Highly efficient modular cover that is mounted coaxially to the existing holes.

Abstract

Axis that includes: a central housing; an axle arm that is attached to the central housing by a plurality of first fastening means; and a guide plate which is attached to the central housing via at least one fastening element which is coaxial to at least one fastening means of the plurality of first fastening means and at least one hole of a plurality of existing holes of the central housing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a modular cover for an axle assembly that includes a first mounting system or a second mounting system. The first and second mounting systems can be installed coaxially with the existing fasteners and holes of the axle assembly housing, allowing the modular cover to be attached to a housing of the axle assembly. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0002] Vehicles, such as off-road vehicles, may have axles with a drivetrain architecture that includes two reduction stages. There may be a first reduction stage that includes a bevel gear set. There may be a second reduction stage that includes a planetary gear set. The reduction stages may be incorporated into or rotatably coupled to parts of an axle assembly, such as a differential gear assembly. A first axle assembly may include a first differential case, which may be a center housing capable of housing a differential gear assembly. A second axle assembly may include a second differential case, which may be a center housing capable of housing a differential gear assembly. The differential gear assemblies of the first and / or second differential cases may include the bevel gear set.The differential gear assemblies of the first and / or second differential housings may include the planetary gear train. The first and second axle assemblies may include axle half-shaft housings that may be attached to their respective first and second differential housings. At least one of the axle half-shaft housings may be attached to the first differential housing via fasteners and complementary holes in the first differential housing and the axle half-shaft housing. Likewise, at least one of the axle half-shaft housings may be attached to the second differential housing via fasteners and complementary holes in the first differential housing and the axle half-shaft housing. The differential housings may have a plurality of first complementary holes, and the axle half-shaft housings may have a plurality of second complementary holes for the fasteners.Reducing power losses can become increasingly important in a non-road vehicle, especially as fuel / energy efficiency becomes more important. Splashing or churning of a fluid, such as a lubricant, that fully or partially fills the axle assembly housing can result in power losses that reduce efficiency. The fluid can be splashed or churned over rotating elements, such as gears or shafts, housed in the axle housing. Lubricants used as the fluid may include oil. To minimize or mitigate fluid splashing and churning, baffles, such as shrouds, may be arranged around sections of a rotating element.

[0003] Such a baffle may be a cover arranged around a section of a ring gear. A bevel gear set may include the face gear. The differential may include the bevel gear set, and the bevel gear set may be housed in the differential case. The bevel gear set may distribute the rotational energy to the half-shafts housed in the axle assembly. The cover arranged around the face gear can prevent splash or recirculation losses from fluid thrown out of the face gear or stirred up by the rotation of the ring gear. However, a baffle for a face gear may be attached with special fasteners. The fasteners for the baffle may only be attached to the housing after machining or other modifications to the existing housing. For example, brackets may be attached to the inner surfaces of the housing around the face gear.The brackets can be compatible with the baffle's fasteners. The brackets can be bonded or physically coupled to the interior surfaces of the enclosure. Installing the brackets can increase manufacturing time because the bracket shapes are complex and must be assembled with precision. Also, the brackets may require specialized tooling to create the bracket shape and install the brackets. The enclosure's internal shape can become more complex with the brackets. The brackets can disrupt fluid flow. Likewise, there may be more points of damage, and the brackets may be more susceptible to damage compared to other enclosure features. Alternatively, if brackets are not used, additional holes that mate with the baffle's fasteners can be milled through or machined from the enclosure.However, making holes in the case material can compromise the structural integrity of the case. Likewise, making holes in the case can damage the case.

[0004] The inventors herein have recognized these and other problems with such systems and found a way to at least partially solve them. In one example, an axle is developed that includes: a center housing; an axle arm secured to the center housing via a plurality of first fasteners; and an oil baffle secured to the center housing via at least one fastener coaxial with at least one of the plurality of first fasteners and at least one of a plurality of pre-existing holes of the center housing.

[0005] In one example, the fastener is a screw or bolt that is fastened to the baffle through a first existing hole for the at least one fastener at an interface between the axle arm and the center housing and a complementary hole of the baffle. The fastener is complementary to an insert, and the insert is fitted into the first existing hole and the complementary hole of the baffle to prevent sliding or dislodging of the fastener from the first existing hole and the baffle hole without intentional force. The insert includes a head and a collar, the head abutting a surface of the baffle, the head and collar being disposed around a through hole of the insert, and the collar receiving the fastener.

[0006] In one example, the fastener is a snap-in connection element that is fixedly connected to the baffle. The fastener secures the baffle to the central housing through a first existing hole for the at least one fastener at an interface between the axle arm and the central housing. The fastener is physically connected to one of a plurality of brackets of the baffle, wherein the plurality of brackets extend in a radial direction from and may be physically connected to a surface of the baffle. The fastener elastically changes shape and increases or decreases in width under the application of force, e.g., when inserted through the first existing hole. The fastener includes a body, a head, and a neck, the body being columnar and cylindrical in shape and the neck being disposed between the body and the head.The fastener includes a first prong and a second prong, and a gap between the first prong and the second prong. The gap can be increased by a force, thereby increasing the width of the fastener. The gap can also be decreased by a force, thereby decreasing the width of the fastener. The first prong and the second prong can comprise portions of the head and neck of the fastener.

[0007] It should be understood that the above summary is intended to introduce, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further explained in the detailed description. It is not intended to identify the most important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is clearly defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that address the disadvantages noted above or elsewhere in this disclosure. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS Fig. 1 shows an exemplary schematic representation of a vehicle that may include the transmission of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 shows a first view of an axle assembly with a baffle of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 shows a second view of an axle assembly with the first housing, the second housing and a baffle in a first configuration. Fig. Figure 4 shows a third view of the axle assembly from a section, including features and components of the fastening system. Fig. Figure 5 shows a fourth view of the axle arrangement closer to the fastening systems of Fig. 3-4, which includes additional components and features of the fastening system. Fig. 6 shows a fifth view of the axle assembly with the first housing, the second housing and a baffle in a second configuration. Fig. Figure 7 shows a sixth view of the axle assembly closer to the mounting system, including components and features of the mounting system. Fig. Figure 8 shows a seventh view of the baffle of the second configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The following description relates to a fastening system by which a guide plate can be fastened to at least one of a plurality of pre-existing holes in a center housing for an axle assembly and an axle housing. The guide plate can be a cover that can be arranged around a face gear. The face gear can be included in a system of a bevel gear assembly, and the bevel gear assembly can be included in a differential assembly. The axle housing can comprise a first housing and a second housing. The first housing is a center housing that can accommodate a differential and a complementary bevel gear set. The second housing is the housing of an axle half-shaft, e.g., an axle arm. The first and second housings can be connected to one another at an interface via a plurality of first fastening means.The first fastening means may connect the first and second housings via a plurality of first holes in the second housing and a plurality of second holes in the first housing. The first and second housings may be fastened with the first fastening means when the first holes and the second holes are coaxially aligned with each other. The first fastening means may be main arm bolts.

[0009] The second holes can be used by different fastening systems of a first and a second baffle configuration to fasten their respective baffles to elements of the first housing. The first embodiment of the baffle may be referred to herein as a first baffle. The first baffle may be compatible with or include one fastening system or a plurality of fastening systems of a first configuration. A fastening system of the first configuration may be referred to herein as a first fastening system. The second embodiment of the baffle may be referred to herein as a second baffle. The second baffle may be compatible with or include one fastening system or a plurality of fastening systems of a second configuration. A fastening system of the second configuration may be referred to herein as a second fastening system.

