CA1295148C - Axle drive - Google Patents
Axle driveInfo
- Publication number
- CA1295148C CA1295148C CA000526813A CA526813A CA1295148C CA 1295148 C CA1295148 C CA 1295148C CA 000526813 A CA000526813 A CA 000526813A CA 526813 A CA526813 A CA 526813A CA 1295148 C CA1295148 C CA 1295148C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- input shaft
- axle
- shaft
- gear
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 230000008093 supporting effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 abstract description 22
- 239000000306 component Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000002730 additional effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009699 differential effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002674 ointment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003405 preventing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H57/00—General details of gearing
- F16H57/02—Gearboxes; Mounting gearing therein
- F16H57/021—Shaft support structures, e.g. partition walls, bearing eyes, casing walls or covers with bearings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K17/00—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles
- B60K17/04—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of gearing
- B60K17/16—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of gearing of differential gearing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H1/00—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion
- F16H1/02—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
- F16H1/04—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members
- F16H1/12—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes
- F16H1/14—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising conical gears only
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16H—GEARING
- F16H57/00—General details of gearing
- F16H57/02—Gearboxes; Mounting gearing therein
- F16H57/031—Gearboxes; Mounting gearing therein characterised by covers or lids for gearboxes
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Arrangement And Driving Of Transmission Devices (AREA)
- General Details Of Gearings (AREA)
Abstract
AXLE DRIVE An axle drive mechanism comprises an input shaft rotatably mounted in a housing having bearings for supporting the input shaft at opposite ends of the housing. The input shaft includes a pinion gear in meshed engagement with a driven gear coaxially secured about the longitudinal axis of the axle shafts which extend outwardly from the housing. The housing also includes openings at each end of the housing through which the end portions of the input shaft are exposed exteriorly of the housing so that either or both ends of the input shaft can be coupled to a drive line. The present invention also includes a closure cap adapted to be received in the opening at one end of the housing for enclosing the housing and protecting the unused shaft end.
Description
P-34~
AXLE DRIVE
BACKGROUND OF THE l~VENTION
I. Field of the Present Invention The present invention relates generally to torque transfer apparatus, and more particularly to an axle drive which delivers torque from a drive line to the wheels of a motor vehicle.
II Description of the Prior Art Typically, a vehicle engine is coupled through a transmission to a single drive line in a two-wheel drive vehicle i.e. having a single driven axle set, while a transfer case having a drive line extendiny toward each axle is coupled to the transmission in a four-wheel drive vehicle, i.e.
having two driven axle sets~ An axle drive opera-tively connects the torque delivered through each drive line to the axle shafts which rotatably drive the wheels of an axle set.
In a typical axle drive mechanism, an input shaft is rotatably supported in a longi-tudinal extension of a main housing which contains an axle shaft for each wheel and gear means for coupling the input shaft to the axle shaft. The longitudinal extension is required because the longitudinal axis of the input shaft is q~'~
~5~
P-34~ _~
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the axle shafts but within the same horizontal plane. A
pinion gear is mounted on one end of the input shaft and positively engages a driven gear of the gear means which is coaxially mounted about an axle shaft. The axle drive gear means often comprises differential gear means so that the torque from the input shaft is split between the two axially aligned axle shafts as necessary to provide inter-wheel differential action in a well known manner.
In order to rotatably support the pinion gear in a stable position for positive engagement with the driven gear, the extended portion of the axle drive housing often includes a pair of axially spaced bearings. The spaced apart bearing arrangement avoids misalignment of the longitudinal axis of the shaft due to gear tooth load which can interfere with proper meshing engagement between the pinion and driven gears.
Moreover, while mounting of the pinion gear at the end of the input shaft permits the axial end of the input shaft to be spaced radially away from the axle shafts so that neither of the shafts obstructs the other, the extended housing portion substan-tially increases the longitudinal dimension of the drive housing. In addition, the input shaft is accessible only from one end of the drive axle housing.
5~ ~
P 34~ -3-While the elongated housing portion containing the input shaft can ~e easily accommo-dated in a rear wheel drive vehicle having a front engine mounting by merely using a shorter drive shaft between the transmission and the axle hous-ing, the length of the axle drive housing can be ~specially disadvantageous in front wheel drive vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles. In partic-ular, since the vehicle engine, transmission,suspension components and steering components are often housed in the forward part of the vehicle chassis, there is a limited amount of space avail-able which can be occupied by the drive axle.
Consequently, it would be advantageous to make each component as compact as possible so as to avoid increasing the overall size and weight of the vehicle.
In addition, while it is advantageous to provide an even distribution of vehicle weight upon the axles, one axle often carries a greater load than the other. Consequently, when the wheels of two axle sets are driven, the axle drive for each axle set must be capable of handling a propor-tion of torque corresponding to the load distri-butecl to its axle set. While it may be possible to downsiY.e an axle drive which receives only a portion o~ the torque on a part time basis, down-sizing is not practical for an axle drive sub~ected to full torque or used as the primary drive axle.
However, while reducing the length of the extended :~25~
P-3~
housing por~ion of the axle drive mechanism might be possible by spacing the bearings closer together or eliminating one of the hearing sets used to support the input shaft, such modifications result in a less stable alignment of the input shaft. As a result, the bearings, the gears and other compo-nents of the axle drive become subjected to addi-tional stresses which increases the wear on the parts. Consequently, the parts have a shorter liEe and induce greater heat buildup which can induce deterioration of the parts and the lubricants enclosed within the housing.
Moreover, since the chassis structure at the front of the vehicle may differ substantially from the chassis construction at the rear of the vehicle, the front axle drive mechanism is often differently constructed from the drive mechanism used at the rear of the vehicle, and the two axle drive mechanisms are not interchangeable. ~hus, a substantial amount of expense is incurred in designing, manufacturing and assembling the various constructions of axle drives which are currently available. Moreover, substantial duplication of function with non-interchangeable drive axle components suhstantially increases the initial cost of the vehicle as well as the cost of repairing it.
