Abstract: A drive unit for a vehicle, having an electric motor and a transmission unit, wherein the electric motor is connected to the transmission unit via a drive shaft and at least one first output shaft can be driven to rotate by the transmission unit, wherein the drive unit also has at least one brake unit. The rotation of the at least one output shaft can be delayed by the brake unit, wherein the drive unit has at least one of the following: a lubricant circuit through which both the transmission unit and at least one brake unit can be supplied with lubricant, and a cooling circuit through which both (i) at least one of the electric motor and a power electronics system assigned to the electric motor; and (ii) at least one brake assembly can be supplied with coolant.

Abstract: A split-type hard front axle includes an axle housing; an axle tube connected to the axle housing; an inner-C-forging located at an end of the axle tube for connecting with a kingpin knuckle; and a connection structure cooperated with the inner-C-forgoing, for detachably fixing the inner-C-forging on the axle tube. The axle tube is provided with a first angle adjustment structure. The inner-C-forging is provided with a second angle adjustment structure. The inner-C-forging is sleeved on the axle tube, and the connection structure is inserted into the axle tube, to fix the inner-C-forging on the axle tube. The first angle adjustment structure is capable of cooperating with different portions of the second angle adjustment structure to make the inner-C-forging have different installation angles on the axle tube, and a caster to pinion angle is different at inner-C-forging's different installation angles. A vehicle is also provided.

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 axle assembly of a vehicle including a differential assembly, an axle tube extending outwardly from a first side of the differential assembly and defining an axle bore, an axle shaft rotatably received in the first axle tube and defining an annular groove extending radially inwardly from its outer surface, a retaining nut axially fixed to the distal end of the first axle tube, and a snap ring received in the annular groove of the first axle shaft, wherein the snap ring abuts the retaining nut, thereby preventing outward motion of the first axle shaft with respect to the first axle tube.

Abstract: A drive unit assembly including an input element, a first output element, a second output element and a drive unit housing containing a differential unit, the differential unit drivingly coupling the input element, the first output element and the second output element, the input element having input coupling features positioned externally of the drive unit housing, the first output element having output coupling features positioned externally of the drive unit housing, wherein the drive unit housing includes at least one mounting feature for securing the drive unit housing externally relative to an axle assembly and the second output element is suitable for driving an axle assembly.

Abstract: A method of remanufacturing a wheel housing flange is provided. The wheel housing flange includes a hole configured to receive a fastener, the hole extending from a first face of the wheel housing flange to a second face of the wheel housing flange. The method includes machining the hole to a machined diameter larger than an original diameter. The method further includes securing a first insert in the hole adjacent to the first face. The method further includes securing a second insert in the hole adjacent to the second face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular structure (1) that can form part of a motor vehicle axle, comprising at least one first tubular élément (15), at least one second tubular élément (16) and a Connecting piece (61, 62) fixing the first and second tubular éléments (15, 16) by welding, such that the Connecting piece (61, 62) is welded to one (15) of the two tubular éléments (15, 16) by at least one weld bead extending along a line forming said tubular élément (15).

Abstract: In a rigid axle assembly, a trumpet housing has a longitudinal axis (Z) and comprises a first portion (9a) extending along the axis with a substantially constant profile, and a second portion (9b) attached to the first portion and with a profile that increases in distance from the axis as the distance from the first portion increases. The housing further comprises, at a position (P2) adjacent the junction (P0) of the first and second portions, an attachment area shaped to receive a strain sensor (30) for determination of a wheel load.

