Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle including a differential assembly, a first axle tube extending outwardly from a first side of the differential assembly and defining an axle bore, a first axle shaft rotatably received in the first axle tube, and defining an annular groove extending radially inwardly from its outer surface, a retainer nut axially fixed to a distal end of the first axle tube, the retainer nut having an annular flange extending inwardly into the axle bore and defining an annular outer raceway, a snap ring received in the annular groove, and an axial thrust component disposed in the axle bore of the first axle tube between the snap ring and the outer raceway of the retainer nut.

Abstract: An elongate crossbar is provided with adjustable length. Ends of the crossbar are spaced from each other a distance matching a spacing between longitudinally extending frame members of a vehicle which has had its driveline detached from drive wheels and needs to be suspended. A saddle is attached to the crossbar with the saddle having a rest area the driveline can rest upon. Ends of the crossbar preferably include brackets which grip portions of the frame members. The crossbar can include a spring which urges first and second ends of the crossbar away from each other, and with a lock nut acting on a threaded shaft at a first end of the crossbar to lock the crossbar at a desired length once positioned. The saddle preferably includes hooks at the ends of arms on either side of the rest area so that the saddle can conveniently suspend from the crossbar.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle including a differential assembly, a first axle tube extending outwardly from the differential assembly and including an axle bore, a first axle shaft rotatably received in the axle bore of first axle tube and including a first annular groove, an annular ring holder disposed within the axle bore of the first axle tube, a radial bearing assembly including an outer race and a plurality of roller elements being axially fixed within the axle bore of the first axle tube, a first snap ring received in the annular groove of the first axle shaft, and a thrust ring, the thrust ring being axially disposed between the radial bearing assembly and the first snap ring so that the thrust ring bears against the plurality of roller elements.

Abstract: The subject matter herein is directed to a constant velocity driveline assembly for power transmission of an automobile. The assembly comprises a tail housing assembly with a housing, at least two bearings inside the housing, and a first drive hub supported by the at least two bearings. The first drive hub may be substantially fixed longitudinally and configured to connect to an engine or transmission of the automobile. The assembly comprises a second drive hub configured to connect to a rear differential of the automobile. Each drive hubs may include a barrel portion and a mounting flange connected to an end of the barrel portion. The assembly includes a first constant velocity driveshaft joint configured to attach to the mounting flange of the first drive hub. The assembly includes a drive shaft having a first splined axial end coupled to the internal spline of the first constant velocity driveshaft joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a driveline for a motor vehicle comprising drive shaft (20) suspended by means of a pendulum suspension (30), the pendulum suspension (30) comprising a fastening configuration (32, 34) fixedly connected to the vehicle and a drive shaft fastening (106) connected to the drive shaft (20) and pivotably journalled in bearings relative to the fastening configuration (32, 34), wherein the transmission configuration (50) comprises a driven input shaft (52), wherein an electric motor (60) is arranged for driving of the drive shaft (20), wherein the rotor of the electric motor (60) is connected to the input shaft (52) and a non-rotating portion of the electric motor (60) comprising the stator (66) of the electric motor (60) is fixedly connected to said drive shaft fastening (106). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A link is configured to mechanically transfer movement sensed at an axle suspension assembly to a center bearing bracket for a vehicle driveshaft.

Abstract: A powertrain system for a motor vehicle comprises a power unit (2), a differential module (3) and a propeller shaft (4) provided to extend in a frontward-rearward direction of a vehicle body to transmit drive power of the power unit (2) to the differential module (3). The propeller shaft (4) is divided into a front shaft segment (4a) a rear shaft segment (4b) through the intermediary of a third universal joint (43), and adapted to be contracted in such a manner that the front shaft segment (4a) is fitted into an end of the rear shaft segment (4b) over a contractable range D1, together with a part of the third universal joint (43). The differential module (3) has a module body (31), and a rear support section (33) which supports the module body (31) to allow a front portion of the module body (31) to be swingably moved downwardly.

Abstract: A link is configured to mechanically transfer movement sensed at an axle suspension assembly to a center bearing bracket for a vehicle driveshaft.

Abstract: A manual height-adjustment mechanism (MHAM) for a vehicle driveshaft, includes a movable bracket assembly configured to attach to the driveshaft and a vehicle cross-member; and a user input device remotely located with respect to the movable bracket assembly, configured to control the movable bracket assembly.

