Crankshaft nose design

Abstract

A vehicle, a crankshaft assembly for a vehicle, and a method for connecting a vehicle accessory component and a crankshaft are provided. A vehicle includes: an engine configured to generate a linear motion output; a crankshaft configured to convert the linear motion output into rotational motion and terminate at an end having a tapered outer surface extending to a central surface; an annular ring having a proximal ring surface, a distal ring surface, a ring opening in which the end of the crankshaft is received, and a tapered inner surface; and a fastener secured to the crankshaft and holding the ring against the tapered outer surface.

Description

[0001] The technical field relates generally to crankshaft assemblies in vehicles and, more particularly, to the interconnection of a crankshaft nose with an accessory component, such as a gear or sprocket. Background Art

[0002] The crankshaft is one of the important components of the internal combustion engine. In addition to converting the linear motion of the piston into rotational motion at one end, it also drives the accessories mounted to its opposite nose end. These accessory parts are usually mounted on the cylindrical surface of the crankshaft and are clamped between the crankshaft flat shoulder and the bolt head.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a crankshaft assembly, a vehicle, and a method for interconnecting a crankshaft to an accessory component that provides improved load isolation and reduces the average stress on the crankshaft fillet. In addition, other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the subsequent description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing introduction. Summary of the invention

[0004] A vehicle includes: an engine configured to produce a linear motion output; a crankshaft configured to convert the linear motion output into a rotational motion and terminating in an end having a tapered outer surface extending to a central surface; an annular ring having a proximal ring surface, a distal ring surface, a ring opening, and a tapered inner surface, wherein the end of the crankshaft is received in the ring opening; and a fastener secured to the crankshaft and holding the annular ring against the tapered outer surface.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle, the crankshaft is formed with a cavity in a center surface; the fastener includes an abutment surface and an extension extending from the abutment surface; and the extension is received in and engaged with the cavity in the center surface.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle, the crankshaft extends along an axis; the crankshaft is formed in a center surface with a cavity extending along the axis to a cavity bottom; the cavity bottom defines a cavity plane perpendicular to the axis; and the cavity plane is located between the proximal ring surface and the distal ring surface.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle, the crankshaft further includes an annular shoulder extending radially outward from the tapered outer surface; and the annular shoulder is spaced apart from the proximal ring surface by a gap.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle, the tapered outer surface is formed with an angle from 2 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle, a crankshaft is formed with a cavity in a center surface; a proximal ring surface is spaced apart from a distal ring surface by a ring length; a fastener includes an abutment surface and an extension extending from the abutment surface to an extension end; the extension end is spaced apart from the abutment surface by an extension length; the extension is received in and engaged with the cavity of the center surface; and the extension length is less than the ring length.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle, at the proximal ring surface, the ring opening has a first diameter; the central surface has a second diameter; and the first diameter is at least 1.2 times the second diameter.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle, at the proximal ring surface, the ring opening has a first diameter; the central surface has a second diameter; and the first diameter is at least 1.5 times the second diameter.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle, at least a portion of the tapered outer surface and / or the tapered inner surface is laser processed to form a hardened, roughened surface region.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle further includes a friction pad located between the tapered outer surface and the tapered inner surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, a crankshaft assembly for a vehicle is provided and includes a crankshaft including a shaft portion having a shaft end and including a nose portion located at the shaft end and having a distal nose surface formed with a cavity, and wherein the nose portion has a conical outer surface, the diameter of which increases in a proximal direction from the distal nose surface; an annular ring having a proximal ring surface, a distal ring surface, a ring opening and a conical inner surface, wherein the ring opening extends from the proximal ring surface to the distal ring surface, wherein the ring opening is defined by the conical inner surface, and wherein the conical inner surface is configured to accommodate the conical outer surface of the nose portion; and a connecting element having a proximal abutment surface and an extension portion extending in a proximal direction from the proximal abutment surface, wherein the extension portion is configured to be accommodated and fixed in the cavity of the nose portion to compress the annular ring between the conical outer surface of the nose portion and the proximal abutment surface of the connecting element.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the crankshaft assembly, the crankshaft further includes an annular shoulder engaging the conical outer surface; and the annular shoulder has a distal shoulder surface that is configured to be spaced apart from the proximal ring surface when the annular ring is compressed between the conical outer surface of the nose and the proximal abutment surface of the connecting element.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the crankshaft assembly, the conical outer surface is formed with an angle from 2 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the crankshaft assembly, the conical outer surface is formed with a first angle and the conical inner surface is formed with a second angle equal to the first angle.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the crankshaft assembly, the proximal ring surface is spaced from the distal ring surface by a ring length; the extension extends from the proximal abutment surface to an extension end; the extension end is spaced from the proximal abutment surface by an extension length; and the extension length is less than the ring length.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the crankshaft assembly, at a proximal ring surface, the ring opening has a first diameter; at a distal nose surface, the nose has a second diameter; and the first diameter is at least 1.5 times the second diameter.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the crankshaft assembly, at least a portion of the conical outer surface and / or the conical inner surface is laser processed to form a hardened, roughened surface region.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the crankshaft assembly further includes a friction pad configured to be compressed between the conical outer surface and the conical inner surface.

