ENERGIEUEBERTRAGUNGSEINRICHTUNG

摘要

To reduce the arrangement space of a viscous coupling device and a universal joint, the power transmission apparatus comprises a constant velocity universal joint 69 attached to an end of an input shaft 13; a hub 63 with axially extending inner grooves 67 axially slidably engageable with the universal joint 69; a housing 71 rotatably fitted to the hub 63 and adapted to be coupled to an output shaft; and a viscous coupling device 61 disposed between the hub 63 and the housing 71. Therefore, power can be transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft, or vice versa, in inclination conditions. Further, since the universal joint is covered by the viscous coupling device, it is possible to protect the universal joint from rain or mud, thus improving durability. The universal joint may be a tripod joint (Figs. 4A and B) or a double offset joint (Figs 5A and B). <IMAGE>