Retainer assembly for tripot joint
US6390926B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S464/905
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A retainer system for use in a tripot type universal joint is provided. The universal joint includes a spider having a plurality of rollers thereon. The rollers travel in drive channels within a housing of the joint. The retainer system comprises a retaining ring, having generally planar small diameter segments and generally planar and axially offset large diameter segments. The small diameter and large diameter segments are connected by blocking segments. The retainer system also comprises an annular groove having a retaining ring movement portion. The retaining ring movement portion allows for movement of the small diameter segments and blocking segments between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. In the compressed state, the spider can be inserted into the housing, because the blocking segments move out of the drive channels. In the uncompressed state, the blocking segments obstruct the drive channels to prevent movement of the rollers therepast outwardly of the housing to thereby maintain the spider in the housing. A method of assembling a universal joint is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.