Abstract: A frangible mount for a vehicle differential that includes a first horizontal mounting flange, a second mounting flange parallel to and vertically offset from the first mounting flange, and a generally circular differential shaft bushing holder portion with a central axis transverse to the first and second mounting flanges. The mount also includes a first transition integrally formed with, and between, the first mounting flange and the receiver portion, a notch defined between the first mounting flange and the first transition, and a second transition integrally formed with, and between, the second mounting flange and the receiver portion. When an axial force is applied to the bushing holder portion in excess of a threshold value, either the first transition or the first mounting flange fracture and either the second transition or the second mounting flange fracture, thus, allowing the bushing holder portion to be displaced apart from the first mounting flange and second mounting flange.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis frame includes a left chassis frame rail; a right chassis frame rail; a plurality of cross members, and a mini cross member. The cross members connect the left chassis frame rail to the left chassis frame rail. The first propeller shaft is operatively configured to connect a transmission to a joint. The first propeller shaft is supported by a center bearing bracket and support. The joint is operatively configured to connect a second propeller shaft to the first propeller shaft. The second propeller shaft drives the rear axle of the vehicle. A mini-cross member may be coupled the left and right chassis frame rails proximate the joint and supports the center bearing bracket and support for the first propeller shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drivetrain for a motor vehicle which has a first and a second axle and a chassis. The drivetrain comprises a drive unit which is mounted to the chassis in the region of the first axle and has an output shaft. Further, the drivetrain comprises a propeller shaft arrangement which is connected to the output shaft and to an input member of a differential which is mounted to the chassis in the region of the second axle. The propeller shaft arrangement comprises at least a first propeller shaft section and a second propeller shaft section which are connected to one another by means of an articulated joint. The propeller shaft arrangement is mounted to the chassis in the region of the articulated joint. The second propeller shaft section of the propeller shaft arrangement is connected rigidly to the input member of the differential. The second propeller shaft section is mounted in the region of the articulated joint and is designed to resist bending moments around the second axle.

Abstract: A center section for a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises a driveshaft hoop, crossmember attachment areas extending generally from opposing sides thereof, and trailing arm mounts on either side of the driveshaft hoop for attachment of one or more trailing arms to the center section. The crossmember attachment areas have heights that allow attachment of crossmember portions to the center section at offset heights. A method of constructing a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises providing a center section having crossmember attachment areas of predetermined heights extending generally from opposite sides of a driveshaft hoop, and attaching crossmember portions within the crossmember attachment areas at heights that are offset from each other.

Abstract: An output shaft of a power unit having a driven gear for supplying a power of an internal combustion engine via a transmission mechanism and for outputting the power to an outside of a unit case. Borne members are connected respectively at each end of a cylindrical member of the output shaft. The borne members are rotatably supported by the unit case via a pair of bearings. The driven gear is fitted to one of the borne members in a position adjacent to one of the bearings. As a result, the output shaft of the power unit can be manufactured by a compact manufacturing apparatus, and the output shaft can be reduced in weight while maintaining the strength.

Abstract: A mounting portion structure of a propeller shaft center bearing in a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicle where the engine power is transmitted to the rear wheels by using the propeller shaft includes a tunnel formed at the center of a center floor panel along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A mounting bracket is equipped at the tunnel and is mounted with the center bearing. A pocket groove is formed at the mounting bracket for rendering a closed box with the tunnel, and a pipe nut is equipped at the pocket groove.

Abstract: In setting of an oil temperature increasing process mode, the drive control technique of the invention starts an engine to actuate a mechanical oil pump that pressure feeds a flow of lubricating oil for lubricating the mechanical parts of a transmission and other relevant parts, actuates an electric oil pump that pressure feeds the flow of lubricating oil, and makes a brake B1 included in the transmission in a semi-engagement state. A motor arranged adjacent to the transmission is then driven with lowered output efficiency. This arrangement effectively accelerates heat generation by the motor and ensures a quick temperature rise of the lubricating oil.

Abstract: An output shaft supporting structure includes an output shaft having a hollow space opened in one end side, an intermediate shaft whose one end having an insert portion inserted into the hollow space, an extension housing placed on the edge of a casing, a first bearing and a second bearing disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the extension housing, a third bearing disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the insert portion and the inner peripheral surface of the hollow space. A part of rotational elements of a planetary gear set is supported between the outer peripheral surface of the insert portion closer to one end of the intermediate shaft than the third bearing and the inner peripheral surface of the hollow space, and at least a portion of axial position of the third bearing is located between the first bearing and the second bearing.

