July 27, 2009
Development of a ‘light weight, compact fixed-type constant velocity joint’ for propeller shafts, responding to a need for low fuel consumption of FR and 4WD vehicles
NTN Corporation (hereafter NTN) has developed a‘light-weight, compact fixed type constant velocity joint’ for propeller shafts of FR and 4WD vehicles (hereafter ‘constant velocity joint’ is referred to as ‘CVJ’ ).
NTN's HEBJ*1 and BJ*2 are currently used as fixed-type CVJ's for propeller shafts of FR and 4WD vehicles. The propshaft HEBJ*1 is a driveshaft fixed-type EBJ*3 with the outer ring modified for propeller shaft CVJ design needs. In recent years, a reduction in weight and an increase in efficiency have been required for propeller shafts to improve fuel economy, therefore a new, more compact fixed-type CVJ design was needed.
NTN's product development of the new fixed joint has enabled the reduction of the outer diameter and width when compared to the current HEBJ*1 dimensions. This was accomplished while maintaining the strength and durability of the joint by internal component design optimization exclusively for propeller shaft CVJ's. As a result, in addition to joint size reduction - a mass reduction was also achieved.
In response to an increasing demand of low fuel economy of vehicles, NTN will market this fixed-type propshaft CVJ globally.
| *1. HEBJ | : CVJ with outer ring of EBJ designed for propeller shafts |
| *2. BJ | : 6 ball fixed type CVJ for drive shafts |
| *3. EBJ | : Down sized BJ, light weight and compact fixed type CVJ with 8 balls |
[ Features ]
| In comparison with current product (HEBJ): | ||
| a. | Lighter weight | |
| ·Mass | : 25% reduction | b. | Size difference |
| ·Outer ring O/D | : 4% reduction | |
| ·Outer ring width | : 20% reduction | |
[ Product appearance photo ]
[ Cross section surface comparison of new product and current product ]
