Abstract: A sliding spline shaft device of the present invention includes a male spline and a female spline that is fitted to the male spline in an axially slidable manner, and at least one of the splines has a surface processed layer. The surface processed layer includes an undercoat layer, an intermediate layer containing phosphate, and a topcoat layer containing solid lubricant, in this order. The undercoat layer contains iron nitride and/or iron carbide. Thus, the surface of a base material has high hardness. As a result, microscopic deformation of the sliding surface is reduced, and increase in a real contact area is suppressed, whereby stick-slip is prevented.

Abstract: A propeller shaft includes a first shaft having a yoke at one end, a second shaft slidably connected to the other end of the first shaft, and a surface treated member which is arranged at a connecting portion, at which the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other, and to which surface treatment for improving slidability of the second shaft with respect to the first shaft is applied. The surface treated member is formed by a substrate which is separate from the first shaft and the second shaft and to which the surface treatment has been applied. The surface treated member is arranged at the connecting portion, at which the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other, after the surface treatment is applied.

Abstract: A dual-mass flywheel has a first mass body and a second mass body which can rotate relative to one another by way of a damping device disposed between the first mass body and the second mass body. The damping device includes, running in the shape of an arc, at least one helical compression spring, which introduces spring force into the mass bodies via contact surfaces formed on the first mass body and the second mass body. The helical compression spring is guided in the radial direction by a wall formed by a mass body. At least one friction-reducing sliding component in the form of a wire cushion body is provided between the wall and the helical compression spring.

Abstract: A spline shaft that can suppress occurrence of stick slip by measures other than just simply making the surface roughness smaller. The spline shaft includes a first shaft with an outer-peripheral spline formed, and a second shaft with an inner-peripheral spline, which engages with the outer-peripheral spline peripherally and that is made slidable axially, formed. And, at least either one of the outer-peripheral spline and the inner-peripheral spline includes a substrate whose surface is formed to a predetermined surface roughness, and an amorphous carbon-system hard thin film, which coats and forms the surface of substrate.

Abstract: A wire wound flexible shaft has layers of wire wound one upon another, with a dry film of lubricant bonded to the outer surfaces of a number of the outer layers; or if desired, to the outer surfaces of all layers of the shaft. The lubricant is applied by preheating the partially completed flexible shaft to a temperature substantially above 212° F. but below the decomposition temperature of the lubricant. A liquid medium comprising a carrier and particles of the lubricant is sprayed onto the shaft surface, causing the liquid to vaporize and the lubricant particles to be deposited on the shaft. One or more successive wire layers may then be wound onto the partially completed shaft and the spraying step repeated. Thereafter the shaft is heated to cause the lubricant particles to bond to the adjacent wire layers and to reduce internal stresses in the shaft.

Abstract: A clutch disc assembly (1) is provided with lubrication members (11a, 11b) to reduce the wear of the parts which contact the large coil springs (7) disposed within the clutch disc assembly (1). Plates (4) and (5) and a separated flange (3) are configured to rotate relative to each other. Raised portions (4a) and (5a) of the plates (4) and (5) correspond to a window (3c). Each of the large coil springs (7) extends in a circumferential direction with respect to the clutch disc assembly (1). Each large coil spring is confined within a corresponding the window (3c) of the separated flange (3) and further between the raised portions (4a) and (5a) of the plates (4) and (5). Lubricant-impregnated members (11a, 11b) are provided on a portion of respective sides of the separated flange (3), and are contactable with the large spring coil (7). In one alternate embodiment, a portion of plates (105) and (106) is provided with a plurality of minute apertures (140).

Abstract: A clutch disc assembly (1) is provided a lubrication member (11) to suppress the wear of parts which contact any of the coil springs (7) disposed within the clutch disc assembly (1). Plates (4) and (5) and a separated flange (3) are configured to rotate relative to each other. Raised portions (4a) and (5a) of the plates (4) and (5) correspond to a window (3c). Each of the large coil springs (7) is confined within the window (3c), the raised portions (4a) and (5a) of the plates (4) and (5) and the separated flange (3) in the circumferential direction. A lubricant-impregnated member (11) is provided in the plates (4) and (5), and is contactable with the large spring coil (7).

Abstract: A drive and bearing arrangement for a rotatable member such as a concrete mixing drum has a first drive mechanism for providing a rotational drive force to the drum, a primary bearing coupled to the primary drive mechanism and the drum for supporting an end of the drum, an auxiliary bearing for selectively and alternatively supporting the end of the drum in the event of failure of the primary bearing, and an auxiliary drive mechanism for providing a drive force to the drum when the end of the drum is supported by the auxiliary bearing. In one embodiment, the arrangement includes a drive flange coupled to the output of a transmission which includes the primary bearing, and a driven flange which is coupled to the rotatable drum. Auxiliary bearings are provided between the first and second flanges. A removable locking element is provided to rigidly lock the drive and driven flanges together when the primary bearing is rotatably supporting the end of the drum.