Abstract: An engine half-trolley (10) of simplified structure for industrial vehicles set at the side of a vehicle chassis and comprising a casing (12) from which there comes out at least one wheel hub (13) for a respective wheel (14), an input shaft (17) to said half-trolley (10) being connected to a differential (16) of the vehicle, in the said half-trolley, between the input shaft (17) and the wheel hub (13), there being provided, in succession, two bevel-gear pairs (18, 19; 21, 23) housed in an arm (15, 115) forming part of the casing (12), in which at least one bottom area of the arm (15, 115), for attachment to the wheel hub (13), has ample bevels (26).

Abstract: A crash optimized bracket for removably affixing a propeller shaft to a motor vehicle. The bracket includes an elongated member having a plurality of weakened slots to allow the bracket and the propeller shaft to tear from the vehicle upon impact in a controlled and predictable manner in response to predetermined loads.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a driveline configuration for a heavy-duty truck having multiple drive axles. The driveline configuration reduces the torsional vibrations associated with second order torsional excitation produced by the driveline's universal joints in both nominal and off-design conditions. The forward drive axle (101) and rearward drive axle (102) are oriented such that the interaxle drive shaft (110) utilizes a parallel shaft geometry with small joint operating angles. A double cardan joint (115) connects the main drive shaft (107) to the forward drive axle.

Abstract: A center bearing tuned absorber assembly includes a cylindrical center bearing for supporting a rotating propeller shaft, and a tuned absorber having an inner sleeve disposed around the center bearing, and a mass-spring assembly arranged on an outer circumference of the inner sleeve. The mass-spring assembly includes a mass radially offset from, and attached to, the inner sleeve by a first damping element. The mass-spring assembly is arranged circumferentially on the inner sleeve in the direction of a first bending frequency associated with the rotating propeller shaft. The mass-spring assembly may be axially or radially offset from the center bearing.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a housing that houses a thermally sensitive sensor, a transmitter portion and a power source. Preferably, the sensor device is encapsulated to protect the components from the environment. When the temperature in a component mounting the sensor system exceeds a preselected threshold, the thermostat sensor closes and the transmitter portion is energized by the power source to transmit a signal to a receiver unit.

Abstract: A crash optimized bracket for removably affixing a propeller shaft to a motor vehicle. The bracket includes an elongated member having a plurality of weakened slots to allow the bracket and the propeller shaft to tear from the vehicle upon impact in a controlled and predictable manner in response to predetermined loads.

Abstract: A drive unit assembly utilizes a single input to drive a pair of laterally spaced wheel ends. Each wheel end is suspended independently from the other. The input is operatively coupled to only one of the wheel ends and an exposed axle shaft assembly interconnects the input to the opposite wheel end. The axle shaft assembly includes multiple shaft members to interconnect the laterally spaced wheel ends. One of the axle shaft members is mounted to a vehicle floor structure with a bearing mount and includes connection joints at either end to accommodate the independent motion of each wheel end. The floor and the shaft member move together during suspension travel, allowing the floor to have a lower profile than is traditionally available.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a driveline configuration for a heavy-duty truck having multiple drive axles. The driveline configuration reduces the torsional vibrations associated with second order torsional excitation produced by the driveline's universal joints in both nominal and off-design conditions. The forward drive axle (101) and rearward drive axle (102) are oriented such that the interaxle drive shaft (110) utilizes a parallel shaft geometry with small joint operating angles. A double cardan joint (115) connects the main drive shaft (107) to the forward drive axle.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a frame assembly and a rear arm that is pivotally attached to the frame assembly. A rear arm bracket is secured to the frame assembly. A pivot axis is defined through a portion of the rear arm bracket. The pivot axis is disposed rearward of the portion of the frame assembly to which the rear arm bracket is attached. The rear arm is connected to the rear arm bracket such that the width of the rear arm at its connection to the frame assembly is at least as large as the width of the frame assembly at that location.

Abstract: A quick detachable drive shaft for use with lawn tractors having a rearward end mounted to a power source and a forward end supported by a bearing detachably mounted to a plate that is detachably connected to a bracket on the tractor with a latch that maintains the plate in connection with the bracket in a first position and releases the plate from the bracket in second position.

