Articulated transmission joint having a large telescopic travel in

Abstract

In an articulated transmission joint for automobiles, there is provided a large telescopic range of travel for the joint. A first shaft having a tripod element composed of three radial arms is joined to another shaft with a bowl element. The bowl element is provided with rolling tracks therein. Each arm of the tripod element has two roller segments pivotable thereabout. The roller segments are in rolling contact with the rolling tracks of the bowl element. Each set of roller segments not only has an arrangement for limiting the angular range of movement of the roller segments about their respective arms, but also is provided with an arrangement for limiting the range of telescopic movement of the arms to a maximum extension and a maximum compression position. This arrangement further ensures that the roller segments are at their respective limits of angular movement about each arm when their arm is at an end point of its range of movement in the bowl element. The above-mentioned arrangement is provided by abutments on the roller segments for cooperation in engagement with abutments of the bowl element. The abutments of the bowl element may be formed in the bowl element itself, or may be formed on a clip provided in the bowl element. The joint ensures, in a reliable manner, a large telescopic range of travel.