Robert P Horton

US Patent:

61621269, Dec 19, 2000

Filed:

Nov 11, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/189886

Inventors:

Mark S. Barrett - Orion MI
Robert B. Horton - Sturgis MI
Larry L. Cramer - late of Augres MI

Assignee:

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16D 316

US Classification:

464134

Abstract:

A universal joint for interconnecting a pair of rotating shafts and a method of assembling the universal joint. The universal joint includes a pair of yokes secured to the shafts and a cruciform for interconnecting the yokes. Both yokes are bifurcated to define a pair of laterally-spaced legs. Each leg has an aperture which includes a first bore adapted to receive a bearing cup therein and a second bore into which an end portion of the bearing cup extends. Each bearing cup rotatably supports one of four orthogonal trunions extending from the cruciform. With respect to each of the yokes, a pair of axially-aligned trunions, with bearing cups mounted thereon, are installed into the apertures so as to support the cruciform between the legs of the yoke. Thereafter, a retention member is inserted in the second bore of each aperture such that one surface of the retention member rests on the bearing cup. After the rotary axis of the first shaft is aligned with the rotary axis of the second shaft, an edge portion of the legs surrounding the second bore of each aperture is deformed to define one or more projections which engage the opposite surface of the retention member.