Abstract: A center bearing hanger assembly (68) for supporting a drive shaft (62) of a vehicle is provided. The center bearing hanger assembly (68) includes a center bearing (66), which supports the drive shaft, having an outer housing (76). The outer housing (76) is mechanically coupled to a male hanger (102). The male hanger (102) is received by a female receptacle (104). The female receptacle (104) is attached to an undercarriage of the vehicle. The center bearing hanger assembly (68) increases the ease of vehicle assembly.

Abstract: A removable shaft assembly having a drive shaft with internal splines defined therein and an output shaft positioned within the drive shaft and having a first set of external splines defined thereon adapted to engage the internal splines of the drive shaft is disclosed. The assembly further includes a cap axially aligned with the drive shaft having internal splines defined thereon which are adapted to prevent a axial movement of the output shaft relative to the drive shaft when the cap in a first position and allow axial movement of the output shaft relative to the drive shaft when the cap is in a second position. The output shaft may be removed from the drive shaft when the cap is placed in the first position by axially sliding the first set of external splines through the internal splines of the cap. A method of operating a removable shaft assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A central support structure for a vehicle propeller shaft. The support structure includes a support bracket, an annular support, and a deflector. The deflector is disposed relatively above the propeller shaft and forward of the support bracket. In the event of a front-end collision, the deflector is adapted to direct or guide the propeller shaft through the support bracket and thereby enhance the crash stroke of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle structure has a floor panel, a propeller shaft, a guide flange, and a stay. The floor panel is divided into a pair of side walls along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The propeller shaft is disposed within the floor panel, and has a joint at an intermediate position thereof. Motive power from an engine is transmitted via the propeller shaft. The guide flange is fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the propeller shaft in a region near the joint. The stay is disposed to the rear of the guide flange, and links the side walls of the propeller shaft. When the propeller shaft moves rearward, the guide flange interferes with the stay.

Abstract: A differential lock actuating arrangement comprises a pedal assembly including a substantially elongate member, mounting means to mount the said elongate member on the chassis of a vehicle, means to connect the said elongate member to a differential lock actuator, rotating means to rotate the said substantially elongate member about its longitudinal axis, wherein the mounting means mounts the said elongate member for movement between a first differential lock engaging position and a second differential lock disengaging position, and wherein the arrangement further comprises biasing means to hold the elongate member in one of the said first and second positions.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled adjustable height bearing support bracket is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the bearing support bracket supports a rear end of a front drive shaft of an automotive drive train with a multiple piece drive shaft. A driver is provided to adjust the height of the bearing support bracket based upon the loading conditions of the vehicle. The bearing support bracket height is adjusted to minimize the angle between the front and rear drive shafts during conditions of high torque transfer of the drive train to minimize launch shudder in the vehicle.

Abstract: Mechanical linkage device with self-regulating stabilizer suitable for any rotating element. The device enables a rotary element (38) to be movingly connected to the support (12) on which it is rotatingly mounted. The device is characterized by comprising at least one ring gear (48) integral with the support, and at least one pinion (46), which is freely and rotatingly mounted about a shaft integral with the rotary element. The pinion is designed to mesh with the ring gear. The device is suitable for motor vehicles.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft includes, as a single piece (12), a female element (13B) of sliding articulated joint (7B), an internal raceway (15), and a tubular part (16) which stretches, from this raceway, in the opposite direction to the female element.

Abstract: To provide a structure for stably supporting an engine in which front and rear portions of the engine are elastically supported. A drive pulley of a V-belt type transmission is mounted on an end portion of a crank shaft of the engine. A driven pulley of the V-belt type transmission is mounted to an input shaft of a gear box. The engine and the gear box are separately supported on the body side. A crank case of the engine is supported on the body side through a front side elastic mount and a rear side elastic mount disposed at front and rear portions. A ring bushing is fitted in a front side body mounting portion provided on a front portion of the crank case, and a mount rubber is fitted in a rear side body mounting portion. The front side elastic mount of the front side body mounting portion is higher in hardness than the rear side elastic mount of the rear side body mounting portion.

Abstract: A split-frame vehicle in which the front and rear sub-frames may rotate relative to one another along a longitudinal axis that runs generally parallel to the ground. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a locking mechanism operatively coupled between the front and rear sub-frames. The locking mechanism is operative between a locked position in which the sub-frames are rigidly coupled and an unlocked position in which the sub-frames are free to rotate relative to one another. In a second embodiment, the vehicle includes an axial rotator joint connected between the sub-frames. The joint includes a first bearing plate connected to the front sub-frame and a second bearing plate connected to the second sub-frame. The faces of each bearing plate bear on one another and define the rotational interface between the sub-frames. A drive shaft extends through an opening in the center of each bearing plate.

