Method for making a multi-piece crankshaft

Abstract

A method for making a multiple piece crankshaft from a shaft and a crankpin is disclosed. A notch is first machined on an intermediate section of the shaft such that the notch has a length slightly less than the length of the crankpin. Mating surfaces are then formed on the shaft at opposite ends of the notch. Thereafter, the crankpin is positioned on the mating surfaces on the shaft so that the crankpin is parallel to and spaced from an axis of the shaft. The ends of the crankpin are then secured to the mating surfaces formed on the crankshaft and a portion of the intermediate section of the shaft is then removed by machining. A counterweight is finally positioned over each end of the crankpin at its juncture with the main shaft and secured to the crankpin and shaft thereby forming the crankshaft. Alternatively, the crankpin is positioned on mating surfaces formed on the counterweights and fasteners then secure the crankpin, counterweights and main shaft together.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.