GB468175A - Improvements in and relating to power transmission means in automobile vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

468,175. Motor-vehicle transmission gearing. FORD MOTOR CO., Ltd. Oct. 27, 1936, No. 29201. Convention date, Dec. 2, 1935. [Classes 79 (ii) and 79 (iv)] [Also in Group XXXIV] In a motor vehicle, a solid propeller shaft of small diameter is supported by end and intermediate bearings in the torque tube. The torque tube 17 is rigidly attached to the flanged end of a bearing sleeve 12 formed integrally with one part of a conventional differential housing 10, a pair of spaced bearings 13, 14, in the sleeve supporting a shaft 15 with an integral pinion 16 driving the crown wheel 42 of the differential. The propeller shaft 21, connected to the pinion shaft 15 by a splined sleeve 20, is supported in a bearing 19 at the forward end of the torque tube and, intermediately therein, by a bearing 26. The bearing 26, Fig. 2, comprises an annulus of rollers 24 surrounding an enlarged portion 22 of the propeller shaft and enclosed by an outer race ring 23 with end packing rings 25. The race 23 is engaged by a sleeve 26 around which is vulcanized a resilient rubber ring 28-located by an shaped sheet metal sleeve 36 secured in position in the torque tube by spot welding. The sleeve holds the rubber ring 28 in compression, the bearing being assembled on a pilot and pushed in from the axle end of the torque tube, over a ridge 35 in the sleeve into a seating portion 34 and against a stop flange 33. Annular spaces are provided between the sleeve portion 34 and the torque tube and between the race ring 23 and the inner sleeve 26, an annular channel 29 being also provided in the rubber ring 28. Thus with radial intercommunicating openings 30, 31, 39, and an external fitting 38, the interior may be filled with lubricant.