US3633383A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Universal shaft
Assignee: Gelenkwellenbau GmbH
•
Filing: 1970-02-26
•
Granted: 1972-01-11
•
Expires: 1990-02-26
Abstract
Abstract Universal shaft includes two shaft portions having respective inner ends splined to one another so that the portions are nonrotatable though axially displaceable relative to one another, the surface material of at least one of the portions at the splined connection having relatively good antifriction and wearing properties, sealing means surrounding the splined portions and enclosing a lubricant-filled inner chamber for the splined connection, the sealing means including a sealing ring and a scraper ring located adjacent and coaxial to one another, the scraper ring having a scraping end facing outwardly, and a permanently lubricated swivel joint carried by each of the shaft portions at respective outer ends thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Hans-Joachim Kleinschmidt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 07:18
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D3/00; F16D3/84; F16D3/843; F16D3/848; F16C; F16C3/00; F16C3/02; F16C3/03; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S464/00; Y10S464/902; Y10S464/903
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
211 words
Universal shaft comprising in combination two shaft portions having respective inner ends splined to one another so that said portions are nonrotatable though axially displaceable relative to one another, the surface material of at least one of said shaft portions at the splined connections between said shaft portions having relatively good antifriction and wearing properties; sealing means surrounding said splined shaft portions and enclosing a lubricant-filled inner chamber for said splined connection, said sealing means including a sealing ring and a scraper ring having located adjacent and coaxial to one another, said scraper ring having a scraping end facing outwardly and being scrapingly in engagement with one of said shaft portions; and a permanently lubricated swivel joint carried by each of said shaft portions at respective outer ends thereof, said swivel joints being universal joints each comprising a fork arm, cupshaped bearing bushings carried by said fork arm, and a spider member supported on said fork arm by said cup-shaped bearing bushings, each spider member being provided with pivot pins, and including floating end plates formed with lubricant pockets on both sides thereof and consisting of a heat-stabilized highly crystalline and heat-resistant plastic material, said pivot pins bearing through said floating end plates against the bases of said cup-shaped bearing bushings.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
211 words
Universal shaft comprising in combination two shaft portions having respective inner ends splined to one another so that said portions are nonrotatable though axially displaceable relative to one another, the surface material of at least one of said shaft portions at the splined connections between said shaft portions having relatively good antifriction and wearing properties; sealing means surrounding said splined shaft portions and enclosing a lubricant-filled inner chamber for said splined connection, said sealing means including a sealing ring and a scraper ring having located adjacent and coaxial to one another, said scraper ring having a scraping end facing outwardly and being scrapingly in engagement with one of said shaft portions; and a permanently lubricated swivel joint carried by each of said shaft portions at respective outer ends thereof, said swivel joints being universal joints each comprising a fork arm, cupshaped bearing bushings carried by said fork arm, and a spider member supported on said fork arm by said cup-shaped bearing bushings, each spider member being provided with pivot pins, and including floating end plates formed with lubricant pockets on both sides thereof and consisting of a heat-stabilized highly crystalline and heat-resistant plastic material, said pivot pins bearing through said floating end plates against the bases of said cup-shaped bearing bushings.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Universal shaft according to claim 1 wherein the surface material of said one shaft portion is inductively hardened at the splined connection.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
Universal shaft according to claim 1 wherein the surface material of said one shaft portion is softly nitrided at the splined connection.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
Universal shaft according to claim 1 wherein the surface material in the form of a coating on said one shaft portion at the splined connection.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
Universal shaft according to claim 4 wherein said plastic material is nylon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
Universal shaft according to claim 1 wherein said sealing ring has a substantially square cross section.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
Universal shaft according to claim 9 including a lubricant chamber located at the center of each of said spider members, said lubricant chamber being sealed by a closure member and communicating through a lubricating channel with a bearing space for the respective spider member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
Universal shaft according to claim 7 wherein said lubricant chamber has an opening surrounded by a recess, said closure member comprising a cover force-lockingly and form-lockingly received in said recess.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
Universal shaft according to claim 1 wherein one of said shaft portions is formed with a central air vent passage.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-10 | 1975-07-12 | 1976-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-10 | 1979-07-12 | 1980-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-10 | 1983-07-12 | 1984-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |