Title of Invention

CENTER BEARING ASSEMBLY FOR ROTATABLY SUPPORTING A SHAFT AT VARYING ANGLES RELATING TO A SUPPORT SURFACE

Abstract A center bearing assembly for rotatably supporting a shaft at varying angles relative to a support surface includes a bearing and a bearing support member that supports the bearing. The bearing support member has a curved outer surface. A bracket is provided for supporting the bearing support member. The bracket has a curved inner surface that cooperates with the curved outer surface of the bearing support member to allow the bearing support member to move relative to the bracket.
Full Text

CENTER BEARING ASSEMBLY FOR ROTATABLY SUPPORTING A SHAFT AT YARYiNG ANGLES RELATIVE TO A SUPPORT SURFACE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001 ] This invention relates in genera! to bearings for supporting shafts for rotation, in particular, this invention relates to an improved structure for a center bearing assembly for rotaiabiy supporting a shaft at varying angles relative to a support surface.
[0002] Drive tram systems are widely used for generating power from a source and for transferring such power from the source to a driven mechanism. Frequently, the source generates rotational power, and such rotational power is transferred from the source to a rotatably driven mechanism. For example, in most land vehicles in use today, an engine/transmission assembly generates rotational power, and such rotational power is transferred from an output shaft of the engine/transmission assembly through a driveshaft assembly to an input shaft of an axle assembly so as to rotatably drive the wheels of the vehicle. To accomplish this, a typical driveshaft assembly includes a hollow cylindrical driveshaft tube having a pair of end fittings, such as a pair of tube yokes, secured to the front and rear ends thereof. The front end fitting forms a portion of a front universal joint that connects the output shaft of the engine/transmission assembly to the front end of the driveshaft tube. Similarly, the rear end fitting forms a portion of a rear universal joint that connects the rear end of the driveshaft tube to the input shaft of the axle assembly. The front and rear universal joints provide a rotational driving connection from the output shaft of the engine/transmission assembly through the driveshaft tube in the input shaft of the axle assembly, while accommodating a limited amount of angular misalignment between the rotational axes of these three shafts
[0003] In some vehicles, the distance separating the engine/transmission assembly and the axle assembly is relatively short. For these vehicles, the driveshaft assembly

distance separating the engine transmission assembly and the axle assembly is relatively long, making the use of a single driveshaft tube impractical For these vehicles, the driveshaft assembK can be formed from a plurality of (typically two) separate, relatively short driveshaft sections. In a compound driveshaft assembly such as this, a first end of the first driveshaft section Is connected to the output shaft of the engine/transmission assembly b\ a first universal joint, a second end. of the first driveshaft section is connected to a first end of the second driveshaft section by a second universal ioint. and a second c\~\ci of the second driveshaft section is connected to the input shafi of the axie assembly by a \\v\x\ universal [0004] A compound driveshaft assembly that is composed of two or more separate driveshaft sections usually requires the use of a structure for supporting the intermediate portions thereof for rotation during use. A typical intermediate support structure for a driveshaft assembly {which is commonK' referred to as a center bearing assembly) includes an aiinuiar bearing having an inner race that engages one of the driveshaft sections and an outer race that supports the inner race for rotation relative thereto. The outer race of the annular bearing is supported within a generally annular support member that is usually formed from a relatively resilient material, such as rubber. The resilient support member is. in turn, supported within a rigid bracket that is secured to a support surface provided on the vehicle Thus, the center bearing assembly functions to support the intermediate portion of the driveshaft assembly for rotation during use. Many center bearing assembly structures of this general type are known in the an.
[0005] Traditional center bearing assemblies have been designed to rotatabiy support the driveshaft section in a simile predetermined angular orientation relative to the rigid bracket and, thus, relative to the support surface provided on the vehicle. However, because the sizes and shapes of vehicles can vary widely, the normal angular orientation of the driveshaft section relative to the support surface can differ from vehicle to vehicle. To a limited extent, such variations in annular orientation can

be accommodated the mherem flexibility of me eiastomene support. However, in more extreme vuuauor.s. such Hexme of the eiastomene support is undesirable. As a result, it is known to provide a plurality of differently shaped mounting brackets that respectively support the driveshaft section in a plurality of different angular orientations relative to the support surface provided on the vehicle. Although effective, the provision for such a plurality of differently shaped mounting brackets for a variety of vehicles is mefficien:. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved structure for a center bearing assembly that is capable of rotatably supporting a snaft at varying angles relative to a support surface without the use of a plurality of differently shaped mounting brackets.
SUMMARY OF THR INVENTION [0006] This invention relates to an improved structure tor a center bearing assembly for rotarahiv supporting a. shaft .it varying angles relative to a support surface. The center bearing assembly includes a bearing and a bearing support member that supports the bearing. The bearing support member has a curved outer surface. A bracket is provided for supporting the bearing support member. The bracket has a curved inner surface that cooperates with the curved outer surface of the bearing support member to allow the hearing support member to move relative to the bracket.
[0007] Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Fig. i is a side elevationai view of a drive train system including a first embodiment of a center bearing assembly secured to a support surface in accordance with this invention.
[0009] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the first embodiment of the center bearinc assembly illustrated in Fiu. i

