Universal joint shaft with aligning apparatus

US4529392A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• J.M. Voith GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Hans Lindenthal · Heidenheim, DE
• Herbert Depping · Giengen an der Brenz, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 7, 1983
• Grant date: Jul 16, 1985
• Expiry date: Mar 7, 2003

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B21B35/145
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a universal joint shaft having two coupling forks joined at a journal cross. Various embodiments of aligning apparatus selectively restrict the journal forks to adjust the angle of bend with respect to each other. In one embodiment, a tube radially outside the coupling forks and journal cross is supported on one fork and is driven by a pressure cylinder against the other fork to restrict the bending of the forks with respect to each other at the journal cross. In other embodiments, one or more piston/cylinder units are provided on one of the forks, with the piston being movable against a bearing point on the other fork for restricting the extent to which the other forks may bend. Pressure medium is delivered to the pistons through a pressure medium line controlled by a pressure maintaining valve which is shiftable for permitting pressure medium to pass to the piston/cylinder unit or to stop passing thereto.