Tripot universal joint
US6776719B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S464/905
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A telescopic tripot universal joint comprises an outer drive member having three longitudinal drive channels which include two opposing concave side surfaces having a parabolic profile, an inner drive member having three radial trunnions having a radially outward facing semi-spherical surface for tiltably mounting a drive ball assembly which has a bearing train disposed radially between an inner ball tiltably engaged to the trunnion and an outer ball having a tread face which directly opposes the concave side surfaces of the drive channels. The parabolic side surface has a radially outward portion having a smaller radius of curvature than a radial inward portion of the parabolic side surface. Moreover, the radius of the inward portion is equal to or greater than the maximum radius of the outer ball thereby assuring the tread face of the outer ball does not bind against the inward portion of the parabolic side surface on the unloaded side. This reduces universal joint studder as a result of ball assembly tilting about a Y-axis extending longitudinally with respect to the outer drive member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.