Constant velocity ratio universal joint

US4678453A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH

Inventors

• Erich Aucktor · Offenbach am Main, DE
• Gunter Gartner · Offenbach am Main, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 1, 1985
• Grant date: Jul 7, 1987
• Expiry date: Oct 1, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S464/906
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In a universal joint assembly having an outer joint member with grooves in its internal wall, an inner joint member with opposed grooves, balls disposed one in each pair of the grooves, and a cage supporting the balls, there are included pairs of grooves formed of adjacent grooves one in each joint member with the pairs including pairs having grooves extending parallel to a center axis of the joint and pairs having grooves which are inclined or oblique relative to the center axis of the joint with adjacent oblique grooves in each of the joint members being inclined relative to the center axis at equal angles but in intersecting directions. Each joint member may have at least nine, and preferably twelve, grooves. The balls may be considered as divided into groups which provide the joint with improved ball control and torque transmitting ability.