Motor vehicles – Having four wheels driven – Including separate mechanical assemblies for transmitting...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-14
2003-05-06
Lerner, Avraham (Department: 3611)
Motor vehicles
Having four wheels driven
Including separate mechanical assemblies for transmitting...
C180S381000, C464S092000, C464S113000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06557659
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to driveline assembly that includes a resilient member incorporated into the universal joint assembly for dampening torsional vibrations.
Vehicle drivelines/drivetrains include a plurality of components that are interconnected to transfer torque from an engine to the vehicle wheels. A typical configuration includes an engine that transfers torque to a transmission that is coupled to a drive axle via a driveshaft. Universal joint assemblies are mounted at either end of the driveshaft to facilitate the transfer of torque between components that are coplanar but not coinciding. In order to avoid damaging vibrations, the components must be properly aligned with one another. For example, universal joint angles should be within plus or minus one-half of a degree (+/−
½°) when located on a common driveshaft.
Most heavy vehicles, such as Class 8 tractors, are equipped with air ride suspensions that can be adjusted between multiple ride height positions either by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or by the vehicle driver. When adjustments are made to the suspension, the preferred universal joint angles are often exceeded resulting in vibrations. These vibrations can be transmitted along the drivetrain causing damage to various components such as axle gearing, driveshafts, and transmission synchronizers, for example.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a driveline having a vibration dampening mechanism that can absorb damaging vibrations before the vibrations are transmitted to other drivetrain components. The vibration dampening mechanism should be inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to maintain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A driveline assembly includes a vibration dampening mechanism to reduce vibrations occurring between driveline components as a result of improperly aligned components. The driveline assembly has a universal joint with an attachment portion for connection to a driveshaft and a companion flange with a mount for securing the companion flange to an axle member. A resilient member is positioned between the universal joint and the companion flange to absorb the vibrations transmitted between the axle member and the driveshaft.
One disclosed embodiment of this invention is incorporated into a drive axle assembly. The drive axle assembly includes a first axle shaft, a second axle shaft, and a central differential in driving engagement with the first and second axle shafts. An axle housing encloses the central differential and the first and second axle shafts. An input is coupled to the central differential and includes the universal joint member with the attachment portion for connection to the driveshaft. The companion flange is mounted between the universal joint and the housing. The resilient member is secured between the universal joint and the companion flange to absorb vibrations transmitted between the central differential and the driveshaft. Preferably, the companion flange and universal joint together define a central axis with the resilient member being compressible in a linear direction along the central axis to reduce vibrations.
Another disclosed embodiment of this invention is incorporated into a tandem drive axle. The tandem drive axle includes a forward drive axle with a first input and an output, a rearward drive axle having a second input, and a driveshaft in driving engagement between the output and the second input. A first connector assembly is used to transfer drive torque from the output to the driveshaft. The first connector assembly includes a first companion flange coupled to the output, a first universal joint coupled to the driveshaft, and a first resilient member secured between the first universal joint and the first companion flange to absorb vibrations transmitted from the forward drive axle to the drive shaft. The tandem axle also includes a second connector assembly that transfers torque from the driveshaft to the second input and which includes a second universal joint coupled to the driveshaft, a second companion flange coupled to the second input, and a second resilient member secured between the second universal joint and the second companion flange to absorb vibrations transmitted from the driveshaft to the rearward drive axle.
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Brissette Ronald N.
Hawkins Jim
Keeney Christopher S.
Kurzeja Patrick
Kyrtsos Christos
Carlson & Gaskey & Olds PC
Lerner Avraham
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology LLC
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