Patent ID: 6176786
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: F16D

Abstract:
A tripod universal joint assembly comprising:a substantially annular outer race with three circumferentially distributed longitudinally extending, axis-parallel recesses;an inner joint member disposed within the outer race having three circumferentially distributed radial bores defining a centrally disposed cavity therebetween;a plurality of arm members each having a cylindrical body portion disposed in a respective radial bore and a head portion projecting from the inner joint member and engaging a respective recess of the outer race;a spherical member disposed in the cavity of the inner joint for maintaining engagement of the head portion to the recess during articulation of the tripod universal joint; anda plurality of annular bearing assemblies, each annular bearing assembly disposed between the cylindrical body portion of the arm member and its respective radial bore for providing a bearing contact surface for the radial and rotatable movement of each arm member with respect to its respective radial bore wherein each annular bearing assembly includes a plurality of needle roller bearings for providing a bearing contact surface between the cylindrical body portion of the arm member and its respective bore.