TRIPOT UNIVERSAL JOINT OF THE END MOTION TYPE

A tripot universal joint of the end motion type is provided. The joint includes a first shaft (12) with a cup-shaped member (14) at one end having three axiallyextending, parallel grooves (20) in its inner periphery. Another shaft (22) has a spider (24) at one end with three (28) extending radially outwardly. A roller (44) is mounted on each trunnion for slidable, rotatable, and pivotal movements with respect to the trunnion. The roller is maintained with its axis perpendicular to the associated groove, even when the spider shaft is positioned at a substantial angle to the axis of the first shaft and the cupshaped member. The roller mounting includes a guide ring (80) slidably mounted on the trunnion for axial movement with respect thereto, the guide ring having an outer segmental spherical surface (34). Bearings (36) having surfaces (38) formed by a curved generatrix with a radius extending away from the longitudinal axis of the bearings and being substantially equal to the radius of the spherical surface of the guide ring are located around the guide ring which forms an inner race. The roller is positioned around the bearings and forms an outer race. The annular surface (46) of the roller adjacent the bearings can be curved in transverse cross section to fully support the bearings, The surface can also be flat (76) in transverse cross section to support end portions of the bearings. In that instance, the bearings have generally cylindrical and portings (68, 70) engaged by the flat surface of the roller for support.