Abstract: A transfer shaft for an automatic transmission, provided between a transfer idle gear for outputting driving power from the automatic transmission and a differential driven gear for transmitting the driving power to a drive axle thereby transmitting an output of the transmission to the drive axle, comprising a first shock absorbing means which interconnects a transfer driven gear meshed with the transfer idle gear with one side of the transfer shaft, and absorbs shocks transmitted between the transmission and the drive axle, and a second shock absorbing means which interconnects an opposite side of the transfer shaft, in which said first shock absorbing means is disposed, with a differential drive gear for transmitting the driving power to a differential, and absorbs the shocks transmitted between the transmission and the drive axle.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly has a gear housing, axle tubes extending outwardly of the gear housing, and an axle shaft disposed in each axle tube with an external wheel hub at a protruding end of the axle shaft. Each axle shaft is rotatably supported in a flanged end collar at a remote end of the axle tube by a bearing assembly that is mounted on the axle shaft and retained in the end collar by a screw cap. The drive axle assembly includes a brake member mounted externally on the end collar in juxtaposition to an external shaped flange of the end collar. The screw cap clamps the brake member against the external flange to locate the brake member on the axle tube in an axial direction and to nonrotatably couple the brake member to the axle tube.

Abstract: A truck frame with elongated frame rails, a plurality of cross members each spanning between and connected to each of the rails, a first and second of the cross members being spaced apart to define a gap. An elongated bridge having a first and second end is connected at its first end to an intermediate point on the first cross member, and at its second end to an intermediate point on the second cross member. A drive shaft support bearing is connected to the bridge at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. The bridge may include multiple mounting locations so that the bearing may be remounted within a selected range of positions along the bridge.

Abstract: The propeller shaft arrangement which connects a transmission with a differential gear of a vehicle includes a first propeller shaft segment connected to the transmission at one end thereof and a second propeller shaft segment connected to the differential gear at one end thereof. The first and second propeller shaft segments are made of aluminum. The other end of the second propeller shaft segment is connected with one end of a steel center bearing via art universal joint. Serrations are formed at the other end of the center bearing and at the other end of the first propeller shaft segment such that the serrations of the center bearing are engaged with those of the first propeller shaft segment and a locking nut is screwed down over the engaging serrations to join the first propeller shaft segment with the center bearing.

Abstract: A vehicle includes front and rear sections which are pivotally connected to enable the rear section to articulate relative to the front section. A drive train connects a transmission on the front vehicle section to a differential on the rear vehicle section and transmits power between the transmission and the differential while allowing the rear section to articulate relative to the front section. The drive train includes a shaft of fixed length extending from the transmission to a universal joint and includes a shaft of variable length extending from the universal joint to the differential.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing arrangement for a propeller shaft (11, 12) which functions to drive at least one rear axle of a commercial vehicle, in which at least one running axle is mounted forwardly of the foremost driven rear axle but rearwardly of the forward end of the propeller shaft. The bearing arrangement includes a bearing housing (17) which is mounted on a component (13) in the vehicle and carries at least one bearing for the propeller shaft (11, 12), which includes two parts (11, 12) which are mutually connected at the bearing arrangement. According to the invention, the bearing housing (17) is mounted on the running axle (3), or on one of the running axles. A separate propeller-shaft intermediate part (18) is journaled on the bearing housing (17) and each of the ends of this intermediate part are provided with connecting devices (19) for connection to the two parts (11, 12) of the propeller shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to rear-wheel driven automobiles having an underhung carriage, an engine located at the front end, and a rear passenger compartment having a floor. In particular, the invention relates to a segmented drive shaft for transmitting rotation from the engine to the rear wheels, which is supported substantially below the floor. In this manner, the floor has a transmission tunnel of reduced size so that the floor is relatively flat. In the preferred embodiment the segmented drive shaft comprises three elements, between an output shaft of the transmission of the engine and a pinion of a rear differential. The first element is inclined downwardly from front to back, the second element is substantially parallel to the floor, and the third element may be inclined upwardly from front to back. The second element of the segmented drive shaft may comprise an outer non-rotating tube and an inner rotating tube, and lubrication fluid may also be provided therebetween.