[0010] For the first baffle, the first fastening system may include a first fastener and an insert. The first fastener may be a fastener such as a screw or bolt that is attached to the baffle through a first existing hole for the at least one fastener at an interface between the axle arm and the center housing and a complementary hole of the baffle. The first existing hole may be one of the second holes described above. The first fastener is complementary to an insert. The insert can be fitted into the first existing hole and the complementary hole of the baffle. The insert can prevent the fastener from sliding out of or loosening from the first existing hole and the baffle hole without intentional force.The insert comprises a head and a collar, the head being in contact with a surface of the baffle, the head and collar being arranged around a through hole of the insert, and the collar being capable of receiving the fastener.

[0011] For the second baffle, the second attachment system may include a second attachment element that is a snap-in connection element. The second attachment element may be a fastener that is integral with the baffle such that the second attachment element is encompassed by, connected to, or physically coupled to the second baffle. The second attachment element may attach the second baffle to the central housing through a first existing hole for the at least one fastener at an interface between the axle arm and the central housing. The first existing hole may be one of a plurality of second holes.The second fastener may be physically connected to one of a plurality of fasteners of the baffle, wherein the plurality of fasteners extend in a radial direction from and may be physically connected to a surface of the baffle. There may be a plurality of second fasteners, wherein one of the second fasteners may be physically connected to each of the plurality of fasteners. The second fastener is elastically capable of changing shape and increasing or decreasing in width under the application of force. The fastener includes a body, a head, and a neck, the body being columnar and cylindrical in shape, and the neck being disposed between the body and the head. The fastener includes a first prong and a second prong, and a gap between the first prong and the second prong.The gap between the first and second prongs can be expanded widthwise by a force, thereby increasing the width of the second fastener. Likewise, the gap between the first and second prongs can be contracted widthwise by a force, thereby decreasing the width of the second fastener. The first prong and the second prong can comprise portions of the head and neck of the second fastener. When the first and second prongs are spread open, the first fastener cannot allow withdrawal of the fastener or the second baffle. Thus, the first fastener can secure the second baffle to the first housing.

[0012] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary schematic representation of a vehicle that may include the transmission of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows a first view of an axle assembly with a guide vane of the present disclosure. The guide vane of the present disclosure may be arranged around a crown gear and secured to the axle assembly. The first view also shows a line AA indicating a cutaway view of the axle assembly. Fig. 3 shows a second view of an axle assembly with the first housing, the second housing, and a guide vane in a first configuration. The guide vane of the first configuration uses a fastening system of a first configuration. The second view may be a partial sectional view showing the cutout along line AA. Fig. Figure 4 shows a third view of the axle assembly from a section, including features and components of the fastening system. Fig. Figure 5 shows a fourth view of the axle assembly including additional components and features of the mounting system. The fourth view from Fig. 5 also shows additional dimensions of the first and second holes. Fig. Figure 6 shows a fifth view of the axle assembly with the first housing, the second housing, and a guide plate in a second configuration. The guide plate of the second configuration uses a fastening system of a second configuration. The fifth view may have the same position as the second view of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 7 shows a sixth view of the axle assembly closer to the fastening system, including components and features of the fastening system. The sixth view may have the same position as the fourth view of Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 8 shows a seventh view of the baffle of the second configuration. The seventh view may be an isolated view showing the baffle of the second configuration isolated from other components and features of the axle assembly.

[0013] It should also be understood that the specific arrangements and systems illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. For purposes of explanation, the drawings are described together. Thus, like elements may be referred to by like reference numerals and need not be repeated.

[0014] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary configuration with the relative arrangement of the various components. Fig. 2-8 show example configurations with approximate arrangement. Fig. Figures 2-8 are drawn approximately to scale, but other relative dimensions may be used. The term "approximately" means plus or minus five percent of the range, unless otherwise noted.

[0015] Furthermore, Fig. 2-8 Example configurations showing the relative arrangement of the various components. When these elements are in direct contact with each other or are directly coupled, they may be referred to as being in direct contact or directly coupled, respectively, in at least one example. Similarly, elements shown side by side or adjacent to each other may be adjacent to each other or adjacent to each other, in at least one example. For example, components that are in surface-to-surface contact with each other may be referred to as being in surface-to-surface contact. As another example, in at least one instance, elements that are separated from each other with only a space between them and that do not have any other components may be referred to as such.In yet another example, elements depicted above / below, on opposite sides, or to the left / right of each other may be referred to as such, relative to each other. Further, in at least one example, as depicted in the figures, a topmost element or point of an element may be referred to as a "top" of the component, and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a "bottom" of the component. As used herein, the terms top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below may refer to a vertical axis of the figures and may be used to describe the positioning of elements of the figures relative to each other. Thus, in one example, elements displayed above other elements are arranged vertically above the other elements.As another example, the shapes of the elements depicted in the figures may be referred to as such (e.g., circular, straight, flat, curved, rounded, beveled, angled, or the like). Furthermore, in at least one example, depicted elements that intersect each other may be referred to as intersecting elements or as intersecting elements. Furthermore, an element depicted inside or outside another element may be referred to as such. Furthermore, the components may be described with respect to the reference axes included in the drawings.

[0016] Features described as axial may be approximately parallel to a datum axis unless otherwise specified. Features described as reverse may be approximately perpendicular to the datum axis unless otherwise specified. Features described as radial may circumferentially surround or extend outwardly from an axis, such as the datum axis, or a component or feature previously described as radial to a datum axis, unless otherwise specified.

[0017] Features described as longitudinal can run approximately parallel to a long axis. A transverse axis can run perpendicular to the long axis. Features described as lateral can run approximately parallel to the transverse axis and normal to the long axis.

[0018] In Fig. 1, a vehicle 100 is illustrated that includes a powertrain 101 and a transmission train 103. The vehicle 100 may have a front end 132 and a rear end 134 located on opposite sides of the vehicle 100. Objects, components, and features of the vehicle 100 referred to as being near the front may be closest to the front end 132 compared to the rear end 134. Objects, components, and features of the vehicle 100 referred to as being near the rear may be closest to the rear end 134 compared to the front end 132. The powertrain 101 includes a prime mover 106 and a transmission 108. The prime mover 106 may be, for example, an internal combustion engine (ICE) or an electric motor and operates to provide rotational power to the transmission 108. The transmission 108 may be any type of transmission, such asa manual transmission, an automatic transmission, or a continuously variable transmission. The transmission 108 receives the torque generated by the prime mover 106 as input and outputs the torque to the gear train 103 according to a selected gear ratio or setting. In addition, there may be other drives in the vehicle besides the prime mover 106. If the prime mover 106 is an internal combustion engine, there may be at least one second drive with an input to the transmission 108, where the second drive may be an electric machine such as an electric motor. In one example, the vehicle 100 may be a hybrid vehicle if there are one or more second drives in addition to the prime mover 106, with multiple torque inputs to the transmission 108. The vehicle 100 may have a longitudinal axis 130.The drive train 101 and the transmission train 103 may have a length parallel to the longitudinal axis 130.

[0019] The prime mover 106 may be powered by energy from an energy storage device 105. In one example, the energy storage device 105 is a battery configured to store electrical energy. An inverter 107 may be disposed between the energy storage device 105 and the prime mover 106 and configured to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The inverter 107 may include a variety of components and circuits with thermal requirements that affect the efficiency of the inverter.

[0020] The vehicle 100 may be a commercial vehicle, a light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty vehicle, a passenger vehicle, an off-highway vehicle, and / or an off-highway vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 100 and / or one or more of its components may be used in industrial, locomotive, military, agricultural, and / or aerospace applications. In one example, the vehicle 100 is an all-electric vehicle or a vehicle with an all-electric mode of operation, such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Thus, the prime mover 106 is an electric machine. In one example, the prime mover 106 is an electric motor / generator.

[0021] In some examples, such as Fig. 1, the geartrain 103 includes a first axle assembly 102 and a second axle assembly 112. The first axle assembly 102 may be configured to drive a first set of wheels 104, and the second axle assembly 112 may be configured to drive a second set of wheels 114. In one example, the first axle assembly 102 is located near a front of the vehicle 100 and therefore includes a front axle, and the second axle assembly 112 is located near a rear of the vehicle 100 and therefore includes a rear axle. The geartrain 103 is shown in an all-wheel drive configuration, although other configurations are possible. For example, the geartrain 103 may include rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Additionally, the geartrain 103 may include one or more tandem axle assemblies.Thus, the transmission train 103 may have other configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and the configurations shown in . Fig. 1 is for illustrative purposes and is not limiting. In addition, the vehicle 100 may include additional wheels that are not connected to the transmission train 103.

[0022] In some all-wheel drive configurations, such as Fig. 1, the transmission train 103 includes a transfer case 110 configured to receive the rotational power output from the transmission 108. A first input shaft 113 is drivingly connected to a first output 111 of the transfer case 110, while a second input shaft 122 is drivingly connected to a second output 121 of the transfer case 110. The first input shaft 113 (e.g., a front input shaft) transfers the rotational power from the transfer case 110 to a first differential 116 of the first axle assembly 102 to drive the first set of wheels 104, while the second input shaft 122 (e.g., a rear input shaft) transfers the rotational power from the transfer case 110 to a second differential 126 of the second axle assembly 112 to drive the second set of wheels 114.For example, the first differential 116 is drivingly coupled to a first set of axleshafts 118 connected to the first set of wheels 104, and the second differential 126 is drivingly coupled to a second set of axleshafts 128 connected to the second set of wheels 114. It is understood that the first set of axleshafts 118 and the second set of axleshafts 128 may be disposed within a housing. The first drive shaft 113 and the second drive shaft 122 may be arranged to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 130. In one example configuration of the vehicle 100, the second drive shaft 122 may be centered about the longitudinal axis 130.

[0023] The first differential 116 may provide some front-wheel drive to the vehicle 100 as part of the rotational power transmitted via the first drive shaft 113. Similarly, the second differential 126 may provide rear-wheel drive to the vehicle 100 as part of the rotational power transmitted via the second drive shaft 122. The first differential 116 and the second differential 126 may provide front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, respectively, as part of an all-wheel drive mode for the vehicle 100.

[0024] In some examples, the vehicle 100 may additionally or alternatively be a hybrid vehicle that includes both a motor and an electric machine, each configured to power one or more of the first axle assembly 102 and the second axle assembly 112. For example, one or both of the first axle assembly 102 and the second axle assembly 112 may be powered by power from the electric machine in a first operating mode in which the electric machine is not operating to provide power (e.g., a motor-only mode), by power from the electric machine in a second operating mode in which the motor is not operating to provide power (e.g., a pure electric mode), and by power from both the motor and the electric machine in a third operating mode (e.g., an electric-assist mode).In another example, one or both of the first axle assembly 102 and the second axle assembly 112 may be an electric axle assembly configured to be driven by an integrated electric machine.

[0025] In some embodiments, the transmission 108 may additionally or alternatively be a first transmission that further includes a second transmission disposed on the second set of axle shafts 128. In this context, the transmission 108 may also be referred to as a gear transmission.

[0026] A set of reference axes 201 is provided for comparison between the views in Fig. 2-8. The reference axes 201 indicate a y-axis, an x-axis, and a z-axis. In one example, the z-axis may be parallel to a direction of gravity and the xy-plane may be parallel to a horizontal plane upon which an axis assembly 208 may rest. When indicating direction, "positive" may refer to the arrow direction of the y-axis, x-axis, and z-axis, and "negative" may refer to the opposite arrow direction of the y-axis, x-axis, and z-axis. A filled circle may represent an arrow and axis pointing toward, or positively relative to, a view. An open circle may represent an arrow and axis pointing away from, or negative relative to, a view.

[0027] In Fig. 2 shows a first view 200 of an axle assembly 208. The axle assembly 208 may be arranged radially about a first axis 210. A first line 212, which may be referred to herein as line AA, shows a section shown in later figures. The first axis 210 may be a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a vehicle, such as the longitudinal axis 130 of the vehicle 100 of Fig. 1. The first axis 210 may also be a rotational axis for a shaft that may be accommodated by the axis assembly 208. The aforementioned shaft may be centered around the first axis 210, e.g., to be arranged radially around the first axis 210. The aforementioned shaft may also be an axle shaft, e.g., an axle shaft of the first set of axle shafts 118 or the second set of axle shafts 128 of Fig. 1. The first line 212 may be a line along which a cut is made.

[0028] The first view 200 of the axle assembly 208 may be taken from a first end 214 of the axle assembly 208. The axle assembly 208 has a first side 216 and a second side 218. The first side 216 is opposite the second side 218 across the first axle 210. The first end 214 is visible in the first view 200. An end opposite the first end 214 is not visible in the view 200. The first end 214 may correspond to a first outer end of the axle arm and axle half-shaft housed in the axle assembly 208. A second end, opposite the first end 214, may correspond to a second outer end of the axle arm and axle half-shaft housed in the axle assembly 208.

[0029] A receiving collar 224 may be positioned on, encompassed by, or connected to the first side 216. The receiving collar 224 may be a pinion nose or other structural feature that can receive and support a shaft. The receiving collar 224 may receive a drive shaft. For example, the receiving collar may support the first drive shaft 113 of Fig. 1 when the axle assembly 208 removes the first set of axle shafts 118 from Fig. 1. In another example, the receiving collar may include the second drive shaft 122 Fig. 1 when the axle assembly 208 removes the second set of axle shafts 128 from Fig. 1. Additionally, the axle assembly 208 may include a first block 226 and a second block 228. The first block 226 may be a base block by which the axle assembly 208 can rest on a surface. The first block 226 and the second block 228 may be mounting blocks used to attach the axle assembly 208 to features, such as a chassis, of a vehicle, such as the vehicle 100.

[0030] The first end 214 may include an opening 234. A flange 232 may be disposed around the opening 234. The opening 234 may be adjacent a cavity 236 of the axle assembly 208. The opening 234 may be circular. The opening 234 may receive a shaft, such as an axle half-shaft. In one example, the axle half-shaft may include one of the axle half-shafts of the first set of axle shafts 118. In another example, the axle half-shaft may include one of the axle half-shafts of the second set of axle shafts 128. The axle assembly 208 may include a portion of a differential housing, where the portion of the differential housing may include the cavity 236. The cavity 236 may receive the gears and rotating elements of a differential and receive a shaft, such as a driveshaft, via the receiving collar 224. A shaft may be received in the cavity 236 via a bushing 238 from the receiving collar 224.The bushing 238 may be continuous with the receiving collar 224.

[0031] The cavity 236 may also include a baffle 242 disposed around a gear 244. The baffle 242 may be positioned around a portion of the gear 244, around an outer edge of the gear 244. The gear 244 may include a first region 246, a second region 248, a third region 250, and a receiving hole 252. The receiving hole 252 may be concentric with the gear 244. The hole 252 may be centered around the axis 210, and the receiving hole 252 may be arranged radially around the axis 210. The first region 246, the second region 248, and the third region 250 are arranged radially around the receiving hole 252 with respect to the axis 210. The first region 246 may be located radially around the second region 248 and the third region 250, and the second region 248 may be located radially around the third region 250. The baffle 242 may be an oil baffle for the gear 244, such as a cover.Gear 244 may be a face gear for a bevel gear assembly. The bevel gear assembly including gear 244 may be included in the differential assembly. Hole 252 may be a receiving hole through which a shaft, such as an axle half-shaft, may extend. Extending through hole 252, the axle half-shaft may be rotatably connected to a side gear of the bevel gear assembly.

[0032] The flange 232 may include a plurality of first holes 258 and a plurality of second holes 260. The first holes 258 and the second holes 260 may be complementary to a fastening mechanism. The aforementioned fastening mechanism may attach the axle assembly 208 to another axle assembly to form a fully assembled axle. For example, if the axle assembly 208 is part of a front axle, the assembly 208 may be attached to another complementary axle assembly to form a front axle assembly, such as the first axle assembly 102 of Fig. 1. In another example, if the axle assembly 208 is part of a rear axle, the assembly 208 may be attached to another complementary axle assembly to form a rear axle assembly, such as the second axle assembly 112 of Fig. 1. Likewise, the cavity 236 may include a housing for the differential and enclose the differential with a complementary housing component of the other axle assembly.

[0033] The gear 244 may include a plurality of third holes 262. The plurality of third holes 262 may extend axially relative to the axis 210 through the material of the second portion 248 of the gear 244. The third holes 262 may be arranged radially around the third portion 250.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a second view 300 of the axle assembly 208. The second view 300 can be the second side 218 of Fig. 2 and may be taken along the y-axis of the reference axes 201, wherein the y-axis is negative to the second view 300.

[0035] The second view 300 may also be a sectional view showing a section 312 on the first line 212 (e.g., line AA) of Fig. 2. The section 312 may be partially shown as dashed lines cutting into the material of the axle housing 222. The second view 300 shows a second end 314 of the axle assembly 208. The second end 314 is opposite the first end 214. The second end 314 may correspond to a second outer end of the axle arm and the axle half-shaft housed in the axle assembly 208. The second end 314 of the axle assembly may be the previously mentioned second end opposite the first end 214, as described above for Fig. 2 described.

[0036] The second view 300 shows that the axle assembly 208 may include a first housing component 322 and a second housing component 324. The first housing component 322 may be attached to the second housing component 324 at an interface 328. The first housing component 322 may be a center housing and may house components such as the gears and other rotating elements of a differential assembly. The first housing component 322 may include the first cavity 236 and the opening 234. The first housing component 322 may include, be connected to, or attached to the receiving collar 224 and the flange 232. The first housing component 322 includes the first end 214. The first housing component 322 is closer to the first end 214 of the axle assembly 208 than to the second end 314. The differential side of an axle halfshaft received by the axle assembly 208 may be closest to the first housing component 322.The second housing component 324 may be a shaft housing for a half shaft. The second housing component 324 may be an axle arm, such as in the example of FIG. Fig. 3. The second housing component 324 may include an axle tube 325. The axle tube 325 may be disposed around and receive a shaft, such as an axle half-shaft. As an axle arm, the second housing component 324 may include, be connected to, or attached to a steering knuckle portion 326. The second housing component 324 is closer to the second end 314 than the first housing component 322. The steering knuckle portion 326 may be disposed at and include the second end 314 of the axle assembly 208. The wheel side of an axle half-shaft received by the axle assembly 208 may be closest to the steering knuckle portion 326 and the second end 314. The cut 312 may create a cross-sectional view of portions of the second housing component 324 such that features such as the cavity 236 and components such as the knuckle portion 326 may be B. the gear 244, becomes visible in the second view 300.

[0037] Disposed around the gear 244 and secured to a surface of the cavity 236 and the first housing component 322 is a baffle of a first configuration, referred to herein as first baffle 330. The first baffle 330 may have a configuration of the baffle 242 of Fig. 2. The gear 244 may be disposed above a portion of the first baffle 330. The gear 244 may also be disposed between a portion of the first baffle 330 and a second cavity 334. The second housing component 324 may include the second cavity 334. The second housing component 324 may also include a boss 332. The material of the boss 332 may include the surfaces that define the cavity 334. The boss 332 may be connected to and adjacent to an axle tube 325. The axle tube 325 may extend from the boss 332 toward the second end 314. The axle tube 325 may be physically coupled to the steering knuckle portion 326. The axle tube 325 is disposed about a passage 337. The passage 337 may be continuous with the second cavity 334. The passage 337 can accommodate a shaft, e.g., an axle half-shaft, which can be housed in the axle housing 222.Likewise, the axle tube 325 can be positioned around the aforementioned shaft.

[0038] The boss 332 may include or be connected to a first collar 336. The first collar 336 may enclose and be positioned around the second cavity 334. The first collar 336 may extend inwardly and radially toward the axis 210 from the material and surfaces of the boss 332. The first collar 336 may also extend from the boss and the second cavity 334 toward the first cavity 236 at a first end 214. The gear 244 may include a second collar 338. The second collar 338 is located around and encompasses the receiving hole 252. The first collar 336 may be positioned around a second collar 338, for example, radially around the second collar 338 with respect to the axis 210. Likewise, a bearing 340 may be positioned around the second collar 338, for example, radially around the second collar 338 with respect to the axis 210. The bearing 340 may be arranged between the second collar 338 and the first collar 336.The bearing 340 can support the second collar 338 so that the second collar 338 can rotate freely about the axis 210, e.g., when concentric with the first collar 336. The free rotation of the second collar 338 can allow other parts of the gear 244 to rotate with the second collar 338 about the axis 210. A shaft received by the hole 252 can rotate freely from the gear 244 and the second collar 338 about the axis 210. The gear 244 can also be rotatably connected to the shaft via other gears, such as a complementary side gear. The receiving hole 252 can receive a bearing or bushing that can support a shaft received by the hole 252. Likewise, the receiving hole 252 can include a bushing. In an alternative example, a bushing can be used instead of the bearing 340.

[0039] The second view 300 shows that the gear 244 may include a first mating hole 342 and a second mating hole 344. The second portion 248 may include the first mating hole 342. The first portion 246 may be arranged radially around the first mating hole 342, e.g., radially around the first mating hole 342 with respect to the axis 210. The second portion 248 may be arranged radially around the second mating hole 344, e.g., radially around the second mating hole 344 with respect to the axis 210. The gear 244 may also include a plurality of teeth 346. The teeth 346 may extend radially outward from the first portion 246, e.g., radially outward from the first portion 246 with respect to the axis 210. The first baffle 330 may be arranged around a portion of the teeth 346.

[0040] The first housing component 322 and the second housing component 324 may be secured via a plurality of first fasteners 354. The first fasteners 354 may extend through the first housing component 322 and the second housing component 324 and secure them along a plurality of screw axes, such as a screw axis 352. For example, each of the first fasteners 354 may be centered around a screw axis of the screw axes when the first housing component 322 is secured to the second housing component 324. The screw axes, including the screw axis 352, may be approximately parallel to and radially disposed around the axis 210. The first fasteners 354 may be connecting elements that connect the first housing component 322 to the second housing component 324 at the interface 328.The first fastening means 354 may be screws, which may alternatively be referred to as arm bolts. In addition to the first fastening means 354, there may be a plurality of first fastening systems 356. The first fastening systems 356 may be centered on the screw axes, e.g., the screw axis 352, so that they are coaxial with the first fastening means 354. At least one fastening system of the first fastening systems 356 may fasten the first baffle 330 to the first housing component 322. For example, one of the first fastening systems 356 may be centered on the screw axis 352. The fastening system of the first fastening systems 356 may be guided through a complementary hole of the baffle and one of the second holes 360. The fastening system of the first fastening systems 356 may be concentric with one of the first fastening means 354.

