Patent ID: 7022020
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A tripod constant velocity universal joint comprising: an outer joint member having three axial track grooves in an inner periphery and roller guide surfaces formed in opposing side walls of each track groove; a tripod member having three radially projecting trunnion journals; and rollers carried by respective trunnion journals and received in the track grooves of said outer joint member, each roller being guided on a part-spherical outer peripheral surface by said roller guide surfaces, wherein contact between said roller and said roller guide surfaces is circular contact having a contact ratio 1.01 or above, wherein a width dimension of said roller is reduced to an extent that a contact ellipse produced by said roller during application of a predetermined torque does not deviate from an end surface of said roller, wherein said contact ratio is defined by a ratio of a radius of curvature of said roller guide surface relative to a radius of curvature of said outer peripheral surface, wherein a portion of said roller guide surface corresponding to the end of said roller is formed with a relief portion, and wherein said relief portion is a concave arc smoothly connected to a corner located at each end of said roller guide surface.