With Intermediate Positioning Cage For Ball Patents (Class 464/145)
  • Patent number: 6251021
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive assembly comprising a constant velocity fixed joint 1 with an outer part 4 provided with a flange 7, and a damping element 3 in the form of a ring. The damping element 3 is arranged between the flange 7 and, respectively, the flange-like portion of a cover 19 closing the outer part 4 and the attaching part 20. The damping element 3 includes an aluminum material whose modulus of elasticity greatly deviates from that of the outer part 4, so that any structure-borne sound vibrations originating from the drive end, for example from a drive unit of a motor vehicle, cannot be transmitted from the attaching part 20 into the driveline which includes the constant velocity fixed joint 1. In this way, vehicle comfort is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Jacob
  • Publication number: 20010004611
    Abstract: A driving wheel bearing unit is disclosed which facilitates works including mounting and dismounting to/from a car body. The driving wheel bearing unit is set to satisfy Da≧Db, where Da is the diameter of its external member across a fitting surface thereof to be fitted to a mating member such as a knuckle, and Db is the maximum diameter of its constant velocity joint, so that a mounting bolt fixing the external member can be released to allow unitary extraction of the entire wheel bearing unit and the external member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventors: Koji Sahashi, Kazuhiko Hozumi, Keisuke Sone, Hisashi Ohtsuki, Ikuya Tateoka, Masahiro Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6241615
    Abstract: The invention relates to a constant velocity fixed joint whose outer part (1) and inner part (3) for guiding the balls (5) comprise two alternately arranged sets of first outer running grooves (14) and opposed first inner running grooves (17) which start from opposed open ends (10, 11) and extend in meridian planes in an undercut-free way, as well as second outer running grooves (15) and opposed second outer running grooves (18). To facilitate assembly, the cage (4) arranged between the inner part (3) and the outer part (1) comprises a cylindrical portion whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of a circular free passage in the region of the first open end (10) of the outer part (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Jacob
  • Publication number: 20010002369
    Abstract: It is proposed to increase the strength of a cage of a constant-velocity joint. A pair of end faces of each pocket formed in the cage that oppose each other in a circumferential direction of the cage are formed by surfaces cut after hardening and their surface hardness is reduced to a value lower than the surface hardness of a pair of side faces of each pocket that oppose each other in an axial direction of the cage to impart toughness to the bridge portions defined between the pockets and thus to increase the strength of the cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Inventors: Masazumi Kobayashi, Masayuki Tanio, Takao Maeda, Takuya Katou
  • Patent number: 6227979
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint comprising: an inner race having a plurality of inner grooves; an outer race having a plurality of outer grooves; a plurality of balls arranged individually in the plurality of inner grooves and in the plurality of outer grooves; and a retainer for retaining the plurality of balls. The center of curvature of the plurality of inner grooves and the center of curvature of the plurality of outer grooves are set on the both sides of a bisector. The plurality of inner grooves are formed helically in the inner race, and the plurality of outer grooves are formed helically in the outer race. The adjoining inner grooves are inclined in opposite directions, and the adjoining outer grooves are inclined in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Takeo Yamamoto, Yukihiro Tanigawa, Yutaka Matsuno, Hideki Sugiura
  • Patent number: 6224490
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes an outer race (1) having a spherical inner surface (2) with track grooves (3) each extending in an axial direction thereof, an inner race having a spherical outer surface (5) formed with track grooves (6) equal in number to the number of the track grooves (3) in the outer race (1), a plurality of torque transmitting balls (7) sandwiched between the inner race (4) and the outer race (1) and accommodated in part in the track grooves (6) in the inner race (4) and in part in the track grooves (3) in the outer race (1), and a cage (8) for retaining the torque transmitting balls (7) while being guided by and between the spherical inner surface (2) of the outer race (1) and the spherical outer surface (5) of the inner race (4). This constant velocity joint of the structure described above is featured in that at least the track grooves (3) in the outer race (1) and an entry chamfer (11) of the outer race (1) are formed by a plastic working process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Michio Iihara, Yasushi Takahara, Masami Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6220967
    Abstract: A vent plug for use with a universal joint having an outer race including an vent aperture, the vent plug including an elongate body portion having a first end and a second end, a retention cap disposed adjacent the first end and a vent cavity extending from the first end to the second end, the elongate body having a rigid outer surface receivable within the vent aperture wherein the retention cap includes an escape aperture in communication with the vent cavity allowing the universal joint to vent internal pressure during high speed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Miller
  • Patent number: 6206785
    Abstract: A non-stroking constant velocity universal joint including an inner joint member, an outer joint member, and a plurality of torque transferring bearing spheres in facing pairs of ball grooves in the inner and outer joint members. The bearing spheres are maintained in a common plane bisecting the angle of articulation between the inner and outer joint members by a cage consisting of a pair of hollow hemispherical segments (“hemi-segments”) clamped radially against each other by the outer joint member. Interlocking lugs and notches on the hemi-segments prevent relative linear translation therebetween. The hemi-segments are made from flat blanks which are perforated for the cage windows and then plastically deformed to the shape of the hemi-segments. The cage is assembled around the inner joint member and may, therefore, have dimensions which reduce unit stresses in the cage and preclude assembly of the inner joint member into the cage through a circular open end of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Mark Thomas
  • Patent number: 6190262
    Abstract: A rolling bearing unit for a vehicle wheel comprising a stationary member fixed to a suspension and having an outer ring raceway, a rotatable member provided to support the vehicle wheel and having an inner ring raceway and a housing which is to be an outer ring of a constant velocity joint, a plurality of rolling members between the outer ring raceway and the inner ring raceway, balls being in contact with the housing having a plurality of outer engagement grooves extending at right angles with respect to the circumferential direction, the opening on both of the circumferential sides of the outer engagement grooves provided with a chamfered portion having a radial size which is larger than the elastic displacement of the area of contact between the balls and the housing adjacent to each other when the surface pressure at the center of the contact portion of the housing with the balls reaches 4200 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroya Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6186899
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint provides an increase in maximum joint angle without a corresponding increase in joint package size. The joint has a modified radial groove profile which significantly decreases ball movement radially inward of the ball center radius so that the ball cage may be increased in diameter without a corresponding increase in ball center radius. The radial groove profile provides a required predetermined funnel angle for ball control at the ball centered point of contact but minimal change in distance from the joint center over most of the axially inner side of the grooves in the outer joint member. One embodiment provides a circular arc centered on the joint center axially inward of the ball center point of contact, a circular arc centered on a point offset from the joint center on the axially outer side of the ball centered point of contact and a straight line on the axially inner side of the ball centered point of contact joining and tangent to both arcs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Mark Thomas, David Charles Flaugher
  • Patent number: 6174240
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint has an outer part (1), an inner part (12) arranged in the outer part (1), and a cage (24) for guiding balls (23) each accommodated in an inner track (14) and an outer track (3). A control element (29) is arranged between the inner part (12) and a first attaching element (5) associated with the outer part (1). A second attaching part (18) is associated with the inner part (12). The second attaching element (18) is provided in the form of a tubular shaft. The invention provides advantageous lubrication conditions for the parts sliding on one another, i.e. the control face (17) and seat face (31) of the control element (29) on the one hand and the sliding face (10) as well as the contact face (30) of the control element (29) contacting the sliding face (10) on the other hand. Two chambers (9, 20) which accommodate lubricant and communicate with one another through an aperture (32) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Jacob, Werner Jacob
  • Patent number: 6159103
    Abstract: A disc style cross groove universal joint including an outer joint member open on front and back sides having a plurality of inward facing outer ball grooves and an inner joint member inside of the outer joint member having a plurality of outward facing inner ball grooves. The inner and outer ball grooves define crossed pairs having a bearing ball therebetween. In a center position of the inner joint member in the outer joint member, the bearing balls are evenly angularly spaced. A cage has a plurality of windows for the bearing balls. An outboard side edge of each cage window is separated from the center of the bearing ball therein by a long span dimension in the center position of the inner joint member. An inboard side edge of each cage window is separated from the center of the bearing ball therein by a short span dimension in the center position of the inner joint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Jim Lu
  • Patent number: 6149524
    Abstract: In a constant velocity joint, the inner running grooves start from a first end of the inner part and extend along the entire length of the inner part as far as a second end. The inner running grooves are open toward the second end, and toward a central recess which starts from the second end. The central recess provides a lubricant groove function. Further, the inner running grooves preferably have a first portion and a second portion. The first portion serves to receive an associated ball extending through a cage and into the outer part. The second portion also provides a lubricating function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Jacob
  • Patent number: 6135891
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint is disclosed in which the end of a track groove 24 which opens to the open end surface 26 of the outer joint member 2 is formed with a cut portion 28a, 28b for the incorporation of a ball, thereby making the incorporation of balls possible without shifting the position of the open end surface 26. Therefore, the strength of the inlet portion of the outer joint member 2 is increased. Furthermore, since the ball incorporating angle .alpha. of the cage 5 can be decreased, it is possible to increase the width of the pocket column portion 58 of the cage 5 and increase the strength of the cage 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Sone, Shogo Okada, Akira Wakita, Kazuhiko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6132316
    Abstract: A fixed, ball-type constant velocity joint includes an outer member (10) having ball-receiving tracks (17) and lands (18) between the tracks. The lands engage the external surface (21) of a cage (12) and are provided with relief portions (25) which extend across the whole circumferential widths of the lands. The relief portions are located between first and second contacting portions of the external cage surface and the facing land surfaces. The provision of the relief portions facilitates the formation of the land surfaces by reducing the area which has to be accurately shaped. The lands are hardened but before hardening may be provided with the relief portions (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Dominic Rhys Statham
  • Patent number: 6120382
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint comprises an outer joint member 1 having eight curved guide grooves 1b axially formed in the spherical inner surface 1a thereof, an inner joint member 2 having eight curved guide grooves 2b axially formed in the spherical outer surface 2a thereof and serrations (or splines) 2c formed on the inner surface for connection to a shaft portion 5, eight torque transmitting balls 3 disposed in ball tracks defined between the guide grooves 1b and 2b of the outer and inner joint members 1 and 2, and a cage 4 for retaining the torque transmitting balls 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Sone, Kazuhiko Hozumi, Yoshihisa Kaneko, Tatsuro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6089984
    Abstract: The invention relates to a constant velocity fixed joint having an outer part 1 carrying a supporting element 9. An inner part 11 has a hollow spherical control face 17. A cage 18 is guided on the inner part 11 and holds balls 21 which, transmit torque between the inner part 11 and the outer part 1 by engaging outer running grooves 5 in the outer part 1 and inner running grooves 14 in the inner part 11. A control element 22 has a spherical contact face 23 which supports the inner part 11 in that the latter is supported on the contact face 23 by means of the control face 17. Furthermore, the control element 22 is supported by a holding face 25 against a supporting face 10 of the supporting element 9 for the purpose of centering the inner part 11 along the longitudinal axis 2 of the outer part on the joint articulation center 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Jacob
  • Patent number: 6071195
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint in the form of a plunging joint has an outer joint part provided with outer ball tracks which extend at a first angle of intersection +.gamma..sub.t relative to the longitudinal axis A.sub.a of the outer joint part. An inner joint part is provided with inner ball tracks which extend at a second angle of intersection -.gamma..sub.t relative to the longitudinal axis A.sub.i of the inner joint part. Torque transmitting balls are guided in outer and inner ball tracks associated with one another in pairs, with the angles of intersection +.gamma..sub.t, -.gamma..sub.t of tracks associated with one another in pairs relative to the longitudinal axes A.sub.a, A.sub.i of the respective joint part being of identical size and being set in opposite senses. A ball cage is positioned between the outer joint part and the inner joint part, and has circumferentially distributed cage windows holding the balls in a common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Werner Krude
  • Patent number: 6042479
