Tripod joint

US5391013A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Lohr & Bromkamp GmbH
• GKN Automotive Limited · DE

Inventors

• Michael Ricks · Nidderau, DE
• Norbert Hofmann · Ronneburg, DE
• Friedholm John · Steinheim, DE
• Werner Krude
• Dieter Jost · Neunkirchen, DE
• Peter Harz · Hennef (Sieg), DE
• Jorg Bensinger · Hennef (Sieg), DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 10, 1992
• Grant date: Feb 21, 1995
• Expiry date: Sep 10, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T403/32057
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A tripod joint has an outer joint part with three circumferentially distributed, axis-parallel recesses forming circumferentially distributed opposed tracks. An inner joint part has a star-shaped cross-section and three circumferentially distributed arms engaging the recesses in the outer joint part. The arms support roller assemblies. When torque is transmitted with the joint in an extended position, the resultant K.sub.1 of the forces acting from the inner joint part directly on a roller forms a shorter perpendicular distance from the joint axis than the resultant K.sub.2 of the counter forces acting from the outer joint part on the roller, so that, when torque is introduced into the joint, at any angle of articulation of the operating range, the roller is subject to a tilting moment.