JP2011127623A - Tripod constant velocity universal joint - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain reduction in the number of part items and improvement in assembling workability and handling property. <P>SOLUTION: The tripod constant velocity universal joint includes: an outside joint member 10 having three track grooves 12 formed on the inner periphery so as to extend in an axial direction and roller guide surfaces 14 extending in the axial direction respectively on both sides of each track groove 12; a tripod member 20 having three leg shafts 24 protruding in a radial direction; and a roller 30 rotatably supported by the leg shaft 24 of the tripod member 20 through a plurality of needle-like rollers 40, inserted into the track groove 12 of the outside joint member 10 to be freely rolling, and guided along the roller guide surfaces 14, in which an outer washer 60 is fitted to a tip of the leg shaft 24. As an elastically deformable member for locking the roller 30, the radially expansible and contractible outer washer 60 fitted to an annular groove 26 formed at the tip of the leg shaft 24 is used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is used in power transmission systems such as automobiles, airplanes, ships, and various industrial machines, and is incorporated in drive shafts and propeller shafts used in, for example, 4WD vehicles and FR vehicles. The present invention relates to a tripod type constant velocity universal joint which is a kind of sliding type constant velocity universal joint that allows axial displacement and angular displacement between two axes.

  For example, there is a tripod type constant velocity universal joint as one of constant velocity universal joints used as means for transmitting rotational force from an automobile engine to wheels at a constant speed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This tripod type constant velocity universal joint connects two shafts on the drive side and the driven side, transmits rotational torque at a constant speed even if the two shafts take an operating angle, and also allows relative displacement in the axial direction. It has a structure that can

  11 and 12 show the structure of the tripod type constant velocity universal joint disclosed in Patent Document 1. FIG. 11 shows a cross section with respect to the axis of the joint, and FIG. 12 shows a vertical section with respect to the axis of the joint.

  The tripod type constant velocity universal joint shown in the figure is composed mainly of an outer joint member 210, a tripod member 220 which is an inner joint member, and a roller 230. One shaft (drive shaft) of the drive side and the driven side to be coupled extends integrally from the bottom of the outer joint member 210, and the other shaft (not shown) is coupled to the tripod member 220.

  The outer joint member 210 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end opened, and three track grooves 212 extending in the axial direction are formed on the inner periphery thereof at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The tripod member 220 has three leg shafts 224 protruding radially outward from the cylindrical boss portion 222, and these leg shafts 224 are inserted into the track grooves 212 of the outer joint member 210, and are engaged with the track grooves 212. Combine torque transmission. A roller 230 is rotatably fitted to the leg shaft 224 via a needle roller 240, and the roller 230 rolls along a pair of roller guide surfaces 214 facing each other in the track groove 212, thereby connecting two shafts. Smooth the angular displacement and axial displacement between.

  FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 11 and shows the leg shaft 224, the needle rollers 240, and the rollers 230. The outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 224 constitutes the inner rolling surface of the needle roller 240, and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 230 constitutes the outer rolling surface of the needle roller 240. The plurality of needle rollers 240 are disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 224 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 230 in a full roller state.

  These needle rollers 240 are in contact with the inner washer 250 externally fitted to the base portion of the leg shaft 224 on the radially inner side, and are in contact with the outer washer 260 externally fitted on the distal end portion of the leg shaft 224 on the radially outer side. Yes. The outer washer 260 is prevented from coming off by fitting a retaining ring 270 such as a circular circlip into an annular groove 226 formed at the tip of the leg shaft 224.

JP-A-55-51125

  By the way, in the tripod type constant velocity universal joint disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the leg shaft 224 of the tripod member 220 moves in the radial direction relative to the roller 230 as the joint rotates with the operating angle taken. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the position of the needle roller 240 interposed between the roller 230 and the leg shaft 224 in the radial direction. Further, in the manufacturing process of the tripod type constant velocity universal joint, when handling the sub-assembly in which the needle roller 240 and the roller 230 are assembled to the leg shaft 224 of the tripod member 220 during handling, the needle roller 240 and the roller 230 It is also necessary to prevent the leg shaft 224 from falling off.