    Abstract: A retaining ring and method of installation are provided to maintain the relative position of an inner joint to an outer joint in a constant velocity joint. The outer joint has an open end, a generally spherical internal surface with a plurality of ball grooves, and an annular groove formed in the internal surface near the open end of the outer joint. An annular ring with a radially extending tab is aligned within one of the ball grooves to axially align the tab with the annular groove. The annular ring is then rotatable within the annular groove to align the tab between two of the ball grooves. The annular ring is rotationally retained within the annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.,
    Inventors: Michael Walter Hopson, Daniel J. Schmidt, Richard Seidel
  • Patent number: 5975767
    Abstract: A rolling bearing unit has a hub which is formed with a housing for partly forming a constant velocity joint, wherein a connecting tube 20 of a magnetic metal plate is provided to have a base half portion 21 fitted onto the opening portion of the housing and a tip half portion 22 projecting from the housing, and a number of through holes 26 are formed in an axial portion of the base half portion and arranged circumferentially to function as a tone wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasumasa Mizukoshi, Yoshiaki Onose, Naoki Mitsue, Hideo Ouchi
  • Patent number: 5954587
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint has an outer part (1) with outer tracks (3), and an inner part (6) with inner tracks (10) which, together, each receive one of a plurality of balls (13). The ball is guided by a cage (14). The cage is guided on a guiding face (9) of the inner part (6) by a spherical guiding face (16). The outer part (1) is closed towards one side by a first attaching part (5). The other side is closed by a sealing boot (20) which is secured to the outer part (1) on the one hand and to a second attaching element (12) on the other hand. The second attaching element (12) is connected to the inner part (6) so as to be rotationally fixed. The inner part (6) is held and centered relative to the outer part (1) by the balls (13) and the cage (14) on the one hand and by a control element (18) arranged between the outer part (1) and the inner part (6) on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Jacob, Werner Jacob
  • Patent number: 5947826
    Abstract: The cavity of the bell housing 4, having six grooves 17, forms an axially inner spherical cap 15 extended by an axially outer cylindrical part 16. In order to keep the cage 9 in a predetermined axial position, there are provided at least three undercut cylindrical recesses 20 formed in the cylindrical part 16 between a first set of grooves 17; for each recess 20, a filling member 30 which substantially matches the recess 20; and a holding means 23 for holding a filling member 30 in each of the recesses 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Nicolas Seguin
  • Patent number: 5944612
    Abstract: A longitudinally plungeable constant velocity universal ball joint has an outer joint part (1) with inner first straight ball tracks (2), an inner joint part (7) with outer second straight ball tracks (8). Each set of associated first and second ball tracks (2, 8) accommodates one ball (10) of a plurality of torque transmitting balls (10) and with the center lines of at least part of the associated first and second ball tracks (2, 8) intersecting one another while crossing the axes (M.sub.i, M.sub.a) of the outer joint part (1) and inner joint part (7) respectively at opposed angles of equal size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Schwarzler
  • Patent number: 5899814
    Abstract: A automotive vehicle drive train is provided including a first rotative member, a first plunging constant velocity joint with a front end connected with the first rotative member, the first plunging constant velocity joint having a rear end torsionally connected with the front end, a drive shaft with a front end and a rear end, the drive shaft front end being connected with the rear end of the first plunging constant velocity joint, a second plunging constant velocity joint with a front end and a rear end, the front end of the second plunging constant velocity joint being connected with the rear end of the drive shaft, the rear end of the second constant velocity joint being connected with a second drive member, a spring connected with the second plunging constant velocity joint biasing the front and rear ends of the second plunging constant velocity joint to a predetermine relative axial position with respect to one another, and a damper connected with the second plunging constant velocity joint to dampen an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Santiago Murillo
  • Patent number: 5885162
    Abstract: A universal joint constituted by a first joint, a second joint and a rolling element. The first joint is formed by friction-welding an outer race member and a connecting shaft member. The connecting shaft member has a ring-shaped connecting portion which is welded with a bottom portion of the outer race member. The connecting portion is formed to project from a recess portion of the connecting shaft member toward the outer race member. Therefore, burr generated by the friction welding between the connecting portion and the bottom surface of the outer race member is received in a space defined by the recess portion and the bottom surface of the outer race member. This facilitates removal of the burr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Sakamoto, Mitsumasa Iijima
  • Patent number: 5855519
