Tripode joint with roller bearing

US6227978A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• GKN Automotive Limited · DE

Inventors

• Stephen Maucher · Sonthofen, DE
• Jochen Balken · Gettorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 24, 1999
• Grant date: May 8, 2001
• Expiry date: Mar 24, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S464/905
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A constant velocity tripode joint is disclosed as having an outer joint part with an inner aperture and with uniformly circumferentially distributed recesses which widen the inner aperture and each of which include two opposed tracks. An inner joint part includes a center piece and three uniformly distributed tripode arms arranged radially relative to the center piece and each of which extends into one of the recesses. A roller assembly is mounted on each arm and in rolling contact with the tracks of the respective recess. Each roller assembly comprises at least two rollers that are independently rotatable relative to their respective tripode arm and that are at least indirectly supported on the tripode arm in the radial direction relative to the arm axis. A first roller rolls on the first of the two tracks and is spaced from the other track. A second roller rolls on the other one of the two tracks and is spaced from the first track.