Universal joint
US7179172B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2300/06
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A universal joint having a cross-member journal or trunnion with a lubrication chamber includes a combination of a thrust washer and lubrication baffle press fit into the lubrication chamber. The thrust washer and lubrication baffle incorporate one or more lubrication grooves, facilitating the flow of lubricant between the surfaces of the cross-member and bearing cap. Elastomeric properties of the thrust washer eliminate the need for grinding of the journal surfaces to desired tolerances, while incorporation of lubrication grooves into the thrust washer surface eliminates the need for pressing of lubrication grooves directly into the journal ends prior to hardening or heat treating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.