# US 2019/0170193 A1 · Aluminum prop shaft with constant velocity joint

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- Number: US 2019/0170193 A1
- Document ID: US20190170193A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 15/828,506
- Filed: 2017-12-01
- Published: 2019-06-06
- Earliest claimed: 2017-12-01
- Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
- Applicants: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
- Inventors: ROLANDO V. RODRIGUEZ
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190170193A1

## CPC

- F16D 1/033: by clamping together two faces perpendicular to the axis of rotation, e.g. with bolted flanges
- B60K 17/22: characterised by arrangement, location, or type of main drive shafting, e.g. cardan shaft
- B60K 17/24: Arrangement of mountings for shafting
- F16D 3/16: Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts
- F16D 3/223: the rolling members being guided in grooves in both coupling parts
- F16D 1/076: by clamping together two faces perpendicular to the axis of rotation, e.g. with bolted flanges
- F16D 2003/22326: {Attachments to the outer joint member, i.e. attachments to the exterior of the outer joint member or to the shaft of the outer joint member}
- F16D: COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- B60K: ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES

## Abstract

A prop shaft assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a main body having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to a first flange and a constant velocity (CV) joint assembly including a first member and a second member, the second member coupled to a second flange. The first flange and the main body are made from aluminum, the second member and the second flange are made from steel, and the first flange and the second flange are coupled together by a plurality of mechanical fasteners.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An automotive vehicle, comprising:
a transmission;
a differential; and
a prop shaft assembly connecting the transmission and the differential, the prop shaft assembly comprising a main body and a constant velocity (CV) joint assembly, the main body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, each of the first and second ends coupled to a first flange, and the CV joint assembly comprising a first member and a second member, the first and second members configured to rotate together, the second member coupled to a second flange;
wherein the first flange is coupled to the second flange via a plurality of mechanical fasteners to interconnect the CV joint assembly with the main body of the prop shaft assembly.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The automotive vehicle of claim 1, wherein the main body is a hollow aluminum tube.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The automotive vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first flange is an aluminum flange having an alignment edge defining a radial alignment area.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The automotive vehicle of claim 3, wherein the first flange and the main body are coupled together by welding.

### Claim 5 (depends on 3)

The automotive vehicle of claim 3, wherein the second flange includes an alignment member that abuts against the alignment edge within the radial alignment area to align the CV joint assembly and the main body of the prop shaft assembly.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The automotive vehicle of claim 1, wherein the mechanical fasteners are balance correction members configured to balance the prop shaft assembly.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The automotive vehicle of claim 1, wherein the second flange is formed integrally with the second member.

### Claim 8

A prop shaft assembly for an automotive vehicle, comprising:
a main body having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to a first flange; and
a constant velocity (CV) joint assembly comprising a first member and a second member, the second member coupled to a second flange;
wherein the first flange and the main body are made from aluminum, the second member and the second flange are made from steel, and the first flange and the second flange are coupled together by a plurality of mechanical fasteners.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The prop shaft assembly of claim 8, wherein the first flange includes an alignment edge defining a radial alignment area.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The prop shaft assembly of claim 9, wherein the second flange includes an alignment member that abuts against the alignment edge within the radial alignment area to align the CV joint assembly and the main body of the prop shaft assembly.

### Claim 11 (depends on 8)

The prop shaft assembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality of mechanical fasteners are balance correction members configured to balance the prop shaft assembly.

### Claim 12 (depends on 8)

The prop shaft assembly of claim 8, wherein the second flange is formed integrally with the second member.