May 2, 2007

Development of new compact fixed type
constant velocity joint [ CUJ ]

[ World smallest driveshaft for automotive application,
capable of a 50° working angle ]

NTN Corporation has developed a new compact fixed type constant velocity joint, CUJ ( Coupled ball Undercut-free Joint ) for compact and mini cars. This is a world smallest and best in class automotive driveshaft with a capable working angle of 50°.

Light-weight and compact constant velocity joints ( hereafter CVJ ) are growing in demand to reduce the vehicle unsprung mass and to improve fuel economy and driveability.In addition, the normal CVJ working angle is getting larger on compact ( B/C Segment ) and mini cars ( A Segment ) based on more efficient engine and transmission configurations. In the past several years, NTN has been manufacturing and marketing E-series CVJ’s featuring light-weight, compact size, and wide angle, fixed type joints EUJ ( Eight Ball Undercut-free Joint ) capable of a 50° working angle.

NTN has taken this a step further by now developing the CUJ with an optimized internal cage pocket design. In comparison to NTN’s EUJ, the CUJ provides more efficient assembly, and better durability under a large working angle while maintaining the same strength as our existing EUJ. NTN’s CUJ is an even lighter and more compact CVJ than the EUJ, quantified by a 4% decrease in outer ring diameter and weight.

[ Features ( compared with conventional EUJ ) ]

(1)	Outer ring diameter and weight :			Approx. 4% less
(2)	Durability :			Improved by 30% at high normal angle 8° Improved by 40% at high working angle 46°
(3)	Max. working angle :			Same ( 50° )
(4)	Strength :			Same ( Torsional strength )

[ Contact ]

Automotive Planning Dept. Automotive Product H.Q. TEL: 03-5487-2814

[ Product photo ]

Product photo (cut sample)