  Therefore, as described above, the outer washer 260 is prevented from coming off by the retaining ring 270 fitted to the distal end portion of the leg shaft 224, thereby restricting the movement of the needle rollers 240 outward in the radial direction. The washer 260 prevents the needle roller 240 and the roller 230 from jumping out and falling off.

  However, in this retaining structure using the retaining ring 270 and the outer washer 260, in addition to the components such as the needle roller 240 and the roller 230, accessory parts for the retaining ring 270 and the outer washer 260 are required. Increase the cost of the product.

  Further, when the needle roller 240 is assembled between the leg shaft 224 and the roller 230, the outer washer 260 is fitted on the tip end portion of the leg shaft 224, and the retaining ring 270 is inserted into the annular groove 226 of the leg shaft 224. Since it has to be fitted, the work for preventing the removal is complicated, and it is difficult to improve the assembling workability.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to reduce the number of parts and to improve the assembly workability and the handleability. Is to provide.

  As technical means for achieving the aforementioned object, the present invention has three track grooves extending in the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface, and has roller guide surfaces extending in the axial direction on both sides of each track groove. An outer joint member, a tripod member having three leg shafts projecting in the radial direction, and a leg shaft of the tripod member that is rotatably supported via a plurality of needle rollers and is transferred to a track groove of the outer joint member. A tripod type constant velocity universal joint provided with a roller that is movably inserted and guided along a roller guide surface is characterized in that the roller is retained by an elastically deformable member.

  As the elastically deformable member in the present invention, it is easy to realize an outer washer that can be expanded in diameter and fitted in an annular groove formed at the tip of the leg shaft. Since this outer washer is a member capable of expanding the diameter fitted into an annular groove formed at the tip end portion of the leg shaft, the roller and needle-like members are formed only by the outer washer without the need for a retaining ring as in the prior art. The roller can be prevented from coming off.

  In other words, even if the leg shaft moves in the radial direction relative to the roller in a state where the joint has an operating angle, the radial movement of the needle roller is restricted by the outer washer, and the needle roller and the roller pop out. It is possible to prevent the needle roller from falling off, and the needle roller can stably roll between the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the roller.

  Also, in the manufacturing process of the tripod type constant velocity universal joint, the outer assembly fitted in the annular groove of the leg shaft is used for handling the subassembly in which the needle roller and the roller are assembled to the leg shaft of the tripod member during transportation. Since the washer prevents the needle roller and the roller from moving outward in the radial direction, the needle roller and the roller can be prevented from dropping off from the leg shaft, and the handleability can be improved.

  Thus, the outer washer has both the original washer function and the retaining ring function, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the assembling workability and handling can be improved.

  The outer washer according to the present invention preferably has a C shape with a slit formed at one location in the circumferential direction. The outer washer is preferably made of spring steel. In this way, the diameter of the outer washer can be easily increased, and the work of fitting the outer washer into the annular groove of the leg shaft becomes easy.

  In addition, as the elastically deformable member in the present invention, it is easy to realize a tip end portion of a leg shaft that can be press-fitted with a roller. In this way, by pressing the roller into the leg shaft of the tripod member from its tip, the roller and needle roller can be removed by the leg shaft itself without requiring a retaining ring and an outer washer. Can be stopped.

  In other words, even if the leg shaft moves in the radial direction relative to the roller in a state where the joint takes an operating angle, the radial movement of the needle roller is restricted at the tip of the leg shaft, and the needle roller and the roller are restricted. Can be prevented from popping out and falling off, and the needle roller can stably roll between the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the roller.

  Also, in the manufacturing process of tripod type constant velocity universal joints, the needle roller and roller at the tip of the leg shaft are used when handling the subassembly in which the needle roller and roller are assembled to the leg shaft of the tripod member during transportation. Therefore, the needle rollers and the rollers can be prevented from falling off from the leg shaft, and the handling can be improved.

  As described above, the leg shaft has both the original roller support function and the retaining function, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the assembling workability and the handleability can be improved.

