TRUNNION GREASE RETAINER

摘要

An improved trunnion lubricant retainer for a universal joint is provided. A cross of a universal joint has four trunnions extending along two mutually perpendicular lines. Bearing cups are rotatably received on the trunnions and the cups are held by universal joint yokes. Lubrication passages extend from a central portion of the cross to cavities in the ends of the trunnions. When the universal joint is stationary, lubricant such as grease could drain from an upper cavity downwardly, leaving the bearing cup of the upper trunnion devoid of lubricant when the universal joint is again operated. An improved lubricant retainer now extends from an end of each passage through a substantial portion of the corresponding cavity and traps lubricant in an annular space between the cavity wall and the retainer so that this lubricant is readily available to lubricate the corresponding cup at all times. The improved retainer is symmetrical about a central plane perpendicular to its axis so that the retainer can be automatically assembled properly and its manufacture is simplified.