Joints and connections – Member deformed in situ – Deformation occurs simultaneously with assembly
Patent
1980-05-16
1982-08-10
Kundrat, Andrew V.
Joints and connections
Member deformed in situ
Deformation occurs simultaneously with assembly
403359, 409244, F16B 1100
Patent
active
043435637
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates to an improved spline and, more particularly, to a tapered spline and a method of manufacturing same.
2. Background Art
Splined surfaces and splined connections are well known in the art as are broaching methods for forming them. However, such prior art splined connections frequently have not perfectly matched and thus have permitted at least some degree of backlash between the connected components. Even for ideally matching splines, most materials have a tendency to distort slightly during operation, thereby permitting backlash. Over the lifetime of the splined components, the backlash tends to increase as wear between the components occurs.
There are many uses of splined components where elimination of backlash is particularly important. One example is found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,481 to Ritter, Jr., issued Apr. 20, 1976, and owned by the common assignee of the present application which shows a drive unit having a splined hub located between a second fixed hub and bearings. In this unit it is desirable to maintain a precise loading on the bearings. However, because of the backlash of the splined hub, the hubs tend to rub together and wear down, thereby reducing the load applied through the hubs to the bearings. U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,481 uses a plurality of pins to apply the preload rather than the splined hub because of the wear which the hub incurs.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, there is a component having a tapered spline, at least a portion of which is smaller in diameter than a cylindrical mating spline, thereby providing an improved mating.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is a method for forming a tapered spline which comprises the steps of distorting a member which is to be splined, broaching that member to form a cylindrical spline, and returning the member to its undistorted configuration.
In a variety of situations, it is desirable to have a splined connection which allows substantially no backlash between the connected components. By providing one of the components with a tapered spline, an improved mating may be achieved which eliminates undesirable backlash, thereby preventing the wearing down of contacting surfaces. The elimination of wear in various situations also permits use of simpler and less time consuming methods of installing the splined components and further eliminates the need for induction hardening of the splined components.
By distorting the element before forming the spline, a tapered spline may be formed by using conventional broaching tools and methods and enables the backlash-free connection to be formed on existing hubs where desirable with no design change being required.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the hub in its distorted condition prior to broaching, the distortion shown being exaggerated;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hub in its distorted condition after broaching has occurred;
FIG. 3 is a broken cross-sectional view of the undistorted hub and a mating male spline, the taper of the female spline being exaggerated; and
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an outboard planetary final drive unit containing a hub having the tapered spline of this invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate the steps employed in providing a tapered female spline 6 in a first member 7 for use in an improved, backlash-free spline connection 8 to a straight male spline 9 of a second member 10. For convenience of illustration, but without restriction to the use which is described, the first and second members 7 and 10, respectively, are defined in terms of a hub. The first member 7 has a hub 12, in which the internal spline 6 is cut in the present illustrated embodiment, has a disc-shaped body portion 11 with a radially outwardly directed flange 13 about the outer periphery thereof and a radially inwardly
REFERENCES:
patent: 1136557 (1915-04-01), Ross
patent: 1803995 (1931-05-01), Chilton
patent: 2038554 (1936-04-01), Edgar
patent: 3222772 (1965-12-01), Leyner
patent: 3360961 (1968-01-01), Steiner
patent: 3399549 (1968-09-01), Nagele
Caterpillar Tractor Co.
Kundrat Andrew V.
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