Abstract: An in-wheel driving device disposed in a car wheel includes a motor including a stator and a rotor; a transmission unit disposed adjacent to the motor, having an opening therein, and configured to receive rotation power from the rotor and rotate the car wheel; and a rigid shaft inserted into the opening to fix the motor to a car body.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a housing, a ring gear received in the housing, a ring gear bearing, a pair of shafts, a differential mechanism and a pair of inboard bearings. The ring gear bearing contacts the housing and the ring gear to support the ring gear for rotation about an axis. The shafts are received in the housing and rotate about the axis. Each of the shafts has a bearing mount and a male splined segment. The differential mechanism has a pair of output members, each of which having a splined internal aperture into which the male splined segment of one of the shafts is slidably received. Each shaft bearing is disposed on the bearing mount of one of the axle shafts and supports the shafts for rotation on the housing. The differential mechanism is supported for rotation about the axis by the ring gear bearing and the inboard bearings.

Abstract: A machine axle housing includes a central body having an oil reservoir and a pair of axle legs. The central body includes a ring gear, an oil channel, and oil port for conveying oil through an oil conduit to each leg. Machine brakes within the central body include at least one disc rotatably adapted to centrifugally move oil radially outwardly of the brakes. A second oil channel collects oil from the disc, and a passageway extends from the second oil channel back to the central body to return oil from the legs back to the central body. The ring gear, first oil channel and first oil conduit define a first oil lubrication sub-system for moving oil from the central body to right and left legs, and the disc, second oil channel, and passageway define a second oil lubrication sub-system for moving oil from the legs back to the central body.

Abstract: An axle housing assembly for a work vehicle is adapted to be mounted in the work vehicle, and includes an axle housing and a disc-shaped member. The axle housing has a recessed portion for press fitting on an end thereof. The recessed portion is opened to a vehicle outer side, the recessed portion having a constant inner diameter. The disc-shaped member is press-fitted into the recessed portion, an outer peripheral surface of the disc-shaped member having a single reference dimension. A first region of the outer peripheral surface is arranged on an inner side in a press fitting direction and processed at a first tight fit tolerance range with respect to the reference dimension. A second region of the outer peripheral surface is arranged outwards of the first region and processed at a second tight fit tolerance range less than the first tight fit tolerance range.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly.

Abstract: An axle assembly having two hubs, each for connection to a wheel, a housing for differential gears and a mounting arrangement for a braking system for braking a connected wheel. The housing has a depression formed therein. The depression is configured so as to accommodate: (a) when the mounting arrangement has a drum brake mounted thereon, movement of a slack adjuster of the drum brake in a direction away from one of the hubs nearest the drum brake so as to allow detachment of the slack adjuster; and/or (b) when the mounting arrangement has a disc brake mounted thereon, an air chamber of the braking system, wherein the air chamber is capable of being partially accommodated within the depression.

Abstract: An axle for providing a steering arrangement in a machine. The axle including a differential housing from which a first arm and a second arm are extending. A first support portion is disposed in the first arm. The first support portion is configured to receive a first steering actuator. Similarly, a second support portion is disposed in the second arm. The second support portion is configured to receive a second steering actuator.

