Patent Application
20170009812
The subject invention is related to drive systems for motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a bearing cover for a drive system bearing assembly that thermally protects the bearing while shielding the bearing from contamination and splash.
Vehicle drive systems typically utilize rotatable shafts supported by lubricated bearing assemblies that require a relatively clean, sealed environment to remain robust. The durability of a bearing assembly is compromised by high temperatures which may degrade the lubrication. Bearing seals that are used to keep lubrication in and dirt, contamination and moisture out may be damaged by high temperatures. Likewise, moisture and corrosives such as road salt can also affect the durability of the bearing assembly. One solution to the above durability challenges is to significantly increase the protection to the bearing assembly by adding static seals, slingers and shields. Such solutions will significantly increase the cost of a bearing assembly. It is desirable to increase the durability of a standard bearing assembly using a less costly system while having improved effectiveness.
In an exemplary embodiment a bearing assembly cover for placement over a shaft mounted bearing assembly comprises a flanged base configured for attachment to a bearing case of the bearing assembly and a hollow frusto-conical portion extending outwardly from the flanged base, and narrowing from the base, to an open end wherein the open end extends about the shaft.
In another embodiment, a vehicle having a drive system comprises a rotatable shaft support member fixed to a rigid member of the vehicle, a bearing case mounted to the rotatable shaft support and configured to receive a bearing assembly therein, a rotatable shaft, rotatably supported by the bearing assembly; and a bearing assembly cover for placement over the bearing assembly comprising a flanged base configured for attachment to the bearing case and a hollow, frusto-conical portion extending outwardly from the flanged base, and narrowing from the base, to an open end wherein the open end extends about the shaft.
The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the invention, are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts or features. As used herein, the term motor vehicle is not limited to just an automobile, truck, van or sport utility vehicle, but includes any self-propelled or towed conveyance suitable for transporting a burden. The embodiments shown are applicable to vehicle components, but the system disclosed herein may be used in any suitable applications in which rotating components are subject to support in corresponding bearing assemblies (ex. transportation, energy, machinery and aerospace applications).
Referring now to
The drive system 14 generally comprises a number of rotatable shafts including, in an embodiment, a prop-shaft 18 and a drive shaft or half-shaft 20 outboard of the prop-shaft. Such an assembly of shafts may apply to both sides of the motor vehicle 5. Disposed between the rotatable shafts 18, 20 is a constant velocity “CV” joint 24. Specifically inner “CV” joint 24 connects prop-shaft 18 with half shaft 20. The CV joints 24 allows for motion in virtually all directions so that the drive system 14 can absorb the various inputs from the road that must be absorbed by the suspension system 28 as well as outputs provided by vehicle systems such as the steering system (not shown).
A prop-shaft support member 30 includes a base 32 that, in an embodiment, is fixed to a rigid member of the IC engine 10 such as the cast oil pan 34. Fasteners such as bolts 36 are used to attach the base 32 of the support member 30 to the oil pan 34 through openings therein. A prop-shaft support portion 38 extends outwardly from the base 32 and includes a through-bore 40 extending therethrough. A mounting face 44, machined on a first side of the prop-shaft support portion 38, includes threaded openings 45 and is configured to securely receive a bearing case 46 using fasteners, such as threaded bolts 48, which pass through corresponding openings (not shown) in the bearing case. The bearing case 46 has a through-bore 50 that corresponds to the through-bore 40 of the prop-shaft support portion 38, in the prop-shaft support member 30, to receive a prop-shaft bearing assembly 52 therein. The prop-shaft bearing assembly 52 is, in an embodiment, press-fit into the through-bore 50 of the bearing case 46 and is configured to rotatably support an end of the prop-shaft 18, a shaft 70 of the CV joint 24 or a combination thereof when the bearing case 46 is securely fastened to the prop-shaft support member 30.
Referring now to
The diameter “d” of the open end 68 of the hollow frusto-conical portion 66 is sized to allow the shaft 70 of the inner CV joint 24 to pass therethrough and enter, in an embodiment, the opening 58 defined by the bearing inner race for support therein. The diameter “d” may be sized in a manner that provides little or no space or clearance between the open end 68 of the frusto-conical portion 66 and the surface of the shaft 70 in order to prevent the ingress of moisture and contaminants into the interior of the bearing assembly cover 60. In an alternate embodiment, the diameter “d” may be sized in a manner that defines a minimal space or clearance 72,
While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation of material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the application.
