outer ball grooves 12b from the rotational axis of the outer race increases toward an opening end of the outer race 12 in a predetermined zone H, and a contact angle ? between each ball 14 and each outer ball groove 12b decreases toward the opening end of the outer race 12 in the predetermined zone H.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint (11) in the form of a counter track joint wherein, when the joint is in the aligned condition, the ratio (V1) of the pitch circle diameter (PCDS) of the shaft toothing in the inner joint part (15) in the power of three relative to the product of the ball diameter (DK) squared and pitch circle diameter (PCDB) of the balls (17) assumes a value ranging between 0.9 and 1.3.

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.

Abstract: Provided is a fixed type constant velocity universal joint capable of, without involving decreases in load capacity of an inner joint member (inner member) and in spherical area, increasing rigidity of a cage and stabilizing durability. Pockets (29) of a cage (28) include four pockets including a pair of long pockets (30) with large circumferential intervals and a pair of short pockets (31) with small circumferential intervals. The pair of long pockets (30) can be shifted by 180 degrees along a circumferential direction, and the pair of short pockets (31) can be shifted by 180 degrees along the circumferential direction. The long pockets (30) and the short pockets (31) are arranged alternately to each other along the circumferential direction. Two balls (27) are accommodated in each of the long pockets (30), while one ball is accommodated in each of the short pockets (31). A cutout portion (45) is provided to an inner end portion of at least one of the track grooves (25) of the inner member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive joint for permitting a rotationally and axially fixed connection between a first and second shaft sub-section, the connection allowing a limited angular displacement.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint 11 having first and second outer ball tracks 16, 18, and first and second inner ball tracks 17, 19, forming first pairs of tracks 16, 17 which widen in a first axial direction. Ri1 (?), and forming second pairs of tracks 18, 19 which widen in a second axial direction Ri2 (?). Balls 20 are guided in the pairs of tracks and have centers Z positioned on a pitch circle radius PCR around a joint centre M. A ball cage 21 holds the balls 20 in a common central plane E on to the angle-bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. There is provided an axial clearance permitting a relative axial displacement S wherein, when in the aligned condition, the ratio between the axial clearance S and the pitch circle radius PCR ranges between 0.01 and 0.09 (0.01<S/PCR<0.09).

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.

Abstract: In the fixed type constant velocity universal joint, the center of each of the guide grooves of the outer joint member is offset to a position of being spaced apart from the joint central plane to the joint opening side by an axial distance (F), and being spaced apart from the joint central axis line to an opposite side in a radial direction with respect to each of the guide grooves by a radial distance (Fr). Further, the center of each of the guide grooves of the 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 (F), and being 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 (Fr).

Abstract: A constant velocity twin ball joint, having an outer joint part with outer ball tracks, an inner joint part with inner ball tracks. Circumferentially adjoining pairs of tracks comprise center lines of the outer and inner ball tracks which, when the longitudinal axes are aligned, are positioned in planes which extend parallel relative to one another and are symmetric relative to the longitudinal axes. A ball cage is positioned between the outer joint part and the inner joint part and comprises circumferentially distributed cage windows which each accommodate pairs of balls of adjoining pairs of tracks positioned in parallel planes. The circumferential length of second cage windows for second pairs of balls is smaller than the circumferential length of first cage windows for first pairs of balls.

Abstract: A joint arrangement including a constant velocity ball joint (1) which is constructed as a counter track joint, with an inner hub (4) having first inner track grooves (16) and second inner track grooves (17), and an outer hub (7) in which first outer track grooves (20) and second outer track grooves (21) are arranged on an inner surface in an alternating matter distributed around the axis of the outer hub. The joint arrangement also includes a displacement unit (12), which transmits torque and permits axial displacements along a longitudinal axis (9), and which is constructed as a roller guide unit with inner tracks 28 and outer tracks (29) extending parallel to each other.

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.