    Abstract: A torsion spring received in a recess in an inner joint member is engaged at one end thereof with an engaging groove in a cage and at the other end with the wall surface of the recess, thereby constantly urging the cage against the inner joint member. As a result, a torque transmitting ball received in the pocket of the cage is elastically pressed against the narrow side (open side) of the wedge of the ball track by the cage, whereby the circumferential clearance between the guide groove and the torque transmitting ball disappears, preventing the rotation backlash of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuro Kadota
  • Patent number: 5853328
    Abstract: A double offset type constant velocity universal joint for use in a power transmission system of an automobile comprises an inner member, an outer member, and a plurality of balls for transmitting torque between the Inner and outer members, the balls being retained by means of a cage also interposed between the inner and outer members, the cage being so designed as to allow the inner and outer members to move axially relatively to each other by an effective amount to absorb not only slight vibrations of an engine but also a greater movement of the engine caused by starting acceleration of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masazumi Kobayashi, Takeshi Kohara, Haruo Nagatani, Yoshikazu Fukumura
  • Patent number: 5823883
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint includes an inner race having an outer surface with ball tracks. An outer race having an inner surface with ball tracks corresponding to the ball tracks of the inner race is provided adjacent the inner race. Balls are provided between the ball tracks of the inner and outer races. A stem assembly, including ball pockets and a spherical surface provided therebetween, is secured to the outer race. A cage is provided between the inner and outer races. The cage has apertures for the balls, a spherical surface corresponding with the spherical surface of the stem assembly. The spherical surface is positioned in an abutting condition with the stem, and a spring section is provided between the spherical surface of the cage and the ball apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Hopson
  • Patent number: 5797801
    Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint has having a hollow outer part (1), an inner part (7) and a cage (15). The parts are centered relative to one another in the radial direction by balls (19) held in the cage (15). A guiding element (22) is adjustably supported in the radial direction against a supporting element (28). The supporting element (22) is fixed relative to the outer part (1). Arrangement and design of the guiding element (22) are such that its contact face (24) forms a plane which contains the articulation center (27). As a result, the setting of the inner part (7) relative to the outer part (1) is advantageously affected in the radial direction. In this way, a low-friction joint is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Jacob
  • Patent number: 5788578
    Abstract: A homokinetic joint which can be manufactured at low cost. Its outer ring and inner ring has a spherical inner surface and a spherical outer surface both formed with a plurality of track grooves in which are received torque transfer balls retained by a cage. The spherical inner surface and the track grooves of the outer ring are finished by plastic working, so that no additional finishing work is necessary. Thus, the outer ring can be manufactured at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Shimizu, Hisaaki Kura, Shigeyoshi Ishiguro, Shuji Mochinaga, Katsuyuki Ikei, Masami Yamaguchi, Kenichi Nakano, Morihisa Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 5782696
    Abstract: In a ball-type joint, the directrix lines (16B) of the grooves (12) of the hub element (3) are defined in such a manner as to provide a groove depth which only slightly varies. The directrix lines (14B) of the grooves (9) of the bell elements are deduced by symmetry relative to a bisecting plane (P) of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: GKN Automotive
    Inventor: Pierre L. Guimbretiere
  • Patent number: 5762559
    Abstract: A wheel bearing unit (9) rotatably supports a drivable wheel on a wheel carrier (10) around a rotational axis (15) and has a double-row tapered seat ball bearing with an outer bearing ring (20) attached to the wheel carrier (10) and a central bearing plane (24). The inner tracks (16, 17) are worked into the outer face (19) of an outer joint member (11) which carries a flange (12). The outer ball running grooves (30), formed into the outer joint member (11), are arranged opposite inner running grooves (35) of an inner joint member (34). The grooves, together with a cage (36) and guide balls (37), transmit torque. The inner joint member (34) is pivotable around the joint center (42) relative to the outer joint member (11). The central bearing plane (24) is offset from the joint center (42) by a distance sufficient to achieve the smallest possible rolling circle diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromlamp GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Jacob, Manfred Niederhufner
  • Patent number: 5725432
