Patent ID: 6837794
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
1. A tripod type constant velocity universal joint comprising: an outer member having three axially extending track grooves formed in an inner circumferential surface thereof, each of the track grooves having roller guide surfaces on a pair of opposing side walls thereof, a tripod member having three radially projecting trunnions, and rollers rotatably carried on the trunnions, respectively, through a series of cylindrical rolling elements, the rollers being accommodated in the track grooves, respectively, so that the rollers are movable axially of the outer member with each said roller rolling along one of the opposing roller guide surfaces, the cylindrical rolling elements rolling directly on an outer circumferential surface of the trunnion, wherein each said roller has an annular radial projection on a cylindrical inner circumferential surface of said roller at each axial end thereof, wherein said annular projections of said roller and a series of said rolling elements are retained along a groove formed in a central section of said cylindrical inner circumferential surface of said roller, wherein a minimum separation (d wherein said one rolling element serves as a keystone and is forced into said gap (g) to lock the cylindrical rolling elements in position along an inner periphery of the roller and form an independent assembly that is rotatable and slidable along said outer surface of said trunnion.