Abstract: Lateral cross-sections of first guiding grooves provided in the inner wall surface of an outer cup are formed in a circular arc shape for one point contact with balls, and lateral cross-sections of second guiding grooves provided in the outer wall surface of an inner ring are formed in an elliptic arc shape for two-point contact with the balls. The diameter of a ball and an offset amount between a first and a second groove is set to satisfy the expression of 0.12?V?0.14 with V being the ratio of the two values.

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.

Abstract: A longitudinal shaft, for use in particular in four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive motor vehicles includes a gearbox-side articulation, a differential-side articulation, as well as a central articulation through which a gearbox-side section is integrally linked in rotation to a differential-side section of the longitudinal shaft. To reduce the centrifugal forces occurring at the longitudinal shaft in operation. Therefore, the gearbox-side articulation and the differential-side articulation have each an inner hub, designed to connect the longitudinal shaft integrally in rotation respectively to a gearbox output shaft and to a differential input shaft, the longitudinal shaft being centered on the gearbox output shaft and the differential input shaft by interlocking through the inner hubs.

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).

Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint 11 having first and second outer ball tracks 16, 18, and first and second inner ball tracks 17, 19, forming first pairs of tracks 16, 17 which widen in a first axial direction Ri1 (?), and forming second pairs of tracks 18, 19 which widen in a second axial direction Ri2 (?). Balls 20 are guided in the pairs of tracks and have centers Z positioned on a pitch circle radius PCR around a joint centre M. A ball cage 21 holds the balls 20 in a common central plane E on to the angle-bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. There is provided an axial clearance permitting a relative axial displacement S wherein, when in the aligned condition, the ratio between the axial clearance S and the pitch circle radius PCR ranges between 0.01 and 0.09 (0.01<S/PCR<0.09).

Abstract: Provided is a power transmission shaft in which concentration of both tensile stress and shear stress is mitigated to achieve an improvement in terms of fatigue strength of a power transmission shaft. A male spline section (Sm) is formed on an outer periphery of the power transmission shaft. On a valley section (21) of the male spline section (Sm), at an axially opposite end side portion thereof, there is provided a diameter-expanded section (21b) whose outer diameter dimension is gradually increased toward an axially opposite end. Rounded sections (21b1) having a circular arc cross-section are provided on both circumferential sides of the diameter-expanded section (21b). A radius of curvature of the rounded sections (21b1) is gradually increased toward the axially opposite end.

Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint having an outer and inner joint part forming pairs of ball tracks, wherein the track base lines of the pairs of tracks each form an opening angle relative to one another. The track base lines of the outer ball tracks, at the attaching part end, form a radius whose center is positioned beyond a first longitudinal axis and is offset by a first offset from the central plane of the outer joint part towards the attaching part. The track base lines of the inner ball tracks, at the aperture end, comprise a radius whose center is positioned beyond the second longitudinal axis and is offset by a second offset from the central plane of the inner joint part towards the aperture.

Abstract: An angle-limiting ring coupled to an interconnecting shaft of a driving axle coupled to a fixed ball type outer constant velocity joint. The angle-limiting ring prevents the overarticulation of the joint at any time when the driving axle is not fully assembled into a rear wheel drive system. This prevents the loss of the ball bearings contained within the joint associated with this overarticulation. A snap ring may also be installed on the interconnecting shaft that allows the positive retention of the interconnecting shaft into the inner race.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint (1) which is constructed as a counter track joint and which includes an inner hub (4) in which first outer grooves (16) and second outer grooves (17) are arranged in an alternating and distributed manner around the axis (9) on the outer surface of the inner hub. An annular cage (5) which is guided on the inner hub (4) is arranged between the inner hub (4) and an outer hub. Insertion surfaces (24, 25) are provided, which extend from the driven-side end, which have an undercut free design, and which extend toward the drive-side end.

Abstract: Provided is 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.