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint (1) has an outer part (2), an inner part (6) received therein, and a cage (11) arranged between the outer part (2) and inner part (3) to guide balls (17) which serves to transmit torque between the outer part (2) and inner part (6). The balls (17) are guided between parallel window faces (15, 16) of the cage (11). To improve the service life values and the running-in conditions of the joint, balls (17) are used whose surface is ground and have a defined roughness. Thus, in the case of tolerance errors, the window faces (15, 16) are worked off to such an extent as to achieve identical load bearing conditions at the balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Herbert Konegen, Peter Seigert, Hans Schreiber, Frank Tenhumberg
  • Patent number: 5716278
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint for large articulation angles, consisting of an outer joint part comprising a cavity and longitudinally extending outer ball running grooves opening towards the cavity; an inner joint part positioned inside the cavity and comprising longitudinally extending inner ball running grooves corresponding to the outer ball running grooves; torque transmitting balls running in outer and inner ball running grooves associated with one another; and a cage which is arranged between the outer joint part and the inner joint part, which is provided with windows for accommodating the balls and which comprises two opposed apertures having generating central axes which extend transversely to the joint axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Werner Krude
  • Patent number: 5692960
    Abstract: The homokinetic joint has an inner ring and and an outer ring formed with axial track grooves so as to be opposite to each other, balls received in the track grooves, a cage mounted between the inner and outer rings and having pockets accommodating the respective balls, whereby torque is transmitted between the inner and outer rings through the balls so that the inner and outer rings will rotate at the same speed. The distance between said track grooves formed in the inner ring and those formed in the outer ring is determined so that the balls are fitted in the grooves between the ring and the inner ring with a predetermined interference, while leaving an axial clearance between the pockets of the cage and the balls. Thus, the balls can roll smoothly with little play in the direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuro Sugiyama, Noriyoshi Yamamoto, Hisaaki Kura
  • Patent number: 5685777
    Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal ball joint has an outer joint part with an inner aperture including substantially longitudinally extending outer ball tracks. An inner joint part forms a hub member positioned in the inner aperture of the outer joint part. The inner joint part includes substantially longitudinally extending inner ball tracks. Torque transmitting balls are guided in outer and inner ball tracks associated with one another in pairs. The ball tracks are curved in the longitudinal direction. An annular ball cage is positioned between the outer joint part and inner joint part. The cage includes circumferentially distributed cage windows which hold the balls in a common plane and guide the balls onto an angle bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. The ball tracks are asymmetric in section. The outer track pairs of two adjoining outer ball tracks are formed in the outer joint part. The outer ball tracks extend parallel relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Schwarzler
  • Patent number: 5647801
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an outer part (1) with outer running grooves provided in its inner face (2) and extending in meridian planes with reference to the longitudinal axis (4) of the outer part. An inner part (6) is arranged in the inner chamber (5) of the outer part (1). Inner running grooves (13) are arranged in the inner part outer face (10). The inner running grooves (13) are arranged opposite the outer running grooves forming pairs which jointly accommodate balls (31) for torque transmitting purposes. The balls (31) are guided by a cage (24). The inner part (6) includes inner running grooves (13) which are all shortened and are only long enough to provide a maximum travel (18) covered by the balls (31) in the inner running grooves (13) from one extreme position to the other, plus an additional safety length (19) which is provided for strength reasons. A groove portion (14, 15) follows at least one end of the inner running grooves (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Jacob
  • Patent number: 5643092
    Abstract: An axial fixation of a splined shaft connection, particularly between a hub of a constant velocity joint and a shaft, whereby a splined end of the shaft is to be inserted in and extracted out of a splined bore of the hub from one side thereof. A snap ring is in contact with a stop surface of the shaft and a holding surface of groove in the hub. The snap ring and the holding surface are situated in the extraction direction axially behind the carrying zone of the splines, whereby the hub is provided with an opening following the holding surface having a radius which is greater than the radius of the radially-opposed portion of the shaft by an amount which is at least equal to the radial width of the snap ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Sobhy Labib Girguis
  • Patent number: 5632683
