Lohr & Bromkamp Gmbh

Gkn Automotive Ag

Markus Eschbach

Hans-Heinrich Welschof

Peter Schwarzler

Jorg Trommer

A universal joint for small articulation angles, especially, an intermediate joint in a propeller shaft of motor vehicles, has an outer joint part (11) with longitudinally extending first ball tracks (14) which, between stop faces, include an axial length with an unchanged cross-section; an inner joint part (31, 51) with longitudinally extending second ball tracks (36, 56) whose axial length is greater than that of the first ball tracks (14); and torque transmitting balls (15) guided in the radially opposed first and second ball tracks (14, 36, 56). The outer joint part (11), at least in the axial region of the ball tracks (14) is produced as a formed plate metal part with an approximately constant wall thickness. The ball tracks (14), in the outer joint part (11), are formed by circumferentially distributed formations (13) axially closed at both ends by stops (16, 17).

Universal joint

A universal joint for small articulation angles has parallel, longitudinally extending tracks in the inner joint part and in the outer joint part and axially freely movable torque transmitting balls held in an uncontrolled way in the tracks. The tracks in the two joint parts include a constant cross-section adapted substantially, without a clearance, to the balls. The rolling movement of the balls is limited by axial stops in one of the joint members. The inner joint part includes outer spherical surface parts which are interrupted by the tracks. The spherical surface parts act as sliding faces. The outer joint part includes inner surface parts which are interrupted by the tracks and which act as guiding faces. When the joint is articulated, the surface parts which act as guiding faces, supportingly act on the surface parts acting as sliding faces around at least one fulcrum positioned on the longitudinal axis of the outer joint part.

An upset tube for accommodating impact energy in a motor vehicle, preferably head-on collisions, which may be used both in the bumper bar or propeller shaft of a motor vehicle, has one bead angled with sides with different angular values. The angles enable a predetermination of the region of nominal fracture. After having been sheared off, the upset tube is able to destroy a defined amount of friction energy.

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Overath, Germany

Markus Eschbach