Moreover, one previously known axle drive mechanism having inputs at both ends of the axle drive housing is disclosed in U.S. Paten-t No~
4,511,012 to Rauneker. Rauneker discloses an axle drive mechanism constructed in the previously known manner having an input shaft rotatably supported within a longitudinally extended housing portion with a pinion gear mounted at one end in engagement with a driven gear of a differential gear unit.
The axle drive mechanism also includes an addi-tional input shaft spaced radially apar~ from and substantially parallel to the first input shaft.
The second input extends outwardly from the other end of the housing. A gear mechanism interconnects the second input shaft with the first input shaft and clutch means is provided for selectively engaging the second input shaft with the first input shaft through the gear means. The gear means and clutch are also housed within the extended portion of the housing. Such an axle drive ar-rangement has substantially greater size and weight than a drive axle utilizing a single input shaft.
Moreover, tooth loads on the pinion gear as well as tooth loads on the gears interconnecting the first and second input shafts introduce off axis forces that tend to urge the input shaft from its proper axial alignment. Thus, the additional stresses exerted upon the bearings supporting the input shaft preclude reduction of the longitudinal spacing bet~een the bearings supporting the input shaft.
~9S~
6 71087-1~6 SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTIOM
A~cording to a first broad aspect of the pr~sent invention, -~here :Ls providecl an axle drive comprlsing, a housi.nq haviny a first Pn~l and a second end opposi~e to said fir~t end; at least one axle shaft and means for rotatably supporting saicl at least one axle shaft in said housing, each of said at least one axle shaft being aligned on a single longitudinal axis; and an input shaft having a longi~udinal axis, a first end portion adjacent said first end of said housing and a second end portion adjacent said second end of said housing; means for rotatahly supporting said input shaft in said housing for rotation about said longitudinal axis of said input shaft; and gear means or coupling said input shaft to said at least one axle shaft; wherein said means for rotatably supporting said input shaft comprises a first bearin~ means for rotatably supporting said shaft ad~acent said first end portion of said input shaft, and second bearing means for rotatably supporking said shaft ad~acent said second end of said shaft; and wherein each of said first and second ends Oe said housing includes aperture means for exposing the respective end portions of said input shaft exteriorly of said first and second ends oE said housing; and wherein said first end portion of said input shaft forms a first input means for driving sald at least one axle shaft; and wherein said second end portion of said input sha:et forms a second coaxlal input means for drlving said at least one axle shaft; and wherein said at least one axla shaft comprises two axially aligned axle shafts, and eurther comprisiny dlfferential means for ro-tatably driving said ~wo axle shafts in response to rotation of said illpUt shaft; and cover means for 7 710~7-106 interchangeably and for completely covering said aperture means at said first and second ends of said housing.
According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, ~here is provi.decl in combination wi~h an axle drive having a housing, ~wo axially aligned axle shafts rotatably mounted in said housing and having at least one end o each said axle shaft extending ou~wardly from said housing along a first axial direction, an input shaft and means for rotatably supporting the input shaft in said housing so tha-t at least one end of said input shaft is accessible exteriorly of said housing in a second axial direction substantially perpendicular to saifl first axial direction, and dlfferential gear means for coupling said input shaft with said two axle shafts including a first gear on said input sha~t in engagement with a second gear coaxially aligned with said two axle shafts, the improvement comprising: said input shaft having first and second ends and extending from a first end of said housing to a .second end of said housing; bearing means for rotatably supporting said input shaft adjacent each of said first and second ends of said housing; means for interchangeably exposing said first and second ends oE said input sha~-t ~or interchangeable coupling of either end to a dr:Lve llne; aperture means in said housing for exposing an end o~ said input shaft at each end of said first and second ends of sald houslncJ; and cover means for interchangeably and ~or completely cover:Lng at least one of said aperture means.
According to a third broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an axle drive comprising: a housing with a first end and a second end opposite to said flrst end; t~70 B
~2~
7~ 710~7-106 axle shafts aligned on a .single axis, ancl rotatabl~ mounted in said housing; an inpu~ shaft with a flrst end portion adjacent said f.irs-t end of said housirlg and a second end portion adjac-ent said second end of said housing; bear:ing means for ro~atably suppor~ing said input shaf~ in said housing adjacent said first and second ends of said housing; differential means for coupling said input shaft to said ~wo axle shafts; and means for interchangeably exposing said first and second ends of said housing for interchangeable connection of ei~her end to a drive line; aperture means in said housing for exposing an end of said input shaft a~ each end of said first and second ends of said housing; and cover means for completely covering at least one of said aperture means.
In a preferred embodiment, the cover means according to the invention are provided in the form of a cap for removably enclosing the aperture means.
The present invention provides an axle drive which is substantially shorter than previously known axle drive mechanisms.
Moreover, the input shaft can be driven from either end of the housing without the need for additional input sha~ts and means for interconnectincJ the input shafts as has previously been recluired.
Moreover, the more compact housing can be used at either or both of the axles to be driven in a four-wheeled vehicle, and thus substantially reduces -the bulk and weight of the drive train of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the axial spacing of the bearlngs provides stable support and alignment of the input shaft. In addition, these and other advan~ages of the present invention will 7b 710~7-106 become apparent in the detailecl description which follows.
B IEF DESC~IPTION OF THE DRAWINC7 The presen~ invention will be more clearly understood hy re~erence to the following detailed descrip~ion of a preierred embodiment when read in con~unction with the accompany drawing in which like reference cha.racters refer to like parts throughout the vlews and in which:
Figure 1 ls a diagrammatic view of a vehicle drive train in which the axle drive of the present invention is readily employed;
~s~
- 8 - 62~06-10~
Fig. 2 i.5 a sectional view oE an axle drive housing shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 i8 a fragmentary, sectional view ~howing a modi-fied seal construction for the axle drive of the presen-t inven-tion; and Fig. 4 is a further sectional view of -the axle drive shown in Figures 1 and 2.