  In the present invention, it is desirable to form a slit at the tip of the leg shaft so that the leg shaft can be reduced in diameter. In this way, when the roller is press-fitted into the leg shaft, the press-fitting operation of the roller is facilitated by reducing the diameter of the leg shaft by the slit. The slit can be formed in either the joint axis direction or the direction orthogonal to the joint axis direction, or both the joint axis direction and the direction orthogonal to the joint axis direction, that is, a cross shape.

  Further, in the present invention, an inclined surface that decreases in diameter toward the radially outer side is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the distal end portion of the leg shaft, or the diameter increases toward the radially outer side at the inner edge of the roller. It is desirable to form an inclined surface. In this way, when the roller is press-fitted into the leg shaft, the roller is press-fitted into the leg shaft while being guided along the inclined surface, thereby facilitating the press-fitting operation. The inclined surface may be linearly tapered or curved R.

  According to the present invention, as an elastically deformable member for preventing the roller from slipping off, an outer washer capable of expanding its diameter fitted in an annular groove formed at the tip end portion of the leg shaft is used, so that a conventional stopper is provided. Without requiring a ring, the roller and the needle roller can be prevented from being detached only by the outer washer. Further, as a member capable of elastic deformation that prevents the roller from coming off, by using the tip of the leg shaft that allows the roller to be press-fitted, a conventional retaining ring and an outer washer are not required. The roller and needle roller can be prevented from coming off by the leg shaft itself.

  That is, even if the leg shaft moves in the radial direction relative to the roller in a state where the joint has an operating angle, the radial movement of the needle roller is restricted by the outer washer or the leg shaft itself, and the needle roller and The roller can be prevented from jumping out and falling off, and the needle roller can stably roll between the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the roller.

  Also, in the manufacturing process of the tripod type constant velocity universal joint, when handling the subassembly in which the needle roller and the roller are assembled to the leg shaft of the tripod member during transportation, the needle roller and the leg shaft itself are used by the outer washer or the leg shaft itself. Since the roller is prevented from moving outward in the radial direction, the needle roller and the roller can be prevented from dropping off from the leg shaft, and the handleability can be improved.

  In this way, the outer washer has both the original washer function and the retaining ring function, and the leg shaft has both the original roller support function and the retaining function, thereby reducing the number of parts and assembling work. Thus, a tripod type constant velocity universal joint can be provided which can improve the performance and handleability and ensure stable operability.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a joint in a first embodiment of a tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a joint in a first embodiment of a tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the leg shaft of FIG. 1, a needle roller, and a roller. (A) is a top view which shows the outer washer of FIG. 3, (b) is sectional drawing which follows the AA line of (a). FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a procedure for assembling an outer washer to the leg shaft of FIG. 3. It is 2nd embodiment of the tripod type constant velocity universal joint which concerns on this invention, and is a cross-sectional view of a joint. It is a longitudinal section of a joint in a second embodiment of the tripod type constant velocity universal joint concerning the present invention. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the leg axis | shaft of FIG. 6, a needle roller, and a roller. It is a top view of FIG. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the point which attaches a roller with respect to the leg axis | shaft of FIG. It is an example of the conventional tripod type constant velocity universal joint, and is a cross-sectional view of the joint. It is an example of the conventional tripod type constant velocity universal joint, and is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the joint. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the leg axis | shaft of FIG. 11, a needle roller, and a roller.

  1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a transverse section with respect to the axis of the joint, and FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section with respect to the axis of the joint. The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to the first embodiment includes an outer joint member 10, a tripod member 20 which is an inner joint member, and a roller 30, and main parts thereof.

  The outer joint member 10 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with one open end, and a rotation shaft (for example, a drive shaft) integrally extends from the bottom center. Three track grooves 12 extending in the axial direction are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer joint member 10 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each track groove 12 has a pair of roller guide surfaces 14 facing each other on both sides thereof. The roller guide surface 14 has an arc-shaped cross section and extends linearly in the axial direction of the outer joint member 10. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the outer joint member 10 is formed with a recess 18 in the axial direction by reducing the thickness corresponding to the space between the adjacent track grooves 12 in order to reduce the weight.

  The tripod member 20 is formed by integrally forming three leg shafts 24 projecting radially outward on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical boss portion 22 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (120 ° intervals). A shaft end of a rotating shaft (not shown) (not shown) is connected to the shaft hole of the boss 22 by spline fitting. The tip end of each leg shaft 24 extends radially outward and extends to the vicinity of the bottom surface of the track groove 12, and its outer peripheral surface is generally a cylindrical surface.

