Importance

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Abstract

A universal joint of the type utilizing spherical roller balls to transmit torque or power between an inner joint member and an outer joint member. The balls roll in a recess in the inner joint member and each ball rolls in a rectilinear recess in the outer joint member, with such rolling action permitting and resulting from the articulation of the joint. Each recess in the outer joint member has at least a major portion that has a radial extent, from the central axis of the joint, that follows a curvilinear configuration to provide a maximum radial extent when the inner and outer joint members are aligned, through a gradually reducing radial extent as the joint is articulated, in order to provide a substantial constant depth of penetration of each ball into its outer joint member recess throughout the range of articulation of the joint. This helps to maintain the elements of the joint in contact with one another over a relatively wide range of joint articulation, to maintain free-play transmission of torque between the inner joint member and the outer joint member over this range of articulation. The joint also has complemental spherical surfaces on abutting portions of the inner and outer joint members to permit them to articulate at right angles to the axis of articulation through the outer joint recesses and to sustain end or compressive loads applied to the inner and outer joint members. The joint has particular utility as a two-ball joint in an automotive tilt-steering system.

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First Claim