DETAII.ED DESCRIPTION OF A
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Referring first to Fig. 1, a drive train arrangement 10 is there shown comprising an engine 14 coupled -through a trans-mission 16 to a transfer case 18. The transfer 18 includes a rear drive line output 20 which is connected with a rear axle drive 22 for driving the rear wheels 24 and 26. In addition, -the transfer case 18 includes a front drive line 28 which is coupled to a front axle drive mechanism 30 for driving the front wheels 32 and 34.
While the rear axle drive 22 and -the front axle drive 30 are separately designated in Fig. 1, it is to be understood that either or both of these axle drives can be constructed in accord-ance with the present invention. However, for the sake of brevity, only the rear axle drive 22 is described in cletail with respect to Figures 2 and 4. Nevertheless, it is to be understood that preferably hoth the front axle drive 30 and the rear axle drive 22 inclucle the same construction as ~hown in Flgures 2 and 4 so as to avoid the problems of P-344 _9_ storing, assembling and maintaining different axle drives and their parts which are not interchange-ablP .
Referring now to Fig. 2, transfer case 22includes a housing 40 having means for rotatably supporting a pair of axle shafts 42 and 44. For example, each axially aligned shaft 42 and 44 is rotatably journaled in a bearing 46 and a seal 47 on each side of the huusing 40. The axle shafts 42 and 4~ are coupled through a drive mechanism 48 which is preferably in the form of a differential gear mechanism constructed in a well known manner and which need not be described in detail for the purpose of describing the present invention.
Regardless of the particular type or construction of the drive mechanism 48 which couples the axle shafts 42 and 44, the input to the axle drive mechanism 48 comprises a driven gear 50 coaxially entrained about the long.itudinal axis of the axle shafts 42 and 44. In the preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 48 and its driven gear 50 are offset from the longitudinal center line of the housing so that an input shaft can be aligned on the longitudinal center line of the housing, The housing 40 also includes a first longitudinal end 52 defininc3 an opening 54 which registers with an opening 58 in the opposite second end 56 of the housing 40. An input shaft 60 is rotatably supported in the housing by bearings 62 - 10 - 62~06-10~
and 64 of substantially similar cons-truction at opposite ends of the housing 40. An end por-tion 66 of the shaft 60 is exposed e~teriorly of the housing 40 by the aperture 54 while an opposite end portion 68 is exposed exteriorly of the housing 40 by the opening 58. A drive or pinion gear 70 is mounted on the shaft 60 for rotation therewith and includes gear teeth 72 adapted to mesh with gear teeth on the driven gear 50.
Each end portion 66 and 68 is adapted to receive a yoke member 74 for rotation therewith. Appropriate means, such as corresponding splines on the end portions 66 and 68 and the yoke 74, as shown at 77, connects the yoke 74 for ro-tation with the input shaft 60. A nut (such as i9 shown at 79 in Fig. 3) retains the yoke on an end of the shaft. The yoke 74 is preEerably a part of a cardan joint for coupling the input shaft 60 to the drive line 20 as diagrammatically shown in Fig. 1. A seal 84 inserted within the opening 54 includes a seal membrane 85 urged against the periphery oE the yoke 74 by a pressure ring 86 to enclose the housing 40 when the yoke 74 is attached to the shaft 60.
~lthough as shown in phantom line at 75 in Fig.2, the yoke 74 can be secured at either end o-f the shaft 60, preferably one end of the shaft 60 is enclosed within the housing by a cap 76 adapted to be lockinyly engaged within the aperture 58 or 54 at the end of the housing. As shown in F'iy. 2, the end cap 76 is ~5~
~ 62406-104 press fit into the opening 58 and is resiliently -cetained in t'he opening by a peripheral wall portion 78. For convenience, the peripheral wall 78 oE the cap 76 has substantially the same configuration as the base of the seal member 84 and is positioned in place of the seal member 84. OE course, o-ther types of closures, such as a housing member which can be bolted to -the housing 40, are also considered within the scope of the present invention.
A further example of means for sealing an open end of the housing is shown in Fig. 3. An internally splined sleeve 87 can be mounted in place of the yoke 74 ancl retained in position by the nut 79. A peripheral portion of the sleeve 87 is subs-tantial-ly the same diameter as -the splined portion of the yoXe so that the seal member 84 can be retained to enclose the open end of t'he housing.
As best shown in Fig. 4, the longitudinal axis oE the shaft 60 is radially spaced from -the common axis of the output shafts 42 and 44 in an amount sufficient to avoid interference with rotation of either shaf-t. Nevertheless, the spacing between the shafts is minimi~ecl so t'hat the gear teeth 72 on -the pinion gear 70 engage and mesh with appropriately configured gear teeth on the driven gear SO. In addition, while interference between the axle shaft ~2 and the input shaEt 60 is avoided, the close spacing between t'he s'hafts ~1 ~ ~5~
P-34~ ~12-minimizes the height of the axle drive mechanism constructed in accordance with the present in~en-tion.
Having thus described the important structural features of the present invention shown in the preferred embodiment, the operation of the device is readily described. As the drive line 20 is rotated, the coupling including yoke 74 causes like rotation of the input shaft 60. Thus, the engagement of the pinion gear 70 with the driven gear 50 transfers torque to the drive mechanism 48.
As a result, the torque is divided between the axle shafts 42 and 44 and delivered to the wheels 24 and 26 in a well known manner. Since the pinion gear 70 is supported intermediate the bearings 62 and 64 which are at widely spaced apart positions, the stresses tending to disorient the axis of the input shaft are distributed to the housing 40 through the bearings 62 and 64. Thus, the invention eliminates the need for an elongated extended portion on the end of -~he housing 40 adjacent the pinion gear, without sacrificing stable support for the input shaft.
