Bearings – Rotary bearing – Antifriction bearing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-20
2001-05-08
Hannon, Thomas R. (Department: 3682)
Bearings
Rotary bearing
Antifriction bearing
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227716
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
a) Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to automotive differential units having an adjustable differential carrier and bearing mounting assembly.
b) Description of Related Art
Differential units for automotive or similar uses are well-known in the prior art, and generally comprise a differential case rotatably mounted in a differential carrier by spaced bearing assemblies adapted to accurately center the differential case within the differential carrier and accurately position the ring gear relative to the drive pinion A problem has existed in such differential units with respect to the mounting of the bearings for the differential case or rotor so as to provide the desired amount of backlash between the pinion and ring gear of the differential gear assembly or to eliminate end play of the rotor. Proper engagement of the ring gear carried by the differential case with the driving pinion is necessary for proper operation, and subsequent wear of the gears or bearings will result in misadjustment of backlash, thereby requiring adjustment of the bearings. Generally, the prior art differential case bearings have been made adjustable by means of adjustment shims used to provide preload on the differential case bearings. In the use of such adjustment shims, it is often necessary to remove the differential case assembly to adjust backlash or bearing preload, which creates additional labor and adds cost to such an adjustment procedure.
There have been several attempts to provide differential units having adjustable bearing assemblies, but have heretofore been relatively complex. Such constructions have included various tools and gear assemblies to effect adjustment of a plurality of shims. Other constructions have been found to degrade the structural integrity and rigidity of the differential unit in association with the axles of the vehicle. It is generally necessary to provide adequate stiffness or rigidity for the bearing assemblies in the differential unit, especially under heavy load conditions.
Additionally, prior art bearing mounting assemblies which include an adjustment mechanism have generally resulted in a differential unit having increased costs associated with either the manufacture of the components or the assembly thereof
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Based upon the foregoing, there has been found a need to provide a bearing mounting assembly associated with a differential unit which facilitates easy adjustment of the bearing assembly. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an adjustable bearing assembly for a differential unit which overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art and permits adjustment of bearing preload and backlash within the differential unit without the use of adjustment shims.
In a preferred form, the differential unit comprises a differential carrier adapted to support a differential case assembly including differential case bearings associated therewith. The differential case bearing assemblies are rotatably supported on the differential case assembly relative to the carrier and gears of the differential unit. Adjusting rings are threadably engaged with and supported internally of the differential carrier. The differential case assembly is installed into the carrier. The adjusting rings are selectively biased against the bearing assemblies to impart the desired bearing preload and backlash within the differential unit. The adjusting rings replace the use of adjustment shims, and are accessible to permit adjustment if necessary without the need to remove the differential case assembly. The construction of the differential unit simplifies manufacturing and gives more rigidity so as to maintain proper engagement of the ring and pinion gears.
Notably, the axle shaft themselves are used to adjust the adjusting rings, whereby the axle shafts are installed to a depth that the shaft spline engages with an internal spline of the adjusting ring. Using a spanner wrench on shaft flanges, the gear position and bearing preload are adjusted by moving the adjusting ring(s). When the correct position is achieved, a lock pin is assembled into the carrier and through one of the holes of the adjusting ring. The bearing cap joints are torqued at this time to thereby provide a securely aligned assembly.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1231320 (1917-06-01), Alden
patent: 1339991 (1920-05-01), Utz
patent: 1506365 (1924-08-01), Domizi
patent: 1614992 (1927-01-01), Roberts
patent: 2016343 (1935-10-01), Oberem
patent: 2133112 (1938-10-01), Ormsby
patent: 2578155 (1951-12-01), Slider
patent: 2651216 (1953-09-01), Alden
patent: 3006700 (1961-10-01), Hoffmann
patent: 3260132 (1966-07-01), West et al.
patent: 3283843 (1966-11-01), Runyan
patent: 3770994 (1973-11-01), Smith
patent: 4914800 (1990-04-01), Cook
patent: 5269731 (1993-12-01), Scudder et al.
Hannon Thomas R.
Liniak Berenato Longacre & White
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