Rzeppa Joints
A Rzeppa joint (invented by Alfred H. Rzeppa in 1926) consists of a spherical inner with 6 grooves in it, and a similar enveloping outer shell. Each groove guides one ball. The input shaft fits in the centre of a large, steel, star-shaped "gear" that nests inside a circular cage. The cage is spherical but with ends open, and it typically has six openings around the perimeter. This cage and gear fit into a grooved cup that has a splined and threaded shaft attached to it. Six large steel balls sit inside the cup grooves and fit into the cage openings, nestled in the grooves of the star gear. The output shaft on the cup then runs through the wheel bearing and is secured by the axle nut. This joint can accommodate the large changes of angle when the front wheels are turned by the steering system; typical Rzeppa joints allow 45-48 degrees of articulation, while some can give 52 degrees. At the "outboard" end of the driveshaft a slightly different unit is used. The end of the driveshaft is splined and fits into the outer "joint". It is typically held in place by a circlip.
Read more about this topic: Constant-velocity Joint
Famous quotes containing the word joints:
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—Administration in the State of Arka, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)