Moreover, an unused end portion, for example 68, of the input shaft 60 is enclosed within the cap 76 to avoid leakage of lubricants in the housing or contamination of the components or lubrication contained within the housing. Further-more, the seal 84 prevents leakage and introduction P~344 -13- 62406-lO~
of contaminants at the used end 52 of the housing 40, Nevertheless, in the eYent that an additional drive line is to be used to provide torque to the axle shafts 42 and 44, the cap can ea~ily be removed so that the end portion 68 of the input shaft 60 is expo~ed exteriorly of the housin~
for attachment with the additional drive line.
Similarly, ~h~ yoke mem~er 74 secured to the end F
portion 66 of the input shaft 60 can be removed, the seal memher 84 can be removed from the housing end 52, and the end cap 76 installed on the first end 52 of the housing 40. Similarly, the yoke 74 is readily installed on the end 6B of the input shaft 60, and the seal 84 is installed in opening 58 at the housing end 56.
Thus the present invention provides a compact axle drive mechanism which stably supports the input shaft without the need for an extended journal portion on the housing, In addition, the housing is adapted to connect either or both ends of the input shaft to a drive line as desired.
Moreover, the invention providec means for preven-ting contamination of the internal components or lubricant enclosed wlthin ~he housing 40 a~ each end regardless of whether each end of the input shaft 60 is opera~ively coupled to a drive line.
Furthermore, the axle dri~e is we'l adap~ed for use on any of the driven axles of a motor vehicle, and ~2~5~ ~
avoids the need for duplication of similar but non-interchangeable drive train components.
Moreover, the axle drive mechanism is well adapted for use in front engine, front wheel drive vehicles since it takes up less space than previously known drive axle mechanisms.
Having thus described the present inven-tion, many modifications thereto will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
~5
AXLE DRIVE
BACKGROUND OF THE l~VENTION
I. Field of the Present Invention The present invention relates generally to torque transfer apparatus, and more particularly to an axle drive which delivers torque from a drive line to the wheels of a motor vehicle.
II Description of the Prior Art Typically, a vehicle engine is coupled through a transmission to a single drive line in a two-wheel drive vehicle i.e. having a single driven axle set, while a transfer case having a drive line extendiny toward each axle is coupled to the transmission in a four-wheel drive vehicle, i.e.
having two driven axle sets~ An axle drive opera-tively connects the torque delivered through each drive line to the axle shafts which rotatably drive the wheels of an axle set.
In a typical axle drive mechanism, an input shaft is rotatably supported in a longi-tudinal extension of a main housing which contains an axle shaft for each wheel and gear means for coupling the input shaft to the axle shaft. The longitudinal extension is required because the longitudinal axis of the input shaft is q~'~
~5~
P-34~ _~
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the axle shafts but within the same horizontal plane. A
pinion gear is mounted on one end of the input shaft and positively engages a driven gear of the gear means which is coaxially mounted about an axle shaft. The axle drive gear means often comprises differential gear means so that the torque from the input shaft is split between the two axially aligned axle shafts as necessary to provide inter-wheel differential action in a well known manner.
In order to rotatably support the pinion gear in a stable position for positive engagement with the driven gear, the extended portion of the axle drive housing often includes a pair of axially spaced bearings. The spaced apart bearing arrangement avoids misalignment of the longitudinal axis of the shaft due to gear tooth load which can interfere with proper meshing engagement between the pinion and driven gears.
Moreover, while mounting of the pinion gear at the end of the input shaft permits the axial end of the input shaft to be spaced radially away from the axle shafts so that neither of the shafts obstructs the other, the extended housing portion substan-tially increases the longitudinal dimension of the drive housing. In addition, the input shaft is accessible only from one end of the drive axle housing.
5~ ~
P 34~ -3-While the elongated housing portion containing the input shaft can ~e easily accommo-dated in a rear wheel drive vehicle having a front engine mounting by merely using a shorter drive shaft between the transmission and the axle hous-ing, the length of the axle drive housing can be ~specially disadvantageous in front wheel drive vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles. In partic-ular, since the vehicle engine, transmission,suspension components and steering components are often housed in the forward part of the vehicle chassis, there is a limited amount of space avail-able which can be occupied by the drive axle.
Consequently, it would be advantageous to make each component as compact as possible so as to avoid increasing the overall size and weight of the vehicle.
In addition, while it is advantageous to provide an even distribution of vehicle weight upon the axles, one axle often carries a greater load than the other. Consequently, when the wheels of two axle sets are driven, the axle drive for each axle set must be capable of handling a propor-tion of torque corresponding to the load distri-butecl to its axle set. While it may be possible to downsiY.e an axle drive which receives only a portion o~ the torque on a part time basis, down-sizing is not practical for an axle drive sub~ected to full torque or used as the primary drive axle.
However, while reducing the length of the extended :~25~
P-3~
housing por~ion of the axle drive mechanism might be possible by spacing the bearings closer together or eliminating one of the hearing sets used to support the input shaft, such modifications result in a less stable alignment of the input shaft. As a result, the bearings, the gears and other compo-nents of the axle drive become subjected to addi-tional stresses which increases the wear on the parts. Consequently, the parts have a shorter liEe and induce greater heat buildup which can induce deterioration of the parts and the lubricants enclosed within the housing.
Moreover, since the chassis structure at the front of the vehicle may differ substantially from the chassis construction at the rear of the vehicle, the front axle drive mechanism is often differently constructed from the drive mechanism used at the rear of the vehicle, and the two axle drive mechanisms are not interchangeable. ~hus, a substantial amount of expense is incurred in designing, manufacturing and assembling the various constructions of axle drives which are currently available. Moreover, substantial duplication of function with non-interchangeable drive axle components suhstantially increases the initial cost of the vehicle as well as the cost of repairing it.