[0041] The first fastening systems 356 may be a first embodiment of a fastening system complementary to the first baffle 330. Each of the first fastening systems 356 may include at least one fastening element. At least one fastening element from one of the first fastening systems 356 may secure the first baffle 330 to the first housing component 322. The first fastening systems 356 may also include a sleeve or other form of insert that mates with the fastening elements and the second holes 360.

[0042] The first fasteners 354 may extend through a plurality of first holes 358 and a plurality of second holes 360. The first holes 358 and the second holes 360 may be a plurality of pre-existing holes in the axle housing 222. The second holes 360 may be a plurality of first existing holes of the first housing component 322. The first holes 358 may be a plurality of second existing holes of the second housing component 324. Each of the first fasteners 354 may extend through one of the first holes 358 and one of the second holes 360, e.g., when the first holes 358 and the second holes 360 are aligned. One of the first holes 358 and one of the second holes 360 may be coaxially aligned and centered about a screw axis, such as the screw axis 352.The first holes 358 and the second holes 360 may be complementary to and aligned with the screw axes, such that each of the first holes 358 and each of the second holes 360 may be centered around and complementary to a corresponding screw axis, e.g., the screw axis 352. Likewise, the first fastening systems 356 may extend through complementary holes of the baffle and the second holes 360. Each of the first fastening systems 356 may extend through a hole of the baffle and one of the second holes 360 if the hole of the baffle and the hole of the second holes 360 are centered on one of the screw axes. When extending through the first holes 358 and the second holes 360, the first fasteners 354 may secure the first housing component 322 to the second housing component 324.If the first fastening means 354 are, for example, screws or bolts, the first fastening means 354 can be screwed through the first holes 358 and the second holes 360. At least one of the first fastening means 354 can extend through a first hole of the first holes 358 and a complementary second hole of the second holes 360 to secure the first housing component 322 to the second housing component 324. If they extend through the complementary holes of the first baffle 330 and the second holes 360, the first fastening systems 356 can secure the first baffle 330 to the first housing component 322. At least one of the first fastening systems 356 can extend through a complementary hole of the first baffle 330 and at least one hole of the second holes 360 to secure the first baffle 330 to the first housing component 322.

[0043] The first baffle 330 may include a first shield portion 362 and a first edge portion 364. The first shield portion 362 may be disposed between the gear 244 and the opening 234 with respect to the axis 210. Likewise, the first edge portion 364 may be disposed below the gear 244. The first edge portion 364 may be disposed between the gear and an inner surface 366 of the first cavity 236. The first shield portion 362 may have a first length 368 and the first edge portion 364 may have a second length 370. When positioned about an axis, e.g., the axis 210, the first length 368 may extend radially from the axis and the second length 370 may be parallel to the axis. Likewise, the first length 368 may extend radially from the centerline of the gear 244 when disposed around the gear 244, and the second length 370 may be parallel to the centerline of the gear 244.

[0044] Fig. 4 shows a third view 400 of the axis assembly 208. The third view 400 may not show a preference for one of the axes of the reference axes 201. The third view 400 shows the first cavity 236 and the components housed in the first cavity 236. The third view 400 is also a sectional view showing a section 312 on the first line 212 (e.g., line AA) of Fig. 2 shows.

[0045] The third view 400 shows a mating hole 432 and a rim 434. The rim 434 may be positioned around and support the second and third portions 248, 250 of the gear 244. The mating hole 432 may face the third portion 250.

[0046] The third view 400 also shows that the first baffle 330 may include a plurality of first supports 442. The first edge portion 364 may include or be connected to the first supports 442. The inner surface 366 may include a plurality of grooves 440. The first supports 442 may extend radially from the first edge portion 364. When the first baffle 330 is attached to the first housing component 322, each of the first supports 442 may extend toward a complementary groove of the grooves 440 and have portions positioned therein.

[0047] Each of the first brackets 442 may be attached to the first housing component 322 via the first fastening systems 356. The first brackets 442 may each include a plurality of third holes 452. At least one of the third holes 452 may be complementary to and extend through each of the first brackets 442. The components of each of the first fastening systems 356 may extend through the third holes 452 of the brackets 442. Each of the third holes 452 may be complementary to and aligned with one of the second holes 360 such that the third holes 452 and the second holes 360 may be centered about a screw axis, such as the screw axis 352. When centered on the screw axes, such as the screw axis 352, the first fastening systems 356 may extend through each of the third holes 452 and second holes 360.

[0048] Each of the first fastening systems 356 may include at least one insert 444 and a second fastener 446. The second fastener 446 may be the fastening element of each of the first fastening systems 356. The insert 444 may include the sleeve of each of the first fastening systems 356. There may be a plurality of inserts 444 and second fasteners 446. The second fasteners 446 may be attached to the inserts 444 such that they extend through the inserts 444 and a complementary support of the first supports 442. An insert of the inserts 444 may be received by one of the third holes 452. The insert 444 may receive the second fastener 446 in one of the second holes 360. The insert 444 may prevent sliding, e.g., along the screw axis 352, or disengagement of the second fastener 446 from one of the second holes 360. The insert 444 can prevent sliding, e.g.along the screw axis 352, or prevent the first fastening system 356 from becoming detached from one of the second holes 360. The second fastening means 446 can be inserted into the second holes 360 from the first holes 358, which are complementary to the second holes 360. For example, to attach the first baffle 330 to the first housing component 322, at least one of the second fastening means 446 is attached over at least one of the second holes 360 and at least one of the third holes 452. The at least one of the second fastening means 446 can be referred to as the second fastening means. The at least one of the second holes 360 can be referred to as the second hole. The at least one of the third holes 452 can be referred to as the third hole. The second fastening means can be inserted into the second hole.The second fastener may be inserted directly into the second hole before the first housing component 322 abuts the second housing component 324. When the first housing component 322 abuts the second housing component 324, the second fastener may be inserted into the second hole via a hole of the first holes 358 that is complementary to the second hole. The second fastener may extend from the second hole through the third hole. Some or all of the second fasteners 446 may secure the first baffle 330 to the second housing by extending through some or all of the second holes 360 and third holes 452, as described above.

[0049] Each of the second holes 360 may be a first existing hole of the first housing component 322. Each of the first holes 358 may be a second existing hole of the second housing component 324. The existing holes may be holes created during the manufacture of the first or second housing components 322, 324 before a baffle, e.g., the first baffle 330, is mounted to the axle housing 222.

[0050] The second fastening means 446 may be helical, e.g., a screw, or bolt-shaped, e.g., a pin. The second fastening means 446 may include a head 448. When one of the second holes and a complementary third hole of the third holes 452 accommodate the second fastening means 446, the head 448 may abut a shoulder 450 of the second holes 360.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows a fourth view 500 of the axle assembly 208. The fourth view 500 can be assigned to the second side 218 of Fig. 2 and may be taken along the y-axis of the reference axes 201, wherein the y-axis is negative to the fourth view 500. The fourth view 500 is also a sectional view showing the section 312 on the first line 212 (e.g., line AA) of Fig. 2 shows.

[0052] The first shielding portion 362 may include a first wall 512 and a second wall 514. The first wall 512 may be continuous and connected to the second wall 514. The second wall 514 may be continuous and connected to the first edge portion 364 via a first curve 516.

