Universal joint
US6350201B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/32181
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a universal joint having a first joint yoke (1) and a second joint yoke (8) as well as a cross member (23) for connecting said yokes. In the region of its two second yoke arms (11), the second joint yoke (8) is separated along a line extending through the second bearing bores, so that per yoke arm (11), there are obtained two yoke arm portions (15) continuing to be connected to the base portion (9), and a separate bridge portion (16). Separation takes place in the form of fracture separation, for which purpose regions in the second bearing bores are heat-treated by laser along a line; thereafter, a force applied to and concentrating on said regions leads to fracture faces which correspond to brittle fracture faces, so that after the separating operation, joining can easily take place without the bearing bores subsequently having to be re-machined. In this way, assembly is simplified.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.