Moreover, one previously known axle drive mechanism having inputs at both ends of the axle drive housing is disclosed in U.S. Paten-t No~
4,511,012 to Rauneker. Rauneker discloses an axle drive mechanism constructed in the previously known manner having an input shaft rotatably supported within a longitudinally extended housing portion with a pinion gear mounted at one end in engagement with a driven gear of a differential gear unit.
The axle drive mechanism also includes an addi-tional input shaft spaced radially apar~ from and substantially parallel to the first input shaft.
The second input extends outwardly from the other end of the housing. A gear mechanism interconnects the second input shaft with the first input shaft and clutch means is provided for selectively engaging the second input shaft with the first input shaft through the gear means. The gear means and clutch are also housed within the extended portion of the housing. Such an axle drive ar-rangement has substantially greater size and weight than a drive axle utilizing a single input shaft.
Moreover, tooth loads on the pinion gear as well as tooth loads on the gears interconnecting the first and second input shafts introduce off axis forces that tend to urge the input shaft from its proper axial alignment. Thus, the additional stresses exerted upon the bearings supporting the input shaft preclude reduction of the longitudinal spacing bet~een the bearings supporting the input shaft.
~9S~
6 71087-1~6 SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTIOM
A~cording to a first broad aspect of the pr~sent invention, -~here :Ls providecl an axle drive comprlsing, a housi.nq haviny a first Pn~l and a second end opposi~e to said fir~t end; at least one axle shaft and means for rotatably supporting saicl at least one axle shaft in said housing, each of said at least one axle shaft being aligned on a single longitudinal axis; and an input shaft having a longi~udinal axis, a first end portion adjacent said first end of said housing and a second end portion adjacent said second end of said housing; means for rotatahly supporting said input shaft in said housing for rotation about said longitudinal axis of said input shaft; and gear means or coupling said input shaft to said at least one axle shaft; wherein said means for rotatably supporting said input shaft comprises a first bearin~ means for rotatably supporting said shaft ad~acent said first end portion of said input shaft, and second bearing means for rotatably supporking said shaft ad~acent said second end of said shaft; and wherein each of said first and second ends Oe said housing includes aperture means for exposing the respective end portions of said input shaft exteriorly of said first and second ends oE said housing; and wherein said first end portion of said input shaft forms a first input means for driving sald at least one axle shaft; and wherein said second end portion of said input sha:et forms a second coaxlal input means for drlving said at least one axle shaft; and wherein said at least one axla shaft comprises two axially aligned axle shafts, and eurther comprisiny dlfferential means for ro-tatably driving said ~wo axle shafts in response to rotation of said illpUt shaft; and cover means for 7 710~7-106 interchangeably and for completely covering said aperture means at said first and second ends of said housing.
According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, ~here is provi.decl in combination wi~h an axle drive having a housing, ~wo axially aligned axle shafts rotatably mounted in said housing and having at least one end o each said axle shaft extending ou~wardly from said housing along a first axial direction, an input shaft and means for rotatably supporting the input shaft in said housing so tha-t at least one end of said input shaft is accessible exteriorly of said housing in a second axial direction substantially perpendicular to saifl first axial direction, and dlfferential gear means for coupling said input shaft with said two axle shafts including a first gear on said input sha~t in engagement with a second gear coaxially aligned with said two axle shafts, the improvement comprising: said input shaft having first and second ends and extending from a first end of said housing to a .second end of said housing; bearing means for rotatably supporting said input shaft adjacent each of said first and second ends of said housing; means for interchangeably exposing said first and second ends oE said input sha~-t ~or interchangeable coupling of either end to a dr:Lve llne; aperture means in said housing for exposing an end o~ said input shaft at each end of said first and second ends of sald houslncJ; and cover means for interchangeably and ~or completely cover:Lng at least one of said aperture means.
According to a third broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an axle drive comprising: a housing with a first end and a second end opposite to said flrst end; t~70 B
~2~
7~ 710~7-106 axle shafts aligned on a .single axis, ancl rotatabl~ mounted in said housing; an inpu~ shaft with a flrst end portion adjacent said f.irs-t end of said housirlg and a second end portion adjac-ent said second end of said housing; bear:ing means for ro~atably suppor~ing said input shaf~ in said housing adjacent said first and second ends of said housing; differential means for coupling said input shaft to said ~wo axle shafts; and means for interchangeably exposing said first and second ends of said housing for interchangeable connection of ei~her end to a drive line; aperture means in said housing for exposing an end of said input shaft a~ each end of said first and second ends of said housing; and cover means for completely covering at least one of said aperture means.
In a preferred embodiment, the cover means according to the invention are provided in the form of a cap for removably enclosing the aperture means.
The present invention provides an axle drive which is substantially shorter than previously known axle drive mechanisms.
Moreover, the input shaft can be driven from either end of the housing without the need for additional input sha~ts and means for interconnectincJ the input shafts as has previously been recluired.
Moreover, the more compact housing can be used at either or both of the axles to be driven in a four-wheeled vehicle, and thus substantially reduces -the bulk and weight of the drive train of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the axial spacing of the bearlngs provides stable support and alignment of the input shaft. In addition, these and other advan~ages of the present invention will 7b 710~7-106 become apparent in the detailecl description which follows.
B IEF DESC~IPTION OF THE DRAWINC7 The presen~ invention will be more clearly understood hy re~erence to the following detailed descrip~ion of a preierred embodiment when read in con~unction with the accompany drawing in which like reference cha.racters refer to like parts throughout the vlews and in which:
Figure 1 ls a diagrammatic view of a vehicle drive train in which the axle drive of the present invention is readily employed;
~s~
- 8 - 62~06-10~
Fig. 2 i.5 a sectional view oE an axle drive housing shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 i8 a fragmentary, sectional view ~howing a modi-fied seal construction for the axle drive of the presen-t inven-tion; and Fig. 4 is a further sectional view of -the axle drive shown in Figures 1 and 2.