Abstract: A joint assembly has a secured type constant velocity universal joint, a slide type constant velocity universal joint, and substantially cylindrical elastomer unit covers. The secured type constant velocity universal joint includes one outer joint member formed with a plurality of curved and axially extending first track grooves on its inner circumference. A joint inner ring is formed on its outer circumference with second track grooves opposite to the first track grooves. Torque transmitting balls are contained within ball tracks formed by the first and second track grooves. A cage rollably holds the torque transmitting balls within the ball tracks. A drive shaft has one end connected to the joint inner ring. A boot is mounted on the drive shaft and on an outer circumference at an opened side of the one outer joint member. The slide type constant velocity universal joint includes a boot mounted on the drive shaft and on an outer circumference at an opened side of the outer joint member.

Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint having an outer joint part (12) with outer ball tracks (221, 222), an inner joint part (13) with inner ball tracks (231, 232), the outer ball tracks and the inner ball tracks forming pairs of tracks (211, 231; 222, 232), the pairs of tracks each accommodate a torque transmitting ball (141, 142). Each two adjoining pairs of tracks comprise outer ball tracks with center lines in planes extending substantially parallel relative to one another, as well as inner ball tracks with center lines in planes extending substantially parallel relative to one another. An annular ball cage (16) is positioned between the outer joint part (12) and the inner joint part (13). In an aligned joint, centers of the balls are held by the ball cage in the joint center plane and when the joint is articulated, they are guided onto the angle-bisecting plane between the longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline assembly including a drive shaft; a pinion shaft and a constant velocity joint coupling the drive shaft to the pinion shaft. The constant velocity joint has an inner race integrally formed on an end of the pinion shaft.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint shaft, capable of suppressing a rotational backlash when incorporated in the constant velocity universal joint, and improving the assembly efficiency as well as reducing the manufacturing cost. A constant velocity universal joint shaft has a spline that fits an inner race of the constant velocity universal joint. The shaft includes a shaft body with a spline formed thereon, and a yoke portion with a ring-shaped fitting portion. The shaft body and the yoke portion are integrally formed of medium carbon steel. By a pressing force of a pressing member the fitting portion of the yoke portion is tightened, so that such fitting portion fits a shaft external to the joint. In the constant velocity universal joint, the pressing member and an abutment member are elastically butted via an elastic member, so that a ball constantly remains in contact with a raceway of an outer member and a raceway of an inner member.

Abstract: A torque transmission device such as a fixed constant velocity ball joint constructed as an opposed track joint and a process for producing such a device, 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 process is characterized in that prior to the formation of a longitudinal profile of the 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.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device, such as a fixed constant velocity ball joint as a counter track joint and a method for producing such a joint, in which the curvatures of the bases of the joint tracks deviate in their axial course from the curvatures of the ball contact lines. The method is characterized in that the joint component is brought to an increased hardness by a hardening process prior to the formation of the longitudinal profile of the component, and a diffusion layer is partially or completely removed in the region of the longitudinally profiled structure.

Abstract: In a drive shaft installed in a mounted type vehicle to traverse uneven terrains and adapted to transmit drive power to wheels through constant velocity joints J1 and J2 on the inboard and outboard sides, rubber boots are used as constant velocity joint boots.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes an outer member defining a plurality of outer member ball tracks and an inner member defining a plurality of inner member ball tracks. The outer member ball tracks and the inner member ball tracks cooperate to define a plurality of uniform funnels having a uniform width along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of diverging funnels having a diverging width along the longitudinal axis. A drive ball is disposed within each of the uniform funnels and the diverging funnels. A cage is disposed between the outer member and the inner member, and defines a plurality of windows with one of the drive balls disposed within each of the windows. The diverging funnels urge the drive balls along the longitudinal axis to pre-load the cage, while the uniform funnels do not urge the drive balls along the longitudinal axis, thereby reducing the amount of heat generated between the cage and the drive balls.

