Tapered spline and method of manufacturing same
AssigneeCaterpillar Tractor Co.
InventorJames R. Bernhagen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A first member (7) with a tapered spline (6) and a method of making same, which tapered spline (6) provides an improved backlash-free mating with a second member (10) having a conventional straight spline (9). The method of forming the spline (6) consists of distorting a first member (7) along its central axis (14), broaching the first member (7) to form a straight cylindrical spline, and returning the first member (7) to its undistorted condition whereby the straight spline becomes a tapered spline (6).
Claims12
A method for forming a spline (6,9) on a first member (7,10) having a central axis (14), which spline (6,9) is tapered to provide an improved mating with a straight spline (6,9) on a second member (7,10), the steps comprising:
- deflecting one of said members (7,10) along its central axis (14);
- broaching said one member (7,10) to form a spline (6,9) on a deflected portion of said one member (7,10);
- and
- returning said one member (7,10) to its undeflected condition.
In a splined connection between a female member (7) and a male member (10), the improvement comprising a tapered spline (6) in the female member (7) capable of mating with a straight spline (9) on the male member (10).
A planatary final drive unit having a splined connection between a female member (7) and a male member (10), the improvement comprising a tapered spline (6) in the female member (7) capable of mating with a straight spline (9) on the male member (10).
In a splined connection between a first member (7) and a second member (10), the improvement comprising a tapered spline (6) formed in a bore in said first member (7) during axial deformation of said first member, a straight spline (9) formed on the outside of said second member (10), the straight spline (9) of said second member mating with the tapered spline (6) of said first member (7).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.