    Abstract: A cross-groove type homokinetic joint which requires no boot adaptor and is thus less expensive and which is provided with an arrangement for preventing the balls from dropping out while keeping a large working angle of the shaft. The cross-grooved homokinetic joint has an inner ring having grooves in its outer surface, balls received in the grooves of the inner ring, a cage retaining the balls, and an outer ring having grooves in its inner surface. The balls are guided by the grooves of the outer ring. This joint has no boot adaptor. The boot is directly fixed to the outer ring. A circlip is fitted on the inner surface of the outer ring near its open end to prevent the balls from dropping out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Fukumura, Shin Tomogami, Yutaka Tanigaki, Hiroyuki Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 5624318
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint (2) with a connecting shaft (4). The inner part (12) of the constant velocity joint (2) includes a through-bore (28) with a first portion in the form of inner teeth (29) and a second bore portion in the form of a circular-cylindrical bore portion (32). A coupling sleeve is inserted into the inner part (12). The coupling sleeve (33) includes outer teeth (34) which engage the inner teeth (29). These are followed by a circular-cylindrical portion (35) centered in the bore portion (32). The coupling sleeve (33), on its inner face, has first longitudinal grooves (37) arranged opposite second longitudinal grooves (39) of the connecting shaft (4). Rolling-contact members (40) are received between the first and second longitudinal grooves and are held so as to be guided in a cage. Members (40) serve to transmit torque between the coupling sleeve (33) and the connecting shaft (4) and enable a linear adjustment between the coupling sleeve (33) and the connecting shaft (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Lohr & Broomkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Jacob, Manfred Niederhufner, Jurgen E. Heyne
  • Patent number: 5618235
    Abstract: An outer joint part is produced by forming in such a way that the torque transmitting capacity is substantially increased and that the production costs, essentially do not rise. This is achieved in that at the outwardly open axial end of the cavity of the outer joint part, there is arranged a radially outwardly directed collar-shaped flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Werner Krude, Peter Harz
  • Patent number: 5616081
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint has an outer joint part, an inner joint part and torque transmitting balls held in a cage. The cage has centers of curvature (M.sub.1, M.sub.2) of the outer spherical face (14, 44) and of an inner spherical face (14, 44) of the ball cage (4, 34) which are axially offset relative to a central cage plane (E), defined by the circumferentially extending center lines (L.sub.m) of the cage windows (12, 42). The center of curvature (M.sub.1) of the outer spherical face (13, 43) is positioned towards the aperture (8, 38) in the outer joint part (2, 32), and the center of curvature (M.sub.2) of the inner spherical face, (14, 44), is positioned towards the end of the outer joint part (2, 32) located axially opposite the aperture (8, 38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignees: GKN Automotive AG, GKN Birfield SpA
    Inventors: Werner Krude, Peter Harz, Bruno Feichter
  • Patent number: 5609527
    Abstract: A cage for a constant velocity universal joint has an increase in the fracture strength of the cage and thus the torque capacity of the entire constant velocity universal joint. This is achieved in that the apertures for the windows in the cage at the circumferentially extending contact faces do not extend parallel to the central axis but contact a virtual sphere arranged at the point of intersection between the radial center plane of the cage and the joint axis. As a result, the webs of the cage comprise a larger cross-section and in consequence, its fracture strength is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Charles Fuerstenau, Herbert Konegen, Wolfgang Hildebrandt, Peter Seigert
  • Patent number: 5599234
    Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint having an outer joint part, an inner joint part, a cage and torque transmitting balls has the cumulative clearance errors of the joint minimized via the fixing method of supporting inserts. This is achieved in that a ring is provided with at least two fingers pointing axially and radially inward into the cavity of the outer joint part and arranged between two outer running grooves so as to abut the spherical contact face of the cage. While the clearances between the internal joint components are positioned at a predetermined relationship, the ring is positioned at an axial distance from a reference face located at the open end of the outer joint part and that the ring, while observing a predetermined axial play, is connected to the outer joint part. The inner faces of the outer joint part arranged between the outer running grooves thus being held at a predetermined position relative to the spherical outer face of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Peter Harz, Werner Krude, Herbert Taureg
  • Patent number: 5580313
    Abstract: A fixed constant velocity joint has an outer part whose inner face includes outer running grooves. The outer part accommodates an inner part with inner running grooves. Each inner running groove and outer running groove jointly accommodate a torque transmitting ball. A cage is arranged at a distance from the inner face of the outer part. The cage is guided on an outer spherical face of the inner part. The inner part includes a first guiding face which guides a guiding element with a second guiding face. The guiding element is radially displaceably guided and axially supported on a contact face. The functional play of the joint is determined by the diameter of the balls. It is possible to set the play in such a way since there is no contact between the outer face of the cage and the inner face of the outer part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Jacob, Achim Jacob
