Improvements in and relating to universal joints and couplings

1,021,690. Universal joints. HOLSET ENGINEERING CO. Ltd. April 29, 1964 [May 14, 1963], No. 18985/63. Heading F2U. A constant velocity ratio universal joint comprises torque transmitting balls 4 engaging straight axial grooves 3, 5, of part-circular cross-section in a cylindrical outer member 2 and a ball-ended inner member 6, the balls 4 closely fitting the grooves and being maintained in the bisector plane by a part-spherical cage 9. As shown, the cage 9 engages between the spherical surface 8 on the inner ball 6, and spherical surfaces 10, 11 respectively formed on a driving flange 1 and cover 12 which together with the grooved outer member 2 are bolted together as a unit. In Fig. 5 (not shown) the outer spherical supporting surfaces 10, 11 are dispensed with to accommodate relative axial movement between the joint shafts, the outer surface of the cage simply sliding in the bore of the grooved outer member 2. A cover 15 and seal 16 retain lubricant in, and exclude dirt from, the joint, and a slot 21 between adjacent ball retaining holes 13 in the cage 9 permits assembly of the joint.