Power takeoff assembly having a two-part shaft assembly
AssigneeMuncie Power Products, Inc.
InventorBrian D. Perry
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.