  A roller 30 is rotatably disposed via a needle roller 40 between the roller guide surface 14 of the track groove 12 of the outer joint member 10 and the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 24. The outer peripheral surface of the roller 30 has an arc shape in vertical section, and may contact with the roller guide surface 14 at two locations by angular contact or contact at one location by circular contact. On the other hand, the inner peripheral surface of the roller 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

  A roller 30 rotatably mounted on the leg shaft 24 of the tripod member 20 via a needle roller 40 is inserted into and engaged with the track groove 12 of the outer ring 10, and a pair of track grooves 12 facing each other. By rolling along the roller guide surface 14, torque is transmitted while allowing angular displacement and axial displacement between the two connecting shafts (drive shaft and driven shaft).

  FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1 and shows the leg shaft 24, the needle rollers 40, and the rollers 30. The outer circumferential surface of the leg shaft 24 constitutes the inner rolling surface of the needle roller 40, and the inner circumferential surface of the roller 30 constitutes the outer rolling surface of the needle roller 40. A plurality of needle rollers 40 are disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the roller 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 24 in a single row full roller state.

  The needle rollers 40 are in contact with the inner washer 50 fitted to the base portion of the leg shaft 24 on the inner side in the radial direction, and the position is regulated on the outer side in the radial direction by the outer washer 60 fitted on the tip portion of the leg shaft 24. Is done. In the tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to the first embodiment, the outer washer 60 as an elastically deformable member for preventing the roller from coming off is provided in a circumferential direction as shown in FIGS. A slit 61 is formed at a location, which is formed of a C-shaped expandable spring steel, and is fitted in an annular groove 26 formed at the tip of the leg shaft 24. The outer washer 60 may be formed of a material other than spring steel as long as it is a member that can be elastically deformed.

  The assembly procedure of the inner washer 50, the needle roller 40, the roller 30 and the outer washer 60 with respect to the leg shaft 24 is as follows. First, the inner washer 50 is externally fitted to the base of the leg shaft 24 from the outside in the radial direction, and the roller 30 is placed radially on the outer periphery of the needle roller 40 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 24 in a single row full roller state. After extrapolating from the outside, the outer washer 60 is fitted into the annular groove 26 of the leg shaft 24. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer washer 60 is inserted from the outer side in the radial direction of the leg shaft 24 while expanding the diameter against the elastic force, and the outer washer 60 is reduced in diameter by the elastic restoring force and fitted into the annular groove 26.

The inner diameter D ₁ (see FIG. 4B) of the outer washer 60 is naturally larger than the outer diameter D ₂ of the annular groove 26 (see FIG. 3) and the outer diameter D ₃ of the leg shaft 24 (see FIG. 3). see) is set to be smaller than, and can expanded to be larger than the outer diameter D ₃ of the trunnion 24 when inserted. Since the outer washer 60 is formed of spring steel having a C-shape with a slit 61 formed at one place in the circumferential direction, the diameter of the outer washer 60 can be easily increased. The operation of fitting into the annular groove 26 of the leg shaft 24 is facilitated.

  As described above, since the outer washer 60 in the first embodiment is a member that can be expanded in diameter and is fitted into the annular groove 26 formed at the distal end portion of the leg shaft 24, the conventional retaining ring 270 (see FIG. 13), the roller 30 and the needle roller 40 can be prevented from being detached only by the outer washer 60.

  That is, even if the leg shaft 24 moves in the radial direction relative to the roller 30 in a state where the joint has an operating angle, the outer roller 60 restricts the radial movement of the needle roller 40 by the outer washer 60. Further, the roller 30 can be prevented from popping out and falling off, and the needle roller 40 can be stably rolled between the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 24 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 30.

  Further, in the manufacturing process of the tripod type constant velocity universal joint, the annular groove 26 of the leg shaft 24 is used in handling the subassembly in which the needle roller 40 and the roller 30 are assembled to the leg shaft 24 of the tripod member 20 during transportation. Since the outer washer 60 fitted to the needle roller 40 prevents the needle roller 40 and the roller 30 from moving outward in the radial direction, the needle roller 40 and the roller 30 can be prevented from falling off the leg shaft 24 in advance. The handling can be improved.