  • Patent number: 5549514
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint for a wheel hub/universal joint unit has a bearing assembly arranged on the wheel hub and tensioned relative thereto by the outer joint part of the universal joint. The joint has an unfastenable connection between the wheel hub and universal joint includes a bolt/nut assembly. The outer joint part and the inner joint part have longitudinally extending ball tracks which are arranged radially opposite one another. The tracks contain torque-transmitting balls which, in turn, are held in one plane in individual windows of a ball cage positioned between the outer joint part and the inner joint part. Upon articulation of the joint, the balls are moved on to the angle-bisecting plane with the outer joint part, at one end, closed by a base part and the inner joint part connected to a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Heinrich Welschof
  • Patent number: 5542885
    Abstract: A homokinetic ball turning joint has a joint outer part (1a) with ball tracks (6a) distributed around its circumference that extend substantially in the longitudinal direction and a joint inner part (11a) with ball tracks (13a) distributed around its circumference that extend substantially in the longitudinal direction. The tracks (6a, 13a) are arranged in pairs, lie opposite each other in the radial direction and carry together a torque transmitting ball (14a). A cage (7a) receives the ball (14a) in windows (15a) distributed around the circumference, retains it in a common plane and when the axes of the joint outer part (1a) and joint inner part (11a) are bent towards each other, it guides the balls (14a) onto the angle bisecting plane. The joint outer part (1a) has inner surfaces (5a) with no undercuts located between the individual ball tracks (6a), when viewed in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Werner Krude, Peter Harz
  • Patent number: 5509856
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint has an outer joint part with first ball tracks in its inner recess and an inner joint part with second ball tracks on its outer surface. The first and second tracks are uniformly circumferentially distributed and arranged opposite one another in pairs and each pair receives a torque transmitting ball. A ball cage holds the balls in a common plane (E) and includes unevenly distributed windows, whose number corresponds to the number of balls, in which the balls are arranged so as to be circumferentially movable. The windows have radial center lines respectively bisecting their circumferential length. In the cross-section through the ball cage with reference to a radial axis (X.sub.A), which coincides with the radial center line (X.sub.1, X.sub.2) at least of one first window, and transverse axis (X.sub.Q) , which is positioned perpendicularly to the radial axis (X.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventor: Hans-Heinrich Welschof
  • Patent number: 5509857
    Abstract: A non-stroking, constant velocity universal joint including a cup-shaped outer joint element having internal ball grooves, an inner joint element having external ball grooves, a cage between the inner and outer joint elements coacting with spherical inner and outer walls of the joint elements and having a plurality of ball apertures in register with the ball grooves, and a plurality of bearing balls in the ball apertures and ball grooves. A characterizing BCD/BD ratio greater than 3.5 is achieved in the constant velocity universal joint by providing notches on opposite sides of partitions on the outer joint element between the internal grooves from an open end of the outer joint element to the center of the inner spherical wall. The notches reduce the effective width of the partitions, which otherwise would exceed the width of the ball apertures in the cage due to the high BCD/BD ratio, to less than the width of the ball apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: David C. Flaugher
  • Patent number: RE35995
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint has a bell-shaped outer joint part which is open at one end. The outer joint part includes longitudinally extending circumferentially distributed outer ball tracks. An inner joint part with longitudinally extending circumferentially distributed inner ball tracks is positioned within the outer part such that the outer and inner tracks are arranged radially opposite one another to form pairs. A torque transmitting ball is received in each track pair. A cage is arranged between the outer joint part and the inner joint part and holds the balls in a common plane in circumferentially distributed cage windows. The cage guides the balls on to the angle bisecting plane when the axes of the outer and inner joint part are articulated relative to one another. The outer joint part is produced, especially by extrusion, forging or deep-drawing. The forming provides outer ball tracks which, if viewed from the open end, are axially undercut-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: GKN Automotive AG
    Inventors: Werner Krude, Peter Harz