[0022] In one embodiment, a method for connecting a vehicle accessory component to a crankshaft is provided. The method includes positioning an end of the crankshaft in an opening of the vehicle accessory component, wherein the end of the crankshaft has a tapered outer surface extending to a central surface formed with a cavity, and wherein the vehicle accessory component has a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a tapered inner surface defining an opening; inserting an extension of a fastener into the cavity, wherein the fastener has an abutment surface; and tightening the fastener to contact the distal surface of the vehicle accessory component and force the vehicle accessory component toward the tapered outer surface.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the method, the tapered outer surface and / or the tapered inner surface are laser treated and have a hardened rough surface area; and / or the method further includes positioning a friction pad between the tapered outer surface and the tapered inner surface before positioning the end of the crankshaft in the opening of the vehicle accessory component, wherein tightening the fastener to contact the distal surface of the vehicle accessory component and force the vehicle accessory component toward the tapered outer surface includes compressing the friction pad. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle including a crankshaft connected to an engine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2is an exploded view of a crankshaft nose and interconnecting accessory components and fasteners according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the nose end of the crankshaft;

[0028] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an accessory component;

[0029] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of an end portion of a crankshaft;

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a connected crankshaft, accessory component, and fastener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a connected crankshaft and accessory component showing the friction areas at the interface therebetween according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and use of the embodiments herein. In addition, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing introduction and brief overview or the detailed description below. As used herein, the term "module" refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control unit or component, processing logic and / or processor device, alone or in any combination, including but not limited to: an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit and / or other suitable components that provide the described functions.

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform specified functions. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., which may perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with any number of autonomous driving systems, including cruise control systems, automatic driver assistance systems, and autonomous driving systems, and that the vehicle system described herein is merely an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Finally, for the sake of brevity, conventional techniques and components related to other functional aspects of vehicle mechanical parts and systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in embodiments of the present invention. It should also be understood that these figures are merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.

[0035] In addition, the following description relates to elements or features that are "connected" or "coupled" together. As used herein, "connection" may refer to an element / feature being directly engaged to another element / feature (or being directly communicated with it), and not necessarily mechanically. Similarly, "coupling" may refer to an element / feature being directly or indirectly engaged to another element / feature (or being directly or indirectly communicated with it), and not necessarily mechanically. However, it should be understood that although two elements can be described as being "connected" in one embodiment below, in alternative embodiments, similar elements can be "coupled", and vice versa. Therefore, although the schematic diagram shown herein depicts the example arrangement of elements, additional intermediate elements, equipment, features or parts may be present in actual embodiments.

[0036] Embodiments herein relate to the connection of a crankshaft, particularly a nose or fillet of a crankshaft, to an accessory component via a connecting element or fastener, such as a bolt.

[0037] Embodiments herein provide isolation of the crankshaft nose fillet portion from the load transfer path. Isolation is achieved by introducing a tapered outer surface at the distal end of the crankshaft nose and an inverted tapered inner surface in the accessory component. Axial movement of the accessory component is constrained by the cone angle. Unlike conventional structures, the accessory component does not contact or support the crankshaft shoulder. With this isolation, the average stress on the nose fillet portion is greatly reduced.

[0038] Thus, the embodiments herein eliminate the load transfer path along the crankshaft nose fillet portion. The load transfer path found in conventional assemblies often results in higher average stresses on the crankshaft nose. Specifically, in conventional designs, accessory components are mounted on the typical cylindrical surface of the crankshaft and are sandwiched between the crankshaft flat shoulder and the bolt head, thereby creating a load path that results in high stresses on the nose fillet portion. Such stresses are avoided herein.

[0039] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals correspond to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle 10 is shown in FIG. Embodiments will be described herein with respect to the vehicle 10 as an exemplary application. Therefore, it should be readily understood that Figure 1These are merely exemplary applications in which the present embodiments may be incorporated and practiced, i.e., the subject matter is not limited to Figure 1 Specific configuration.

[0040] The vehicle 10 may be any of a number of different types of vehicles, such as, for example, a sedan, van, truck, or sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may be two-wheel drive (2WD), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD). In various embodiments, the vehicle 10 may incorporate any one or combination of a number of different types of engines, such as, for example, an internal combustion engine such as gasoline or diesel fuel, a flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) engine (i.e., using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), or a hybrid vehicle.

[0041] As shown, the vehicle 10 includes an engine system 12, a drive wheel 14 and a wheel 16, and a crankshaft 100. The engine system 12 generates a linear motion output, which is converted into a torque output by the crankshaft to drive the drive wheel 14 and optionally drive the wheel 16. The engine system 12 includes an internal combustion engine 18 connected to a transmission 20. The internal combustion engine 18 includes an intake manifold 22 and a throttle 24. The airflow entering the intake manifold 22 is regulated by the throttle 24. The airflow from the intake manifold 22 and the fuel from the fuel pump 26 are ignited in a plurality of cylinders 28 by an ignition system 30. In addition, a valve mechanism 32 assists in regulating the combustion in the cylinder 28. The combustion in each cylinder 28 drives a piston 34, which rotatably drives the crankshaft 100. Although an internal combustion engine utilizing spark ignition is described, the embodiments herein are applicable to diesel and other compression ignition engines without sparks and throttles.

[0042] The timing wheel 38 is connected to the crankshaft 100. The timing wheel 38 includes a plurality of timing teeth 40, which correspond to respective crankshaft positions. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the timing wheel 38 includes 60 timing teeth 40. Therefore, each timing tooth 40 corresponds to approximately 6 degrees of crankshaft rotation. It should also be understood that the number of timing teeth 40 on the timing wheel 38 and the crankshaft rotation of each tooth 40 can vary.

[0043] Reference now Figure 2 , further describing the crankshaft 100. Specifically, the interconnection of the end 102 of the crankshaft with the vehicle accessory component 200 is shown. This interconnection can be achieved using a connecting element 300 or a fastener 300.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the crankshaft 100 includes a shaft portion 110 and a nose portion 120. The shaft portion 110 extends along the axis 99 and defines the axis 99. As shown, the shaft portion 110 extends along the axis 99 in the distal direction 91 and terminates at a shaft end 112.

[0045] The shaft end 112 is configured to be connected to the nose portion 120. In some embodiments, the nose portion 120 can be integrally formed with the shaft end 112 of the shaft portion 110.

[0046] exist Figure 2 , the nose 120 extends from a proximal end surface 121 to a distal nose surface 122 in the distal direction 91. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal nose surface 122 is rounded. As further shown, the nose 120 has an outer surface 123 that extends from the distal nose surface 122 to an annular shoulder 124 in the proximal direction 92. Specifically, the outer surface 123 extends from the distal nose surface 122 to an annular distal shoulder surface 125 of the annular shoulder 124 in the proximal direction 92.

[0047] The outer surface 123 can be tapered. For example, the outer surface 123 can be conical. As shown, the diameter of the nose 120 increases from the distal nose surface 122 to the annular shoulder 124. In some embodiments, the increase in diameter from the distal nose surface 122 to the annular shoulder 124 is linear.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the end 102 of the crankshaft 100 is defined by an outer surface 123 and a distal nose surface 122, which can be identified as a center surface 122 surrounded by the outer surface 123. As shown, a cavity 126 is formed in the distal nose surface 122 and extends into the nose 120 in the proximal direction 92, i.e., toward the proximal surface 121. The cavity 126 can be formed by a threaded sidewall 127.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiment, the annular distal shoulder surface 125 is perpendicular to the axis 99, the proximal surface 121 is perpendicular to the axis 99, and the distal nose surface 122 is perpendicular to the axis 99. As shown, the annular shoulder 124 has an outer side surface 128. In the exemplary embodiment, the outer side surface 128 is cylindrical and centered on the axis 99.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle accessory component 200 is annular and is referred to as an annular ring 200 . The vehicle accessory component 200 may be a gear, a sprocket, or other component configured to rotate by being connected to the crankshaft 100 .

[0051] Annular ring 200 extends from proximal surface 201 to distal surface 202 in distal direction 91. In some embodiments, proximal surface 201 and distal surface 202 are parallel and proximal surface 201 and distal surface 202 are perpendicular to axis 99. As shown, annular ring 200 has an outer side surface 203. In an exemplary embodiment, outer side surface 203 is cylindrical. In some embodiments, outer side surface 203 is centered on axis 99.

[0052] As shown, the annular ring 200 is formed with an opening 210. The opening 210 extends in the proximal direction 92 from the distal surface 202 to the proximal surface 201 while increasing in diameter, as shown and described with respect to the figures.

[0053] exist Figure 2 , the fastener 300 is shown as a threaded bolt. As shown, the fastener 300 includes a head 301 having a distal surface 302. The head 301 extends from the distal surface 302 to a proximal abutment surface 303 in the proximal direction 92. As further shown, the fastener 300 includes an extension 304 extending from the proximal abutment surface 303 along the axis 99 to an extension end 305. The extension 304 has an extended side surface 306, which can be formed with threads. In addition, the head 301 has an outer side surface 307 configured to be clamped by a tool. For example, the outer side surface 307 can be a hexagon as shown.

[0054] As from Figure 2 As can be appreciated, the nose portion 120 of the crankshaft 100 is received on the shaft portion 110 of the crankshaft 100 and is fixed to the shaft portion 110, or is formed integrally with the shaft portion 110. In addition, the annular ring 200 is received on the outer surface 123 of the nose portion 120. In other words, the nose portion 120 is inserted into the opening 210 of the annular ring 200. In addition, the extension 304 is inserted into the cavity 126 through the opening 210 in the annular ring 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the threads on the extension 304 cooperate with the threads on the side wall 127 of the cavity 126, so that the fastener 300 can be tightened, that is, force is applied in the proximal direction 92.

[0055] When tightened, the proximal abutment surface 303 of the fastener 300 contacts the distal surface 202 and exerts a force in the proximal direction on the annular ring 200. In addition, the threaded engagement of the extension 304 and the cavity 126 pulls the nose 120 in the distal direction 91. As a result, the fastener 300 provides for securing the nose 120 and the annular ring 200 together.

[0056] Reference now Figure 3-Figure 6 , cross-sectional views of each separate component of the assembled nose 120, annular ring 200, and fastener 300 are shown respectively.

[0057] Figure 3 A portion of the crankshaft 100 is shown. Figure 3 , the connection between the shaft portion 110 and the nose portion 120 is shown. Specifically, the shaft end 112 of the shaft portion 110 contacts the proximal surface 121 of the nose portion 120. As described above, the shaft portion 110 and the nose portion 120 can be integral, that is, unitary or single-piece.

[0058] Figure 3The cavity 126 is shown formed with a sidewall 127 that extends in the proximal direction 92 from the distal nasal surface 122 to the cavity floor 228 .

[0059] Figure 3 The distal nose surface 122 or center surface 122 is also shown to have an outer diameter 129 at the interface with the outer surface 123.

[0060] like Figure 3 , outer surface 123 forms relative linear cross sections that intersect to form angle 191. In other words, outer surface 123 is formed as a conical section around angle 191, or is tapered at angle 191. In an exemplary embodiment, angle 191 is from 2 degrees to 60 degrees. For example, angle 191 can be at least 2 degrees, at least 3 degrees, at least 4 degrees, at least 5 degrees, at least 10 degrees, at least 15 degrees, at least 20 degrees, at least 25 degrees, at least 30 degrees, at least 35 degrees, or at least 40 degrees. In addition, angle 191 can be at most 60 degrees, at most 55 degrees, at most 50 degrees, at most 45 degrees, at most 40 degrees, at most 35 degrees, or at most 30 degrees.

[0061] Figure 4 An attachment component 200 is shown. As shown, the proximal surface 201 and the distal surface 202 are spaced apart from each other by an axial length 204. In certain embodiments, the axial length 204 is greater than an axial length 309 of the extension 304 of the fastener 300.

[0062] In addition, the proximal surface 201 extends radially outwardly a distance 205 from the opening sidewall or inner surface 211 to the outer side surface 203. Likewise, the distal surface 202 extends radially outwardly a distance 206 from the opening sidewall or inner surface 211 to the outer side surface 203.

[0063] The opening 210 has a major diameter 207 at the proximal surface 201. In an exemplary embodiment, the major diameter 207 is from 25 mm to 80 mm. For example, the major diameter 207 can be at least 25 mm, such as at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 45 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 55 mm, at least 60 mm, at least 65 mm, or at least 70 mm. In addition, the major diameter 207 can be at most 80 mm, such as at most 75 mm, at most 70 mm, at most 65 mm, at most 60 mm, at most 55 mm, at most 50 mm, at most 45 mm, at most 40 mm, at most 35 mm, or at most 30 mm.

[0064] The opening 210 has a diameter 208 at the distal surface 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter 208 is from 20 mm to 75 mm. For example, the diameter 208 can be at least 20 mm, such as at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 45 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 55 mm, at least 60 mm, at least 65 mm, or at least 70 mm. In addition, the diameter 208 can be at most 75 mm, such as at most 70 mm, at most 65 mm, at most 60 mm, at most 55 mm, at most 50 mm, at most 45 mm, at most 40 mm, at most 35 mm, or at most 30 mm.

[0065] like Figure 4 , inner surface 211 forms relative linear cross sections, which intersect to form angle 215. In other words, inner surface 211 is formed as a conical section around angle 215, or is tapered at angle 215. In an exemplary embodiment, angle 215 is from 2 degrees to 60 degrees. For example, angle 215 can be at least 2 degrees, at least 3 degrees, at least 4 degrees, at least 5 degrees, at least 10 degrees, at least 15 degrees, at least 20 degrees, at least 25 degrees, at least 30 degrees, at least 35 degrees or at least 40 degrees. In addition, angle 215 can be at most 60 degrees, at most 55 degrees, at most 50 degrees, at most 45 degrees, at most 40 degrees, at most 35 degrees or at most 30 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment, angle 215 is equal to angle 191.

[0066] Figure 5 Fastener 300 is shown. As shown, abutment surface 303 extends radially outward from extension side surface 306 to outer side surface 307 and has a radial length 308. In addition, extension 304 extends from abutment surface 303 to extension end 305 and has an axial length 309. Distal end surface 302 and proximal abutment surface 303 can each be perpendicular to axis 99 and parallel to each other.

[0067] Cross Reference Figure 6 and Figure 3-Figure 5 , depicting the engagement of the assembled nose 120, annular ring 200, and fastener 300. As shown, the nose 120 of the end 102 of the crankshaft 100 is received within the opening 210 of the accessory component 200. In addition, the extension 304 of the fastener 300 is received in the opening 210 of the accessory component 200 and in the cavity 126 of the nose 120.

[0068] A threaded engagement or another suitable engagement is used to tighten the extension 304 and draw it into the cavity 126. As a result, the distal surface 202 contacts the abutment surface 303, and the nose 120 is drawn into the opening 210.

[0069] The outer surface 123 of the nose 120 and the inner surface 211 of the opening 210 create a connection interface 400. At the interface 400, the tapered outer surface 123 of the crankshaft 100 and its counterpart, the tapered inner surface 211 of the accessory component 200, lock and constrain axial movement into the crankshaft.

[0070] As shown, after tightening the fastener 300, the annular distal shoulder surface 125 of the shoulder 124 of the nose 120 is separated from the proximal surface 201 of the accessory component 200 by a gap 500 having an axial distance 501. In an exemplary embodiment, the axial distance 501 can be from 1 mm to 10 mm. For example, the axial distance 501 can be at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, or at least 8 mm. In addition, the axial distance 501 can be at most 10 mm, such as at most 9.5 mm, at most 9 mm, at most 8 mm, at most 7 mm, at most 6 mm, at most 5 mm, at most 4 mm, at most 3 mm, or at most 2 mm.

[0071] In addition, after tightening the fastener 300, the distal surface 202 is separated from the proximal abutment surface 303 by a gap 600 having an axial distance 601. In an exemplary embodiment, the axial distance 601 can be from 1 mm to 10 mm. For example, the axial distance 601 can be at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, or at least 8 mm. In addition, the axial distance 601 can be at most 10 mm, such as at most 9.5 mm, at most 9 mm, at most 8 mm, at most 7 mm, at most 6 mm, at most 5 mm, at most 4 mm, at most 3 mm, or at most 2 mm.

[0072] Because there is no contact between the nose 120 of the crankshaft 100 and the proximal surface 201 of the accessory component 200, there is no bending stress on the accessory component 200. In other words, because of the presence of the gap 500, the accessory component 200 does not provide structural support to the crankshaft shoulder 124.

[0073] As Figure 6 As a result of the interconnection, the crankshaft nose fillet is isolated from the load transfer path. In addition, fatigue strength is increased compared to conventional designs because the mean stress is reduced. In addition, the torque capacity of the interconnection is higher than conventional designs. For example, the torque capacity of the interconnection between the crankshaft 100 and the accessory component 200 can be calculated according to the following equation:

[0074]

[0075] Where T is the torque capacity,

[0076] F is the clamping force,

[0077] μ is the friction coefficient,

[0078] D is the major diameter (diameter 207),

[0079] d is the minor diameter (diameter 129), and

[0080] α is the cone angle (angle 191 or angle 215).

[0081] While various lengths, distances, and angles may be described herein, the taper angle, major diameter, and minor diameter may be varied to meet desired packaging requirements and torque capacity.

[0082] Reference now Figure 7 , a friction region 800 is included at the interface 400 to increase the coefficient of friction. For example, the friction region 800 may be formed on one or both of the outer surface 123 and the inner surface 211. For example, one or both of the outer surface 123 and the inner surface 211 may be laser processed to form a hardened rough surface. Alternatively or additionally, the friction region 800 may be formed by a friction pad. Specifically, the friction region 800 may be a thin metal, such as having a thickness of 0.1 mm, and coated with a diamond dust slurry.

[0083] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing summary of the invention and detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing summary of the invention and detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the attached claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: an engine configured to produce a linear motion output; a crankshaft configured to convert the linear motion output into rotational motion and terminating in an end having a tapered outer surface extending to a central surface; an annular ring having a proximal ring surface, a distal ring surface, a ring opening, and a tapered inner surface, wherein the end of the crankshaft is received in the ring opening; as well as A fastener is secured to the crankshaft and holds the annular ring against the tapered outer surface.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The crankshaft is formed with a cavity in the center surface; The fastener includes an abutment surface and an extension extending from the abutment surface; and The extension is received in and engaged with the cavity of the center surface.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The crankshaft extends along an axis; The crankshaft is formed with a cavity in the center surface extending along the axis to a bottom of the cavity; The cavity bottom defines a cavity plane perpendicular to the axis; and The cavity plane is located between the proximal ring surface and the distal ring surface.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The crankshaft further includes an annular shoulder extending radially outward from the tapered outer surface; and The annular shoulder is spaced apart from the proximal ring surface by a gap.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The tapered outer surface is formed with an angle ranging from 2 degrees to 60 degrees.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The crankshaft is formed with a cavity in the center surface; The proximal ring surface is spaced apart from the distal ring surface by a ring length; The fastener includes an abutment surface and an extension extending from the abutment surface to an extension end; The extension end is spaced apart from the abutment surface by an extension length; The extension is received in and engaged with the cavity of the center surface; as well as The extension length is less than the loop length.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: At the proximal ring surface, the ring opening has a first diameter; The central surface has a second diameter; and The first diameter is at least 1.5 times the second diameter.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the tapered outer surface and / or the tapered inner surface is laser treated to form a hardened roughened surface area; and / or wherein the vehicle further comprises a friction pad located between the tapered outer surface and the tapered inner surface.

9. A method for connecting a vehicle accessory component to a crankshaft, the method comprising: positioning an end of the crankshaft in an opening of the vehicle accessory component, wherein the end of the crankshaft has a tapered outer surface extending to a central surface in which a cavity is formed, and wherein the vehicle accessory component has a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a tapered inner surface defining the opening; inserting an extension of a fastener into the cavity, wherein the fastener has an abutment surface; and The fastener is tightened to contact the distal surface of the vehicle accessory component and urge the vehicle accessory component toward the tapered outer surface.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The tapered outer surface and / or the tapered inner surface is laser treated and has a hardened rough surface area; and / or The method further includes positioning a friction pad between the tapered outer surface and the tapered inner surface prior to positioning the end of the crankshaft in the opening of the vehicle accessory component, wherein tightening the fastener to contact the distal surface of the vehicle accessory component and force the vehicle accessory component toward the tapered outer surface includes compressing the friction pad.

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