DETAII.ED DESCRIPTION OF A
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Referring first to Fig. 1, a drive train arrangement 10 is there shown comprising an engine 14 coupled -through a trans-mission 16 to a transfer case 18. The transfer 18 includes a rear drive line output 20 which is connected with a rear axle drive 22 for driving the rear wheels 24 and 26. In addition, -the transfer case 18 includes a front drive line 28 which is coupled to a front axle drive mechanism 30 for driving the front wheels 32 and 34.
While the rear axle drive 22 and -the front axle drive 30 are separately designated in Fig. 1, it is to be understood that either or both of these axle drives can be constructed in accord-ance with the present invention. However, for the sake of brevity, only the rear axle drive 22 is described in cletail with respect to Figures 2 and 4. Nevertheless, it is to be understood that preferably hoth the front axle drive 30 and the rear axle drive 22 inclucle the same construction as ~hown in Flgures 2 and 4 so as to avoid the problems of P-344 _9_ storing, assembling and maintaining different axle drives and their parts which are not interchange-ablP .
Referring now to Fig. 2, transfer case 22includes a housing 40 having means for rotatably supporting a pair of axle shafts 42 and 44. For example, each axially aligned shaft 42 and 44 is rotatably journaled in a bearing 46 and a seal 47 on each side of the huusing 40. The axle shafts 42 and 4~ are coupled through a drive mechanism 48 which is preferably in the form of a differential gear mechanism constructed in a well known manner and which need not be described in detail for the purpose of describing the present invention.
Regardless of the particular type or construction of the drive mechanism 48 which couples the axle shafts 42 and 44, the input to the axle drive mechanism 48 comprises a driven gear 50 coaxially entrained about the long.itudinal axis of the axle shafts 42 and 44. In the preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism 48 and its driven gear 50 are offset from the longitudinal center line of the housing so that an input shaft can be aligned on the longitudinal center line of the housing, The housing 40 also includes a first longitudinal end 52 defininc3 an opening 54 which registers with an opening 58 in the opposite second end 56 of the housing 40. An input shaft 60 is rotatably supported in the housing by bearings 62 - 10 - 62~06-10~
and 64 of substantially similar cons-truction at opposite ends of the housing 40. An end por-tion 66 of the shaft 60 is exposed e~teriorly of the housing 40 by the aperture 54 while an opposite end portion 68 is exposed exteriorly of the housing 40 by the opening 58. A drive or pinion gear 70 is mounted on the shaft 60 for rotation therewith and includes gear teeth 72 adapted to mesh with gear teeth on the driven gear 50.
Each end portion 66 and 68 is adapted to receive a yoke member 74 for rotation therewith. Appropriate means, such as corresponding splines on the end portions 66 and 68 and the yoke 74, as shown at 77, connects the yoke 74 for ro-tation with the input shaft 60. A nut (such as i9 shown at 79 in Fig. 3) retains the yoke on an end of the shaft. The yoke 74 is preEerably a part of a cardan joint for coupling the input shaft 60 to the drive line 20 as diagrammatically shown in Fig. 1. A seal 84 inserted within the opening 54 includes a seal membrane 85 urged against the periphery oE the yoke 74 by a pressure ring 86 to enclose the housing 40 when the yoke 74 is attached to the shaft 60.
~lthough as shown in phantom line at 75 in Fig.2, the yoke 74 can be secured at either end o-f the shaft 60, preferably one end of the shaft 60 is enclosed within the housing by a cap 76 adapted to be lockinyly engaged within the aperture 58 or 54 at the end of the housing. As shown in F'iy. 2, the end cap 76 is ~5~
~ 62406-104 press fit into the opening 58 and is resiliently -cetained in t'he opening by a peripheral wall portion 78. For convenience, the peripheral wall 78 oE the cap 76 has substantially the same configuration as the base of the seal member 84 and is positioned in place of the seal member 84. OE course, o-ther types of closures, such as a housing member which can be bolted to -the housing 40, are also considered within the scope of the present invention.
A further example of means for sealing an open end of the housing is shown in Fig. 3. An internally splined sleeve 87 can be mounted in place of the yoke 74 ancl retained in position by the nut 79. A peripheral portion of the sleeve 87 is subs-tantial-ly the same diameter as -the splined portion of the yoXe so that the seal member 84 can be retained to enclose the open end of t'he housing.
As best shown in Fig. 4, the longitudinal axis oE the shaft 60 is radially spaced from -the common axis of the output shafts 42 and 44 in an amount sufficient to avoid interference with rotation of either shaf-t. Nevertheless, the spacing between the shafts is minimi~ecl so t'hat the gear teeth 72 on -the pinion gear 70 engage and mesh with appropriately configured gear teeth on the driven gear SO. In addition, while interference between the axle shaft ~2 and the input shaEt 60 is avoided, the close spacing between t'he s'hafts ~1 ~ ~5~
P-34~ ~12-minimizes the height of the axle drive mechanism constructed in accordance with the present in~en-tion.
Having thus described the important structural features of the present invention shown in the preferred embodiment, the operation of the device is readily described. As the drive line 20 is rotated, the coupling including yoke 74 causes like rotation of the input shaft 60. Thus, the engagement of the pinion gear 70 with the driven gear 50 transfers torque to the drive mechanism 48.
As a result, the torque is divided between the axle shafts 42 and 44 and delivered to the wheels 24 and 26 in a well known manner. Since the pinion gear 70 is supported intermediate the bearings 62 and 64 which are at widely spaced apart positions, the stresses tending to disorient the axis of the input shaft are distributed to the housing 40 through the bearings 62 and 64. Thus, the invention eliminates the need for an elongated extended portion on the end of -~he housing 40 adjacent the pinion gear, without sacrificing stable support for the input shaft.
Moreover, an unused end portion, for example 68, of the input shaft 60 is enclosed within the cap 76 to avoid leakage of lubricants in the housing or contamination of the components or lubrication contained within the housing. Further-more, the seal 84 prevents leakage and introduction P~344 -13- 62406-lO~
of contaminants at the used end 52 of the housing 40, Nevertheless, in the eYent that an additional drive line is to be used to provide torque to the axle shafts 42 and 44, the cap can ea~ily be removed so that the end portion 68 of the input shaft 60 is expo~ed exteriorly of the housin~
for attachment with the additional drive line.
Similarly, ~h~ yoke mem~er 74 secured to the end F
portion 66 of the input shaft 60 can be removed, the seal memher 84 can be removed from the housing end 52, and the end cap 76 installed on the first end 52 of the housing 40. Similarly, the yoke 74 is readily installed on the end 6B of the input shaft 60, and the seal 84 is installed in opening 58 at the housing end 56.
Thus the present invention provides a compact axle drive mechanism which stably supports the input shaft without the need for an extended journal portion on the housing, In addition, the housing is adapted to connect either or both ends of the input shaft to a drive line as desired.
Moreover, the invention providec means for preven-ting contamination of the internal components or lubricant enclosed wlthin ~he housing 40 a~ each end regardless of whether each end of the input shaft 60 is opera~ively coupled to a drive line.
Furthermore, the axle dri~e is we'l adap~ed for use on any of the driven axles of a motor vehicle, and ~2~5~ ~
avoids the need for duplication of similar but non-interchangeable drive train components.
Moreover, the axle drive mechanism is well adapted for use in front engine, front wheel drive vehicles since it takes up less space than previously known drive axle mechanisms.
Having thus described the present inven-tion, many modifications thereto will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
~5
Claims (14)
1. An axle drive comprising:
a housing having a first end and a second end opposite to said first end;
at least one axle shaft and means for rotatably supporting said at least one axle shaft in said housing, each of said at least one axle shaft being aligned on a single longitudinal axis;
and an input shaft having a longitudinal axis, a first end portion adjacent said first end of said housing and a second end portion adjacent said second end of said housing;
means for rotatably supporting said input shaft in said housing for rotation about said longitudinal axis of said input shaft; and gear means for coupling said input shaft to said at least one axle shaft;
wherein said means for rotatably suppor-ting said input shaft comprises a first bearing means for rotatably supporting said shaft adjacent said first end portion of said input shaft, and second bearing means for rotatably supporting said shaft adjacent said second end of said shaft; and wherein each of said first and second ends of said housing includes aperture means for exposing the respective end portions of said input shaft exteriorly of said first and second ends of said housing; and wherein said first end portion of said input shaft forms a first input means for driving said at least one axle shaft; and wherein said second end portion of said input shaft forms a second coaxial input means for driving said at least one axle shaft; and wherein said at least one axle shaft comprises two axially aligned axle shafts, and further comprising differential means for rotatably driving said two axle shafts in response to rotation of said input shaft; and cover means for interchangeably and for completely covering said aperture means at said first and second ends of said housing.
a housing having a first end and a second end opposite to said first end;
at least one axle shaft and means for rotatably supporting said at least one axle shaft in said housing, each of said at least one axle shaft being aligned on a single longitudinal axis;
and an input shaft having a longitudinal axis, a first end portion adjacent said first end of said housing and a second end portion adjacent said second end of said housing;
means for rotatably supporting said input shaft in said housing for rotation about said longitudinal axis of said input shaft; and gear means for coupling said input shaft to said at least one axle shaft;
wherein said means for rotatably suppor-ting said input shaft comprises a first bearing means for rotatably supporting said shaft adjacent said first end portion of said input shaft, and second bearing means for rotatably supporting said shaft adjacent said second end of said shaft; and wherein each of said first and second ends of said housing includes aperture means for exposing the respective end portions of said input shaft exteriorly of said first and second ends of said housing; and wherein said first end portion of said input shaft forms a first input means for driving said at least one axle shaft; and wherein said second end portion of said input shaft forms a second coaxial input means for driving said at least one axle shaft; and wherein said at least one axle shaft comprises two axially aligned axle shafts, and further comprising differential means for rotatably driving said two axle shafts in response to rotation of said input shaft; and cover means for interchangeably and for completely covering said aperture means at said first and second ends of said housing.
2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said cover means comprises a cap and means for detachably securing said cap over said aperture means at one of said first and second ends of said housing.
3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for securing comprises means for securing said cap over said aperture means at either of said first and second ends of said housing.
4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said cover means comprises a tubular sleeve;
means for mounting said sleeve on one of said first and second end portions of said input shaft; and seal means for peripherally engaging said sleeve and a respective said aperture means.
means for mounting said sleeve on one of said first and second end portions of said input shaft; and seal means for peripherally engaging said sleeve and a respective said aperture means.
5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said gear means comprises, a first gear mounted on said input shaft for rotation therewith intermediate said first and second bearing means.
6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said gear means further comprises, a second gear mounted coaxially with respect to said at least one axle shaft in meshing engagement with said first gear;
and wherein said longitudinal axis of said at least one axle shaft is radially spaced from said longitudinal axis of said input shaft.
and wherein said longitudinal axis of said at least one axle shaft is radially spaced from said longitudinal axis of said input shaft.
7. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said longitudinal axis of said at least one axle shaft is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said input shaft.
8. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and second end portions of said input shaft includes means for attaching a driveline coupling and further comprising, seal means for sealing the end of said housing corresponding to said at least one of said first and second end portions of said shaft.
9. The invention as defined in claim 8 and further comprising a coupling, said coupling comprising:
a yoke and means for coupling said yoke to said one of said first and second end portions.
a yoke and means for coupling said yoke to said one of said first and second end portions.
10. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein seal means comprises:
a seal member having means for peripherally engaging said yoke.
a seal member having means for peripherally engaging said yoke.
11. In combination with an axle drive having a housing, two axially aligned axle shafts rotatably mounted in said housing and having at least one end of each said axle shaft extending outwardly from said housing along a first axial direction, an input shaft and means for rotatably supporting the input shaft in said housing so that at least one end of said input shaft is accessible exteriorly of said housing in a second axial direction substantially perpendicular to said first axial direction, and differential gear means for coupling said input shaft with said two axle shafts including a first year on said input shaft in engagement with a second gear coaxially aligned with said two axle shafts, the improvement comprising:
said input shaft having first and second ends and extending from a first end of said housing to a second end of said housing;
bearing means for rotatably supporting said input shaft adjacent each of said first and second ends of said housing;
means for interchangeably exposing said first and second ends of said input shaft for interchangeable coupling of either end to a drive line;
aperture means in said housing for exposing an end of said input shaft at each end of said first and second ends of said housing; and cover means for interchangeably and for completely covering at least one of said aperture means.
said input shaft having first and second ends and extending from a first end of said housing to a second end of said housing;
bearing means for rotatably supporting said input shaft adjacent each of said first and second ends of said housing;
means for interchangeably exposing said first and second ends of said input shaft for interchangeable coupling of either end to a drive line;
aperture means in said housing for exposing an end of said input shaft at each end of said first and second ends of said housing; and cover means for interchangeably and for completely covering at least one of said aperture means.
12. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein said bearing means comprises:
a first bearing adjacent a first and portion of said input shaft, a second bearing adjacent a second end portion of said input shaft, and wherein said first and second bearings are positioned on opposite sides of said first gear.
a first bearing adjacent a first and portion of said input shaft, a second bearing adjacent a second end portion of said input shaft, and wherein said first and second bearings are positioned on opposite sides of said first gear.
13. An axle drive comprising:
a housing with a first end and a second end opposite to said first end;
two axle shafts aligned on a single axis, and rotatably mounted in said housing;
an input shaft with a first end portion adjacent said first end of said housing and a second end portion adjacent said second end of said housing;
bearing means for rotatably supporting said input shaft in said housing adjacent said first and second ends of said housing;
differential means for coupling said input shaft to said two axle shafts; and means for interchangeably exposing said first and second ends of said housing for interchangeable connection of either end to a drive line;
aperture means in said housing for exposing an end of said input shaft at each end of said first and second ends of said housing, and cover means for completely covering at least one of said aperture means.
a housing with a first end and a second end opposite to said first end;
two axle shafts aligned on a single axis, and rotatably mounted in said housing;
an input shaft with a first end portion adjacent said first end of said housing and a second end portion adjacent said second end of said housing;
bearing means for rotatably supporting said input shaft in said housing adjacent said first and second ends of said housing;
differential means for coupling said input shaft to said two axle shafts; and means for interchangeably exposing said first and second ends of said housing for interchangeable connection of either end to a drive line;
aperture means in said housing for exposing an end of said input shaft at each end of said first and second ends of said housing, and cover means for completely covering at least one of said aperture means.
14. The invention as described in claim 13 wherein said means for interchangeably exposing comprises each of said first and second end positions of said input shaft having an elongated end portion protruding outwardly beyond the bearing means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US83979886A | 1986-03-14 | 1986-03-14 | |
| US839,798 | 1992-02-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1295148C true CA1295148C (en) | 1992-02-04 |
Family
ID=25280650
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000526813A Expired - Lifetime CA1295148C (en) | 1986-03-14 | 1987-01-07 | Axle drive |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS62214020A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1295148C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3704654A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2595630A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2187806A (en) |
| IT (2) | IT8753073V0 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4852426A (en) * | 1986-03-14 | 1989-08-01 | American Motors Corporation | Axle drive |
| DE3709769A1 (en) * | 1987-03-25 | 1988-10-13 | Walterscheid Gmbh Jean | BEVEL GEAR GEARBOX, IN PARTICULAR FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY |
| US4864890A (en) * | 1987-12-15 | 1989-09-12 | Chrysler Motors Corporation | Axle drive differential for motor vehicles |
| GR20070100423A (en) * | 2007-07-04 | 2009-02-16 | Vehicle differential. |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2351590A (en) * | 1940-07-29 | 1944-06-20 | Timken Axle Co Detroit | Drive axle |
| DE1839337U (en) * | 1959-08-20 | 1961-10-12 | Ford Werke Ag | BALANCING GEAR, IN PARTICULAR FOR MOTOR VEHICLES. |
| GB888263A (en) * | 1959-08-20 | 1962-01-31 | Ford Motor Co | Improvements in or relating to vehicle differentials |
| US3887037A (en) * | 1974-03-20 | 1975-06-03 | Clark Equipment Co | Lubrication system for differentials |
| DE3211621C2 (en) * | 1982-03-30 | 1986-07-03 | Daimler-Benz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart | Motor vehicle drive axle |
| FR2533653B1 (en) * | 1982-09-29 | 1986-05-16 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | TRANSMISSION FOR MOTORCYCLES, ASSEMBLY METHOD AND MOUNTING APPARATUS |
-
1986
- 1986-11-12 GB GB08626960A patent/GB2187806A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1986-12-25 JP JP61315890A patent/JPS62214020A/en active Pending
-
1987
- 1987-01-07 CA CA000526813A patent/CA1295148C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-01-15 FR FR8700388A patent/FR2595630A1/en active Pending
- 1987-02-14 DE DE19873704654 patent/DE3704654A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1987-02-26 IT IT8753073U patent/IT8753073V0/en unknown
- 1987-02-26 IT IT8767140A patent/IT1214380B/en active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2187806A (en) | 1987-09-16 |
| FR2595630A1 (en) | 1987-09-18 |
| JPS62214020A (en) | 1987-09-19 |
| DE3704654A1 (en) | 1987-09-17 |
| IT8753073V0 (en) | 1987-02-26 |
| GB8626960D0 (en) | 1986-12-10 |
| IT8767140A0 (en) | 1987-02-26 |
| IT1214380B (en) | 1990-01-18 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |