US20010038772A1 - Universal joint coupling - Google Patents
Universal joint coupling Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010038772A1 US20010038772A1 US09/901,400 US90140001A US2001038772A1 US 20010038772 A1 US20010038772 A1 US 20010038772A1 US 90140001 A US90140001 A US 90140001A US 2001038772 A1 US2001038772 A1 US 2001038772A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- splined
- shaft
- receiving member
- slip joint
- splined shaft
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 title claims description 16
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 title claims description 16
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 title claims description 16
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 229910000639 Spring steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- 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
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D3/00—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
- F16D3/02—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive adapted to specific functions
- F16D3/06—Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive adapted to specific functions specially adapted to allow axial displacement
-
- 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
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C3/00—Shafts; Axles; Cranks; Eccentrics
- F16C3/02—Shafts; Axles
- F16C3/03—Shafts; Axles telescopic
-
- 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
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B3/00—Key-type connections; Keys
-
- 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
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
- F16D1/10—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially
- F16D2001/103—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially the torque is transmitted via splined connections
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/70—Interfitted members
- Y10T403/7018—Interfitted members including separably interposed key
- Y10T403/7021—Axially extending
- Y10T403/7022—Resilient
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/70—Interfitted members
- Y10T403/7026—Longitudinally splined or fluted rod
- Y10T403/7033—Longitudinally splined or fluted rod including a lock or retainer
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/70—Interfitted members
- Y10T403/7026—Longitudinally splined or fluted rod
- Y10T403/7035—Specific angle or shape of rib, key, groove, or shoulder
Definitions
- This invention relates to a universal joint coupling and more particularly to a universal joint assembly having an associated coupling with a radial clearance compensator.
- the four-wheel drive feature on certain motor vehicles is a power transfer system that allows the vehicle to be driven by all four wheels, resulting in improved traction and control of the vehicle.
- Some types of four-wheel drive vehicles include a driveline which is equipped with a transfer case.
- the transfer case allows both the front and rear axles to be driven.
- the function of the transfer case is to transfer engine torque from the transmission to the relevant propeller shafts which extend to both the front and rear axles.
- the four-wheel drive feature of such vehicles is operable via an auxiliary switch or a manual shifting by which the front-wheel drive can be engaged and disengaged at will.
- All-wheel drive is a variation of four-wheel drive which shifts automatically during the appropriate driving situations, instead of requiring the operator to manually shift as in four-wheel drive. Because the propeller shafts which extend to each axle are continually moving with respect to each other, the transfer case is normally located in the mid-point area of the vehicle in order to provide service to both axles.
- the driveline of a typical four-wheel drive vehicle also includes a slip joint between the propeller shafts and the transfer case which serves to accommodate the changes in distance between the axles and the transfer case as the front and rear wheels move up and down during operation of the vehicle.
- the slip joint is used to lengthen or shorten the propeller shaft and is typically a splined shaft coupling such as a universal joint of the cardan type.
- a splined shaft coupling such as a universal joint of the cardan type.
- Proper alignment of this type of universal joint in conjunction with its attached coupling, such as the transfer case is desirable.
- Such alignment is particularly desirable because improper or incorrect positioning of the splined shaft with the mating splines of the coupling may result in noise, vibration and harshness in the joint and in the overall assembly. Misalignment may also result in undesirable forces therebetween.
- a slip joint and connector assembly which has slip joint with an externally splined shaft which is received in and mates with an internally splined shaft of a connector housing.
- the slip joint and connector assembly includes a plurality of radially compressible, elongate members. Each elongate member is received within a corresponding longitudinally extending, axis-parallel opening disposed in the housing. Each elongate member engages the externally splined shaft and the internally splined shaft and provides for a radial force which compensates for clearance deviations therebetween.
- the radially compressible, elongate member has a C-shaped cross-section which permits radial compression.
- the invention in another embodiment, includes a transfer case of a motor vehicle having a housing and an internally splined shaft therein for mating with an externally splined shaft.
- the housing includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending, axis parallel recesses. Received within each recess is a radially compressible elongate member which engages the splined output shaft and provides a radial force between the universal joint and the transfer case.
- there are three axis parallel recesses which are radially distributed at 120° from each other.
- the elongate member has a C-shaped cross-section and is received within a correspondingly shaped recess.
- the recess is disposed in the housing adjacent the internally splined shaft so that the internally splined shaft opening and each of the recesses forms a continuous cavity.
- FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive motor vehicle using the splined shaft connection according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a partial sectional top plan view of the transfer case and various splined shaft connections according to the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 3 - 3 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the elongate member according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a schematic top plan view of a power transfer system 10 of a four-wheel drive vehicle according to the present invention.
- the power transfer system 10 includes a transfer case 12 having a housing 14 .
- housing 14 encloses a plurality of internally splined annular bores 16 .
- Such internally or female splined bores 16 serve as an input or an output bore, as discussed further herein.
- Each internally splined bore 16 receives therein a splined shaft having external or male splines 47 thereon, such as the output shaft 18 of universal joint attached to the mainshaft 25 of a transmission gearbox 20 which is either manually or automatically controlled.
- the present invention contemplates that constant velocity universal joints may also be used in the present invention in place of universal or cardan joints shown in FIG. 1.
- each connection between the transfer case and propeller shafts 26 and 28 includes a slip joint 27 (or sliding coupling), as is known in the art. More particularly, slip joint 27 is a splined shaft coupling, single cardan (or Hooke's) universal joint. Such a joint has splined yoke 29 . Slip joint 27 accommodates changes in distance between the various shafts 26 and 28 , which provides for flexibility in the length of each propeller shaft as the corresponding wheels move up an down.
- Rear propeller shaft 28 may be coupled to a live rear axle 31 in the conventional manner, as is known in the art or to an independent suspension.
- Front propeller shaft 26 runs alongside the engine (not shown)and main transmission gearbox 20 and again is typically coupled to a live front axle 30 or to a final drive (differential) unit 22 mounted on the vehicle structure which drives the independently sprung front wheels 32 via drive axle shafts, as is known in the art.
- Each propeller shaft is usually formed of solid tubular steel having a one-piece construction. The driving wheels are thus free to move up and down in relation to the frame.
- the slip joint yoke 29 slides to accommodate the changes in angularity resulting from this movement.
- splines 18 on universal joint yoke 29 engage and intermesh with internal splines 18 ′ formed in bore 16 so that one may transmit torque to the other during operation.
- each shaft (mainshaft 25 and propeller shafts 26 and 28 ) includes a slip universal joint mounted at the connection end thereof.
- slip joint 27 is attached in a manner such that it is able to articulate in relation to its respective shaft 25 , 26 and 28 .
- propeller shafts 26 and 28 transmit power from gearbox 20 to the final drive 22 and 24 of the vehicle, which in turn transmits power to turn front and rear wheels 32 and 34 .
- FIG. 3 of the drawings shown therein is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2.
- the cross-section illustrates an internally splined bore 16 which is defined by a bore shaft housing 17 in transfer case housing 14 . Bore 16 receives a slip joint yoke 29 (shaft), such being representative of those in connections 50 , 52 and 54 , as shown in FIG. 2.
- each recess 42 has a semi-circular cross-section which is shown as having a C-shape in FIG. 3.
- each recess 42 is disposed adjacent internally splined bore wall 45 of transfer case housing 14 so that bore 16 and each of the C-shaped recesses 42 form a continuous cavity.
- a plurality of radially compressible, elongate members 44 are provided.
- Each elongate member 44 has a C-shaped cross-section and is received within a corresponding recess 42 .
- An elevational view of such elongate member 44 is shown in FIG. 4.