Abstract: An axle housing assembly for a work vehicle is adapted to be mounted in the work vehicle, and includes an axle housing and a disc-shaped member. The axle housing has a recessed portion for press fitting on an end thereof. The recessed portion is opened to a vehicle outer side, the recessed portion having a constant inner diameter. The disc-shaped member is press-fitted into the recessed portion, an outer peripheral surface of the disc-shaped member having a single reference dimension. A first region of the outer peripheral surface is arranged on an inner side in a press fitting direction and processed at a first tight fit tolerance range with respect to the reference dimension. A second region of the outer peripheral surface is arranged outwards of the first region and processed at a second tight fit tolerance range less than the first tight fit tolerance range.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a first member, an insert, and an object. The first member made of a first metal and has a first exterior surface and a first end. A pocket is formed in the exterior surface of the first end. The insert is made of a second, different metal. The insert is connected to the pocket and has a second exterior surface that is flush with the first exterior surface. The object is formed of the second metal and is resistance welded to the insert. The second metal is steel and the first metal is a metal that cannot be resistance welded directly to steel.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a swing member, an axle tube, a cushion bracket, a protrusion, an axle, and a cushion member. The swing member is pivotable about a first axis. The axle tube is coupled with the swing member, the cushion bracket, and the protrusion. The axle is rotatable about a second axis. The cushion member includes lower and upper ends. The lower end is pivotally coupled with the cushion bracket and is pivotable about a third axis. The second and third axes reside in a first plane. The protrusion is located above the first plane and is spaced from the cushion member by a first distance having a minimum value. The lower end of the cushion member is spaced from the axle tube by a second distance having a minimum value. The minimum value of the first distance is less than the minimum value of the second distance.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly is fitted to a vehicle axle via a wheel bearing mounted on the axle. The assembly includes a hub mountable on the wheel bearing and rotatable relative to the vehicle axle and fastening members to releasably secure the hub relative to the wheel bearing. The hub can be removed without removing the wheel bearing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one-piece axle tube housing with localized sections of increased wall thickness includes providing a tube blank, inserting a mandrel having a reduced diameter profile, passing the tube through an extrusion die to conform the tube to the shape of the mandrel; and extraction of the mandrel from the tube to cause outward deformation of the tube at specific locations. A further reducing step may be used to form the final desired profile, including reduced inner and outer diameters along sections of the axle tube housing.

Abstract: A wheel frame for a vehicle including a unitary cylindrical body having a radially inward facing surface and a radially outward facing surface surrounding a wheel axis and extending from an integrally formed mounting flange to an open hub end. The radially inward facing surface of the body including a portion adjacent the hub end of the body that is enlarged for receiving at least a portion of an electric motor assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular structure (1) that can form part of a motor vehicle axle, comprising at least one first tubular élément (15), at least one second tubular élément (16) and a Connecting piece (61, 62) fixing the first and second tubular éléments (15, 16) by welding, such that the Connecting piece (61, 62) is welded to one (15) of the two tubular éléments (15, 16) by at least one weld bead extending along a line forming said tubular élément (15).

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity and an axle shaft assembly mounted within the internal cavity for rotation about an axis. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to provide a sealed chamber between the axle shaft assembly and the non-rotating spindle. A first air passage is formed within the cylindrical body and includes an air inlet to be in fluid communication with an air supply and an air outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber. A second air passage is formed within the axle shaft assembly and receives air input from the sealed chamber and includes an air output to be associated with at least one tire.

Abstract: Auxiliary drive for a trailer such as a caravan. Said drive consists of a drive unit with a gearwheel. Through linear movement of the drive unit relative to the chassis, said gearwheel can be brought into engagement with a ring gear fitted either on the brake drum of a wheel of the vehicle or on an auxiliary part such as a covering drum fitted over said brake drum. The ring gear preferably lies in a plane outside the plane bounded by the inside of the wheel.

Abstract: The other end of a hub portion is located farther from an attachment portion at a lateral portion, which is located in a lateral direction with respect to the vehicle, than at a vertical portion, which is located in a vertical direction with respect to the vehicle. The vertical portion of the hub portion has a concave end face on the side of the other end of the hub portion, which is formed to get closer to the attachment portion as the concave end face approaches a portion closest to the attachment portion substantially at the center of the hub portion in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one-piece axle tube housing with localized sections of increased wall thickness includes providing a tube blank, inserting a mandrel having a reduced diameter profile, passing the tube through an extrusion die to conform the tube to the shape of the mandrel; and extraction of the mandrel from the tube to cause outward deformation of the tube at specific locations. A further reducing step may be used to form the final desired profile, including reduced inner and outer diameters along sections of the axle tube housing.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly for a vehicle includes an axle tube and a housing secured to the end of the axle tube. A hub includes a drive flange located axially outward from the housing and a spindle projecting from the drive flange into the housing. The hub spindle has a substantially solid body with drive splines about an external surface of the spindle. Rolling elements are located between the hub spindle and the housing for enabling the hub to rotate about an axis. The hub includes an inner race defining an inner raceway located around and carried by the hub spindle for engagement with the rolling elements. An axle shaft is positioned within the axle tube and includes splines that are coupled to the external drive splines of the hub. The axle shaft includes a substantially hollow end positioned within the housing having the shaft splines positioned within an inner surface of the hollow end of the axle shaft.

