USRE20149E

USRE20149E - Driving axle

Info

Publication number: USRE20149E
Authority: US
Publication date: 1936-10-27

Description

od. 21, 193e. J. E. man Er AL Re 20,149

K DRIVING AXLE .0a. 27, 1936. J. E. PADGETT ET A.. R@ 20,149

DRIVING AXLE y"Original Filed Feb`..5, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 WWW . o s mm nmf WEL. v npHWjT 4 .Igan .wm J: @JHM a 4M ,.0 fm

7./v 0MM M Reima oec 21, 193e j UNITED STATES 16 Claims.

This invention relates generally to driving axles for motor vehicles, and more particularly to an improved construction for such axles.

An object o! our invention is to provide an improved vehicle driving axle having the gear'casing thereof formed with integral projections for mounting the axle tubes and pinion shaft, and wherein the bearings for the differential carrier onthe integral projections.

Another object o! our invention is to provide an improved vehicle axle 'of the type mentioned, wherein novel means is employed for positioning the gear assembly with respect to the axis of the i6 pinion shaft and for positioning the pinion with respect to the axes of the axle shafts.

Anothervobject oi' our invention is to provide a vehicle driving axle embodying novel means for obtaining a desired distribution or circulation m of lubricant in the gear chamber of the axle.

A further object oi' our invention is to provide a vehicle driving axle embodying novel means for preventing the escape of lubricant trom-the gear housing.

Still another objectof our invention is to pro- I. vide ain-improved vehicle driving me which, as

l compared with Vaxles heretofore used. is o! re duced weight for a given capacity, possesses greater rigidity, and is quieter and more durable ,o in operation.' j

Other objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent from the following description,

ing sheets of drawings, wherein. 3g lig. 1 is a side elevational view. with portions broken away. showing a vehicle driving axle constrted according to our invention. i Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view thereof taken suhstantiallyonthelineI-l oiFig. 1. 1 4p Pig. 3 is a side elevational view with portions broken away showing another vehicle driving axle constructed awarding to our invention. v

Fig. 4 is a' sectional plan view thereof taken substantially on line 4 4 o! Fig. 3. 45 Fig. li is a partial sectional view showing another !orm of bearing seat.

ment contemplated by our invention.

Figs. "l and 8 are sectional views showing other l 50 arrangements o! bearings and bearing seats, and

Fig. 9 is an inside elevation o! the cover for the gear chamber;

tion, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings showing vehicle driving axles,

and pinion shaft are supported by seats provided when taken in conjunction with the accompany- `Fig. 6 is a view showing another shim arrange- For a more detailed disclosure oi our -inven PATENT OFFICE sans t parvum am Joseph E. Padgett and Robert P. lewis,

Toledo, Ohio a' Original No. 1,968,618. dated July 31, 1934, Serial No. 591,098, February 5, 1932. Application for reissue May 26, 1936, Serial No. 83,058

(Cl. 'M -424) however, it should be understood that the drawings are iorthe purposes of illustration and that our invention is not to be regarded as limited to the particular construction ory arrangements shown therein, but may be embodied in various 5 other designs or types of construction.

.As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, our improved axle is provi'ded with a gear casing iii, which is formed as a metal casting having integraloppositely extending projections Il and I2, and an integral projection il extending in angular relation, preferably at right angles to a plane passing through the common axis of the projections ilv and. i2. The integrally formed projections il, I2 and i3 are hollow and communicate with the chamber I4 of the casingv in which the gear assembly i! is disposed. y

The projections ii and I2 are constructed so as to form mounts for the axle tubes I6 and I1, which extend outwardly from the casing i0, and these projections may be reinforced bythe provision of suitable ribs II. The axle tubes may be securedto the projections in any suitable manner, such as by providing the projections withl openings I9 into which the axle tubes extend, as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. After being assembled into the openings oi the projections,4 the ends of the axle tubes may be held against withdrawal by appropriate means, such as by welding the tubes to the projections, or by the use of suitably located rivets.

As shown in the drawings, the projections Ii and Il are preferably provided with an enlargement 2l, adjacent the junction thereof with the v, body of the casing il, and in accordance with our invention, each of these enlargements is provided with a pair of seats for positioning and supporting the bearings 22. in which the gear assembly i! is rotatably mounted. In this instance, the. bearings 2! are of the type known as roller bearings, each comprising a circumferentiall'y extending series of tapered rollers 23, arranged between inner and outer annular races 24 and 25. The bearing seats preferably constitute an integral part of the cast metal forming 45 the projections. as shown in Fig. 2, but in in-A stances-where the casing is of relatively soft cast metal, the bearing seats may be a Iring 25 ci' harder material mounted in the opening or the projections, as indicated in Fig. 5. In the pre- 50 ferred construction, one seat o! each pair cornprises a cylindrically formed surface 2l which is engaged by the outer periphery of the bearing race 2l. The other seat of each pair comprises a radially disposed annularly extending shoulder 55 21Iwhich is engaged by an en'd face of the bear- I lbearing race.

ing race 2l. y scribed it will be seen that the seats provided for each'of the bearings 22, are located inwardly of the inner endsof the axle tubes. and are carried directly by the integrallyformed projections, so that the latter absorb both the radial load and the end thrust transmitted through the bearings. In other words. the cylindrical seats 23 support and position the bearings 22 coaxially of the projections II and I2, and 21 support the bearings against'end thrust and position the same with respect to the axis of the projection I3.

The projection I3 which. asgstated above, is formed as an integral part of the casing Il. is arranged to project forwardly of the latter, and provides a mount for the pinion shaft 33. This projection or mount is of substantially tubular shape, having an opening atits forward end, and also having spaced seats therein for the

roller bearings

33 and 34 which support the pinion shaft. Each ofthese seats comprises a cylindrical surface 35. which is engaged by the outer periphery of the outer bearing race 33, and a radially disposed annularly extending shoulder 3'I` which is engaged by an end face 33 of the outer In this arrangement the cylindrical seat 35 absorbs the radial load transmitted through the bearing, and positions the latter in concentric relation to the axis of the projection I3. 'I'he radially disposed shoulder 31 absorbs the end thrust of the bearing, and assists in positioning the latter axially of the'projection I3. As in thecase of the bearings 22, referred to above. the seats 3l and 31 are preferably formed as an integral part of the pinion-shaft mount or projection. so that the radial load and end thrust of the

bearings

33 and 34 will be absorbed by th integrally cast gear casing.

The gear assembly I5. which we have stated` is housed within the casing III, may be of any form of construction which is suitableV for the transmission oi'l power from the pinion 4I. mounted at'the inner end of the pinion shaft 33.- to the yaxle shafts 4I and l2 which extend coaxially of the axle tubes I6 and I1. As herein illustrated, this gear assembly or power transmitting device is provided with a frame or differential carrier 43 having oppositely extending sleevelike projections u which are supported in the inner' races of the bearings 22. A main bevel gear I is secured to the frame 43 by any suitable means, such as the bolts I3, and meshes with the driving pinion III.A As mitting devices of this kind, the frame 33 supports a train of differential gearing comprising a pair of bevel gears ll and I3, which are rotatably supported upon the pin 43, and which mesh with a second pair of bevel gears Il and 5I. The bevel gears of the latter pair are each formed with a sleeve portion i2, which is journaled in the frame 43, and which has driving connection with the inner end of one of the axle shafts. 'I'hls driving connection may be a spline connection, but. in this instance. isformed by providing square portions I3, vat the inner ends of the axle shafts, which engage in correspondingly shaped recesses formed in the gear sleeves 52.

In order that the gear -ly II may be inserted into or removed from the gear chamber of the casing III, we constructthe latter with an opening through the rear wall thereof opposite the projection I3. This opening is of suitable size and shape for the purpose intended. and is From the arrangement. just de-' the radially disposed seats Vnut causes the parts is usual in power transclosed by`a cover ll, which may be formed as a sheet metal stamping and may be removably held in place by the bolts 3l. lAs will be explained hereinafter. this cover is so shaped that it assists in eflicientlyl gear chamber to the desired points.

In assembling our axle, the pinion shaft 3l with the bearing 34 assembled thereon. is first inserted through the opening of the casing and positioned coaxially within the projection I3. A spacing sleeve 36 and the bearing 33 are next distributing the lubricant of the` mounted upon the pinion shaft by being inserted into the projection from the forward end thereof. Positioning of the pinion 40 relative to the common axis of the axle shafts for most eilicient cooperation with the main gear 35, as well as adjustment of the

bearings

33 and 33, are obtained by providing a shim 53'- of' suitable form and appropriate thickness, between the outer race of the bearing 34 and the seat 31, and another such shim 51 between 4the inner race of thebearlng 33 and the forward end of the spacing sleeve I3. Although we prefer the shim arrangement just described, it may be desirable in some instances to locate the shim 56' J inner race of the bearing 3l, instead of between the outer race of this bearing and the shoulder 31 as shown` in Fig. 2 of the drawings. .y

A power transmitting coupling may be provided for our driving end of the projection I3, by mounting the shaft member 58 on the forward end of the pinion shaft. The shaft member is provided with a. flange 33 for connection with a universal joint (notlshown), and a sleeve portion 53 extending inwardly toward the I3' is threaded upon the forward end .of the between pinion III and the Y axle, adjacent the forward.

bearing 33. A retaining nutI pinion shaft, as shown in Fig. 2.` When tightened against the shoulder of the shaft member 5l, this to be drawn together between the shaft member 53 and the pinion 40 with the inner race of the bearing 33 abutting against the shim Il.

outer race of the bearing 33 abuts against the seat 3l, causes the outer race of bearing 3l to abut against the shim 56' with the result that the pinion is correctly positioned axially of the projection I3. From the assembly and arrangenient just described. it will be seen that the shims l0' and 31 afford simple and convenient means for'ini'tially positioning or subsequently adjusting the pinion 4l and the lbearings 33 and 34.

After the pinion shaft has been assembledin the projection I 3, as just described, the gear assembly I5, with the bearings 22 mounted upon the sleeve portions Il thereof. isinserted through,

In order that 'the gear assembly I3 may be 4 properly positioned with respect to the axis of the pinion shaft 3l. so that eillcient cooperation is had between the main gear I5 and the pinion lll. we provide novel and eiilcient centering means which constitutes an important feature of our invention. This positioning means for the gear assembly II, consists in providing the of the pinion shaft assembly The 'action oi the nut, coupled with the fact that the sans operate with the inner ends of lthe inner bearing races 24 to thereby position the 'gear assembly with respect to the .axis of the projection II..

Usually the shoulders Il do not directly engage the ends of the bearing races 2l, but engage a shim Il, of suitable form and appropriate thickness, which is interposed therebetween. `If desired, however, the shoulders 83 may directly engage the bearing races 24, in which 'case suitable shims 8S, equivalent to the shims 64, are interposed between the outer races 2l and the seats 21, as shown in Fig. 6.,v Since the bearings 22 are, themselves positioned by means of the radially disposed seats 21. it will be seen that the cooperation provided between the bearings4 and the shoulder portions 63, affords a sim-ple and efhcient means for correctly positioning the gear assembly. Moreover, it will be seen that very accurate initial positioning or adjustment of the gear assembly. andof the bearings 22, can l be-had, as well as subsequent adjustment 'for wear, by simply selecting shims of appropriate thickness. After the various parts of our axle have-been assembled in the manner described, the cover il is secured in place and the chamber of the gear casing is charged with a quantity of lubricant. Itis well understood in this art that during the operation of axles of the type disclosed-herein, a portion of the "lubricant contained in the gear chamber adheres to the main gear of the differentialcarrier and is tosome extent distributed thereby. To improve the lubricant distributing action of the main gear Il wel have constructed the cover Il of such shape that it increases the capacity of the main gear for picking up lubricant, and also serves to direct the iiow of the lubricant so that an adequate supply is delivered to the bearings 22 and to the interior ofthe carrier Il. As shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 9, this cover is substantially in the form of a shallow pan having a marginal ange through which the bolts 55 extend. and a relatively deep arcuate recess or channel 5l in the bottom wall of the pan into which the toothed portion of the gear 46` extends. The recess 54' is so shaped that its bottom wall is substantially concentric with the gear Il but is of slightly larger radius to afford clearance. The side walls II' and 5l' of the recess slope in divergent relation, as shown in Fig. 2, for the purpose of directing the -lubricant to the bearings 22 and to the cooperating gears disposed in the carrier 43. It will be noted that the bearing 22, which is associated with the projection Il, is more remote from the gear than is the bearing associated with the projection I2. and that the sloping side wall il' is made correspondingly longer so that the desired lubricant 'distribution will be obtained.

During the operation of our vehicle axle, some of the lubricant of the gear chamber is picked up by the gear l! and is splashed orthrown into the recess 54'. I have found that as this lubricant ows away from the rotating gear, it is actually directed lagainst the bearings 22l and the carrier ll by the sloping walls l5 and 56'.

To insure adequate lubrication of thebearings in the projection I3, and to obtain an actual circulation of lubricant therethrough, we provide means whereby lubricant will be delivered into the projection by the gear 4I, and will be readily returned therefrom to the gear chambem We` attain this circulation by providing the gear casing with a lubricant passage 68 leading into 1 the projection Il, and with a return passage 66' for carrying the lubricant from the projection back to the gear chamber. 'I'he inlet passage t8 communicates with the lubricant chamber or vreservoir l1 in the projection I3, from which in lreturning the lubricant to the gear chamber.

This passage may bel a conduit of any suitable type, but is preferably integrally formed during the casting of the casing I0. As shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings. this passage is so arranged that the inlet end 69 thereof communicates with the interior of the projection I3 at a point forwardly of the bearing 33. With thisarrangem'ent, the

1 lubricant,y delivered into the projection, is returned to the gear chamber only after it has passed through the pinion shaft bearings. It will be seen that by the means just described, we

provide adequate lubrication for the pinion shaft bearings, since a continuous flow of lubricant will be maintained through the projection I3 during the operation of the vehicle.'

As another important feature of our invention,

,we have provided novel sealing means for preventing the escapeof lubricant, or the entryfof foreignmaterial. around the pinion shaft 30 at the forward end of the projection I3. This sealing means consists of aplurality of annular members which surround the pinion shaft, and which vare so constructed and arranged as to effectively prevent the escape of lubricant or the entry of foreign material. .These members are preferably constructed as sheet metal stampings and include an intermediate member 1li, and inner and outer members' 1l and 12` disposed on opposite sides of the intermediate member. The inner and outer members are rotatable with the shaft member 58, the outer member preferably having an axially extending sleeve portion 13 pressed onto the sleeve portion 59 of the shaft member, and the inner member preferably having a flange portion 14 gripped between the inner end of the sleeve portion M and the inner race of the bearing y 33. The intermediate member is formed with opening of the projection andthe outer surface of the sleeve portion of the rotatable shaft member il. As shown in Fig. 2, the closure wall 16' is provided with an integral sleeve portion 11, which surrounds the rotatable shaft member 58 and which extends axially inwardly toward the pinion 4t. At its inner end the sleeve portion 11 terminates in a radially disposed annular flange 11' which' cooperates with the rotatable inner member 1I in a manner presently to be described. The member 1I which. as stated above, is `disposed inwardly of the member 1I and is rotatable with the shaft member Il, is in the form ofr a disc of substantially the same'diameter as the opening of 'the projection I3, so that'the pelbe delivered into the return rlpheral edge 10 of the disc forms a relatively close seal with the inner surface of the opening. This rotatable `scaling disc is also provided with an integral sleeve. portion y10'fextending axially out` wardly away from the bearing and surrounding the radially disposed flange 11 of the stationary sealing member 10.-Y Th diameter of the sleeve portion is preferably such that very small clearance is provided between the same andv the flange 11 of the stationary sealing member. When the sealing members 10 and 1| are assembled in place in the forward end of the projection I0. as shown in Fig. 2 'of the drawings, an intermediate collecting chamber 10 is formed therebetween.

From the construction and arrangement of the members 10 and v1| as just described, it will be seen thatl for any lubricant to escape from the forward end of the projection I2, such lubricant must pass between the peripheral edge 10 and the v'all of the projection into the chamber 10. From this chamber the escaping lubricant must reversey its direction of travel and pass between the peripheral edge of the radially disposed flange 11' and the inner surface of the sleeve portion 10',

and then again reverse its direction o'f travel and pass between the sleeve portion 11 and the shaft member 00. It will be noted that since the sealing member 1| isv rotatable, the lubricant attempting to pass between .the sleeve portion 10 -and the flange 10, will meet with considerable resistance because the tendency will be for centrifugal force to throw this lubricant outwardly toward the inner surface of the projection I0, and to some extent into the return passage 86'.

To assist the sealing means in preventing the escape of the lubricant, we have arranged the return passage 00', referred to above, so that the inlet end thereof also communicates with the chamber 10, through the passage 00,/as shown in Fig. l. During the operation of lubricant as may passaround the peripheral edge 10, will be collected in the chamber 19 and will passage 06 through the opening 00, and conveyed back to the gear chamber. Thus it will be noted that the communicating passage 00 functions as a means for draining the chamber 19, and, in addition, prevents, lubricant pressure from building up in this chamber, which might otherwise result in some of the lubricant being forced outwardly between the sleeve portion 11 and the shaft m'ember 50.

`As explained above, the intermediate member 10 is provided with a radially extending flange which is secured to the forward end of the projection i3, and in this connection it should bc noted that this flange protrudesV outwardly 'beyond theouter surface of the projection I3. This protruding portionof the flange 15 cooperates with the rotatable `outer member 12 .to exclude water and other foreign material. from entering the projection through the pinion' shaft opening. The outer member, as stated above, is rotatable with the shaft member 00 and, as shown in Figs. l and 2, is substantially inthc formof a cup having its bottom wall extendingl radially outwardly from the shaft member 00 and terminating in the annular angularly disposed flange or skirt portion 0| which telescopes around the forward end ofthe projection i0 and also around the protruding portion of the flange 15. With the arrangement justcdescribed it will be seen that any water or other foreign material which may creep forwardly along the outer surface'of the projectiony Il, ywill be deflected outand 4 also differs from ment previously described,

-projections |01 and |00. The seat for the our axle, such' that the inner end of this wardly by the annular protruding-portion ofthe flange 10. As this foreign material drips from the protruding ange portion it will be caught by the rotating telescoping `skirt portion 0| and thrown outwardly from the latter by. centrifugal r force. In telescoping around the forward end of the projection I0, the'outer member 12 also acts as shield and deflector which prevents foreign material from being splashed o'r otherwisey directed into the pinion shaft opening.

, In Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings. we have shown another vehicle driving axle embodying our invention, but which differs in some respects `from the driving axle .lust described. In this latter form of our axle, the bearings |00 which support the gear assembly |0I, and the bearings |02'and |03 which support the pinion shaft |00, are of the annular ball type. The axle shown in Figs. /3

the one shown in Figs.

l and .2, in that the bearings |02 and |00 are |05, to form what is known in the art asa straddle mountfo'r .the pinion shaft. As in the arrangewe provide al gear casing |06 having integrally formed aligned extensions |01 and |00, in which the shaft tubes |00 and |I0 are mounted. Likewise, we provide a forwardly extending pinion Shaft mount which is formed as an integral part of the gear casing. The integrally formed projections |01, |08 and I are hollow, as shown in Fig. 4. and communicate with the interior of the gear chamber formed in the casing |00..

In accordance with our invention, seats are provided on the projections |01, |00 and for pcsltionlng the bearings |00, |02 and |00. and for absorbing the loads transmitted therelthrough. The seats forthe bearings |00 ,consist of a part of the inner cylindrical surfaces of the bearing |02 comprises a cylindrical surface IIB, formed 'in' the projection adjacent the forward end thereof, and a radially disposed integral shoulder portion ||0 which cooperates with the removable flange ||1 for positioning ythe bearing |02 against axial displacement. The seat for the bearing |03 comprises a cylindrical surface ,||0 formed in the web ||0 which extends into the gear chamber |06.

As'shown in Fig. 4, the inner end of the shaft tube |00 terminates short of the inner end of the opening provided in the lprojection |01, so

shaft tube may constitute an abutment or shoulder |20, which is engaged by theouterrace |2| of the bearing |00 for absorbing the end/thrust transmitted through.

arranged on opposite sides of thedriving pinion' this bearing.l The use of the inner end of the shaft tube,l as. a seat for the bearing |02, is feasible only when this bearing is or' such size that its outside diameter is 'the same as the outside diameter of the shaft tube, as shown in Fig. 4, and if desired, the same type of seats may be provided fcr the bearings for the bearings 22 of Fig. 2, by simply forming the extension |01 and |00 with enlargements |2I and |22', as indicated in Figs. 7 and 8.

As stated above. the pinion shaft |04 is supported by a straddle mount, and in order to insert the gear assembly |0| into the gear chamber and to bring the main gear |22 into meshwlth the pinion |05, without interference from the mount for the bearing |00, we have arranged the shaft tube I0 so that the inner end |20 thereof terminates considerably short of the inner end of the '|00, as are provided In other words, the shaft tube lil does not extend into the projection |00 far enough to'engage the bearing |00, when the gear assembly is properly positioned with respect to the axis of the pinion shaft. The space thus provided between the extreme inner end of the opening of the projection |00 and the inner end of the shaft tube |00, affords a clearance which permits the gear assembly to be inserted into or removed from the chamber in such a manner that the main gear |22 clears the bearing |03.

In introducing the gear assembly into the gear chamber and bringing the main gear into mesh with the pinion, one of the bearings |00 is brought into engagement with the inner end of the shaft tube |09 and into engagement with the seat provided by the inner surface of the projection |01. Thisassembly operation likewise brings the other bearing |00 into engagement with the seat provided at the inner end of the projection |08, and

'in spaced relation to the inner end of the shaft tube ||0, as shown in Fig. 4. After the gear assembly is brought into the position illustrated in this ri'lgure, a spacing ring |24 of proper width is inserted between the inner end of the shaft tube ||0 and thebearing |00 adjacent thereto, so as to engage the outer.race of this bearing. 'I'he spacer serves as an abutment which absorbs the 'axial thrust of the bearing |00 and positions the gear assembly with respect to the axis of the pinion shaft. The gear assembly is held in this position by the retaining caps |25 and |20 'provided for the bearings |00, which caps are removably mounted adjacent the inner ends of the lprojections |01 and |00. The bearing cap |20 also engages the spacer ring IM and serves to retain -this member in place between the shaft tube |||i and the bearing |00.

When the projection |08 is formed with an enlargement at the inner end thereof, as shown in Fig. 1, the spacing ring |24 is interposed between the inner bearing race |20 and the seat or shoulder |20'.

As in the driving axle arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the frame of the gear assembly |0| is provided with shoulder portions |21 which cooperate with the inner races |28 of the bearings |00, to thereby correctly position the gear` assembly within the gear chamber. As explained above, suitable shims |29 of appropriate thickness may be used in conjunction with these shoulders for'the purpose of making an accurate initial assembly, or for making adjustments for wear.- If desired, the shoulders |21 may directly engage the inner races of the bearings |00, and

spacing shims may be applied to the outer bearing races, as shown in Fig. 6.

v As indicated in Fig. 4, the bearing |02 is held in place by the seat lli and by having its outer race held against the seat ||6by the flange I I1. Correct positioning or adjustment of the pinion |05, in the axial direction of the mount is obtained by the provision of a lsuitable shim |30 of appropriate thickness between the inner race |3| of the bearing |02 andthe shoulder |32 of the pinion. A nut |33,on the forward end of the pinion shaft,` clamps the shim |30 between the Vbearing race |3| and the shoulder |32, and also serves as a retaining means for the shaft member |34. r

During the operation of the driving axle i1- lustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, some of the lubricant contained within the gear chamber, adheres'to the main gear |22 and is delivered by the latter to the pinion|05 and to the pinion shaft bearings |02 and |03. A circulation of the lubricant through the pinion'shaft bearing |02 is obtained by providing the inletpassage |25, and a return passage |30 which conveys the lubricant from the forward end of thepinion shaft mount back to the gear chamber. The removabley cover |31 which, as to construction and arrangement is substantially identical with the cover il, assists in the delivery of lubricant to the bearings |00 and into the gear assembly |0|, The escape of lubricant around the pinion shaft at the forward end of the projection is prevented by the use of the sealing means |30 which is substantially identical with that described in detail in connection with Figs. 1 and 2.

It will now be readily seen that we have proused, is of lighter weight, and because of the novel positioning means embodied therein, more accurate positioning of the bearings and cooperating parts is obtainable, and more accurate assembly Iandrtiuieter operation can be had. It t will also be seen that we have provided means for more edectively lubricating the pinion shaft bearings by providing a passage for returning the lubricant from the pinion shaft mount to the' geary chamber. Moreover, the novel form of labyrinth packing which we have provided for preventing escape `of lubricant around the pinion shaft, conserves the supply of lubricant in the gear casing and prevents the undesirable dripping of lubricant from this part of the vehicle..

While we have illustrated and described the apparatus of ourA invention in a detailed manner, it should be understood, however. that we do not intend to limit ourselves to the precise details of construction and arrangements of parts illustrated and described, but regard our invention as including such changes and modi,

flcations as do not involve a departure from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. In a vehicle driving axle, the combination of a housing formed as a one-piece substantially rigid metal body provided with spaced side walls and having a gear chamber therein, said side walls having substantially aligned openings communlcating withfsaid chamber, a driving member rotatably supported on said housing, partial bearing seats formed integral with said side walls and extending part-way around said openings at the side thereof which is adjacent to said driving member, said partial bearing seats being sembly can be moved as a imit into the chamber and into engagement with said partial bearing seats, and bearing caps complemental to said partial bearing seats for retaining the gear' assembly in said cooperating relation.

2. In a vehicle driving axle. the combination of a housing formed as a one-piece substantially 'rigid metal body provided with spaced substantially parallel side walls and having a gear chamber therein, said side walls having substantially .'aligned openings communicating with said l A on said housing, partial bearing seats interiorfy chamber, a driving member rotatably' supported driving member. said housing having an opening thereinto substantially opposite said driving member and atl'ording access to said chamber and partial bearing seats whereby said gear assembly can be moved as a unit into the chamber-and into engagement with said partial bear.-

' ing seats. and bearing caps complementa] to said partial bearing seats for retaining the gear assembly in said cooperating relation.

u 3. In a vehicle driving axle, the combination of a housing formed as a one-piece substantiaiLv rigid metal body provided with spaced side walls having a gear chamber therein, said hous-` also having a forwardly extending projection thereon and said sidewalls having substanaligned openings `communicating with said a shaft rotatably mounted in said forchamber in cooperating relation with said gear I element, said housing having an .opening thereinto substantially opposite said forwardly extendlng projectionand aifording access to said champer and partial bearing seats whereby said gear assemblycanbemovedasaunitinto thechamber and into ent with said partial bearing seats. and bearing capscomplemental to said partial bearing seats for retaining sembly in said cooperating relation.

4. In a vehicle driving axle, the combination of'a housing formed as a one-piece substantially rigid metal body provided with spaced side walls and having av gear chamber therein, said side walls having outwardly extending substantially aligned hollow projections which communicate with said chamber, a driving member rotatably supported on said housing, partial bearing seats/ interiorly of said projections and extending pa way arolmd'the same at the side thereofw h .Y

drivingmembeasaidhousinghavinganopeiningthe gear asradial seats lfor retaining thereinto substantially opposite said driving member and ail'ording access to said chamber and partial bearing seats whereby said gear assembly can be moved as a unit into the chamber and into engagement with said partial bearingA seats, and bearing caps complemental to said partial bearing seats for retaining the gear assembly in said cooperatingrelation.

5. In a vehicle driving axle, the combination of a housing provided with spaced side walls and having a gear chamber therein, a pair of sub` s'tantially aligned projections extending outwardly from said side walls, a projection extending substantially perpendicularly to the common axis of said aligned projections, said housingincluding said' projections beingform'ed as'a one-piece substantially rigid metal body, a shaft rotatably mounted in said perpendicularly extending projection and having .a driving element thereon, partial bearing seats interiorly of said aligned yprojections and extending part-way around the same at the side thereof which isnearest to 'said shaft, said partial bearing seats being formed integral with said aligned projections substantially at the junction of the same with the side walls and being disposed outwardly of the inner faces of said side walls, a gear assembly. bearings on said assembly engaging said partial bearing seats for supporting the assembly in the chamber in cooperating relation with said driving element, said housing having an openingthereinto substantially opposite said perpendic arlyextendingprojection and affording access said chamber and partial bearing seats whereby said gear assembly can be moved as a unit into the chamber and into engagement with said partial bearing seats. and bearing caps complemental to said partial bearing seats for maintaining the gear assembly in said cooperating relation.

' 6. In a vehicle driving axle. the combination of a housing formed as a one-piece substantially rigid metal body provided with spacediside walls and having a gear chamber therein, said side walls having outwardlyextending substantially aligned integral hollow projections which communicate with said chamber. a driving member supported on said housing for rotation in said chamber, bearing seats interiorly of said'projections including end thrust seats lying in planes which are substantially perpendicular to the axes of said projections and partial radial seats extending part-way around said projections at the side thereof nearest to said driving member and disposed outwardly of the inner faces of said side walls, a gear assembly, bearings on said assembly engaging said end thrust seats and said partial radial seats for supporting said assembly in said chamber in cooperating relation with said driving member, said housing having an opening thereintogail'ording access to said chamberandbearingseatswherebysaidgear assembly can be moved as aunit into the chamber and into engagement with said bearing seats. and bearing caps complemental to said partial the gear assembly in said cooperating relation.

7. In a vehicle driving axle. theoombination of a housing formed as a one-piece substantially ri'gid metal body provided with spaced side walls and having a gear chamber therein. said side walls having outwardly extending substantially aligned hollow projections which communicate with said chamber, a driving member supported on said housing for rotation in said chamber, enlargements on the aligned projections substantially at relation with said driving member, said housing having an opening thereinto substantially opposite said driving member and ail'ording access to said chamber and partial bearing seats whereby said gear assembly can be moved as a unit into the chamber and into engagement with said partial bearing seats, and bearing caps complemental to said partial bearing seats for maintainingv the gear assembly in said cooperating relation.

8. In a vvehicle driving axle, the combination of a housing provided with spaced side walls and having a gear chamber therein, a pairA of substantially aligned hollow projections extending outwardly from the side walls oi the housing and communicating with said chamber, enlargements on said projections substantially at the junction of the same with said side walls, a projection on the housing extending substantially perpendicularly to the conunon axis of said aligned projections, said housing incluliing said projections and enlargements being formed as a one-piece substantially rigid metal body, a shaft rotatably mounted in the perpendicularly extending'projection and having a gear element thereon, bearing'. seats formed interiorly of said aligned projections and lying outwardly of the inner faces of said side walls including end thrust seats lying in planes which are substantially perpendicular to the common axis of said aligned projections and partial radial seats extending part-way around said enlargements at the side thereofl which is nearest to said shaft, a diil'erential assembly, bearings on said assembly engaging said end thrust seats and said partial radial seats ior supporting said assembly in said chamberin cooperation with saidgear element, said housing having lan opening thereinto substantially opposite said perpendiculariy extending projection and affording access to said chamber and bearing seats whereby said gear assembly can be moved as aunit into the chamber and into ensagement with said bearing seats, and bearing caps 'complemental to'said partial radial seats for retaining the gearassembly in said cooperating relation.

9. In a vehicle driving axle, the combination oi' a housing provided with spaced side walls and having a gearchamber therein, a pair oi substantiallyl aligned hollow projections extending outwardly from ther side walls oi the housing and communicating with said chamber, a mount extending substantially perpendicularly to the cornmon axis of said aligned projections and having spaced bearings therein, said housing including said aligned projections and said mount being formed as a one-piece substantially rigid metal body, a shaft rotatably supported in said bearings and having a driving element thereon, partial radial bearing seats interiorlyl oi said projections and extending-part-way around the same'at the side thereof which is nearest to said driving element, said partial radial bearing seats being formed integral with said projections substantially at the Vjunction of the same with the side walls and being disposed outwardly o! the inner Y faces of said side walls, a gear assembly, bearings on said assembly engaging said partial bearing seats for supporting the assembly in the chamber in cooperating relation with said driving element, said housing having an opening thereinto vsubstantially opposite said mount and aii'ording access to said chamber and partial bearing seats whereby said gear assembly can be moved as a unit into the chamber and into engagement with said partial bearing seats, axle tubes mounted in .said aligned'projections with the inner ends of said tubes preventing outward displacement of the bearings of said gear assembly, and bearing caps complemental to said partial radial bearing `seats for retaining the gear'assembly'in said cooperating relation.

10, In a vehicle driving axle, the combination of a housing provided with spaced side walls and having a gear chamber therein, a pair of substantially aligned hollow projections extending outwardly from the side wall`s oi the housing and communicating with said chamber, a mount extending substantially perpendicularly to the commonl axis of said aligned projections and having spaced bearings therein, a shaft journaled in said bearings and having a driving element thereon intermediate said spaced/bearings, said housing including said aligned projections and said mount being formed as a one-piece substantially rigid metal body, partial radial bearing seats interiorly .of said projections and extending.gpartway around the same at the side thereof which is nearest to said driving member, said partial radial bearing seats being formed integral with said projectionssubstantiaily at the junction of the same with the side walls and being disposed outwardly of the'inner faces Yoi sai/d side walls,

jis

a gear assembly, bearings on said assembly engaging said partial radial bearing seatsl for supporting the assembly in the chamber in cooperating relationwith said 'driving element, saidhousing ,having an opening thereinto substantially opposite said mount affording access to said chamber and partial bearing seatsA whereby said gear assembly can be moved as a unit into the chamber and into engagement with said partial bearing seats, one of said projections having a recess Vtherein just outwardly of its lpartial radial bearing seat to facilitate positioning of the gearV assemblyin said chamberY in cooperating relation with said driving element, means for preventing outward displacement of the bearings of said assembly including means disposed in said recess, and bearingcaps complemental to said partial radial bearing seats forretaining the gear assembly in said cooperating relation.

11. In a vehicle driving axle, the combination of a housing provided with spaced side walls and having a gear chamber therein, a pair of substantially aligned hollow projections extending outwardly from the side walls of the housing and communicatingfwith said chamberga m'ount extending substantially perpendlcularly to.` the common axis of said aligned projections and having spaced bearings ther-ein, a shaft journaled in 'said bearings and having a driving element thereon intermediate said bearings, said housing including said aligned projections and said mount being formed as a one-piece substantially rigid metal body, partial radial bearing seats interiorly of said aligned projections and extending partway around the same atthe side thereof which is nearest to said driving element. said partial bearing seats being formed integral with said projections substantially at the junction of the a gear assembly, bearings on said assembly ensame with said side walls and being outwardly oi' the inner faces of said side walls.

gaging said partial bearing seats for supporting the assembly in the chamber in cooperating rela.-l

tion with said driving element. said b ousing hav-` ing an opening thereinto substantially opposite said mount and affording access to said chamber and partial bearing seats whereby said gear assembly can be moved as a unit into the chamber and into engagement ywith s aid partial bearing seats, one o! saidA projections having a recess therein just outwardly of its 'partial radial seat for facilitating the positioning oi the gear assembly in said chamber in cooperating relation with said driving member, `means for preventing dutward displacement oi' the bearings of said gear `assembly including a spacing ring disposed in said recess, and bearing caps complemental to said partial radial bearing seats for retaining the 1 gear assemblyin said cooperating relation. said spacing ring being also retained in place by one oi' said complemental bearing caps.

12. In a driving axle. the combination of a housing formed as a one-piece substantially rigid metal body provided with spaced sidei walls and having a gear Vchamber therein, a driving member supported on said housing i'or rotation in saidwchamber, said side walls having substantially coaxially aligned thrust seatscarrieddirectly thereon including partial radial thrust seats at the side oi' the common axis nearest said driving member and annular axial thrust seats adjacent said partial radial seats, a dif ferential, bearings on'tie difl'erentialengaging said partial radial seats and said lannular axial seats for rotatably supporting the diiferential in cooperating relation with said driving member, said housing having an opening thereinto ail'ording access to said' chamberv and thrust seats whereby the diiierential can be moved as a unit into the chamber and into engagement with said thrust seats, and bearing caps complemental to said partial radial seats. A

1.3. In a driving axle, the combination of a housing formed as a one-piece substantially rigid metal body provided with spaced side walls and having a gear. chamber therein. a driving inember supported on said housing for rotation in said chamber. said side walls having substantially aligned recesses communicating with' said chamber and said side walls also having thrust seats carried directly thereon including partial radial thrust seats at the side of said recesses nearest said driving member and full circumferential axial thrust seats adjacent said partial radial. seats. a diil'erential, bearings on the diil'erential engaging said partial radial seats and said circumferential axial seats for rotatably supporting the differential in cooperating reiation. with said driving member, said housing having an opening thereinto substantially opposite said` driving member and aiiording .accessto said chamber an'd thrust seats whereby the dinerential can be moved as a unit into the chamber and into engagement with said thrust seats. and complemental to said partialradial bearing capa seats. A

14. In a driving axle, the combination oi' a housing formed as a one-piece substantially rigid metal body provided with spaced side walls and having a gear chamber therein, a driving member supported on said'housing for rotation in `said chambensaiclsidewallshavingsubstantially aan aligned tubular projections integrally formed thereon and the openings of which communicate vwith said chamber. thrust seats carried directly on said side walls including partial radial thrust seats at the side oi the projection openings nearest said driving member and means on the projections providing annular axial thrus't, seats adjacent the partial radial seats, a differential, bear- 'ings on the diilerential engaging said ,partial radial seats and ysaid annular axial seats for ro'- tatably supporting the diiierential in cooperating relation with said driving member. sa'idhousing having an opening thereinto substantially opposite said driving member and aiiording access to said chamber and thrust seats whereby the diirerential can be moved as a unit into the chamber and into engagement with said thrust seats.

andl bearing caps complemental to said partial radial seats. f

15; In a driving axle, the combination oi' a housing formed as a one-piece substantially rigid metal body provided with spaced side walls and having a gear chamber therein, a driving member supported on said'housingtor rotation in said chamber. said side walls having substantially aligned tubular projections integrally formed thereon andthe openings of which communicate with said chamber, thrust seats carried directly on said side walls including partial radial thrust seats at the side of the projection openings nearest said driving member and annular axial thrust seats formed by the inner` ends of said tubular projections, a diil'erential, bearings on the diierential engagingV said partial radial seats andsaid annular axial seats i'or rotatably supporting the diii'erential in cooperating relation with said driving member, said housing having an opening thereinto substantially opposite said l driving mber and affording access to said chamber and t seats whereby the differential can be moved as 'a unit into the chamber and into engagement with said thrust seats, and bearing caps complemental to said partial radial sea 16. In a driving axle, the combination of a housing formed as aone-piece substantially rigid metal body provided with spaced side walls and having a gear chamber therein, said housing also having an integral forwardly extending'projection thereon, a driving membersupported on said prof jection i'or rotation in said chamber, said side walls having substantially aligned outwardly extending tubular projections integrally formed thereon, partial radial thrust seats -tormed inte-V gralwithandcarrieddirectlyonsaidsidewallsand disposed at the sides of the openings oi' the tubular projections 'nearest said driving member.

, circumferentially extending axial thrust seats ad- `housingV having an opening thereinto substantially opposite said driving member and ailording, access to said chamber and thrust seats whereby the diiierentialcanbemovedasaunitinto the chamber and into engagement with said thrust seats.A and bearing caps complemental to said partial radial seats.

J a. Panama'.l noaa-ar P. Lewis.