- Each elongate member 44 is a split sleeve formed of a compressible spring steel material. Such material and shape allows for radial compression of elongate member 44 to allow for insertion into recess 42 .
- each member Once inserted into recess 42 and assembled, each member expands to conform with its respective recess and provides an interference fit therein with housing recess 42 as well as with the corresponding yoke 29 which is inserted therein.
- each elongate member 44 engages splined yoke 29 for providing a radial force for compensating clearance deviations therebetween. This radial force is illustrated by the radially directed arrows 60 in FIG. 3.
- each recess 42 may be oriented between an adjacent pair of the plurality of female splines 46 of shaft housing 17 .
- bore 16 may either be an input bore such as that shown in connection 54 wherein torque is received from gearbox mainshaft 25 ; or bore may be an output bore such as in connections 50 and 52 whereby torque is transmitted to propeller shafts 26 and 28 .
- each splined yoke/shaft may be an input or output shaft.
- connection 54 includes an output shaft 18 ; while connections 50 and 52 include splined output yokes 29 .
- Each universal joint is rotatable about an axis, such as axis 33 .
- elongate member 44 in its compressed state in recess 42 asserts a force onto yoke 29 in order to maintain the contact between the mating male and female splines, and also to keep shaft 29 centered within bore 16 .
- Such centering is best illustrated in FIG. 3 by the slight displacement 56 between shaft 29 and bore housing 17 resulting from the force exerted by elongate member 44 .
- This improved centering and alignment therefore, serves to reduce any noise, vibration and harshness in the assembly.
- the connection between each slip joint 27 and coupling 16 is improved and a better and more efficient torque transmittal is generally maintained between the mating splined components.
- cardan slip joints are disclosed and shown herein for purposes of this invention, it is fully contemplated that the teachings according to the present invention may be applicable to any type of universal joint suitable for the application, including but not limited to a plunging tripod joint or a plunging ball and cage joint.
- Plunging or telescopic joints are typically used in propeller shafts, transfer case, and gearbox assemblies (such as that designated as reference numeral 10 ) in order to accommodate small variations in the effective length of the driveline.
- power is transferred from the transmission to the transfer case to the propeller shafts to the final drive differential case, wherein the side shafts are splined to the side output gears at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the propeller shaft in order to drive the corresponding wheels.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Arrangement And Driving Of Transmission Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A slip joint assembly provides radial clearance compensation between a slip joint yoke and a receiving member. The slip joint yoke has a plurality of male splines formed externally thereon. The receiving member receives the splined yoke therein and has female splines which mate with the male splines of the yoke. The receiving member also has a plurality of circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending, axis-parallel openings formed therein. The slip joint assembly further includes an elongated member having a C-shaped cross-section. The elongated member is compressibly received within each of the plurality of longitudinally extending openings and engages the splined shaft for providing a radial force between the splined shaft and the receiving member. This elongated member is preferably formed of a spring material to allow it to be compressible.
Description
- This invention relates to a universal joint coupling and more particularly to a universal joint assembly having an associated coupling with a radial clearance compensator.
- The four-wheel drive feature on certain motor vehicles is a power transfer system that allows the vehicle to be driven by all four wheels, resulting in improved traction and control of the vehicle. Some types of four-wheel drive vehicles include a driveline which is equipped with a transfer case. The transfer case allows both the front and rear axles to be driven. Particularly, the function of the transfer case is to transfer engine torque from the transmission to the relevant propeller shafts which extend to both the front and rear axles.
- Typically the four-wheel drive feature of such vehicles is operable via an auxiliary switch or a manual shifting by which the front-wheel drive can be engaged and disengaged at will. All-wheel drive (AWD) is a variation of four-wheel drive which shifts automatically during the appropriate driving situations, instead of requiring the operator to manually shift as in four-wheel drive. Because the propeller shafts which extend to each axle are continually moving with respect to each other, the transfer case is normally located in the mid-point area of the vehicle in order to provide service to both axles.
- The driveline of a typical four-wheel drive vehicle also includes a slip joint between the propeller shafts and the transfer case which serves to accommodate the changes in distance between the axles and the transfer case as the front and rear wheels move up and down during operation of the vehicle. The slip joint is used to lengthen or shorten the propeller shaft and is typically a splined shaft coupling such as a universal joint of the cardan type. Proper alignment of this type of universal joint in conjunction with its attached coupling, such as the transfer case, is desirable. Such alignment is particularly desirable because improper or incorrect positioning of the splined shaft with the mating splines of the coupling may result in noise, vibration and harshness in the joint and in the overall assembly. Misalignment may also result in undesirable forces therebetween.
- Consequently, a need has developed for an improved connection between a slip joint and its mating coupling, in order to reduce any noise, vibration and harshness in the assembly. There is a further need to improve the connection between the splined universal joint shaft to the adjoining coupling. The improved connection should also provide for a better and more efficient torque transmittal generally between mating splined components.
- It is an object according to the present invention to provide an improved connection between a mating externally splined shaft and an internally splined bore.
- It is another object according to the present invention to provide an improved splined connection assembly which provides for a radial force from an internally splined shaft to an externally splined shaft in order to better compensate for radial clearance deviations therebetween.
- It is still another object according to the present invention to provide a splined connection assembly which results in less noise, vibration and harshness during operation.
- It is also an object according to the present invention to provide a splined connection assembly which has better shock absorption properties.
- It is a further object according to the present invention to provide an improved connection for a motor vehicle between a transfer case having an internally splined shaft and an slip joint having an externally splined yoke, as well as providing for improved gearing tolerances.
- It is also another object according to the present invention to provide for a radially adjustable force between the splined universal joint shaft and the coupling in which it is received.
- In carrying out the above objects, features and advantages of the present invention, provided is a slip joint and connector assembly which has slip joint with an externally splined shaft which is received in and mates with an internally splined shaft of a connector housing. The slip joint and connector assembly includes a plurality of radially compressible, elongate members. Each elongate member is received within a corresponding longitudinally extending, axis-parallel opening disposed in the housing. Each elongate member engages the externally splined shaft and the internally splined shaft and provides for a radial force which compensates for clearance deviations therebetween. In a preferred embodiment the radially compressible, elongate member has a C-shaped cross-section which permits radial compression.
- In another embodiment, the invention includes a transfer case of a motor vehicle having a housing and an internally splined shaft therein for mating with an externally splined shaft. The housing includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending, axis parallel recesses. Received within each recess is a radially compressible elongate member which engages the splined output shaft and provides a radial force between the universal joint and the transfer case. In a preferred embodiment, there are three axis parallel recesses which are radially distributed at 120° from each other. In a still preferred embodiment, the elongate member has a C-shaped cross-section and is received within a correspondingly shaped recess. In still another embodiment, the recess is disposed in the housing adjacent the internally splined shaft so that the internally splined shaft opening and each of the recesses forms a continuous cavity.
- The above objects and other objects, features an advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein like reference numerals correspond to like components.
- FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a power transfer system for a four-wheel drive motor vehicle using the splined shaft connection according to the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a partial sectional top plan view of the transfer case and various splined shaft connections according to the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along lines3-3 of FIG. 2; and
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the elongate member according to the present invention.
- In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a schematic top plan view of a
power transfer system 10 of a four-wheel drive vehicle according to the present invention. Thepower transfer system 10 includes atransfer case 12 having ahousing 14. As shown more fully in FIG. 2,housing 14 encloses a plurality of internally splinedannular bores 16. Such internally or femalesplined bores 16 serve as an input or an output bore, as discussed further herein. Each internallysplined bore 16 receives therein a splined shaft having external ormale splines 47 thereon, such as theoutput shaft 18 of universal joint attached to themainshaft 25 of atransmission gearbox 20 which is either manually or automatically controlled. The present invention contemplates that constant velocity universal joints may also be used in the present invention in place of universal or cardan joints shown in FIG. 1. - In a typical four-wheel drive vehicle (referring to the schematic illustration of in FIG. 1), the drive from
transfer case 12 is transmitted to the front and rear final drive or differential units, 22 and 24, respectively, through twopropeller shafts propeller shafts slip joint 27 is a splined shaft coupling, single cardan (or Hooke's) universal joint. Such a joint has splinedyoke 29.Slip joint 27 accommodates changes in distance between thevarious shafts - This balanced arrangement of power transfer components serves to compensate for any changes in the line of drive.
Rear propeller shaft 28 may be coupled to a liverear axle 31 in the conventional manner, as is known in the art or to an independent suspension.Front propeller shaft 26 runs alongside the engine (not shown)andmain transmission gearbox 20 and again is typically coupled to a livefront axle 30 or to a final drive (differential)unit 22 mounted on the vehicle structure which drives the independently sprungfront wheels 32 via drive axle shafts, as is known in the art. Each propeller shaft is usually formed of solid tubular steel having a one-piece construction. The driving wheels are thus free to move up and down in relation to the frame. Theslip joint yoke 29 slides to accommodate the changes in angularity resulting from this movement. During operation, in order to transmit torque betweentransmission gearbox 20 andtransfer case 12, splines 18 onuniversal joint yoke 29 engage and intermesh withinternal splines 18′ formed inbore 16 so that one may transmit torque to the other during operation. - With continued reference to FIG. 2, shown therein is an enlarged view of
transfer case 12 and its respective universal joint connections in a partially unassembled state. More particularly, the respective connection betweentransfer case 12 andfront propeller shaft 26 is designated asreference numeral 50; betweentransfer case 12 andrear propeller shaft 28 is designated asreference numeral 52; and betweentransfer case 12 andmainshaft 25 ofgearbox 20 is designated asreference numeral 54. As previously mentioned, each shaft (mainshaft 25 andpropeller shafts 26 and 28) includes a slip universal joint mounted at the connection end thereof. As is well-known in the art,slip joint 27 is attached in a manner such that it is able to articulate in relation to itsrespective shaft propeller shafts gearbox 20 to thefinal drive rear wheels - With reference now to FIG. 3 of the drawings, shown therein is a cross-sectional view taken along the line3-3 of FIG. 2. Note that while the sectional line 3-3 in FIG. 2 is shown taken across
joint connection 50, this is for illustrative purposes only, as sectional line 3-3 could also be taken representatively across joint 52 and 54. The cross-section illustrates an internally splined bore 16 which is defined by abore shaft housing 17 intransfer case housing 14.Bore 16 receives a slip joint yoke 29 (shaft), such being representative of those inconnections parallel recesses 42 disposed withinbore housing 17. Eachrecess 42 has a semi-circular cross-section which is shown as having a C-shape in FIG. 3. - More particularly, three axis-
parallel recesses 42 are shown radially distributed in an equispaced manner about the axis of rotation “X” of the slipjoint yoke 29 at 120° apart from each other. In a preferred embodiment, eachrecess 42 is disposed adjacent internally splined borewall 45 oftransfer case housing 14 so that bore 16 and each of the C-shapedrecesses 42 form a continuous cavity. - In keeping with the teachings of the present invention, a plurality of radially compressible,
elongate members 44 are provided. Eachelongate member 44 has a C-shaped cross-section and is received within a correspondingrecess 42. An elevational view of suchelongate member 44 is shown in FIG. 4. Eachelongate member 44 is a split sleeve formed of a compressible spring steel material. Such material and shape allows for radial compression ofelongate member 44 to allow for insertion intorecess 42. Once inserted intorecess 42 and assembled, each member expands to conform with its respective recess and provides an interference fit therein withhousing recess 42 as well as with thecorresponding yoke 29 which is inserted therein. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this assembled state eachelongate member 44 engages splinedyoke 29 for providing a radial force for compensating clearance deviations therebetween. This radial force is illustrated by the radially directedarrows 60 in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, eachrecess 42 may be oriented between an adjacent pair of the plurality offemale splines 46 ofshaft housing 17. - It is contemplated that the teachings according to the present invention may be applied to any splined shaft/bore assembly in which the goals and objects according to the present invention are desired. More particularly, bore16 may either be an input bore such as that shown in
connection 54 wherein torque is received fromgearbox mainshaft 25; or bore may be an output bore such as inconnections propeller shafts connection 54 includes anoutput shaft 18; whileconnections axis 33. - Thus,
elongate member 44 in its compressed state inrecess 42 asserts a force ontoyoke 29 in order to maintain the contact between the mating male and female splines, and also to keepshaft 29 centered withinbore 16. Such centering is best illustrated in FIG. 3 by theslight displacement 56 betweenshaft 29 and borehousing 17 resulting from the force exerted byelongate member 44. This improved centering and alignment, therefore, serves to reduce any noise, vibration and harshness in the assembly. Thus, the connection between each slip joint 27 andcoupling 16 is improved and a better and more efficient torque transmittal is generally maintained between the mating splined components. - While cardan slip joints are disclosed and shown herein for purposes of this invention, it is fully contemplated that the teachings according to the present invention may be applicable to any type of universal joint suitable for the application, including but not limited to a plunging tripod joint or a plunging ball and cage joint. Plunging or telescopic joints are typically used in propeller shafts, transfer case, and gearbox assemblies (such as that designated as reference numeral10) in order to accommodate small variations in the effective length of the driveline. More particularly, power is transferred from the transmission to the transfer case to the propeller shafts to the final drive differential case, wherein the side shafts are splined to the side output gears at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the propeller shaft in order to drive the corresponding wheels.
- It is understood, of course, that while the forms of the invention herein shown and described include the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention, they are not intended to illustrate all possible forms thereof. It will also be understood that the words used are descriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed below.
Claims (14)
1. A splined connection assembly for use with a universal joint, said splined connection assembly comprising:
an externally splined shaft;
a housing having a mating internally splined bore; and
a plurality of radially compressible, elongate members having a C-shaped cross-section, each elongate member received within a corresponding longitudinally extending, opening disposed in said housing and engaging the externally splined shaft and internally splined bore for providing a radial force for compensating clearance deviations between said externally splined shaft and internally splined bore.
2. The splined connection assembly of wherein each elongate member is formed of a spring steel material.
claim 1
3. The splined connection assembly of wherein said elongate members are disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of said splined shaft and each of said longitudinal extending openings is radially distributed 120° apart from each other around said axis.
claim 1
4. A universal joint connection assembly comprising:
a slip joint coupling having a splined shaft with a plurality of male splines formed thereon;
a receiving member for receiving the splined shaft therein and having a plurality of female splines for mating with the plurality of male splines of the splined shaft, the receiving member further having a plurality of circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending, axis-parallel openings; and
an elongate member having a C-shaped cross-section received within an each of the plurality of longitudinally extending openings and engaging the splined shaft for providing a radial force between the splined shaft and the receiving member.
5. The slip joint connection assembly of wherein the elongate member is formed of a spring steel material.
claim 4
6. A receiver assembly for receiving a splined shaft having an externally splined yoke, the receiver assembly comprising:
a receiving member having a housing and an internally splined cylindrical opening for receiving and mating with the externally splined yoke, the receiving member further having a plurality of circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending, axis-parallel openings; and
an elongate tubular member having a C-shaped cross-section received within an each of the plurality of axially extending semi-circular openings and engaging the shaft for providing a radial force between the splined shaft coupling and the receiving member.
7. The receiver assembly of wherein each of the axis-parallel openings of the receiving member are radially distributed 120° apart from each other.
claim 6
8. The receiver assembly of wherein the elongate member is formed of a spring steel material.
claim 6
9. A slip joint and receiver assembly comprising:
a slip joint having a splined yoke with a plurality of male splines formed thereon;
a receiving member having an inner surface defining an opening for receiving the splined yoke of the slip joint, the opening having a plurality of female splines for mating with plurality of the male splines of the splined yoke, the receiving member further having three circumferentially distributed, longitudinally extending, axis-parallel, C-shaped recesses, each recess oriented between an adjacent pair of the plurality of female splines; and
an elongate member having a C-shaped cross-section received within an each of the plurality of axially extending C-shaped recesses and engaging the splined yoke for providing a radial force between the slip joint and the receiving member.
10. The slip joint and receiver assembly of wherein each of the axis-parallel, C-shaped recesses of the receiving member are radially distributed 120° apart from each other.
claim 9
11. The slip joint and receiver assembly of wherein the elongate member is formed of a spring steel material.
claim 9
12. The slip joint and receiver assembly of wherein the opening of the receiving member has an inner surface and each of the C-shaped recesses is disposed adjacent the inner wall of the transfer case so that the opening and each of the C-shaped recesses form a continuous cavity.
claim 9
13. A propeller shaft and transfer case assembly comprising:
at least one propeller shaft having a first end;
a shaft coupling mounted to the first end of the at least one propeller shaft and having a splined shaft attached thereto;
a transfer case having an axially extending opening for receiving the splined shaft, the opening having an inner surface with a plurality of female splines formed thereon for operably engaging the splined shaft for transmitting torque to the at least one propeller shaft, the transfer case further having a housing with a plurality of radially equispaced, longitudinally extending, axis-parallel recesses formed therein; and
a clearance compensating member having a semi-circular cross-section and received within an each of the plurality of axis-parallel openings and engaging the splined shaft for providing a radial force between the shaft coupling and the transfer case.
14. The propeller shaft and transfer case assembly of wherein the semi-circular cross-section of the clearance compensating member is a C-shaped cross-section.
claim 13
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/901,400 US20010038772A1 (en) | 1999-05-07 | 2001-07-09 | Universal joint coupling |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/307,538 US6257798B1 (en) | 1999-05-07 | 1999-05-07 | Universal joint coupling |
US09/901,400 US20010038772A1 (en) | 1999-05-07 | 2001-07-09 | Universal joint coupling |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/307,538 Continuation US6257798B1 (en) | 1999-05-07 | 1999-05-07 | Universal joint coupling |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010038772A1 true US20010038772A1 (en) | 2001-11-08 |
Family
ID=23190187
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/307,538 Expired - Fee Related US6257798B1 (en) | 1999-05-07 | 1999-05-07 | Universal joint coupling |
US09/901,400 Abandoned US20010038772A1 (en) | 1999-05-07 | 2001-07-09 | Universal joint coupling |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/307,538 Expired - Fee Related US6257798B1 (en) | 1999-05-07 | 1999-05-07 | Universal joint coupling |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6257798B1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20100232874A1 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2010-09-16 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | All wheel drive system |
WO2010144304A1 (en) * | 2009-06-10 | 2010-12-16 | Magna Powertrain Of America, Inc. | Power transfer unit with output shaft having integrated joint assembly |
