Dana Corporation

Leon W Valencic

Ray A Gall

James T Reynolds

Andrew L Nieman

David W Maxwell

Gary L Smith

A universal joint assembly includes a cross having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. A bearing cup is disposed about each of the trunnions, and a plurality of needle bearings is disposed between each of the bearing cups and its associated trunnion to facilitate relative rotational movement. A thrust washer is disposed between the outer end surface of each of the trunnions and its associated bearing cup. Each of the thrust washers is generally annular in shape, including a first inner annular region surrounded by a second outer annular region. The inner region is sized to extend between the outer end surface of the trunnion and the associated inner surface of the end portion of the bearing cup. The outer region is sized to extend between the outer ends of the needle bearings and the associated inner A surfaces of the end portions of the bearing cup. The outer region is connected to and supported on the inner region by a plurality of radially extending legs. The inner region of the thrust washer is formed from a first material, while the outer region of the thrust washer is formed from a second material that is different from the first material. The inner region is preferably formed from a first material that is suited to withstand the relatively large loading stresses experienced between the trunnion and the bearing cup during use. The second region is preferably formed from a second material that is suited to lubricate the needle bearings during use. It is desirable that the first and second materials be capable of being molded together simultaneously to form the integral thrust washer.

Thrust washer for universal joint

A universal joint assembly which prevents the bearing cups from rotating relative to the end yokes during use. In a first embodiment, the arms of a half round end yoke are formed having integral tabs which extend over the recessed areas of the associated bearing cups. The tabs cooperate with the shoulders to prevent the bearing cups from rotating relative to the end yoke. In a second embodiment of the half round end yoke, retainer straps extending about the outer circumferential surface of the bearing cups are provided with integral flanges. The retainer strap flanges cooperate with the bearing cup shoulders in the same manner as the tabs to prevent relative rotation. In a third embodiment, the bearing cups are disposed in openings formed in the arms of a full round end yoke. A retainer strap has end portions which are formed at a slight angle relative to the central portion. In a fourth embodiment, the retainer straps are secured to the full round end yoke by spring clips.

Angled and pre-stressed clip for retaining a bearing cup in a universal

Bearing cup and retainer strap for universal joint

An apparatus for dynamically balancing a combined assembly of a drive shaft and axle input shaft for use in a vehicle drive train system. The apparatus includes a drive head adapted to be connected to one end of the drive shaft and a support head for supporting the axle. The support head includes a cradle plate extending upwardly from a base plate mounted on the apparatus. The cradle plate has an arcuate recess formed in the upper surface thereof which is adapted to receive and support a housing of the axle. A pair of support arms are also secured to the base plate, extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom. The support arms are adapted to be secured outwardly extending portions of the housing of the axle. The apparatus further includes first and second intermediate heads which are adapted to engage and support other portions of the drive train system. Sensors are provided on each of the heads for generating electrical signals which are representative of the amount of vibrations induced when the components of the drive train system are rotatably driven by the drive head. As a result, the combined assembly of the drive shaft and the axle input shaft can be dynamically balanced for use in the vehicle.

Apparatus for balancing a combined assembly of a drive shaft and axle

A universal joint assembly which prevents the bearing cups from rotating relative to the end yokes during use. In one embodiment of the half round end yoke, retainer straps extending about the outer circumferential surface of the bearing cups are provided with integral flanges. The retainer strap flanges extend across the recessed areas of the associated bearing cups and cooperate with the bearing cup shoulders to prevent relative rotation between the bearing cups and the end yoke.

Growing community of inventors

Oregon, OH, United States of America

Leon W Valencic