Structure and method of assembling a differential assembly
AssigneeABB Schweiz AG
InventorsPeter Joe Deir, Robert Raymond Scott, III, Arnold Bell, Michael Martin Manuszak
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A nesting structure supports a differential case. The nesting structure includes a first support structure that supports the differential case. The nesting structure includes a second support structure spaced apart from the first support structure to define a support opening. The support opening receives a first shim and establishes a first orientation between the first shim and the differential case in which the first shim is non-parallel with respect to a first bearing surface of the differential case.
Claims32
A nesting structure configured to support a differential case, the nesting structure comprising:
- a first support structure configured to support the differential case;
- and
- a second support structure spaced apart from the first support structure to define a support opening configured to receive a first shim and establish a first orientation between the first shim and the differential case in which the first shim is non-parallel with respect to a first bearing surface of the differential case.
A method of assembling a differential assembly, the method comprising:
- establishing a first orientation between a first shim and a differential case in which the first shim is non-parallel with respect to a first bearing surface of the differential case;
- and
- inserting the first shim and the differential case into a differential opening defined by a differential carrier such that the first shim contacts the differential carrier and moves from the first orientation to a second orientation in which the first shim is parallel with respect to the first bearing surface.
A method of assembling a differential assembly, the method comprising:
- establishing a first orientation between a first shim and a differential case in which a first shim axis of the first shim is non-parallel with respect to a differential case axis of the differential case;
- and
- inserting the first shim and the differential case into a differential opening defined by a differential carrier such that the first shim contacts the differential carrier and moves from the first orientation to a second orientation in which the first shim axis of the first shim is parallel with respect to the differential case axis of the differential case.
A robot configured to move a differential case between a nesting structure and a differential carrier, the robot comprising:
- a support structure;
- a first inner gripping arm and a second inner gripping arm attached to the support structure, the first inner gripping arm and the second inner gripping arm movable relative to the support structure between an opened position, in which the first inner gripping arm and the second inner gripping arm are configured to removably receive a first bearing structure of the differential case, and a closed position, in which the first inner gripping arm and the second inner gripping arm are configured to contact and grip the first bearing structure of the differential case;
- and
- a first outer gripping arm attached to the first inner gripping arm, and a second outer gripping arm attached to the second inner gripping arm, the first outer gripping arm movable relative to the first inner gripping arm and the second inner gripping arm movable relative to the second inner gripping arm between an opened position, in which the first outer gripping arm and the second outer gripping arm are configured to removably receive a first shim, and a closed position, in which the first outer gripping arm and the second outer gripping arm are configured to contact and grip the first shim.
A method of assembling a differential assembly, the method comprising:
- concurrently inserting a first shim, a second shim, and a differential case into a differential opening defined by a differential carrier such that, upon the first shim, the second shim, and the differential case being fully seated within the differential carrier:
- the first shim contacts the differential carrier and is parallel with respect to a first bearing surface of the differential case;
- and
- the second shim contacts the differential carrier and is parallel with respect to a second bearing surface of the differential case.
A method of assembling a differential assembly, the method comprising:
- inserting a first shim and a differential case into a differential opening defined by a differential carrier such that the first shim and the differential case are in a first position not fully seated within the differential carrier;
- applying an insertion force to at least one of the first shim or the differential case to transition the first shim and the differential case from the first position to a second position fully seated within the differential carrier;
- measuring the insertion force applied to at least one of the first shim or the differential case;
- and
- determining, from the insertion force, an axial force applied to the differential case by the differential carrier.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.