NTN : Development of “Ultra High Angle DOJ” for Multipurpose Off-road Vehicles〈Product〉

World's first plunging constant velocity joint that achieves the industry's largest operating angle of 39 degrees

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) has developed the 'Ultra High Angle DOJ', a plunging constant velocity joint with a maximum operating angle of 39 degrees. This product is best suited for multipurpose off-road vehicles*.

In recent years, the demand for 4-wheel buggy vehicles for leisure and agricultural use has increased, and over the past few years, there has been an increase in multipurpose off-road vehicles with round steering wheels that can seat 2 to 4 people or more. A larger angle support is required for driveshafts that transmit the engine and motor smoothly to the wheels due to increase of the vehicle height and power from the suspension stroke to improve road running ability and comfortable ride. However, there were issues in setting a large angle for plunging constant velocity joints on differential gear side.

NTN has developed the 'Ultra High angle DOJ' that increases the maximum operating angle from 30.5 to 39 degrees for plunging constant velocity joints used on multipurpose off-road vehicles.

The developed product not only achieves the largest operating angle of 39 degrees in the industry, it also ensures strength and durability ultra high angles. NTN has increased the ball diameter so that a greater torque can be transmitted and designed the cage (retainer) that holds the balls to be thicker while achieving minimization of outer diameter dimensions to a level that can be mounted on multipurpose off-road vehicles due to our weight saving and compact technology cultivated so far.

In addition to this developed product, NTN will continue to support diverse customer needs such as the creation of high angle on multipurpose off-road vehicles by expanding the plunging constant velocity joint 'DOJ' series. The 'Ultra High Angle DOJ' is shown at the 'Tokyo Motor Show 2017' held from October 27 to November 5 at Tokyo Big Sight.

* Generic name for 4-wheel buggy vehicles with round steering wheels which are gaining popularity for a wide range of applications from business to leisure mainly in the U.S.A. It is also referred to as SSV (Side by Side Vehicle), UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) or ROV (Recreational Off highway Vehicle).