  Thus, the outer washer 60 has both the original washer function and the retaining ring function, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the assembling workability and the handleability can be improved.

  6 and 7 show a second embodiment of a tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention. 6 shows a cross section with respect to the axis of the joint, and FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal section with respect to the axis of the joint. The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to the second embodiment includes an outer joint member 110, a tripod member 120 that is an inner joint member, and a roller 130. In addition, the same part as 1st embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is attached | subjected the code | symbol which added 100, and duplication description is abbreviate | omitted. In the second embodiment, the leg shaft 124 and the roller 130 of the tripod member 120 are different from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 6 and shows the leg shaft 124, the needle rollers 140, and the rollers 130. The outer circumferential surface of the leg shaft 124 constitutes the inner rolling surface of the needle roller 140, and the inner circumferential surface of the roller 130 constitutes the outer rolling surface of the needle roller 140. A plurality of needle rollers 140 are arranged in a single row full roller state between the inner peripheral surface of the roller 130 and the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 124.

In this second embodiment, the distal end portion of the leg shaft 124 as an elastically deformable member that prevents the roller 130 from coming off is the outer diameter D of the proximal end portion 124 a on which the inner rolling surface of the needle roller 140 is formed. and neck portion 124b having a smaller outer diameter D ₁₂ than _11, provided at the distal end of the neck portion 124b, is composed of a head portion 124c having a larger outer diameter D ₁₃ than the outer diameter D ₁₁ of the base end portion 124a .

The roller 130 is press-fitted into the leg shaft 124, and the needle roller 140 disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion 124 a of the leg shaft 124 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 130 is the head of the leg shaft 124. The outer peripheral edge surface 124c ₁ of the portion 124c restricts the outward movement in the radial direction, and the roller 130 is prevented from coming off at the outer peripheral edge portion 124c ₂ of the head portion 124c of the leg shaft 124. That is, the inner diameter D _{14 of the} roller 130 is set to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter D ₁₃ of the head portion 124c of the leg shaft 124 to the extent that it can be press-fitted.

  A slit 128 is formed at the tip of the leg shaft 124, that is, the neck portion 124b and the head portion 124c of the leg shaft 124 so that the roller 130 can be easily press-fitted into the leg shaft 124. The diameter of the tip of 124 can be reduced. Although the figure shows the case where the slit 128 is formed in the joint axial direction (see FIG. 9), it may be formed in a direction orthogonal to the joint axial direction, and further, the joint axial direction and the direction orthogonal to the joint axial direction. Both, that is, a cross shape may be formed. If the slit 128 is formed in a cross shape in this way, the diameter of the tip end portion of the leg shaft 124 is easily reduced, and the press-fitting of the roller 130 is further facilitated.

  In addition, a linear taper-shaped inclined surface 121 whose diameter decreases toward the outside in the radial direction is formed at the distal end portion of the leg shaft 124, that is, the outer peripheral edge portion of the head portion 124 c of the leg shaft 124. Furthermore, a curved R-shaped inclined surface 131 that expands toward the outer side in the radial direction is formed at the inner edge of the roller 130. Thus, when the roller 130 is press-fitted into the leg shaft 124, the roller 130 is press-fitted into the leg shaft 124 while being guided along the inclined surfaces 121 and 131, thereby facilitating the press-fitting operation.

  The inclined surface 121 of the head portion 124c of the leg shaft 124 may have a curved R shape other than the linear tapered shape. Conversely, the inclined surface 131 of the inner diameter edge of the roller 130 has a linear tapered shape other than the curved R shape. It may be a shape. Further, the inclined surface 131 of the roller 130 may be formed at one inner diameter end edge in the radial direction. However, if the inclined surface 131 is formed at both inner diameter end edges in the radial direction, the roller 130 is pressed when the roller 130 is press-fitted. Since there is no directionality of inserting 130, press-fitting can be performed without considering the direction of the roller 130, so that workability can be improved.