[0053] When the first shielding section 362 is arranged radially about an axis, such as the axis 210 of Fig. 3, the first wall 512 may extend radially from the axis. The second wall 514 may extend away from the first curve 516 toward a centerline of the first baffle 330 or an axis about which the first baffle 330 may be positioned. The first edge portion 364 may extend away from the first curve 516, parallel to the centerline of the first baffle 330 and / or the axis about which the first baffle 330 may be positioned. The first shield portion 362 and the first edge portion 364 may be arranged around a volume.

[0054] Portions of the gear 244 may be housed within the volume. The gear 244 may divide the volume into a first space 518 and a second space 520. The first space 518 may be disposed between the gear 244 and the first shielding portion 362. The second space 520 may be disposed between the gear 244 and the first rim portion 364. The first space 518 and the second space 520 may be separated by teeth 346.

[0055] Each of the first holes 358 may have a first diameter 532. Each of the second holes 360 may include a first portion having a second diameter 534 and a second portion having a third diameter 536. The first diameter 532, the second diameter 534, and the third diameter 536 may have different spacings. The first diameter 532 may be larger than the second and third diameters 534, 536. The second diameter 534 may have a larger spacing than the third diameter 536. The difference between the second diameter 534 and the third diameter 536 forms the shoulder 450 against which the first head 448 may abut. Additionally, a mating hole including the shoulder 450 may be disposed between a first portion of the second hole 360 ​​having the second diameter 534 and a second portion of the second hole 360 ​​having the third diameter 536.The insert 444 can fit into the second portion of the second hole 360 ​​having the third diameter 536. When attached to the first housing component 322 via the insert 444 and the second fastener 446, the first retainers 442 can abut and be in surface contact with a surface 524 of the first housing component 322. The retainers 442 can each be in surface contact with the surface 524 via a first surface 526. There can be a plurality of first surfaces 526, with each of the retainers 442 having one of the first surfaces 526.

[0056] The first fastening means 354 may have a shaft 528 that fits at least the second diameter 534 so that the first fastening means 354 can extend through the first and second holes 358, 360. The first fastening means 354 may have the shaft 528 comprising a first portion that fits the first diameter 532 and a second portion that fits the second diameter 534. The first fastening means 354 may have a thread that is at least complementary to the second holes 360. For example, the first fastening means 354 may have a thread that fits the second holes 360 on the aforementioned second portion of the shaft 528. Likewise, the first fastening means 354 may have a profile complementary to the first holes 358 on the aforementioned first portion of the shaft 528.

[0057] The insert 444 may include a second head 542 and a collar 544. The second head 542 may abut and be in surface contact with a second surface 556 of the first retainer 442. There may be a plurality of second surfaces 556, with each of the retainers 442 having one of the second surfaces 556. The second head 542 may distribute the force and pressure of the compressive force exerted by the second fastener 446 and the insert 444 to the individual retainers 442. The second head 542 and the collar 544 are arranged around a through-hole extending through the insert. The collar 544 may have a fourth diameter 546 and a fifth diameter 548. The fourth diameter 546 may be an inner diameter of the collar 544 and the diameter of the through-hole of the insert 444. The fifth diameter 548 may be an outer diameter of the collar 544.The fifth diameter 548 may have approximately the same diameter as the diameter of the third hole 452, so that the collar 544 can be fitted into the third holes 452 and prevented from being pulled out without an intentional axial force above a threshold. The dimensions of the insert 444, e.g., the fifth diameter 548, may be changed to accommodate different dimensions of the third holes 452.

[0058] In addition to the first head 448, the second fastener 446 may include a shaft 552. The shaft 552 may be adapted to the fourth diameter 546. The shaft 552 may have a thread complementary to the collar 544 so that the second fastener 446 may be attached to the insert 444 when threaded through the collar 544. The first head 448 may include a hole 554. The hole 554 may be a manipulation hole for a device such as a screwdriver or an Allen wrench that can be used to attach or detach the second fastener 446 from the insert 444.

[0059] Returning to the first baffle 330, the second wall 514 may extend from the first wall 512 at a first angle 562. The second wall 514 may be positioned at the first angle 562 extending radially with respect to an axis about which the first shield portion 362 is radially positioned. The second wall 514 may extend from the first wall 512 at a second angle 564. The first curve 516 may include the second angle 564. The first curve 516 may have and include a first radius 560.

[0060] In this way, an embodiment of a baffle, such as a cover, may be attached to a housing of an axle assembly using fasteners of a fastening system. The fasteners of the fastening system may be screws or bolts that may utilize existing holes in the housing to secure the baffle to the housing. For example, there may be a second hole in the main housing and a first hole in the axle half-shaft housing. The first hole and the second hole may be secured with a first fastener, and when secured, the main housing may be attached to the axle half-shaft housing. The first hole and the second hole may be aligned along a common centerline and bolt axis. A second fastener of the fastening system may utilize the second hole to secure the baffle to the main housing.The fasteners of the fastening system can secure the baffle via the holes with minimal modifications. Such modifications may include, for example, an insert that can be positioned between the fastener and the existing hole. Both the second fastener and the insert can extend through the second hole of the main housing and a complementary hole of the baffle to secure the baffle to the main housing. When attached via the fastening system, the baffle can be attached to the features of the main housing and pressed against them via the features of the fastening system. There can be a plurality of first holes, second holes, first fasteners, second fasteners, and complementary holes of the baffle, which can be complementary to a plurality of first fastening systems.

[0061] Fig. 6 shows a fifth view 600 of the axle assembly 208. The fifth view 600 can be assigned to the second side 218 of Fig. 2 and may be taken along the y-axis of the reference axes 201, wherein the y-axis is negative to the fifth view 600. The fifth view 600 may be the second view 300 of Fig. 3. The axle housing 222 and the axle assembly 208 are approximately the same as in Fig. 3.

[0062] The axle assembly 208 of the fifth view 600 uses a different baffle and attachment system. Disposed around the gear 244 and secured to a surface of the cavity 236 and the first housing component 322 is a baffle having a second configuration, referred to herein as second baffle 622. The second baffle 622 may have a configuration similar to the baffle 242 of Fig. 2. The gear 244 may be disposed above a portion of the second baffle 622. The gear 244 may also be disposed between a portion of the second baffle 622 and a second cavity 334.

[0063] In addition to the first fastening means 354, there may be a plurality of second fastening systems 642 that may be centered on the screw axes, such as the screw axis 352. For example, one of the second fastening systems 642 may be centered on the screw axis 352. Each of the second fastening systems 642 may be connected to or included in the second baffle 622. The second fastening system 642 may include fasteners or other fastening elements that are not screws or bolts. The second fastening system 642 includes a fastening element, e.g., a fastener, that is connected or physically coupled to the second baffle 622.

[0064] The first fastening means 354 can extend through a plurality of first holes 358 and a plurality of second holes 360. Each of the first fastening means 354 can extend through one of the first holes 358 and one of the second holes 360 when the one of the first holes 358 and the one of the second holes 360 are centered on one of the screw axes, such as the screw axis 352. The first holes 358 and the second holes 360 can be complementary to and aligned with a screw axis 352. Likewise, the second fastening systems 642 can extend through the second holes 360. Each of the second fastening systems 642 can extend through one of the second holes 360. When extending through the first holes 358 and the second holes 360, the first fastening means 354 can secure the first housing component 322 to the second housing component 324.For example, if the first fastening means 354 are screws or bolts, the first fastening means 354 may be screwed through the first holes 358 and the second holes 360. At least one of the first fastening means 354 may extend through one of the first holes 358 and a complementary second hole of the second holes 360 to secure the first housing component 322 to the second housing component 324.

