Abstract: The invention relates to a constant velocity fixed joint whose outer part 1 and inner part 3 for guiding the balls 5 comprise first outer running grooves 14 and opposed first inner running grooves 17 alternately extending from opposed open ends 10, 11 in the meridian planes in an undercut-free way, as well as second outer running grooves 15 and opposed second inner running grooves 18. For the purpose of achieving very quiet running characteristics, the cage arranged between the inner part 3 and outer part 1 is guided by a hollow spherical inner face 21 on the spherical outer face 19 of the inner part 3. In addition, the cage 4 is provided with outer lugs 29 which project outwardly beyond the outer face of the cage and which increase the size of the lateral guiding faces 21, 24 of the windows 25 for guiding the balls 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly having a constant velocity joint (1) and a receiving part (16). The constant velocity joint (1) comprises an outer part (2), an inner part (7), a cage (12) and balls (13). The outer part (2), on its outer face, is provided with a centering face (14) by means of which the outer part (2) is centrically received in a centering bore (17) of a receiving part (16). The flange (5) is tensioned against a contact face of the receiving part (16) by fixing bolts (20). The outer part (2) is produced from plate metal by a non-chip producing forming operation. Because of the type of arrangement, it can be correspondingly lighter in weight than a solid part incorporated for the transmission of the same amount of torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to a constant velocity joint having a plate-metal slotted, annular outer part 13 which comprises first outer running grooves 15 and second outer running grooves 17 extending in opposite directions and which is received in a receiving part 19. Furthermore, the constant velocity joint comprises an inner part 3 with first inner running grooves 6 and second inner running grooves 7. Between said outer part and inner part, there is arranged a cage 11 which serves to guide balls 28 which engage the respective running grooves. The outer part 13 which is divided and consists of segments is secured in the receiving part 19 in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction. The constant velocity joint in the above design is easy to produce from plate metal by simple tools.

Abstract: The invention relates to a CV-jointed shaft with a first and a second constant velocity fixed joint 1, 1′ and an intermediate shaft 14. The intermediate shaft 14 comprises a plunging sleeve 22 in which there is received a plunging journal 15 by means of balls. The plunging journal 15 and the intermediate shaft 14 are each provided with a plug-in portion 16, 25 which are identical in shape and are received in receiving bores 7 of the inner parts 5 of the two constant velocity fixed joints 1, 1′. By using this design it is possible to provide a CV-jointed shaft wherein, to a considerable extent, the constant velocity fixed joints 1, 1′ can be assembled of identical components.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle comprises a frame supported by at least a left wheel and a right wheel. The left wheel and the right wheel being connected to said frame by a left suspension and a right suspension respectively. The independently suspended wheels preferably are drive wheels. The wheels are driven by an engine through a transmission. The transmission is connected to the left wheel by a left half shaft and to the right wheel by a right half shaft. Constant velocity couplings are used to coupling the half shafts to the respective wheels and to the transmission. The constant velocity couplings connecting the two half shafts to the transmission are joined in a single housing. The housing includes a body portion and a gear portion. The two portions can be integrally formed. A left cage and a right cage are mounted within a left axial bore and a right axial bore formed in the body portion. The cages are secured for rotation with the body portion but can move axially within the respective bores.

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.

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).

Abstract: The invention relates to a propeller shaft assembly for connecting the front gearbox output to the drive input of a rear axle drive of a passenger car. Said propeller shaft assembly comprises at least two propeller shaft portions 9, 10. Both are supported by an intermediate bearing 11 arranged in the connecting region. At the gearbox output end, there is provided a first joint 12. In the connecting region between the two propeller shaft portions 9, 10, there is provided a third joint 14. All joints 12, 13, 14 are provided in the form of constant velocity fixed joints. Additionally, towards the ends, there is provided a plunging element 16, 30 which is provided in the form of a rolling contact member guide which rollingly permit displacements along the longitudinal axis 32 and which additionally effect the transmission of torque. This assembly prevents any vibrational excitement either at the gearbox output end or at the axle drive end from reaching the propeller shaft assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive assembly comprising a constant velocity fixed joint A and rolling contact member guide B. The constant velocity fixed joint A is designed in such a way that its outer part 1 and its inner part 3, for the purpose of guiding the balls 5, are provided with two outer running grooves 14, 15 alternately extending from two opposed open ends 10, 11 in distributed planes in an undercut-free way and, opposite thereto, two inner running grooves 17, 18. The cage arranged between the inner part 3 and the outer part 1 for the purpose of guiding the balls 5 is guided by a hollow-spherical portion of its inner face 21 on the spherical outer face 19 of the inner part 3. The rolling contact member guide B connected to the inner part 3 comprises a plunging journal 33 which enters a bore 39 in the plunging sleeve 38.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic shaft as used, for example, in a connecting shaft between two joints of a driveshaft. The telescopic shaft comprises an outer part (6) and an inner part (12) and a cage (15) arranged therebetween. In the inner face of the outer part (6), there are arranged outer running grooves (10) which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (5). In the inner part (12) entering the outer part (6) there are provided circumferentially distributed inner running grooves (14). The number of outer running grooves (10) is two or three times the number of inner running groves, so that the outer part (6) comprises more advantageous cross-sectional conditions for hardening operations. Hardness distortions are reduced so that the required functional play values for the opposed outer running grooves (10) and inner running grooves (14) can be accommodated and observed by means of balls (17) guided by a cage (15).

Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking two mechanical members (2, 3) coupled for rotation as a unit (1) by means of a splined coupling (30, 33), comprises an elastic means (36) secured to the first member (2) and adapted for co-operation with the second member (3). The elastic means (36) is comprised of a bistable elastic element (36) having first (50) and second (52) alternative steady positions. The bistable elastic element is provided with hooking means (46, 48) adapted for co-operating in the first steady position (50) with the second member (3) to keep the members (2, 3) axially coupled, and for disengaging in the second steady (52) from the second member (3) to allow separation of the members (2, 3) forming the coupled unit (1).

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.

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.

Abstract: A VL constant velocity universal joint for accommodating axial displacements in a propeller shaft of a motor vehicle and for connecting a drive unit to a rear axle gearbox has at least two articulatably connected shaft portions, with a standard plunge which is usable in a damage-free way. An outer joint part has outer ball tracks and an inner joint part has inner ball tracks. A plurality of torque transmitting balls are guided in the outer and inner ball tracks associated with one another. Associated outer ball tracks and inner ball tracks form angles of intersection with respect to a central axis A of the joint. The angles are of identical size but set in opposite directions. A ball cage is provided with a plurality of cage windows each accommodating one of the balls and which hold the balls in one plane when the joint is axially displaced or articulated.

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.

Abstract: A connector for securing a constant velocity universal joint having a housing to a coupling member, the housing and coupling member each having an inner surface and an outer surface. The connector includes an annular member having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of openings which extend axially from the first end to define a series of radially expanding panels for receiving the constant velocity universal joint and coupling member. The joint and coupling member each have respective mating surfaces which engage each other. The first end of the annular member engages the outer surface of the coupling member and the second end of the annular member is disposed proximate the outer surface of the housing. The mating surfaces are splined for transmitting torque. At least one wave spring is provided with the connector to accommodate axial deviation.

Abstract: A pre-assembled structural unit for driven axles of automotive vehicles, comprising a wheel flange (1), a brake disc (2), a wheel bearing (3), and a synchronizing joint including an inner part (5), an outer part (6), and an anti-friction bearing (7), can be mounted in a carrier unit (4) provided on the vehicle side.The structural unit provides that the inner part (5) of the synchronizing joint is integrally formed with a shaft journal (5a) which can be connected to the end of a driving shaft (8) in a non-rotating way.Hence, the pre-assembly interface hitherto located in the synchronizing joint is shifted toward the driving shaft so that the synchronizing joint with the sealing sleeve (10) completely mounted results in the pre-assembled unit, thereby substantially simplifying the final assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting rotary motion through a joint includes a pivotal portion which may freely pivot in two planes relative to a second portion. A rotatable shaft extends through the pivotal portion attaching to a constant velocity joint for translating rotational movement of the shaft into rotational movement of a second shaft. The pivotal portion is mounted to the second portion via a universal joint, with the constant velocity joint placed at the center of the universal joint, achieving high torque rotation.

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.

Abstract: An outer joint part includes a cup-shaped body portion having a rotation axis. The cup-shaped body portion has an inner circumferential surface having a plurality of circumferentially spaced inner grooves, and an outer circumferential surface having a plurality of outer grooves circumferentially alternately disposed relative to the inner grooves. The wall thickness of the cup-shaped body portion at the outer grooves is smaller than the wall thickness of the cup-shaped body portion in the areas between the outer grooves. A preform formed into the outer joint part includes a bowl-shaped preform portion having a center axis and inner and outer circumferential surfaces similar in shape to each other. The inner circumferential surface defines inner recesses circumferentially spaced from each other. The outer circumferential surface defines outer recesses circumferentially alternately disposed relative to the inner recesses.

Abstract: In a device for reversibly locking a constant-velocity joint (2) with respect to a hub (1), the constant-velocity joint is axially locked to the hub by means of a spring-lock ring (21) of circular cross section recessed in a circumferential groove (22) in part formed on said joint (2) and in part on said hub (1). The joint comprises reaction means (24) integral therewith, particularly a rigid annular diaphragm disposed adjacent to the hub and facing an axial through bore (15) formed in the hub. The diaphragm is adapted for co-operation with an extraction tool (28) that can be inserted through the hub bore (15) in order to apply to the joint (2) and the spring-lock ring (21) an axial force with relative to the hub in either direction so as to separate or couple the joint (2) from or to the hub.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The drive shaft assembly has a variable length. Each end of the drive shaft assembly has a flange for attaching to whatever is intend thereon such as a gear box drive or fan mount, and a female threaded attachment on the opposite side of the flange. A slide is secured in this attachment. The slide has a bore therein with longitudinal ball bearing races partially along the length of the wall. Each end of the shaft has opposing ball bearing races as compared to those in the slide and has further thereon an o-ring retainer. A sufficient number of ball bearings are placed in each race to allow for movement of the shaft in the slide. The o-ring is placed on the shaft after the bearings are inserted. After this the slide is secured to the flange.

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.

Abstract: The hub of a wheel of a motor vehicle, defined by a flanged ring of a rolling element bearing, is joined to a corresponding constant velocity universal joint by a coupling capable of transmitting torque even in the most extreme operating conditions; an intermediate ring is interposed between the hub and the joint, mounted with slight interference or with some play on a suitable smooth cylindrical centring seat of the hub and then locked axially to the hub by means of the plastic deformation of an edge at the end of the hub; the intermediate ring is provided with two opposite splined couplings defined, for example, by sets of axial teeth, one internal and the other external, disposed at one end of the ring itself, and capable of interlocking respectively with corresponding teeth for a splined coupling of the joint and the hub; alternatively, the two teeth are both formed within the intermediate ring and the teeth coupled with the hub are disposed between the races of the rolling element bearing; the intermedia

Abstract: A rotational coupling of a wheel flange (14) to an output member (12) of a transmission joint for use in coupling a motor vehicle wheel flange to the outward bell housing of a constant-velocity joint in the vehicle-transmission. The wheel flange (14) is mounted so that it can rotate freely through a wheel support (16) by a rolling-contact bearing (18). The wheel flange (14) and the joint output member (12) includes a complementary coupling (19) including a ring (40) attached to the end of the flange facing the output member (12). The ring includes driving profiles (44) designed to interact with complementary profiles (54) associated with the output member. The force-transmission interface of the driving profiles (44) is distributed essentially outwardly of the extension of the end of the wheel flange (14) bearing the ring (40).