[001 0] Fie. " is an cud elevationa! view, partially :n cross section, ot'the first
embodiment of the center bearing assembly illustrated m Fig. 1 shown assembled and
secured to the support surface.
[001 1] Fig. 4 is a sectional eievarional view of the first embodiment ofthc center
bearing assembly taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3.
[0012] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view similar to Fig. 2 of a portion of a
second embodiment of the center bearing assembix' in accordance with this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0013] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Fig. I a drive train system, indicated generally ar M). in accordance with this invention. The illustrated drive train system 10 is. in large measure, conventional in the art and is intended merely to illustrate one environment in which tins invention may be used. Thus, the scope of this invention is not intended to be limited for use with the specific structure for the drive train system in illustrated in Fig. 1 or with drive train systems in general. On the contrary, as will become apparent below, this invention may be used in any desired environment for the purposes described below.
[0014] The illustrated vehicle drive tram system !0 is adapted to transmit rotational power from a source, such as an engine/transmission assembly 1 1 to a driven device, such as a plurality of driven wheels (not shown). The engine/transmission assembly 11 is conventional in the art and includes an externally splined output shaft (not shown) that is connected to a first slip yoke, indicated generally at !2. The first slip yoke 12 is conventional in rive art and includes an end portion I." having a smooth cylindrical outer surface and an internally splined inner surface. The internally splined inner surface ofthc end portion 13 ofthc first slip yoke 12 engages the externally splined output shaft ofthc engine/transmission assembly 1 1 in a known manner. Asa result, the first slip yoke 12 is rotatably driven by the output shaft of the engine/transmission assembly ! 1 but is free to move axiaily relative thereto to a limited extent.

[001 5] The first slin yoke \2 farther includes a yoke portion 14 that forms one part of a first universal join: assembiy. indicated generally at :'" The first universal joint assembly al m the art and includes a tube yoke its that is connected to the yoke portion riie first slip yoke \2 by a cross in a known manner. The tube yoke is secured, such as by welding, to a first end of a first driveshatt section" for rotation therewith. The first universal joint assembly 15 thus provides a rotational driving connection between the output shaft of the engine/transmission assembly and the first driveshatt section P while permitting a limited amount of angular misalignment tlvereheiwcen.
[001 6] The first driveshatt section P extends through and is supported for rotation by a first embodiment of a center bearing assembly, indicated generally at 20. The structure of the first embodiment of the center bearing assembly will be explained in detail below. The first embodiment of the center bearing assembly 20 is secured to a support surface 22. such as a portion of a frame, chassis, or body of the vehicle. The first driveshaft section \~ [001 7] A second slip yoke, indicated generally at 25. is connected, such as by welding, to the reduced diameter second end 23 of the first driveshaft section 17 for rotation therewith. The second slip voke 25 is conventional in the art and includes an end portion 26 having an internally splincd inner surface (not shown). The internally splincd inner surface of the end portion 2b of the second slip yoke 25 engages the externally splincd portion of the second end 23 of the first driveshaft section 17 in a known manner. Asa result, the second slip yoke 25 is rotatably driven by the first driveshaft section 17. but is free to move axiallv relative thereto to a limited extent.