[0065] By extending through the second holes 360, the second fastening systems 642 can secure the second baffle 622 to the first housing component 322. At least one of the second fastening systems 642 can extend through at least one of the second holes 360 to secure the second baffle 622 to the first housing component 322. A plurality of second fastening systems 642 can extend through the second holes 360 to secure the second baffle 622 to the first housing component 322.

[0066] The second baffle 622 may include a second shield portion 632 and a second edge portion 634. The second shield portion 632 may be disposed between the gear 244 and the opening 234 with respect to the axis 210. Likewise, the second edge portion 634 may be disposed below the gear 244. The second edge portion 634 may be disposed between the gear and an inner surface 366 of the first cavity 236. The second shield portion 632 may have a first length 636 and the second edge portion 634 may have a second length 638. When positioned about an axis, e.g., the axis 210, the first length 636 may extend radially from the axis and the second length 638 may be parallel to the axis.Likewise, the first length 636 may extend radially from the centerline of the gear 244 when disposed around the gear 244, and the second length 638 may be parallel to the centerline of the gear 244.

[0067] Fig. 7 shows a sixth view 700 of the axle assembly 208. The fourth view 500 can be the second side 218 of Fig. 2 and may be taken along the y-axis of the reference axes 201, wherein the y-axis is negative to the sixth view 700. The sixth view 700 is also a sectional view showing the section 312 on the first line 212 (e.g., line AA) of Fig. 2 shows.

[0068] The second shielding portion 632 may include a third wall 712 and a fourth wall 714. The third wall 712 may be continuous and connected to the fourth wall 714. The fourth wall 714 may be continuous and connected to the second edge portion 634 via a second curve 716.

[0069] When the second shielding section 632 is arranged radially around an axis, such as the axis 210 of Fig. 3, the third wall 712 may extend radially from the axis. The fourth wall 714 may extend away from the second curve 716 toward a centerline of the second baffle 622 and / or an axis about which the second baffle 622 may be positioned. The second edge portion 634 may extend away from the second curve 716, parallel to the centerline of the second baffle 622 and / or the axis about which the second baffle 622 may be positioned.

[0070] The second shielding portion 632 and the second edge portion 634 may be arranged around a volume. Portions of the gear 244 may be housed within the volume. The gear 244 may divide the volume into a third space 718 and a fourth space 720. The third space 718 may be arranged between the gear 244 and the second shielding portion 632. The fourth space 720 may be arranged between the gear 244 and the second edge portion 634. The third space 718 and the fourth space 720 may be separated by the teeth 346.

[0071] The sixth view 700 shows that the second fastening systems 642 may each include a third fastening means 750 physically connected to a second bracket 742. The third fastening means 750 may be fixedly connected to the second baffle 622 via the second bracket 742. The third fastening means 750 may be connected or physically coupled to a first surface 744 of the second bracket 742. A second surface 748 may be present on the side of the second bracket 742 opposite the first surface 744. The first surface 744 and the second surface 748 may be parallel. There may be a plurality of third fastening means 750 and second brackets 742 physically coupled to and / or encompassed by the second baffle 622.There may be a plurality of first surfaces 744 and second surfaces 748, wherein there may be at least one of the first and second surfaces 744, 748 for each of the second supports 742. The second supports 742 may extend radially from the second baffle 622 toward the grooves 440. The third fasteners 750 may have a length 758 and a centerline perpendicular to the second supports 742. The third fasteners 750 may extend through the second holes 360. For example, the third fasteners 750 may be centered on and extend along the screw axes, such as the screw axis 352, the first fasteners 354, the first holes 358, and the second holes 360.When the second baffle 622 is attached to the first housing component 322 via the second attachment system 642, the second mounts 742 may have a common surface contact with the first housing component 322. When the second mounts 742 are in surface contact with the first housing component 322, a single or a plurality of the first surfaces 744 may abut a surface 746 of the first housing component 322.

[0072] Each of the third fasteners 750 may include a body 752, a third head 754, and a neck 756. The body 752 may be cylindrical and columnar and have approximately the third diameter 536 such that it fits into the second portion of the second hole 360 ​​having the third diameter 536. The third head 754 may abut the shoulder 450. The abutment and extension of the third head 754 against the shoulder 450 may prevent the third fasteners 750 from being pulled out of the second hole 360. The third fasteners 750 may be inserted into the second hole 360 ​​from the first cavity 236 through the portion of the second hole 360 ​​having the third diameter 536. The neck 756 may have a first width 772. The third head 754 may have a second width 774. The width 772 can be smaller in distance than the third diameter 536.The difference between the third diameter 536 and the first width 772 can allow the neck 756 and the third head 754 to be pushed through the second hole 360. The portion of the second hole 360 ​​having the second diameter 534. The difference between the third diameter 536 and the second width 774 can prevent the head 754 from being pulled through the second hole 360 ​​toward the first cavity 236, e.g., when the third fastener 750 is pulled along the screw axis 352. The first width 772 and the second width 774 can each have a variable width such that the first width 772 and the second width 774 can change their spacing when a force is applied. A first force can cause the first width 772 and the second width 774 to increase. Likewise, a second force can cause the first width 772 and the second width 774 to decrease.The first force and the second force may be equal forces acting in opposite directions. The change in the first width 772 and the second width 774 due to the force may be elastic and reversible when the force is removed. For example, if the first width 772 and / or the second width 774 are increased in their spacing by a force, the first width 772 and / or the second width 774 may return to their original spacing when the force is removed. For example, if the first width 772 and / or the second width 774 are contracted in their spacing by a force, the first width 772 and / or the second width 774 may return to their original spacing when the force is removed.

[0073] Returning to the second baffle 622, the fourth wall 714 may extend from the third wall 712 at a first angle 762. The fourth wall 714 may be positioned at the first angle 762 extending radially with respect to an axis about which the second shield portion 632 is radially positioned. The fourth wall 714 may extend from the third wall 712 at a second angle 764. The second curve 716 may include the second angle 764. The second curve 716 may have and include a second radius 760.

[0074] The second guide plate 622 may have the same dimensions as the first guide plate 330 of Fig. 3, with the exception of the second holder 742 or the first holder 442 from Fig. 4. The first shielding portion 362 may have approximately the same dimensions as the second shielding portion 632. The first edge portion 364 may have approximately the same dimensions as the second edge portion 634.

[0075] Fig. 8 shows a seventh view 800 of the second baffle 622. The seventh view 800 shows no preference for one axis of the reference axes 201. The seventh view 800 shows the portion of the second baffle 622 wherein the second baffle 622 is isolated from other components and features of the axis assembly 208.

[0076] The third fastener 750 and the second bracket 742 may be centered on an axis 810. The axis 810 may be positioned to be collinear with a screw axis, such as the screw axis 352, the first fastener 354, the first holes 358, and the second holes 360. The second bracket 742 may extend radially from an outer surface 822 of the second baffle 622. The third fastener 750 may extend in a direction along the axis 810 from the first surface 744. The axis 810 may be perpendicular to the first surface 744. A surface parallel to the first surface 744, such as the second surface 748 of Fig. 7, may be located on the side of the second support 742 opposite the first surface 744 and may be encompassed by the second support 742. The second support 742 may have an edge 832 located between the first surface 744 and the aforementioned opposite and parallel surface. The edge 832 may extend and curve around the second support 742 via a fillet 834. Fillets, such as a plurality of first fillets 826 and a plurality of second fillets 828, may connect the second support 742 to the second baffle 622. The surfaces of the second support 742 may be continuously connected to the outer surface 822 through the first and second fillets 826, 828.

[0077] The third fastening means 750 may include a first prong 852 and a second prong 854. The first prong 852 and the second prong 854 may be separated by a gap 856. The gap 856 may divide the head 754 and the neck 756 into two components. For example, the first prong 852 may include a first portion of the head 754 and a first portion of the neck 756. The second prong 854 may include a second portion of the head 754 and a second portion of the neck 756.

[0078] The gap 856 may have a width 876. The width 876 may be variable such that a force may increase the gap 856, further separating the first prong 852 and the second prong 854. Likewise, a force may decrease the width 876 of the gap 856 by pushing the first prong 852 and the second prong 854 closer together. The expansion or contraction of the width 876 between the first prong 852 and the second prong 854 may be elastic and reversible such that the width 876 returns to an original spacing value when a force is removed. The expansion of the width 876 may increase the first width 772 and the second width 774, as well as the shape of the third fastener 750.The spreading of the first prong 852 and the second prong 854 from the gap 856 is an anti-pull feature of the third fastener 750 that prevents movement in an axial direction with respect to the screw axis 352 against the shoulder 450 of FIG. Fig. 6. Likewise, the spreading of the first prong 852 and the second prong 854 from the gap 856 may be a snap-fit ​​feature.

[0079] For example, a first force 882 may act on the head 754. The first force 882 may be an inward force with respect to the third fastener 750 such that the vector of the first force 882 may push in an inward and radial direction toward the axis 810. The vector of the first force 882 may be represented by an arrow. The first force 882 may push the first prong 852 and the second prong 854 closer together, thereby contracting the width 876. Contracting the gap 856 may reduce the first width 772 such that the head 754 and the neck 756 may protrude through the portion of the second hole 360 ​​of the third diameter 536. Fig. 7. In another example, a second force 884 may act on the head 754. The second force 884 may be an outward force with respect to the third fastener 750 such that the vector of the second force 884 may push in an outward and radial direction away from the axis 810. The second force 884 may cause the first prong 852 and the second prong 854 to move further apart and increase the width 876. By expanding the gap 856, the first width 772 may be increased such that features of the third fastener 750 may abut and be prevented from penetrating the second hole 360 ​​portion of the third diameter 536. The extent of the gap 856 and at least one of the third fasteners 750 encompassing the gap 856 can secure the second baffle 622 to the first housing component 322.When attached to the first housing component 322, removal of the third fasteners 750 and the second baffle 622 through the second holes 360 can be prevented.

[0080] With the exception of the third fastening means 750 and the third holes 452 of Fig. 4, the second brackets 742 may each have the same features and dimensions as the first brackets 442 of Fig. 4 include.

[0081] In this way, an embodiment of a baffle, such as a cover, may be attached to a housing of an axle assembly using fasteners of a second fastening system. The fasteners of the second fastening system may not include screws or bolts. The fasteners of the second fastening system are implemented in a snap-fit ​​configuration. The fasteners of the second fastening system may be fitted into pre-existing holes in the housing and the axle assembly. For example, there may be a second hole in the main housing and a first hole in the axle half-shaft housing. The first hole may be fastened to the second hole with a first fastener, and when fastened, the main housing may be attached to the axle half-shaft housing. The first hole and the second hole may be aligned along a common centerline and bolt axis.A third fastener of the fastening system can utilize the second hole to secure the baffle to the main housing. The third fastener can be connected to or included with the baffle. There can be a plurality of third fasteners and a plurality of second holes. The third fasteners of the fastening system can secure the baffle through a plurality of the second holes with minimal modification. The third fasteners can include features, such as prongs, that can enable the third fasteners to change shape. The aforementioned change shape can occur when the third fasteners are pushed into the second hole and secure the baffle to the first housing. The change shape features and the change shape of the fasteners can serve as an anti-pull feature.The shape change features and the shape change of the fasteners can allow the diameter of the fastener to be increased so that it fits into an existing hole.

[0082] Although various embodiments have been described above, they are to be considered as examples and not as limitations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the subject matter. The embodiments described above are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Thus, the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary, and the specific examples are not to be considered as limiting, as numerous variations are possible. For example, the technology described above may be applied to powertrains that include various types of power sources, including various types of prime movers, internal combustion engines, and / or transmissions.The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, as well as other features, functions and / or properties disclosed herein.

[0083] It should be understood that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and that these specific embodiments are not limiting, as numerous variations are possible. For example, the technology described above may be applied to V-6, I-4, I-6, V-12, horizontally opposed engines, and other engine types. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are not intended to denote any order, position, quantity, or importance, but are used merely to distinguish the individual elements. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, as well as other features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein.

[0084] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are considered novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "a" element or "a first" element, or the equivalent thereof. Such claims are to be construed as including the inclusion of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amending the present claims or by filing new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope than the original claims, are also to be considered included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Axis that includes: a central housing; an axle arm secured to the central housing via a plurality of first securing means; and a baffle secured to the central housing via at least one fastening element coaxial with at least one fastening means of the plurality of first fastening means and at least one hole of a plurality of pre-existing holes of the central housing. [2] The axle of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastening element is a screw or bolt secured to the baffle through a first existing hole for the at least one fastening means at an interface between the axle arm and the central housing and a complementary hole of the baffle. [3] The axle of claim 2, wherein the at least one fastener is complementary to an insert, and the insert is fitted into the first existing hole and the complementary hole of the baffle of the fastener. [4] The axle of claim 3, wherein the complementary hole of the baffle is positioned on one of a plurality of brackets, the plurality of brackets extending in a radial direction from a surface of the baffle. [5] The axle of claim 4, wherein the insert comprises a head and a collar, the head engaging the surface of the baffle, the head and collar being disposed around a through hole of the insert, and the collar receiving the fastener. [6] The axle of claim 5, wherein the fastener is complementary to a thread of the through hole and the fastener is screwed through the through hole of the insert and is secured to the insert and the existing hole. [7] The axle of claim 6, wherein the fastening element is passed through the first existing hole via a second existing hole of a plurality of second existing holes, the second existing hole being complementary to the first existing hole, the one fastening means of the plurality of first fastening means being fastened through the first existing hole and the second existing hole. [8] An axle according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first existing hole comprises a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter and the second diameter having different distances. [9] The axle of claim 8, wherein the fastener comprises a head and a shank, the head of the fastener engaging a shoulder of the first existing hole on a side of the first existing hole opposite the baffle. [10] An axle according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening element is a snap-in connection element integral with the baffle, the fastening element fastening the baffle to the central housing through a first existing hole for the at least one fastening means at an interface between the axle arm and the central housing. [11] The axle of claim 10, wherein the fastener is physically coupled to one of a plurality of brackets of the baffle, the plurality of brackets extending in a radial direction from and physically coupled to a surface of the baffle. [12] The axle of claim 11, wherein the fastener comprises a body, a head, and a neck, the body being columnar and cylindrical in shape, and the neck being disposed between the body and the head. [13] The axle of claim 12, wherein the fastener comprises a first prong and a second prong, and a gap between the first prong and the second prong is increased in width by a first force so that the width of the fastener is increased, and the gap between the first prong and the second prong is decreased in width by a second force. [14] An axle according to any preceding claim, wherein the baffle comprises a shield portion and a rim portion, and when the baffle is positioned around a gear, the shield portion has a first length which is radial with respect to the gear, the rim portion has a second length which is axial with respect to the gear; the rim portion comprises a first wall and a second wall, the second wall extending at a first angle from the first wall, the second wall extending at a second angle from the rim portion, and the second wall being connected to and continuous with the rim portion via a curve.

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