Abstract: A constant-velocity fixed joint includes an outer joint part with ball raceways and an inner joint part with ball raceways which are separated by webs. A cage, which is disposed between the outer joint part and the inner joint part, has windows for holding balls. The inner joint part can be inserted into the cage only when at least one of its webs engages in a window in the cage. As a result of certain ratios of the raceway angle to the web angle, a high resistance to fracturing at large deflection angles is achieved and a weakening at the functional faces of the inner joint part is avoided. The large angle of wrap around the balls at the ends of the raceways is advantageous for the load bearing capacity of the raceways. Due to its simple form, the cage can be manufactured with a small thickness.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slip joint of a steering apparatus for a vehicle, the slip joint including: an outer member having a plurality of first assembling recesses; an inner member being inserted within the outer member and having a plurality of second assembling recesses; and a slip bush, which is inserted between the outer member and the inner member and has mounting parts, into which balls and rollers inserted, and elastic parts having one side cut out in an axial direction, each mounting part having a plurality of first mounting holes and a plurality of second mounting holes. Each elastic part transfers power while compensating for clearance even when the balls disposed between the inner member and the outer member of the slip joint are worn away so that a rattling noise generated due to clearance is removed, and steering stability and durability of the slip joint can be improved.

Abstract: A fixed center constant velocity joint includes a first group of funnels and a second group of funnels arranged radially about a longitudinal axis in alternating relationship. The first group of funnels diverges in a first direction and the second group of funnels diverges in a second direction opposite the first direction along the longitudinal axis. The first group of funnels defines a first diverging width increasing in value along the longitudinal axis and the second group of funnels defines a second diverging width increasing in value at a different rate than the first diverging width to bias the joint in one of the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A joint outer ring (4) of a constant-velocity joint (1) has a stem portion (10) protruding from of a cup portion (9) and inserted to a through hole (31) of a hub (27) in a bearing device (2). The joint outer ring (4) has an abutment face (9aa) abutting against an end face of a bearing inner ring (28) fitted to an outer periphery of the hub (27) in an outer bottom face (9a) of the cup portion, and is composed of a forged product of a steel material. The joint outer ring (4) has a base material portion composed of a standard structure and an outer surface layer partially formed as a non-standard structure portion (30). The non-standard structure may be any one of an upper bainite structure, a lower bainite structure and a tempered martensite structure, or a mixed structure of at least two of the structures.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint includes an inner race having an outer peripheral face on which inner grooves are formed, an outer race having an inner peripheral face on which outer grooves are formed, a plurality of balls each engaging with each pair of inner groove and outer groove, and an annular cage disposed between the inner race and the outer race and including window portions for retaining respective balls. A coefficient of sliding friction between the ball and a rolling face on the inner groove with which the ball is in contact, and a coefficient of sliding friction between the ball and a rolling face on the outer groove with which the ball is in contact are larger than a coefficient of sliding friction between the ball and a sliding face on the window portion with which the ball is in contact.

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 over-articulation 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.

Abstract: A cross groove constant velocity universal joint for a drive shaft or a propeller shaft of an automotive vehicle includes an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (4) each having ball grooves (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b) which are alternately slanted in respective directions opposite to each other while alternating with each other in a direction circumferentially thereof. Torque transmission balls (6) 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 (8) is provided for retaining 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.

Abstract: A joint assembly has a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a connecting drive shaft. A cover unit protects the constant velocity universal joints and prevents hanging down of the joints under their own weight. The unit cover is arranged to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and boots. The unit cover is formed from elastomer material by injection molding. The cover unit inner circumferential surface has a configuration corresponding to the outline configurations of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and the boots.

Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint having an outer and inner joint part forming pairs of ball tracks, wherein the track base lines of the pairs of tracks each form an opening angle relative to one another. The track base lines of the outer ball tracks, at the attaching part end, form a radius whose center is positioned on a first longitudinal axis and is offset by a first offset from the central plane of the outer joint part towards the attaching part. The track base lines of the inner ball tracks, at the aperture end, comprise a radius whose center is positioned on the second longitudinal axis and is offset by a second offset from the central plane of the inner joint part towards the aperture.