Lohr & Bromkamp Gmbh

Dieter Burghardt

Hans-Heinrich Welschof

Peter Schwarzler

Norbert Hofmann

Michael Ricks

Friedhelm John

Volker Bergmann

Hans Wormsbacher

A constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type has an outer joint part with three axially extending, circumferentially distributed longitudinal recesses with circumferentially distributed opposed tracks. The tracks have surfaces which are grooved so as to have the shape of a circular cylindrical portion. An inner joint part includes three radial circumferentially distributed arms each engaging one of the longitudinal recesses and carrying roller assemblies having roller carriers and roller elements. The roller elements have running faces in the shape of a spherical portion and are axially guided so as to roll on the tracks in the longitudinal recesses of the outer joint part. The roller carriers are guided on the arms so as to be pivotable and longitudinally movable relative to the respective arm axis. The roller elements are coaxially supported on the roller carriers so as to be rotatable, with the roller assemblies consisting of the roller carriers and roller elements, to prevent them from tilting relative to the outer joint part, are supported on the base of the recesses and on longitudinally extending guiding shoulder faces of the outer joint part which radially inwardly adjoin the tracks, with the roller elements, on their respective radial insides, each including an annular shoulder face which adjoins the running face in the shape of a spherical portion and which provides the supporting contact between the respective roller assembly and the guiding shoulder faces.

Constant velocity universal joint

A tripod joint has an outer joint component having three circumferentially distributed recesses with parallel axes forming circumferentially opposing tracks. An inner joint component has a spider-shape cross-section with three circumferentially distributed arms which engage recesses of the outer joint component. The arms support roller assemblies. Each roller assembly includes a roller-carrier and a roller that runs directly on the tracks. The roller is arranged to slide axially along the arm axis and swivel with angular movement relative to the arm axis. A support is provided between the roller assembly and the outer joint component. The support absorbs tilting moments exerted on the roller assembly about an axis parallel to the joint axis and tilting moments exerted on the roller assembly about an axis perpendicular to, and spaced from, the joint axis. The support is provided by the roller engaging a pilot groove of the outer joint component whose depth is dimensioned such that the axial guided distance which is (2.times.F1) in the pilot groove affecting the roller, is at least equal to one half of the roller diameter which is 2.times.R.sub.1. This means there is a relation of F.sub.1 .gtoreq.0.5 R.sub.1 .

Tripod joint

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Wiesbaden-Biebrich, Germany

Dieter Burghardt