US4091641A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Constant velocity universal joint
Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
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Filing: 1976-04-15
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Granted: 1978-05-30
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Expires: 1996-04-15
Abstract
Abstract A constant velocity universal joint has an outer joint member which has an annular cavity therein with pairs of opposed grooves in the opposing surfaces of the annular cavity. A tubular inner joint member is disposed within the annular cavity and has a plurality of openings in which are positioned a plurality of torque transmitting elements. The torque transmitting elements have spherical portions which guide the element within an opening.
Inventors
- 👤 Hans-Heinrich Welschof
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:02
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D3/00; F16D3/16; F16D3/20; F16D3/202; F16D3/207; F16D3/22; F16D3/221; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S464/00; Y10S464/904; Y10S464/905
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
A constant velocity universal joint comprising an outer joint element having an axial bore therein, a central axial cylindrical member within said bore and defining with said joint element an annular cavity therebetween, a plurality of axially extending parallel grooves in the surface of said bore and the surface of said cylindrical member to define pairs of opposed grooves, a tubular inner joint element within said annular cavity and having a plurality of openings therein, a plurality of torque transmitting elements in said openings and each torque transmitting element being in a pair of opposed grooves, said torque transmitting elements each having a spherical portion guiding said element within a said opening, said torque transmitting elements further each having cylindrical portions positioned in said grooves to roll therein upon bending of the joint during rotation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
A constant velocity universal joint comprising an outer joint element having an axial bore therein, a central axial cylindrical member within said bore and defining with said joint element an annular cavity therebetween, a plurality of axially extending parallel grooves in the surface of said bore and the surface of said cylindrical member to define pairs of opposed grooves, a tubular inner joint element within said annular cavity and having a plurality of openings therein, a plurality of torque transmitting elements in said openings and each torque transmitting element being in a pair of opposed grooves, said torque transmitting elements each having a spherical portion guiding said element within a said opening, said torque transmitting elements further each having cylindrical portions positioned in said grooves to roll therein upon bending of the joint during rotation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A constant velocity universal joint as claimed in claim 1 wherein there are three grooves in each of said bore surface and said cylindrical member and a corresponding number of openings and torque transmitting elements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A constant velocity universal joint as claimed in claim 1 wherein said torque transmitting elements each comprises a pin with cylindrical portions in said grooves, and a roller on said pin and having an outer spherical surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A constant velocity universal joint as claimed in claim 3 and anti-friction bearing means between said roller and said pin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A constant velocity universal joint as claimed in claim 1 wherein said torque transmitting element comprises a pin having cylindrical portions in said grooves and a spherical portion positioned within said opening.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A constant velocity universal joint as claimed in claim 1 wherein said torque transmitting element comprises a pin having cylindrical portions in said grooves and a conical portion positioned within said opening.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A constant velocity universal joint as claimed in claim 6 wherein the ends of said pin are curved.
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) | 1981-05-29 | 1981-11-28 | 1982-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-05-29 | 1985-11-28 | 1986-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-05-29 | 1989-11-28 | 1990-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |