This invention relates to a motor vehicle powertrain component, and particularly to an assembly which provides attachment between an output shaft and a constant velocity joint (CVJ) component.
Motor vehicle powertrain systems typically incorporate a number of components for transferring mechanical power from an internal combustion engine prime mover and its associated transmission to vehicle drive wheels. These elements, particularly in applications where rear axle drive wheels are driven via a front mounted engine, typically include a propeller shaft running longitudinally underneath the floor pan of the vehicle from the engine and transmission assembly at the front of the vehicle to a rear axle differential. As is typical for such systems, the propeller shaft includes one or more flexible joints such as conventional so-called universal joints (or U-joints), or more sophisticated articulating connections known as constant velocity joints (CVJ). A CVJ provides a smooth rotational output when an angle is formed between its input and output shaft members which contributes to reducing noise and vibration issues. This is distinguishable from conventional U-joints which induce powertrain vibrations inherent in their operation of off-axis conditions.
During the assembly of a motor vehicle it is desirable to provide fast, straightforward assembly processes which inherently enhance quality and reliability. For all components for motor vehicle applications, low-cost is a primary design criterian.
The powertrain assembly in accordance with the present invention provides a simple and accurate assembly of components which provides reliability and cost benefits over existing designs of such systems. These systems in accordance with this invention are described in the following description and appended drawing figures.
CVJ assembly 14 includes outer race 24 which has an extending tubular section 26. In one exemplary embodiment of assembly 10, tubular section 26 is friction welded to hollow propeller shaft tube 28.
CVJ outer race 24 forms an annular bell shaped grooved cavity surface 32. CVJ inner race 34 forms an annular crowned grooved surface 36. Ball elements 38 fit within the grooves formed by the outer race 24 and inner race 34. The interaction between the race surfaces and ball elements 38 provides the constant velocity properties of CVJ assembly 14. Ball element keeper 40 provides stability for positioning ball elements 38.
Inner race 34 forms splined bore 42 which is sized to receive output shaft splined end 18. Splined bore 42 also forms annular groove 44 which interacts with output shaft groove 22 as will be explained below. Inner race 34 further forms radial shoulder 46.
Seal assembly 48 is provided for sealing CVJ assembly 14 against contamination by water and road debris. Seal assembly 48 includes elastomeric boot 50 having inner lip 51 forming an inside cylindrical surface 52, and radial faces 53 and 55. Bellows section 57 is between the inner and outer lips 51 and 54 and seals the CVJ and accommodates angle changes between shaft 12 and outer race 24. The radially outer lip 54 of boot 50 is bonded or otherwise affixed to seal ring 56, preferably formed of sheet metal. Seal ring 56 includes outer flange 62 sized to enable it to be pressfit onto CVJ outer race 24, as shown in
In the assembly process of powertrain assembly 10, output shaft 12 is initially separate from CVJ assembly 14. A circlip 60 is installed onto output shaft splined end groove 22 (or initially installed into inner race groove 44). Splined end 18 is aligned with inner race splined bore 42 and inserted or “plugged in” to CVJ 14 (moving end 18 to the right as the components are illustrated in
While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope and fair meaning of the accompanying claims.
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Entry |
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Universal Joint and Driveshaft Design Manual, AE-7, Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., Warrendale, PA, pp. 145-150, TJ1079.S62 1979. |