Abstract: A universal joint assembly (12) includes a coupling hub member (26) and a female coupling member (24). The female coupling member (24) includes a receptacle (28) at one end for receiving a pivot end (30) of the coupling hub member (26). The joint (12) includes a central bearing structure (34) interposed between the coupling hub member (26) and female coupling member (24) for enabling the coupling members to pivot up to a maximum pivot angle with respect to each other about a coupling axis. The universal joint (12) also includes a plurality of torque transmitting rollers (50), each received in a different roller slot and spaced apart about the periphery of the coupling hub member (26) near its pivot end (30). The roller slots are formed on both the coupling hub member (26) and female coupling member (24) and enable the torque transmitting rollers (50) to transmit torque between the coupling members while rolling with respect to the roller surfaces as the coupling members pivot about the coupling axis.

Abstract: A universal joint comprising outer and inner joint members with circumferentially spaced grooves extending lengthwise of the members; and balls disposed one in each facing pair of grooves in the joint members for torque transmission between the members; wherein at least some of the grooves in one of the joint members are each provided in a groove base portion with a recess extending lengthwise of the groove, and a spring element is disposed in each said recess and arranged to engage the respective ball to bias it radially of the joint and preferably also axially to the central region of the spring element.

Abstract: The outer member (23) of a constant velocity joint is supported inside of a tubular housing (5) and is rotatable and slidable in the axial direction through the slide sleeve (8) and ball bearing (9) inside of the tubular housing. Between the axle hub (2) and the outer member (23), mutually engageable engaging portions (26) are provided which enable the sliding engaging and disengaging. A selector device makes the outer member displace against force of a spring to change over the engaging and disengaging.

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.

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.

Abstract: An outer joint part for a constant velocity universal ball joint, produced from a tubular member formed from a plate metal part and provided with substantially longitudinally extending ball tracks intended for receiving torque transmitting balls, with an axial central portion of the tubular member is reduced in cross-section relative to two axial end regions and is provided with ball tracks, with a substantially radial flange formed on at one axial end of the tubular member, with the center lines of the ball tracks extending in a non-parallel way relative to the axis A of the outer joint part and with the axial end of the tubular member positioned opposite the flange remaining undeformed.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism (12) connects a tubular shaft (4) to a journal (11). In its bore, the tubular shaft (4) has a profile which is engaged by the journal (11) by a corresponding counter-profile on its outer face along a length of overlap. The profile and counter-profile are tensioned relative to one another by the clamping mechanism (12). The clamping effect is achieved by taking advantage of the possibility of deforming the cross-section of the tube.

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).

Abstract: A cross groove variety of constant velocity universal joint includes an inner race having a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface thereof and an outer race having a plurality of grooves formed in an inner surface thereof. For each pair of associated inner and outer race grooves, the inner race groove is inclined in one direction relative to the rotational axis of the joint, while the outer race groove is inclined in the opposite direction. A ball is disposed in each of the associated inner and outer race grooves for providing a driving connection between the inner and outer races. A cage is provided for retaining the balls in the grooves. In a first embodiment, mating spherical surfaces are formed on the inner surface of the outer race and the outer surface of the cage. The engagement of these spherical surfaces prevents the center of the joint from moving axially during use.

Abstract: A crossed groove stroking constant velocity universal joint including inner and outer joint members having inner and outer ball grooves defining a plurality of crossed pairs and a plurality of spherical bearing balls seated in respective ones of the crossed pairs of inner and outer ball grooves with predetermined running clearance between the grooves and the bearing balls. The bearing balls are confined by the crossed pairs of ball grooves and by a ball cage between the inner and outer joint members to the homokinetic plane of the universal joint for constant velocity operation. Each of the outer ball grooves is circumferentially offset relative to the inner ball groove paired therewith by about the running clearance. Adjacent pairs of outer ball grooves are circumferentially offset in opposite directions relative to the inner ball grooves paired therewith.

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.

Abstract: A seal for use with a constant velocity joint and a transmission output component. The seal comprising a main seal body having a central axis of rotation, the main seal body including an inner wall and an outer wall and opposing first and second sides. The inner wall defining a connecting region having a generally cylindrical portion for connecting the seal to the transmission output component. A raised rib extending out from the first side of the seal, the raised rib being axially deformable in such a manner as to create an axial force parallel the axis of rotation for reducing the axial slip between the constant velocity joint and the transmission output component and a flange seal portion extending out away from the outer wall, the flange having an inner contacting surface adapts to contact the constant velocity joint and define a protective seal between the constant velocity joint and the transmission output component.

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.

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).

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.

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).

Abstract: A driveshaft (1) for driving the wheels of a motor vehicle has two constant velocity joints (2, 3) and a connecting shaft (4). The two constant velocity joints (2, 3) are provided in the form of constant velocity fixed joints. The plunging assembly required to change the longitudinal distance (L) includes a plunging journal (21), formed onto the second joint part (20) of the second constant velocity joint (3), and a plunging portion (26) of the connecting shaft (4). The shaft (4) surrounds the plunging journal (21) and is provided in the form of a tubular shaft. The cross-section of the plunging portion (26) has the shape of a corrugated shaft. Each outer corrugation peak, in the bore of the plunging portion (26), includes a second running groove (29) positioned opposite a running groove (22) in the plunging journal (21). Balls (23) are rollingly arranged between the two running grooves (29, 22) and held by a cage (24).

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.

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.

Abstract: A propeller shaft for motor vehicles, having an intermediate joint provided in the form of an axially movable universal ball joint and consisting of at least an outer joint part with longitudinally extending first ball tracks, an inner joint part with longitudinally extending second ball tracks and torque transmitting balls guided in radially opposed first and second ball tracks, with the outer joint part being firmly connected to a tubular shaft and with the inner joint part being connected to a shaft journal, and with the inner diameter of the outer joint part or of the adjoining tubular shaft in the region adjoining the free space assumed by the inner joint part in operation during plunging movements in the direction of the tubular shaft being smaller than the outer diameter of the inner joint part.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint has the ball tracks in the outer joint part (11, 31, 51, 71) and in the inner joint part (13, 33, 53, 73) designed in such a way that, with coaxial axes (A.sub.11, . . . ; A.sub.13, . . . ) and corresponding central planes (E.sub.11, . . . ; E.sub.13, . . . ) of the outer and inner joint parts (11, 31, . . . ; 13, 33, . . . ) on both sides of the respective central planes (E.sub.11, . . ; E.sub.13, . . . ), in a radial projection on to the axes (A.sub.11, . . . ; A.sub.13 . . . ), they form with their center lines (M.sub.11, . . . ; M.sub.13 . . . ) an angle relative to one another which deviates from zero and which decreases towards their axial ends.

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.

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.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint has an outer joint part with substantially longitudinally extending outer ball tracks and an inner joint part with substantially longitudinally extending inner ball tracks. The tracks in the outer joint part and inner joint part are positioned radially opposite one another to form a pair and, in each case, jointly receiving a torque-transmitting ball. A ball cage includes circumferentially distributed cage windows, which hold the balls in a common plane and guides them on to the angle-bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. The cage windows, if viewed in the circumferential direction, narrow at their ends. Opposed flanks of the cage windows jointly form a stop relative to the respective balls if there occurs a relative circumferential displacement between the ball cage and balls.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal ball joint has an outer joint part and an inner joint part. Each part is provided with a plurality of ball tracks extending substantially in a longitudinal direction. The balls provide torque transmission and are guided in radially opposed tracks in the outer joint part and in the inner joint part. A cage with cage windows holds each ball in a plane positioned perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis. The cage includes a mechanism which, if the axes of the outer joint part and the inner joint part deviate from one another, guide the cage with the balls on to the angle-bisecting plane. Each of the track faces of the ball tracks, at the outer joint part and/or at the inner joint part, are subjected to loads by the balls, as well as each of the regions of the surfaces adjoining the ball tracks, which are guiding faces for the cage, undergo a hardening operation. Also, unhardened zones are provided between each two ball tracks between the guiding faces.

Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint has an inner joint part which is axially supported by a stop face located on the inside of the outer joint part. The movement of the cage is controlled via the balls and, to prevent any outward movement, the axial support of the inner joint part is limited to an annular region arranged at the open end of the hollow space of the outer joint part. The cage is arranged at a specified distance from the inner surface of the outer joint part and from the outer surface of the inner 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.

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.

Abstract: A fixed constant velocity joint has a hollow outer part (1) whose inner face (2), relative to the longitudinal axis (4) of the outer part, is provided with outer running grooves (3). The cavity (5) of the outer part (1) contains an inner part (6) whose outer face (8) is provided with inner running grooves (7) which extend in meridian planes relative to the longitudinal axis (12) of the inner part and which are positioned opposite the outer running grooves (3). In each case, opposed inner running grooves (7) and outer running grooves (3), jointly, accommodate a ball (9) for torque transmitting purposes. The ball (9) is guided in a cage (11) arranged between the inner face (2) of the outer part (1) and the outer face (8) of the inner part (6). The cage (11), via its partial spherical face (18), is guided on an outer spherical face (14) of the inner part (6) facing away from the closed end (15) of the joint.

Abstract: A fixed constant velocity universal joint having direct spherical contact and support between inner and outer race members to prevent axial movement has inserts which can be replaced, when worn, with new inserts. The universal joint includes an inner race member having a plurality of recesses and an outer race member with a plurality of recesses, each containing one of the inserts. Bearing balls are located in grooves in the inserts which are so arranged that they require axial support in one direction only by a retainer which is fully enclosed in the universal joint and abuts the bearing balls. A seal engages the inner and outer race members on the side of the bearing balls opposite the retainer. The seal includes a base held in an annular recess in the outer race member and at least one resilient finger engaging a partially spherical surface on the inner race member.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an encapsulated spring to aid in the resistance to centrifugal forces generated during high speed rotation. The encapsulated spring has first and second mating housing portions and a coil spring biasing the housing portions with respect to one another and the interconnecting shaft with respect to the joint.

Abstract: In a mechanical element such as a uniform velocity type universal joint having an inner joint member and one of a plurality of spherical ball elements or an outer joint member and one of the spherical ball elements, the ball rolls and slides on the surface of either or both of the inner and outer joint members thus generating relative harmonic vibrations due to a frictional force generated thereon by the sliding contact between the ball and the joint members. To reduce high-frequency harmonic vibrations, a pair of piezoelectric actuators are installed between a flange of one rotation axle of the (constant) uniform velocity type universal joint and the outer joint member and/or between a mounting bolt head of the universal joint and the outer joint member.

Abstract: A cross groove variety of constant velocity universal joint includes an inner race having a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface thereof and an outer race having a plurality of grooves formed in an inner surface thereof. For each pair of associated inner and outer race grooves, the inner race groove is inclined in one direction relative to the rotational axis of the joint, while the outer race groove is inclined in the opposite direction. A ball is disposed in each of the associated inner and outer race grooves for providing a driving connection between the inner and outer races. A cage is provided with openings for retaining the balls in the grooves. The cage openings are formed having angled side walls which open up toward the center of the joint. The angled side walls are effective to position the point of contact between the balls and the angled side walls away from a lower edge surface of the cage.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint for transmitting driving torque between rotative members, such universal joint including a hub fixed to one of the rotative members and an outer joint member attached to the hub, an inner joint member attached to another one of the rotative members and a ball containing cage positioned between the outer joint member and the inner joint member. The balls are engaged in ball races positioned in the outer joint member and in the inner joint member. The ball races are sloped so as to provide maximum material at the location of highest stress, the major ball races being of the undercut free design.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint is used as a fixed joint having an outer joint part (2) provided with first meridional ball tracks (6), and a ball hub (4) provided with second meridional ball tracks (7), the center lines of the ball tracks (6, 7) being undercut-free in the same axial projection. A joint base (1) is connected to the outer joint part (2) and is positioned at the open end of the undercut-free ball tracks (6, 7). The joint interior is provided with semi-spherical contact faces (16) between an axially inner partial region of the outer surface (11) of the cage (3) and guiding faces (9) in the joint base (1) while the joint exterior is provided with semi-spherical contact faces (17) between an axially outer partial region of the inner face (12) of the cage (3) and guiding faces (10) of the ball hub (4).

Abstract: A contact velocity universal joint has inner and outer members, balls and a cage. The inner member and the outer member are provided with undercut-free first outer running grooves and opposing first running grooves and second outer running grooves and opposing second inner running grooves starting from different sides of the joint. To achieve the required guiding conditions for the cage, the cage control angle .beta. is always greater than 7.degree., with the cage not requiring any guidance by the outer or inner members.

Abstract: A constant velocity ratio universal joint, suitable for high speed low angle use, comprises outer and inner joint members (10,11) with engaging part-spherical surfaces (12,13) and arcuate ball-receiving grooves (14,15) diverging towards an end of the outer joint member closed by a closure member (17) with balls (16) held in the grooves by an element (31) and support member (32) which is pivoted on the closure member, and a spring (36) acting between the element (31) and support member (32) so that the balls are urged as far as possible into the grooves to take up clearances and maintain stability of the joint, particularly under no-torque conditions.

Abstract: A unique boot retainer for use in a constant velocity universal joint includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially inwardly extending resilient tabs. The tabs snap into a groove at an outer peripheral surface of an outer race to provide a positive abutment, properly positioning the retainer and the boot relative to the outer race. The unique construction simplifies assembly of the boot and retainer to the outer race.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint has replaceable inserts for ball grooves. The inserts and balls can be removed and replaced with new ones as needed, without the requirement of replacing the entire universal joint. The inserts can be made from solid blocks which are bored and cut in half to form inserts for the inner and outer races of the universal joint. The inserts can be machined and matched in particular ways to form a variety of designs of ball grooves.

Abstract: A constant velocity fixed joint for large articulation angles and a high torque capacity has an inner member and an outer member produced with undercut-free opposing first outer running grooves and first inner running grooves as well as opposing outer running grooves and second inner running grooves starting from different open end faces. To achieve a constant track depth, as possible, via the articulation angle, the webs between two circumferentially adjoining outer running grooves are divided into first and second inner faces which extend, in an undercut-free way, from the same open end face of the directly adjoining outer running grooves.

Abstract: A rotary ball joint, especially for angularly movable driveshafts for motor vehicles, has an outer joint member (11) with ball tracks (18) uniformly distributed on its inner circumference and an inner joint member (12) non-rotatingly connected to the outer joint member (11). The inner joint member (12) includes ball sockets (13) which correspond to the ball tracks of the outer joint members (11). The ball sockets comprise spherical inner faces and, via the balls (14) supported therein, establish a form-fitting connection between the inner joint member (12) and the outer joint member (11). A plurality of bearing balls (15) are positioned in the sockets to provide a bearing surface for the force-transmitting balls (14). In the inner joint member, the force-transmitting balls (14) are guided in the ball sockets (13) and in the outer joint member they are guided in the ball tracks (18).

Abstract: An outboard constant velocity universal joint for a steered wheel of a vehicle includes a one-piece, structurally-integral inner race and first shaft and a one-piece, structurally-integral outer race and second shaft. The inner race has an outer surface of partially spherical configuration. The outer race has a closed end and an open end with an inner surface of partially-spherical configuration and of constant radius extending from the open end to the closed end. The inner and outer races fit closely together in the manner of a ball and socket without any cage between the surfaces thereof. A cage or retainer is located in the closed end of the outer race with a convex outer surface substantially equal in length to the radius of the inner surface of the outer race. The cage has a plurality of fingers extending only into end portions of the grooves of the inner race. The fingers have outwardly-extending flanges extending into grooves of the outer race.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint of the cross groove type wherein the outer joint member and the inner joint member are provided with a plurality of guide grooves circumferentially inclining with respect to their rotational axes. Each of the guide grooves is divided into a groove center portion having a symmetric shape with respect to the center line of the groove, and a pair of groove end portions having an asymmetric shape with respect to the center line of the groove. The pair of groove end portions of each guide groove have a depth larger than that of the groove center portion thereof so that a grinding wheel is prevented from contacting with the groove end portions during grinding operations on the guide grooves, thereby achieving the grinding operations accurately.

Abstract: A quick disconnect constant velocity universal joint for transmitting driving torque between rotative members, having a hollow pintle-type inner joint member fixed to one of the rotative members, an outer member fixed to the other of the rotative members, and a plurality of roller balls received in apertures provided in the inner joint member. The roller balls engage grooves provided in the outer member. A resiliently biased plunger disposed in the hollow inner joint member has an inclined surface which engages the roller balls and displaces them radially into the grooves provided in the outer joint member. A manually displaceable plunger actuator provides for the manual displacement of the plunger disengaging the roller balls from the inclined surface and permitting the roller balls to move inwardly in a radial direction, and the separation of the inner joint member from the outer joint member.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint and a method for assembly thereof. The constant velocity universal joint has an inner race having a plurality of ball tracks. At least one ball track has an edge chamfered to provide a second diametral width which allows the inner race to be inserted into a cage. There is no requirement for the cage windows to be enlarged or the inner race lobes to be modified in any other way to accept the inner race during assembly.

Abstract: A ball-type universal joint provides three concentric, relatively movable spherical elements that resists both compressive and extensive forces. An outer shell carries a first shaft and defines a medial chamber comprising more than half a hemisphere with a releasably fastenable outer portion to allow access. A medial shell carried in the outer shell chamber defines a spherical chamber comprising more than half a hemisphere with a releasably fastenable outer portion to allow access. An inner spherical ball carries a second shaft and is carried within the chamber defined in the medial shell. A plurality of ball bearings carried in indentations in the outer surface of the medial shell communicate with elongate slots defined in the interior surface of the outer shell to allow angulated motion of the outer and medial shells but prevent rotary motion.

Abstract: A homokinetic coupling wherein the torque transmitting elements include spherical elements flattened at two mutually opposed points, the flattened elements being in contact with the side walls of open slots within the wall of the hollow spherical element of the inner coupling member.