Abstract: An axle assembly is provided that includes a differential housing, a first axle tube and a second axle tube. The first axle tube and the second axle tube are releasably secured to the differential housing and to one another.

Abstract: The drive away axle assembly comprises at least an axle shaft having a proximal end seated within an axle housing and a distal terminal flange and a hub having a distal end land and a sidewall. The distal terminal flange of the axle shaft has bores therein which align with threaded bores in the distal end land of the hub, and axle shaft/hub connectors engage through the bores to removably connect the hub to the axle shaft. Further, an axle shaft retaining bolt extends through the sidewall of the hub for engagement with the axle shaft structures to maintain the axle shaft within the axle housing when the axle shaft/hub connectors are removed. Upon removal of such connectors, the hub rotates freely without imparting rotation to the axle shaft. Still further, an accessory spring may be provided for assisting in disengagement of the axle shaft flange from the hub.

Abstract: An axle assembly (10) for a wheeled vehicle includes a cylindrical housing (12a) defining a pair of spindle mounting flanges (30). A pair of spindles (16) is secured to the flanges. A plurality of tension rods (60) extend between the spindles at the bottom side of the cylindrical housing and apply clamping forces to the spindles urging the spindles into mounting contact with the spindle mounting flanges and also concurrently couple the flanges to each other. The coupling of the flanges to each other generates a tension force in each tension rod, whereby bending loads exerted by the spindles are shared between the housing and the tension rods.

Abstract: The drive away axle assembly comprises at least an axle shaft having a proximal end seated within an axle housing and a distal terminal flange and a hub having a distal end land and a sidewall. The distal terminal flange of the axle shaft has bores therein which align with threaded bores in the distal end land of the hub, and axle shaft/hub connectors engage through the bores to removably connect the hub to the axle shaft. Further, an axle shaft retaining bolt extends through the sidewall of the hub for engagement with the axle shaft structures to maintain the axle shaft within the axle housing when the axle shaft/hub connectors are removed. Upon removal of such connectors, the hub rotates freely without imparting rotation to the axle shaft. Still further, an accessory spring may be provided for assisting in disengagement of the axle shaft flange from the hub.

Abstract: A vehicle axle formed having a composite tubular member and a pair of metal sheaths spaced apart from one another at opposite ends of the composite tubular member. The composite tubular member has an outer wall surface and an interior elongated channel, with the interior channel having an inner wall surface. The composite tubular member also has a first end wall and a second end wall at opposite ends of the composite tubular member. Each of the metal sheaths has an outer surface, an inner surface, an inner end portion having an inner end portion edge, and an outer end portion having an outer end portion edge. Each metal sheath inner end portion has a transition area, with the transition area having a first area of changing thickness and a second area of a substantially constant thickness. Each of the metal sheaths has stabilization keyways formed in the outer surface thereof to accommodate a key, with the key when positioned in the stabilization keyways precluding the rotation of a wheel hub about the axle.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly for a vehicle includes an axle tube and a housing secured to the end of the axle tube. A hub includes a drive flange located beyond the housing and a spindle projecting from the drive flange into the housing. The hub spindle has a substantially solid body with drive splines about an external surface of the spindle. Rolling elements are located between the hub spindle and the housing for enabling the hub to rotate about an axis. An axle shaft is positioned within the axle tube and includes splines that are coupled to the external drive splines of the hub.

Abstract: A non-torque reactive air suspension exhibiting excellent roll stability characteristics is shown to include frame hangers mounted to frame rails extending longitudinally on opposite sides of a vehicle. Longitudinally extending beams are connected to the frame hangers at one end and extend parallel to the frame rails. At their other ends, the beams are joined by a crossbrace extending laterally across the vehicle centerline. In a central portion thereof, the beams have an axle pivot bore to which an axle clamp assembly is connected, the axle clamp assembly clamping a drive axle housing for the vehicle. The axle pivot bore is generally aligned with the drive axle. A control rod assembly is connected to suspension or frame components. Together with the beams, the control rod assembly forms a parallelogram configuration wherein the beams form the lower linkages of that configuration and the control rods included within the control rod assembly form the upper linkages of that configuration.

Abstract: A driveshaft boot protector includes a curved main body, fastening members attached to the curved main body and extending from a main surface thereof, and wall members extending from the main surface of the main body. The fastening members are arranged to be attached to a knuckle assembly of a suspension system for a vehicle. The fastening members are either snap fit members which engage corresponding structures on the knuckle assembly or threaded fasteners. The driveshaft boot protector is removably attached to the knuckle assembly.

Abstract: A boot for constant-velocity universal joint is retained to a shaft, which has a general surface, a tapered surface, or a vertical surface instead of the tapered surface, and a major-diameter surface that are disposed one after another in this order and coaxially. The boot includes a minor-diameter cylindrical portion, a major-diameter cylindrical portion, a tapered wall portion, or a vertical wall portion instead of the tapered wall portion, and a bellows. The minor-diameter cylindrical portion is retained to the major-diameter surface of the shaft. The major-diameter cylindrical portion is disposed separately away from the minor-diameter cylindrical portion and coaxially therewith. The tapered wall portion is in contact with the tapered surface of the shaft. The vertical wall portion is in contact with the vertical surface of the shaft. The bellows connects the tapered wall portion or the vertical wall portion with the major-diameter cylindrical portion integrally.

Abstract: A transaxle (1), having a hydraulic drive unit (20) and a pair of left and right wheel support units (2L and 2R), is suspended from a vehicle frame so as to be turnable around a turning-center axis oriented in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle. The hydraulic drive unit (20) comprises: a pair of left and right hydraulic motors (23L and 23R) having respective left and right horizontal motor shafts (23b); a center section (22) formed therein with an oil passage for hydraulically connecting at least one of the hydraulic motors to a hydraulic pump, the center section having motor attachment surfaces onto which the hydraulic motors are attached; and a pair of left and right axle casings (2L and 2R) containing the respective hydraulic motors and supporting the respective motor shafts.

Abstract: A wheel hub assembly is fitted to a vehicle axle via a wheel bearing mounted on the axle. The assembly includes a hub mountable on the wheel bearing and rotatable relative to the vehicle axle and fastening members to releasably secure the hub relative to the wheel bearing. The hub can be removed without removing the wheel bearing.

Abstract: An axle driving system which houses in a housing thereof a hydrostatic transmission, axles, and a driving gear train for connecting output means of the hydraulic transmission and axles, so as to transmit power from a driving source to the hydrostatic transmission and to change the speed, thereby driving the axles. A first chamber therein contains the hydrostatic transmission and a second chamber therein contains the driving gear train. Both the first and second chambers are independent of each other so as to prevent a foreign object, such as iron powder produced in the driving gear train, from entering the hydrostatic transmission. The system includes an L-like-shaped center section on which the hydrostatic transmission is offset such that an imaginary plane which includes a motor mounting surface passes in proximity to the axis of a pump shaft. The pump shaft is disposed perpendicular to the axles. The motor shaft is disposed in parallel thereto.

Abstract: An axle housing assembly includes a cast iron tube having a pocket that is formed proximate a first end of the cast iron tube. The pocket is disposed generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cast iron tube. The axle housing assembly also includes an insert made of steel connected to the pocket. The steel insert permits the cast iron tube to be coupled to a cast iron carrier housing by welding steel plugs positioned in the carrier housing to the steel inserts.

Abstract: A reinforced structural assembly is provided including a hollow structure having a cavity with a hole. A bag is inserted into the cavity using a tube. The bag has an end with an opening extending out of the cavity through the hole. A device injects a structural foam such as a two-part epoxy into the bag. The bag is closed and the end of the bag is inserted into the cavity. A cap is installed over the hole. The foam expands to fill the cavity but is contained within the bag thereby providing localized reinforcement in the desired area.

Abstract: A suspension mounting system and a method of assembly of the same are disclosed. The system has an axle housing having two hollow arms and an upper portion and a lower portion. At least one suspension bracket is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and through one of the hollow arms.

Abstract: A wheel structure driven by an endless track belt tensioned around a drive wheel and an idler wheel thereof, comprising a plurality of supporting mid-roller wheels provided between the drive wheel and the idler wheel, a second endless belt being tensioned around this plurality of mid-rollers.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly for motor vehicles, includes a support beam member having a substantially flat, enlarged central plate section and two opposite arm sections, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section and enclosed into a housing formed by a rear cover and a front cover secured to opposite surfaces of the central plate section. A method for assembling the drive axle assembly comprises the steps of securing the front cover to a front mounting surface of the support beam member, fastening the differential assembly module to the central plate section of the support beam member, and fastening the rear cover to the rear mounting surface of the support beam member.

Abstract: A suspension mount includes a flange formed directly into an axle housing. The axle housing includes a pair of housing halves that are attached to each other along a seam weld. Each housing half includes at least one transversely extending flange. Prior to welding, the flanges from the upper and lower housing halves are aligned with each other to define the suspension mount. The suspension is then attached to the axle housing at the flanges with fasteners or by welding.

Abstract: An axle assembly serves as a primary structural member for a motor vehicle and comprises an axle tube having a first end and a second end and with an opening located near the first end and a mounting module formed as a unitary extension of the axle tube. At least one steel insert is positioned near the first end, and the steel insert is adapted to be welded to a differential carrier to secure the axle tube to the differential carrier. The axle assembly may also have an axle tube formed unitary with the differential carrier.

Abstract: For an axle for vehicles, in particular commercial vehicles, with a rigid axle body, axle guidance and/or axle support is provided, making it possible to adapt to different transverse distances in the axle guidance or axle support which are predetermined on the body side.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly includes an output shaft mounted to a wheel hub for driving a vehicle wheel. The output shaft is driven by a gear assembly mounted within a gear housing and operably coupled to an input shaft. The gear assembly includes an input gear driven by the input shaft, intermediate gears in meshing engagement with the input gear, and an output gear in meshing engagement with the intermediate gears. A tube has one end press-fit into the gear housing with an opposite end extending into a wheel hub cavity. Bearings are mounted directly between the tube and the wheel hub to support the wheel hub for rotation relative to the tube. The output shaft is received within the tube with an inboard end in direct driving engagement with the output gear and with an outboard end directly mounted to the wheel hub.

Abstract: A vehicular axle assembly includes an electrical generator for generating electricity to supply power to one or more electrical components therein during operation. The axle assembly includes a hollow housing that rotatably supports a differential mechanism therein. An input shaft is rotatably supported in the axle housing and terminates in a pinion gear. The pinion gear meshes with the differential mechanism that, in turn, rotatably drives a pair of output shafts that extend to respective driven wheels of the vehicle. A stator is supported within the axle housing about the input shaft, while a rotor is supported on the input shaft. When the input shaft is rotated, the rotor generates electrical power that may be used to operate the electrical component, such as a piezo-based device supported on a driveshaft assembly connected to the input shaft.

Abstract: An three-quarter floating axle drive assembly comprising an axle housing having an elongated axle tube, a rotatable axle shaft extending through the axle tube, a hub member rotatably supported on the axle tube through an anti-friction bearing assembly and drivingly connected to an outboard end of the axle shaft, and an axle shaft retainer disposed at an inboard end of the axle shaft provided for preventing an outward axial displacement thereof.