US9248738B2 (en) | 2009-06-10 | 2016-02-02 | Magna Powertrain Of America, Inc. | Power transfer unit for AWD vehicles having integrated joint assembly |
US9926982B2 (en) | 2012-06-01 | 2018-03-27 | Audi Ag | Torque transmission device |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP3853150B2 (en) * | 1999-12-02 | 2006-12-06 | 株式会社ジェイテクト | Telescopic shaft |
KR100738475B1 (en) * | 2001-08-24 | 2007-07-11 | 주식회사 만도 | Slip joint of universal joint |
US6620050B2 (en) * | 2001-10-30 | 2003-09-16 | Mando Corporation | Universal joint |
KR100738474B1 (en) * | 2001-11-14 | 2007-07-11 | 주식회사 만도 | Slip joint of universal joint |
US20040131419A1 (en) * | 2003-01-03 | 2004-07-08 | Multiquip, Inc. | Articulating spline |
KR100708876B1 (en) * | 2005-10-10 | 2007-04-18 | 주식회사 만도 | Slip Joint for Use in Steering System |
EP2759731B1 (en) * | 2005-10-17 | 2019-08-07 | BorgWarner, Inc. | Coupling device for transferring a torque |
US7534171B2 (en) * | 2006-05-30 | 2009-05-19 | Borgwarner Inc. | Spline connector |
JP4498407B2 (en) | 2006-12-22 | 2010-07-07 | キヤノン株式会社 | Process cartridge, electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit |
JP5311854B2 (en) | 2007-03-23 | 2013-10-09 | キヤノン株式会社 | Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing device, and coupling member |
WO2011153984A1 (en) * | 2010-05-25 | 2011-12-15 | Schaeffler Technologies Gmbh & Co. Kg | Torque transmission device |
US10047800B2 (en) * | 2016-03-28 | 2018-08-14 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Driveshaft with single constant-velocity joint and locking mechanism |
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US1645342A (en) * | 1925-10-09 | 1927-10-11 | Packard Motor Car Co | Motor vehicle |
US2807485A (en) * | 1954-03-01 | 1957-09-24 | Laurence H Seibert | Machine key |
US3487903A (en) * | 1967-07-19 | 1970-01-06 | August Stickan | Torque locked spline for clutch |
US3722929A (en) * | 1971-01-20 | 1973-03-27 | Terminal Data Corp | Hub-core assembly |
DE3200846A1 (en) * | 1982-01-14 | 1983-07-21 | Jean Walterscheid Gmbh, 5204 Lohmar | Wedge hub to connect two shafts |
US4552544A (en) * | 1982-12-27 | 1985-11-12 | Dana Corporation | Drive line slip joint assembly |
US4792713A (en) * | 1987-10-16 | 1988-12-20 | Onan Corporation | Lamination to rotor shaft retention method utilizing spring pins |
JP3341961B2 (en) * | 1994-02-28 | 2002-11-05 | 株式会社ユニシアジェックス | Shaft coupling structure |
US5807180A (en) * | 1997-08-28 | 1998-09-15 | Dana Corporation | Constant velocity universal joint shaft and inner race combination |
-
1999
- 1999-05-07 US US09/307,538 patent/US6257798B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2001
- 2001-07-09 US US09/901,400 patent/US20010038772A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100232874A1 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2010-09-16 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | All wheel drive system |
US8434582B2 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2013-05-07 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | All wheel drive system |
WO2010144304A1 (en) * | 2009-06-10 | 2010-12-16 | Magna Powertrain Of America, Inc. | Power transfer unit with output shaft having integrated joint assembly |
US20100313705A1 (en) * | 2009-06-10 | 2010-12-16 | Stephens Carl F | Power transfer unit with output shaft having integrated joint assembly |
US8256328B2 (en) | 2009-06-10 | 2012-09-04 | Magna Powertrain Of America, Inc. | Power transfer unit with output shaft having integrated joint assembly |
US8607666B2 (en) | 2009-06-10 | 2013-12-17 | Magna Powertrain Of America, Inc. | Power transfer unit with output shaft having integrated joint assembly |
US9248738B2 (en) | 2009-06-10 | 2016-02-02 | Magna Powertrain Of America, Inc. | Power transfer unit for AWD vehicles having integrated joint assembly |
US9926982B2 (en) | 2012-06-01 | 2018-03-27 | Audi Ag | Torque transmission device |
US10598228B2 (en) | 2012-06-01 | 2020-03-24 | Audi Ag | Torque transmission device |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |