Telescoping torque transmitting shaft

US4075872A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Jean Walterscheid GmbH · DE

Inventor

• Hubert Geisthoff · Lohmar, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 20, 1976
• Grant date: Feb 28, 1978
• Expiry date: Jul 20, 1996

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16C29/04
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A telescoping torque transmitting shaft includes an inner shaft element having a square cross section and an outer tubular shaft element. A plurality of axially extending rows of torque transmitting balls are seated in longitudinal grooves formed in the inner surface of the outer shaft element and engage surfaces of the inner shaft element. The balls are capable of rolling movement between the shaft elements and are retained and guided in a tubular element arranged between longitudinally spaced annular members attached to the inner surface of the outer shaft element. Springs at both ends of the tubular retaining member act against the annular members to bias the retaining member and the balls therein to a predetermined axial position with respect to the outer shaft element.