universal joint assembly 30 Is also conventional in the art and includes a tube yoke 3 1 that is connected to the yoke portion 21 of the second slip voke 25 by a cross in a known manner. The tube yoke 3 1 is secured, such as by welding, to a first end of a second dnveshaft section 32 for rotation therewith. The second universal joint assembly 30 thus provides a rotational driving connection between the second end 23 of the first driveshaft section 17 and the first end of the second dnveshaft section 32, while permitting a limited amount of angular misalignment therebetween. [0019] The second end of the second driveshaft section 32 is secured, such as by welding to a tube yoke 33 that Tom's one nan of a third universal joint assembly-indicated generally .n 3^ 1 he thud umvcrsal uunt assembly 4 is also conventional in the art and includes a third slip yoke, indicated generally at 35 The third slip yoke 35 is conventional in the art and includes a yoke portion 36 that is connected to the tube yoke 33 by a cross in a known manner The third slip yoke 35 further includes an end portion 37 having a smooth cylindrical outer surface and an internally splined inner surface (not shown). The internally splined inner surface of the end portion 37 of the third slip yoke 12 engages an externally splined input shaft (not shown) of a conventional axle assembly 3 that is connected to the plurality of driven wheels of the vehicle in a known manner. As a result, the input shaft of the axle assembly 38 is rotatablv driven by the second dnveshaft section 32. but is free to move axially relative thereto to a limited extent.
[0020] Referring now to Figs. 2. 3. and 4. the structure of the first embodiment of the center bearing assembly 20 is illustrated in detail. As shown therein, the first embodiment of the center bearing assembly 20 includes a rigid bracket, indicated generally at 40. that is secured to the support surface 22 of the vehicle. Typically, the bracket 40 includes a generally U-shaped body portion 4 1 having a pair of flange portions 42 and 4 extending outwardly from the ends thereof The flange portions 42 and 43 have respective apertures 42a and 43a formed therethrough. Such apertures 42a and 43a allow respective threaded fasteners 44 (see Fig. 3) to extend through the

[0021 j Tlie hodv portion 4 ; of the bracket 40 has a curved inner surface 45 provided thereon. The curved inner surface 45 is preferably generally spherical in shape throughout the extent of the body portion: -\ I of the bracket 40 In other words. the curved inner surface -o is curved relative to multiple axes of rotational movement. However, the curved inner surface 45 may be formed having any desired shape. The purpose for the curved inner surface 4^ of the body portion 4 I of the bracket 40 will be explained further below.
[0022] The body portion 4 \ of the bracket 40 also has a pair of protrusions 46 formed thereon. The illustrated protrusions 46 are provided on the opposed sides of the U-shaped body portion 41. although such protrusions 46 mav be provided at any desired location ^r locations. The illustrated protrusions 46 arc formed integrally with the body portion 4 ; of the bracket 40 and arc generally semi-spherical in shape. However, the protrusions 46 may be provided on the bracket 40 in any desired manner and may have any desired shape or shapes- The purpose for the protrusions 46 will be explained below.
[0023] The bociv portion 4 t of the illustrated bracket 40 further has a plurality of slots 47a, 47b. and 47c formed therethrough, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second slots 47a and 47b are provided on the opposed sides of the U-shaped body portion 41. while the third slot 47c is provided at the bottom of the U-shaped body portion 41. However, such, slots 47a. 47b. and 47c may be provided on the bracket 40 at any desired locations. The first and second MOIS T/a and 47b are generally arcuate in shape, while the third slot 47 ;s geueraiiv linear in shape. 1 low ever, the slots 47a. 47b, and 47c may have any desired shapes- The purpose for the slots 47a. 47b, and 47c will also be explained below.
[0024] The first embodiment of the center bearing assembly 20 also includes a bearing support member 50 that is supported on the rigid bracket 40. The illustrated

bearing support member n is generaiiv annular in shape and is preferably formed from a resilient materia!. such as a conventional elasromcric materiai (such as rubber, for example) of the type that is typicaiiy used in con\"enti(mal center bearing assemblies. However, rhe bearing support member 50 mav be formed having any desired shape anc: ma\ be formeu from any desired material. The bearing support member 50 has an uxiaily extending opening 5 ! formed therethrough, for a puq">ose that will be explained below. A plurality of slots 50a mav be formed in or through portions of the bearing support member 50. The slots 50a are conventional in the art and are preferably generally arcuate :n shape and arranged in two concentric circular arrays about the opening 5! Also, (he slots 50a are preferably radially and circumferentiailv sniggered throughout the bearing supnon member 50 However, the slots 50a can be provided in any desired number and location in the bearing support member 50 and can. if desired, be completely omitted. The slots 50a provide an added measure of flexibility to the elastomeric bearing support member 50. [0025] An annular bearing assembly, indicated generally at >2 in Figs. 3 and 4. is supported within tne opening 5 ! formed through the bearing support member 50. The bearing assembly 52 is coinentionai in the art and is provided to rotatably support the first driveshaft section 17 about an axis of rotation s5 in the manner that is described further below. To accomplish this, the bearing assembly 52 includes an outer race 52a that is supported on the bearing support member 50. an inner race 52b that engages the outer surface of the first driveshaft section 17. and a plurality of balls 52c disposed between the outer race 52a and the inner race 52b so that the inner race 52a is supported for rotation relative to the outer race 52b In this manner, the first driveshaft section 17 is supported for rotation by the first embodiment of the center bearing; assembly 20.
[0026] The bearing support member 50 has a curved outer surface 54 provided thereon. The curved outer surface 54 is preferably generally spherical in shape throughout the extent of the bearing support member 50. !n other words, the curved outer surface 54 is curved relative to multiple axes of rotational movement. However, the curved outer surface 54 may be formed having any desired shape. Preferably, the

c Lined otiie!" surface 54 bearing support member 50 corresponds generally in shape with the curved inner surface 4 5 provided o\i the | of the bracket 40. The purpose for the curved outer surfa.ee 54the bearing support member 50 wili be explained further below
[0027] The bearing support member 50 also has a pair of recesses 55 formed therein. The illustrated recesses 55 are provided on the opposed sides of the bearing support member 50. although such recesses 5^ may be provided at any desired location or locations. The ulustrateo '"ceesses c 5 an: generallv semi-snhencal in shape. However, the recesses c^ ma\ have anv o'esired shape or shapes. The purpose for the recesses r^ wil! be explained below. The bearing support member 50 further has a plurality of retainers 56a. 56b. and 56e formed thereon. The first and second retainers 56a and 56b are provided on the opposed sides of the bearing support member 50, while the third retainer 56 is provided at the bottom of the outer spherical surface 54 of (he bearing support member 50 However, such retainers 56a, 56b. and 56c may be provided at anv desired locations on the bearing support member 50. The first and second retainers 56a and 56b are generally arcuate in shape, while the third retainer 56c is generally linear in shape. However, the retainers 56a. 56b, and 56c may have any desired shapes The purpose for the retainers 56a. 56b. and 56c will also be explained heinv.
[0028] To assemble the first embodiment of the center bearing assembly 20. the bearing support member 50 is disposed within the body portion 4 1 of the bracket 40. When so disposed, the curved outer surface 54 of the bearing support member 46 abuts the curved inner suriaec 45 of the bodv portion 4 j of the bracket 40. as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 Also, the protrusions 46 provided on the body portion 4 I of the bracket 40 are received within the recesses 5 5 prov ided on the bearing support member 50. Furthermore, the slots 47a. 47b. and 47c prov ided on the bodv portion 4 1 of the bracket 40 respectively receive the retainers 56a. 56b. and 56c provided on the bearing support member 50 therein. The opposed retainers 56a and 56b are preferably received within the associated opposed slots 47a and 47b with clearance therebetween. although such is not required. However, the retainer 56c provided on the bottom of

the bearing support member 50 has a pair of laieradv extending lips that are preferably recei\ed witlvn associated sio( 47e provided on die body nortion 4 I of die bracket 40 in a snap ;P "elationship. although a nam such is not required.
[0029] The cooperation of the recesses 5 5 provided on the bearing support member 50 and the protrusions 46 provided on the body portion 4 ■ of the bracket 40 defines the axis about which the bearing support member so can pivot relative to the bracket 40. Thus, the bcarmg support member 50 can pivot relative to the bracket 40 throughout an angle 53a illustrated in This angle can he any desired angle, but preferably is the range of about ten degrees oms or mmus relative to the original axis of rotation 53 The cooperation of the curved outer surface 54 of the bearing support member-16 wit!: the curved inner surface 4 5 of the body portion 4 ] of the bracket 40 provides for secure continuous sunpori -of the bearing support member 46 on the bracket 40 regardless of the relative angular orientation therebetween. Lastly, the cooperation of the retainers 56a. 56b. and 56c with the slots 47a, 47b, and 47c prevent the bearing support member 46 from being inadvertently removed from the bracket 40 The cooperation of the retainers 56a. 56b. and 56c with the slots 47a, 47b. and 47c also limits the amount that the bearing support member 46 can pivot relative to the bracket 40.
[0030] In tisc. the bearing support member 50 and the bracket 40 of the center bearing asscmbiy 20 are initially assembled as described above. When so assembled, the retainers 56a. 56b. and 56c cooperate with the siots 47a, 47b. and 47c to prevent the bearing support member 4n from being inadvertently removed from the bracket 40. The center bearinu assembly 20 is the:: installed, the first driveshaft section 17. and the remainder of the driveshaft assembly (including some or all of the first universal joint 15. the first driveshaft section !7. the center bearing assembly 20, the second universal joint 30. the second driveshaft section 32. and the third universal joint 34) of the drive train system !f) is assembled in a conventional manner. It is common for the driveshaft portion of the drive tram system 10 to be assembled in a first location, then shipped to a second location for installation on a vehicle or other device. During this shipment, the retainers 56a. 56b. and 56c continue to cooperate


to be used on a muralitv of different vehicles. Once the bracket 40 of the center bearing assembly 20 is secured in the support surface 22 by the threaded fasteners 44, the bearing support member 46 is preferably frictionaliy retained in position relative to the bracket 40 for use. Alternatively, the bearing support member 46 may be supported on the bracket 40 so as to be movable reiutive (hereto during operation of the drive train system o
[0031 ] As discussed above, the protrusions 46 provided on the body portion 4 1 of the bracket 40 cooperate with the recesses ss provided on the bearing support member 50 to define the axis about which the bearing support member 50 can pivot relative to the bracket 40. This invention conrempiates an alternative arrangement wherein protrusions {not shown) provided on the bearing support member 50 cooperate with recesses (not shown) provided on the body portion a 1 of the bracket 40 to define the axis about which the bearing support member 50 can pivot relative to the bracket 40. Thus, as used herein, the terms "protrusions 46" and "recesses 55" should be interpreted to include this alternative structure.



movement about an axis Rather, the modified bearing support member 50' is capable of moving relative the modified bracke 40' . any dirccnon. being limited only by
the engagement oute surface of ivc mooted bearing support member 46' will-, tne caned inner surface 45 body oortion 4 ] of the modified bracket 40'. In !his second embodiment of the center bearing assemblv 20'. a conventional retainer (noi shown) mav be provided to positively retain the modified bearing support member 50' within the modified bracket 40' nrior to installation on the support surface 22. 7bv structure and manner of operation of the second embodiment of the center bearing assembly 20" ;s otherwise the same as described above.
[0034] !n accordance with the provisions of (he patent statutes, the principle and mode of operation of this .nvention haw bee" explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiments. However, it must be undersionu -hat this invention mav be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and iliusirated wuhont departing from its spirit or scope.









What is claims

4. the bering assembly defined Clam wherein said bearing support
member has a pair of opposed neceesses provided thereon. im6 wherein said bracket has
a pair of opposed protrusions provided thereon that respectively cooperate with said
pair of recesses provided on said hearing support member such that said bearing
support member can pivot relative to said bracket.
5. The bearing assembly defined in Claim ! wherein said bearing support
member has a retainer provided thereon, and wherein said bracket has a slot provided
thereon that cooperates with said retainer provided on said bearing support member to
retain said bearing support member on said bracket


The bearing assembly defined in Claim I wherein said curved inner surface of said bracket and said curued outer surface of said bearing support member have generally the same shape
S The bearing assembly derived Claim wherein said curved inner
surface of said bracket am said curved outer surface of said bearing support member have different shapes
9. The bearing assembly defined in Claim ! further including a driveshaft that is supported for rotation by said bearing of said hearing, assembly.
10 The bearing assemblv defenition in Claim fun her including a source of power that is connected to a driven mechanism by said drive shaft assembly.


Documents:

2947-CHENP-2007 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS13-07-2010.pdf

2947-CHENP-2007 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 14-10-2010.pdf

2947-CHENP-2007 AMENDED CLAIMS 14-10-2010.pdf

2947-CHENP-2007 AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION 14-10-2010.pdf

2947-CHENP-2007 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED 14-10-2010.pdf

2947-chenp-2007 form-3 14-10-2010.pdf

2947-CHENP-2007 POWER OF ATTORNEY 14-10-2010.pdf

2947-chenp-2007-abstract.pdf

2947-chenp-2007-claims.pdf

2947-chenp-2007-correspondnece-others.pdf

2947-chenp-2007-description(complete).pdf

2947-chenp-2007-drawings.pdf

2947-chenp-2007-form 1.pdf

2947-chenp-2007-form 18.pdf

2947-chenp-2007-form 3.pdf

2947-chenp-2007-form 5.pdf

2947-chenp-2007-pct.pdf


Patent Number 245526
Indian Patent Application Number 2947/CHENP/2007
PG Journal Number 04/2011
Publication Date 28-Jan-2011
Grant Date 24-Jan-2011
Date of Filing 02-Jul-2007
Name of Patentee DANA CORPORATION
Applicant Address 4500 DORR STREET , TOLEDO, OHIO 43615
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 HOLMANN, JAMES,L., 13100 US HIGHWAY 20A , WAUSEON , OH 43567
PCT International Classification Number F16C 23/04
PCT International Application Number PCT/US05/47493
PCT International Filing date 2005-12-30
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 11/322,163 2005-12-29 U.S.A.
2 60/640,958 2004-12-31 U.S.A.