  The procedure for assembling the needle roller 140 and the roller 130 to the leg shaft 124 is as follows. First, the needle rollers 140 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion 124 a of the leg shaft 124 in a single-row full roller state, and then the roller 130 is press-fitted from the distal end portion of the leg shaft 124, so that the outer circumference of the needle rollers 140 is increased. To place.

  When the roller 130 is press-fitted, as shown in FIG. 10, while being guided by the inclined surface 121 of the head portion 124 c of the leg shaft 124 and the inclined surface 131 of the inner diameter edge of the roller 130, the inner diameter edge portion of the roller 130. Is brought into contact with the head portion 124c of the leg shaft 124. When the roller 130 is pressed from this state, the neck portion 124b and the head portion 124c of the leg shaft 124 are contracted by elastic deformation due to the pressing force, and the roller 130 can be easily press-fitted into the leg shaft 124.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the roller 130 is press-fitted into the leg shaft 124 of the tripod member 120, so that the conventional retaining ring 270 and the outer washer 260 (see FIG. 13) are required. The roller 130 and the needle roller 140 can be prevented from coming off with the leg shaft 124 itself.

  That is, even if the leg shaft 124 moves in the radial direction relative to the roller 130 in a state where the joint is at an operating angle, the radial movement of the needle roller 140 is restricted at the tip of the leg shaft 124 and the needle The needle roller 140 and the roller 130 can be prevented from jumping out and falling off, and the needle roller 140 can stably roll between the outer peripheral surface of the leg shaft 124 and the inner peripheral surface of the roller 130.

  Also, in the manufacturing process of the tripod type constant velocity universal joint, when handling the sub-assembly in which the needle roller 140 and the roller 130 are assembled to the leg shaft 124 of the tripod member 120 at the time of transportation, the tip of the leg shaft 124 is used. Since the needle rollers 140 and the rollers 130 are prevented from moving outward in the radial direction, the needle rollers 140 and the rollers 130 can be prevented from dropping off from the leg shafts 124, and the handleability can be improved.

  As described above, the leg shaft 124 has both the original roller support function and the retaining function, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the assembling workability and the handleability can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can of course be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. It includes the equivalent meanings recited in the claims and the equivalents recited in the claims, and all modifications within the scope.

10, 110 Outer joint member 12, 112 Track groove 14, 114 Roller guide surface 20, 120 Tripod member 24, 124 Leg shaft 124b, 124c Elastically deformable member (tip end of leg shaft)
30, 130 Roller 40, 140 Needle roller 60 Elastically deformable member (outer washer)
61,128 Slit 121,131 Inclined surface

Claims (12)

  Three track grooves extending in the axial direction are formed on the inner peripheral surface, and an outer joint member having a roller guide surface extending in the axial direction on each side of each track groove and three leg shafts projecting in the radial direction are provided. A tripod member and a leg shaft of the tripod member are rotatably supported via a plurality of needle rollers, and are rotatably inserted into a track groove of the outer joint member and guided along the roller guide surface. A tripod type constant velocity universal joint provided with a roller, wherein the roller is retained by an elastically deformable member.   The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the elastically deformable member is an outer washer capable of expanding in diameter fitted in an annular groove formed at a distal end portion of the leg shaft.   The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 2, wherein the outer washer has a C shape with a slit formed in one place in a circumferential direction.   The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the outer washer is formed of spring steel.   The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the elastically deformable member is a tip portion of the leg shaft that allows the roller to be press-fitted.   The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 5, wherein a slit is formed at a distal end portion of the leg shaft so that the distal end portion can be reduced in diameter.   The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 6, wherein the slit is formed in a joint axial direction.   The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the slit is formed in a direction orthogonal to the joint axial direction.   The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein an inclined surface that is reduced in diameter toward an outer side in a radial direction is formed on an outer peripheral edge of a distal end portion of the leg shaft.   The tripod type constant velocity universal joint as described in any one of Claims 5-9 which formed the inclined surface which diameter-expands toward the radial direction outer side in the internal diameter edge part of the said roller.   The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the inclined surface has a linear taper shape.   The tripod type constant velocity universal joint according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the inclined surface has a curved R shape.

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