Anti-shudder tripod type CV universal joint

US6699134B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Robert Sams · Clinton Township, US
• Michael Hopson · Clinton Township, US
• Holm Schmitt · Cologne, DE
• Robert Keller · Baden, CH
• Bradley W. Doner · Dearborn, US
• Alexander Haertel · Cologne, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 21, 2001
• Grant date: Mar 2, 2004
• Expiry date: Feb 21, 2021

Classification

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

Abstract

An anti-shudder constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type is provided having an outer joint member including three circumferentially distributed, axially extending longitudinal tracks formed therein, and an inner joint member having three circumferentially distributed radial journals arranged to engage the longitudinal tracks when the joint is assembled. The end of each journal is mated with and supports rotation of a roller bearing assembly, while rotating and pivoting within the roller bearing assembly upon articulation of the joint. This reduces the frictional forces on the roller bearings created by maintaining the roller bearings in a relatively proper/parallel orientation within the tracks by allowing the journal ends to freely rotate and pivot therein. A spherical-to-spherical contact surface is provided between the journal ends and an inner ring of the respective roller bearing assemblies to lower Hertzian stresses by distributing forces over a larger region of contact.