Abstract: Relief portions 1c1, 1c2 are formed at the boundary regions between the guide groove 1a and the inner peripheral surface 1b, and are respectively positioned at the inner side and the inlet side taking a joint center position 0 as a reference. The relief portions 1c1, 1c2 are gradually increased toward the end portions of the guide groove 1a. Groove depths ( .theta.1, .theta.2) of the guide groove 1a at the left region and the right region are identical to each other in all cross-sections orthogonal to the groove bottom line L, and the groove depth is the largest (.theta.2) at the center region including the joint center position 0, and is gradually decreased from the center region toward the both ends. (.theta.1: .theta.2>.theta.1).

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.

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.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint race includes a shaft and a plurality of track segments having a ball race surface formed thereon. Each of the segments is arranged circumferentially in an abutting manner with an adjacent track segment on either side. The segments are secured to the shaft and one another.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A shaft assembly in which a cross-groove universal joint is mounted on each of the two end portions of a shaft. In this cross-groove universal joint, an inner race formed in the outer circumference with ball grooves inclined alternately in opposite directions with respect to the axial direction and an outer race formed in the inner circumference with ball grooves oriented to intersect the former ball grooves are concentrically fitted. Balls are arranged at the intersections between the ball grooves of the inner race and the ball grooves of the outer race, as confronting each other. The balls are retained by a cage arranged between the inner race and the outer race.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint shaft and inner race combination is provided. The combination includes a shaft having an annular shoulder and a splined section generally adjacent to the shoulder. An inner race with a splined bore is fitted over the splined section of the shaft. A retaining member is provided to connect the inner race to the shaft. The retaining member has an annular body with a plurality of tabs extending in a forward axial direction to be crimped over the shaft annular shoulder. The retaining member also includes a plurality of elongated arms. The elongated arms extend from the annular body in a rearward axial direction completely through the inner race bore. The arms have an acutely bent finger at their extreme end to axially retain the inner race on the shaft. To ease assembly, the retaining member can be pre-assembled on the shaft.

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.

Abstract: A universal joint for small articulation angles, especially, an intermediate joint in a propeller shaft of motor vehicles, has an outer joint part (11) with longitudinally extending first ball tracks (14) which, between stop faces, include an axial length with an unchanged cross-section; an inner joint part (31, 51) with longitudinally extending second ball tracks (36, 56) whose axial length is greater than that of the first ball tracks (14); and torque transmitting balls (15) guided in the radially opposed first and second ball tracks (14, 36, 56). The outer joint part (11), at least in the axial region of the ball tracks (14) is produced as a formed plate metal part with an approximately constant wall thickness. The ball tracks (14), in the outer joint part (11), are formed by circumferentially distributed formations (13) axially closed at both ends by stops (16, 17).

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.

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.

Abstract: A rotational fixed connection has a shaft whose axial end is provided with outer shaft teeth and a hub whose through-bore is provided with inner teeth. The connection is useful between a driveshaft in the driveline of a motor vehicle and a joint hub of a universal tripod joint or a constant velocity universal ball joint. The joints include the hub, torque transmitting roller elements, and an outer joint part. The outer shaft teeth of the shaft, at a distance from the hub teeth end at the shaft shank end, run out steplessly into the shaft shank. The outer shaft teeth end inside the hub with a stepped end. In the region following the outer shaft teeth, the shaft includes a tooth-free end portion. The tooth-free end portion carries or forms fixing elements which axially securingly rest against a hub end face at the end where the shaft terminates.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A universal joint for small articulation angles has parallel, longitudinally extending tracks in the inner joint part and in the outer joint part and axially freely movable torque transmitting balls held in an uncontrolled way in the tracks. The tracks in the two joint parts include a constant cross-section adapted substantially, without a clearance, to the balls. The rolling movement of the balls is limited by axial stops in one of the joint members. The inner joint part includes outer spherical surface parts which are interrupted by the tracks. The spherical surface parts act as sliding faces. The outer joint part includes inner surface parts which are interrupted by the tracks and which act as guiding faces. When the joint is articulated, the surface parts which act as guiding faces, supportingly act on the surface parts acting as sliding faces around at least one fulcrum positioned on the longitudinal axis of the outer joint part.

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.