US 12,766,951 B2 · Power takeoff assembly having a two-part shaft assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods of end-play adjustment in a PTO assembly utilizing a two-part shaft assembly in the PTO assembly. The two-part shaft assembly allows for the overall shaft assembly to effectively change length, allowing for the in-field adjustment of bearing end-play. The two-part shaft assembly includes a main shaft having a smaller diameter extension extending along the axis of the shaft, the extension having a face portion and a threaded portion opposite the face portion; and an end cap having a face portion, an opening opposite the face portion, a sidewall extending between the face portion and the opening, and an internal threaded section, wherein the opening is sized to receive and engage at least a portion of the extension.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A power takeoff assembly having a two-part shaft assembly, comprising:

a main shaft including a shaft body, an axis, and a cylindrical extension extending from the shaft body along the axis, the extension having a smaller diameter than the shaft body, wherein the extension includes a threaded portion and a face portion opposite the shaft body;
and
an end cap having a face portion, an opening opposite the face portion, a sidewall extending between the face portion and the opening, and a hollow interior including an internal threaded section, wherein the opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the extension such that the threaded portion of the extension mechanically engages the internal threaded section of the end cap;
wherein the main shaft and the end cap comprise the two-part shaft assembly.

1 more element

A method of adjusting end-play in a power takeoff assembly, the method comprising:

providing a two-part shaft assembly for the power takeoff assembly, the two-part shaft assembly including:
a main shaft including a shaft body, an axis, and a cylindrical extension extending from the shaft body along the axis, the extension including a face portion opposite the shaft body and having a smaller diameter than the shaft body;
and
an end cap having a face portion, an opening opposite the face portion, a sidewall extending between the face portion and the opening, and a hollow interior, wherein the opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the extension;
wherein at least a portion of the extension of the main shaft is inserted within the end cap;
rotating the end cap with respect to the main shaft, thereby changing a length of the two-part shaft assembly, to achieve a desired end-play;
and
securing the end cap to the main shaft by inserting a fastener through the end cap and into the main shaft, the fastener preventing further rotation of the end cap with respect to the main shaft.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Power takeoff assembly having a two-part shaft assembly

Life of this patent

Power takeoff assembly having a two-part shaft assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16