Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.

Atsushi Narue

Tomoyuki Maruyama

Shigeru Saitoh

Shigeru Saito

Yoke for universal joint

A universal joint yoke is obtained from a flat blank of sheet metal whose general shape is that of a cruciate form having a circular base and two diametrically opposing small semielliptical extensions. The blank of sheet metal is pressed in a forming apparatus so that the two extensions are bent perpendicularly to the circular base in the same direction with a given angle with respect to the circular base and two ribs or contiguous rib are formed along axes of bending to prevent a springback action of the two extensions which constitute two ear portions of the finished yoke. In addition, recesses are extended along a rear surface(s) of the rib(s) so that fasteners such as bolts and nuts for fastening a rubber coupling constituting a lower joint to a lower shaft of a steering system is nestled into the respective recesses. Both ends of the circular base have holes through which the fasteners for fastening the universal joint yoke to the rubber coupling is inserted. Distal ends of the two ear portions have also coaxial holes through which two trunnions of a universal joint cross member is journalled.

Growing community of inventors

Kosai, Japan

Atsushi Narue