Power take-off with end play setting adjustable device

Abstract

A power- take off with an end play setting adjustable device includes a housing and an input mechanism that is adapted to be connected to a source of rotational energy. An output shaft is adapted to be connected to a driven accessory and is adapted to be rotatably driven by the input mechanism. The output shaft is rotatably supported on the housing by tapered bearings. A pilot guide is attached to the housing. A pilot sleeve is supported on the pilot guide for rotational movement relative to the pilot guide and for axial movement relative to the pilot guide. The pilot sleeve is adapted to be torqued to a desired amount to set endplay of the tapered bearings.

Description

POWER TAKE-OFF WITH END PLAY SETTING ADJUSTABLE DEVICEBACKGROUND

[0001] This invention relates in general to power take-offs for transmitting rotational energy from a source of rotational energy to a rotatably driven accessory. In particular, this invention relates to an improved structure for such a power take-off that is used to set a desired amount of end play and preload on tapered bearings that support an output shaft of the power take-off to ensure maximum bearing performance during operation of the power take-off.

[0002] Tapered bearings are typically used to support rotatable shafts in power takeoffs that contain helical gears or other structures that generate or experience side loading forces resulting from the interaction of gears during operation of the power take-off. It is known that the desired tapered bearing setting is an assembly that has a “near-zero” line- to-line stack-up because this provides an ideal transition point of end play and preloading of tapered bearings and, therefore, provides maximum bearing life.

[0003] To achieve this “near-zero” line-to-line stack- up, it is known to provide one or more shim gaskets or shim washers (shims) between the tapered bearing and an end cap during assembly of the power take-off. Such shims function to provide a desired amount of end play / preload condition and thereby achieve the desirable line-to-line bearing settings that tapered bearing manufacturers recommend.

[0004] Due to variations in machining tolerances, individual shims are frequently manufactured having varying thicknesses throughout. Consequently, in order to compensate for this tapered bearing stack- up during the assembly of a power take-off, three to five different shims of varying thicknesses are typically used to meet the desired bearing end play setting. The selection of the shim or combination of shims to meet the desired bearing setting is currently accomplished through a trial-and-error process. An assembly operation uses a process to fit a shim, measure end play, and repeat the process as needed to obtain a stack of shims to meet the desired bearing setting. It would bedesirable to provide an improved structure for adjusting the bearing setting on the output shaft of the power take-off.SUMMARY

[0005] Various examples of a power take-off are described.

[0006] An example of a power-take off with an end play setting adjustable device includes a housing. An input mechanism is disposed within the housing and is adapted to be connected to a source of rotational energy. An output shaft is disposed within the housing and is adapted to be connected to a driven accessory. The output shaft is adapted to be rotatably driven by the input mechanism. The output shaft is rotatably supported on the housing by tapered bearings. A pilot guide is attached to the housing. A pilot sleeve is supported on the pilot guide for rotational movement relative to the pilot guide and for axial movement relative to the pilot guide. The pilot sleeve is adapted to be torqued to a desired amount to set endplay of the tapered bearings.

[0007]

[0008] An example of a power take-off includes a housing. An input mechanism is disposed within the housing. The input mechanism is adapted to the connected to a source of rotational energy. An output shaft is disposed within the housing. The output shaft is adapted to be connected to a driven accessory. The output shaft is adapted to be driven by the input mechanism. The output shaft is rotatably supported on the housing by a bearing. The power take-off includes an end play setting adjustable device. The end play setting adjustable device includes a bearing cap and a pilot sleeve. The bearing cap is attached to the housing. The pilot sleeve is supported on the bearing cap for rotational movement relative to the bearing cap and axial movement relative to the bearing cap. The pilot sleeve is movable relative to the bearing between an initial pilot position, wherein the pilot sleeve is located a first distance from the bearing, and a final pilot position, wherein the pilot sleeve is located a second distance from the bearing.

[0009] Another example of a power take-off includes a housing. An input mechanism is disposed within the housing. The input mechanism is adapted to be connected to asource of rotational energy. An output shaft is disposed within the housing. The output shaft is adapted to be connected to a driven accessory. The output shaft is adapted to be rotatably driven by the input mechanism. The output shaft defines an output shaft axis. The output shaft is rotatably supported on the housing by a bearing. The power take-off includes an end play setting adjustable device. The end play setting adjustable device includes a bearing cap and a pilot sleeve. The bearing cap attached to the housing. The pilot sleeve is supported on the bearing cap for rotational movement relative to the bearing cap and axial movement relative to the bearing cap. The pilot sleeve includes a pilot body and a pilot bore, and the output shaft axis extends through the pilot bore.

[0010] Another example of a power take-off includes a housing. An input mechanism is disposed within the housing. The input mechanism is adapted to be connected to a source of rotational energy. An output shaft is disposed within the housing. The output shaft is adapted to be connected to a driven accessory. The output shaft is adapted to be rotatably driven by the input mechanism. The output shaft defines an output shaft axis. The output shaft is rotatably supported on the housing by a bearing. The power take-off includes an end play setting adjustable device. The end play setting adjustable device includes a bearing cap and a pilot sleeve. The bearing cap includes a cap body that is attached to the housing. The bearing cap includes an internal threaded bore that extends through the cap body. The pilot sleeve includes a pilot body. The pilot sleeve includes an threaded surface. The pilot body includes a pilot bore that extends through the pilot body. The internal threaded bore supports and cooperates with the threaded surface to support the pilot sleeve on the bearing cap for rotational movement relative to the bearing cap and axial movement relative to the bearing cap. The pilot sleeve is movable relative to the bearing between an initial pilot position and a final pilot position. When the pilot sleeve is in the initial pilot position, it is located a first distance from the bearing. When the pilot sleeve is in the final pilot position, it is located a second distance from the bearing. The first distance is larger than the second distance. The output shaft axis extends through the pilot bore when the pilot sleeve is in the initial pilot position. The output shaft axis also extends through the pilot bore when the pilot sleeve is in the final pilot position.

[0011] Additional understanding of these examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Fig. 1 is a sectional elevational view of a power take-off in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a perspective exploded view of an end play setting adjustable device from the power take-off of Fig. 1.

[0014] Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional elevational view of a portion of the power takeoff of Fig. 1, showing the end play setting adjustable device from Fig. 2 in an initial installed position.

[0015] Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the end play setting adjustable device in a final installed position.

[0016] Fig. 5 is a sectional elevational view of a prior art end cap.

[0017] Fig. 6 is a sectional elevational view of a power take-off in accordance with a second embodiment of this invention.

[0018] Fig. 7 is a sectional elevational view of a power take-off in accordance with a third embodiment of this invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Fig. 1 a cross-sectional elevational view of a power take-off, indicated generally at 10, in accordance with this invention. The basic structure and mode of operation of the power take-off 10 are well known in the art. The illustrated power take-off 10 is intended to illustrate one environment in which this invention may be used. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited for use with the specific structure of the power take-off 10 illustrated, or with power take-offs. This invention may be used in any suitable environment for the purposes described below.

[0020] The illustrated power take-off 10 includes a hollow housing 12. The housing 12 has a mounting surface 14 provided thereon. An opening 16 is provided through the mounting surface 14. The power take-off 10 includes an input mechanism, indicated generally at 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the input mechanism 18 includes an input gear 20 that is supported in the housing 12 for relative rotational movement. As shown in Fig. 1, a portion of the input gear 20 extends inwardly through the opening 16 into the interior of the housing 12.

[0021] The mounting surface 14 is adapted to be secured (typically by a plurality of bolts, which are not shown) to a corresponding mounting surface on a housing of a source of rotational energy 22, such as an engine or transmission of a vehicle. As is well known in the art, the portion of the input gear 20 that extends through the opening 16 of the power take-off housing 12 also extends through a corresponding opening (not shown) provided in the housing of the source of rotational energy 22 and into engagement with a driving gear (not shown) or other rotatably driving mechanism provided therein. Thus, the input gear 20 of the power take-off 10 is rotatably driven whenever the driving gear contained within the source or rotational energy 22 is rotatably driven. Alternatively, the input gear 20 of the power take-off 10 may be rotatably driven by a belt, chain, or other drive structure (not shown) that extends through the opening provided in the housing of the source of rotational energy 22. The drive structure engages the driving gear or other rotatably driving mechanism provided in the source of rotational energy 22.

[0022] The illustrated input gear 20 is formed integrally with an input gear hub 24. However, the input gear 20 and the input gear hub 24 may be formed from separate pieces of material. The input gear hub 24 is rotatably supported on an input shaft (not shown) by one or more bearings 28. First and second ends of the input shaft are respectively (and typically non-rotatably) supported in bores provided in the power takeoff housing 12.

[0023] The power take-off 10 also includes a clutch assembly, indicated generally at 34, for selectively connecting the input gear hub 24 to an output shaft 36. The output shaft 36 is adapted to be connected to a rotatably driven accessory (not shown). Theillustrated output shaft 36 is rotatably supported on the power take-off housing 12 by bearing 38 and 40. When the clutch assembly 34 is engaged, the input gear hub 24 is connected to the output shaft 36 for concurrent rotation. Thus, the output shaft 36 and the rotatably driven accessory are rotatably driven by the source of rotational energy 22 when the clutch assembly 34 is engaged. When the clutch assembly 34 is disengaged, the input gear hub 24 is disconnected from the output shaft 36. Thus, the output shaft 36 and the rotatably driven accessory are not rotatably driven by the source of rotational energy 22 when the clutch assembly 34 is disengaged. A conventional shifter assembly (not shown) may be provided to selectively engage and disengage the clutch assembly 34 in a known manner.

[0024] The clutch assembly 34 of the power take-off 10 includes a drive gear 42 that is rotatably driven by the input gear hub 24. The illustrated drive gear 42 includes an axially-extending hollow cylindrical bell portion 44 having a splined inner surface 46. The illustrated drive gear 42 is rotatably supported on the output shaft 36 by a bearing 48 and is formed integrally from a single piece of material with the hollow cylindrical bell portion 44. However, it is known to form the drive gear 42 and the hollow cylindrical bell portion 44 from separate components that are splined or otherwise connected together for concurrent rotation. In either event, a plurality of flat annular clutch plates 50 is splined to the splined inner surface 46 of the hollow cylindrical bell portion 44 of the drive gear 42 for rotation therewith. Thus, the drive gear 42 and the clutch plates 50 are rotatably driven by the input gear 12.

[0025] A plurality of annular friction plates 52 is disposed in an alternating fashion between the clutch plates 50. The friction plates 52 are splined to an outer splined surface 54 provided on an axially extending cylindrical portion 56 of a clutch gear 58 for rotation therewith. The clutch gear 58 is splined or otherwise secured to the output shaft 36 for rotation therewith. Thus, the friction plates 52, the clutch gear 58, and the output shaft 36 are connected for rotation together as a unit.

[0026] An annular clutch piston 60 is provided for selectively causing the clutch plates 50 and the friction plates 52 to frictionally engage one another so as to engage the clutchassembly 34. To accomplish this, the clutch piston 60 is disposed within the hollow cylindrical bell portion 44 of the drive gears 42. The hollow cylindrical bell portion 44 has a closed end 64 and an opened end 66. One end of the clutch piston 60 (the left end as viewed in Fig. 1) is disposed within the hollow cylindrical bell portion 44, while the opposite end of the clutch piston 60 (the right end as viewed in Fig. 1) extends from the opened end 66 of the hollow cylindrical bell portion 44 adjacent to the clutch plates 50 and the friction plates 52. Both the clutch piston 60 and the hollow cylindrical bell portion 44 are supported on the output shaft 36. The clutch piston 60 is axially movable along the output shaft 36, while the hollow cylindrical bell portion 44 is restrained from axial movement in one direction (toward the left as viewed in Fig. 1) by the bearing 48, for a purpose that will be explained below.

[0027] A clutch spring (not shown) reacts between the clutch piston 60 and the clutch gear 58. The clutch gear 58 is restrained from axial movement in one direction (toward the right as viewed in Fig. 1). Thus, the clutch spring urges the clutch piston 60 axially in the opposite direction (toward the left as viewed in Fig. 1) toward a disengaged position adjacent to the closed end 64 of the hollow cylindrical bell portion 44. In the disengaged position, the clutch piston 60 does not engage the clutch plates 50 or the friction plates 52. Thus, the clutch plates 50 and the friction plates 52 do not frictionally engage one another. As a result, the clutch gear 58 is disconnected from the drive gear 42 so as to provide no rotatable driving connection therebetween.

[0028] To engage the clutch assembly 34, the shifter assembly is actuated to supply pressurized fluid to an annular clutch chamber 70 defined between the clutch piston 60 and the closed end 64 of the hollow cylindrical bell portion 44. As a result, the clutch piston 60 is moved axially in one direction (toward the right as viewed in Fig. 1) toward an engaged position. In the engaged position, the clutch piston 60 causes the clutch plates 50 and the friction plates 52 to frictionally engage one another. As a result, the clutch gear 58 is connected to the drive gear 42 so as to provide a rotatable driving connection therebetween.

[0029] Thus, as described above, the illustrated power take-off 10 includes the clutch assembly 34 between the input gear 20 and the output shaft 36 such that the rotatably driven accessory is operated only when the clutch assembly 34 is engaged while the source of rotational energy 22 is operated. In some instances, however, it may be desirable that the input gear 20 or other input mechanism of the power take-off 10 be directly or otherwise connected to the output shaft 36 or other output mechanism of the power take-off 10 such that the rotatably driven accessory is operated whenever the source of rotational energy is operated. For example, the output shaft 36 may be directly rotatably driven by the input gear 20 by means of a chain, belt, or other mechanism.

[0030] The power take-off 10 further includes an end play setting adjustable device, indicated generally at 72. The end play setting adjustable device 72 can be used to set a desired amount of end play and preload force on tapered bearings 40 on the output shaft 36 of the power take-off 10. This is set to ensure maximum bearing performance during operation of the power take-off 10.

[0031] An exploded view of the end play setting adjustable device 72 is illustrated in Fig. 2. The end play setting adjustable device 72 includes a bearing cap 74 and a pilot sleeve 76. The illustrated bearing cap 74 and the illustrated pilot sleeve 76 are made of metal but may be made of any suitable materials. The bearing cap 74 includes a cap body 78 that serves as an interface between the power take-off 10 and the rotatably driven accessory. The bearing cap 74 includes a first threaded surface 80. The first threaded surface 80 is an internal threaded bore that extends through the cap body 78. The pilot sleeve 76 includes a pilot body 82, a pilot bore 84, and a second threaded surface 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the second threaded surface 86 is on an external surface of the pilot sleeve 76. However, the second threaded surface 86 may be located on any suitable part of the pilot sleeve. The pilot body 82 serves as a pilot to ensure that the power take-off housing 12, the output shaft 36, and the bearing cap 74 are positioned inline with one another.

[0032] To assemble the end play setting adjustable device 72, the pilot sleeve 76 is initially threaded into the internal threaded bore 80 on the bearing cap 74 to an initialpilot position. The internal threaded bore 80 supports and cooperates with the threaded surface 86 to hold the pilot sleeve 76 in the initial pilot position relative to the bearing cap 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the initial pilot position is the maximum depth that the pilot sleeve 76 can be threaded into the internal threaded bore 80. However, the initial pilot position may be any suitable depth.

[0033] The illustrated end play setting adjustable device 72 is then attached to the power take-off housing 12 at an outlet opening 88. An output shaft axis 90, defined by the output shaft 36, extends through the pilot bore 84 of the pilot body 82. A plurality of bolts 92 is installed through the pilot body 82 and into the power take-off housing 12 hold the pilot body 82 in place relative to the housing 12. The end play setting adjustable device 72 is then in an initial installed position, illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0034] The pilot sleeve 76 is adapted to be torqued to a desired amount in order to set endplay of the tapered bearings 38 and 40. A torque tool (not shown) can then be attached to the pilot sleeve 76. In the illustrated embodiment, the torque tool is inserted through the threaded bore 80 to engage the pilot sleeve 76. The torque tool is then operated to rotate the pilot sleeve 76 relative to the bearing cap 74 and move the pilot sleeve 76 axially relative to the bearing cap 74. The pilot sleeve 76 is also moved axially relative to the bearing 40. The pilot sleeve 76 is movable axially relative to the bearing cap 74 in a direction that is substantially parallel to the output shaft axis 90. The pilot sleeve 76 is moved relative to the bearing cap 74 until the pilot sleeve 76 makes contact with the bearing 40. The position of the pilot sleeve 76 relative to the bearing 40 may be adjusted to a desired amount of torque in order to provide a desired amount of end play and a desired amount of pre-load force on the bearing 40. The position of the pilot sleeve 76 relative to the bearing cap 74 may be adjusted to provide a desired amount of end play / preload condition and thereby achieve desirable line-to-line bearing settings. The pilot sleeve 76 is then in a final pilot position relative to the bearing cap 74, and the end play setting adjustable device 72 is in a final installed position, illustrated in Fig. 4. An optional lock (not shown) may be attached to prevent the pilot sleeve 76 from moving relative to the bearing cap 74 under normal operation of the power take-of 10. The lockmay be a thread locker, a jam nut, or any other suitable lock. Referring back to Fig. 1, once the pilot sleeve 76 is in the final pilot position, a seal 94 may be inserted into the threaded bore 80 between the cap body 78 and the output shaft 36.

[0035] When the end play setting adjustable device 72 is in an initial installed position and the pilot sleeve 76 is in the initial pilot position (shown in Fig. 3), the pilot sleeve 76 is located a first distance 96 from the bearing 40. When the end play setting adjustable device 72 is in a final installed position and the pilot sleeve 76 is in the final pilot position (shown in Fig. 4), the pilot sleeve 76 is located a second distance 98 from the bearing 40. The first distance 96 is larger than the second distance 98. Additionally, when the pilot sleeve 76 is located the second distance 98 from the bearing 40, the pilot sleeve 76 is in contact with the bearing 40.

[0036] Referring now to Fig. 5, there is illustrated a prior art end cap, illustrated generally at 100. The prior art end cap 100 is adapted for use with a prior art power takeoff (not shown). The prior art end cap 100 is adapted to be attached to an outlet opening on a housing of the prior art power take-off, similar to the previously described end play setting adjustable device 72. The prior art end cap 100 includes a cap body 102 with an inward ring 104 that extends toward an annular bearing 106 when the prior art end cap 100 is attached to the housing. The prior art end cap 100 is used in combination with a number of shims 108 of varying thicknesses.

[0037] In use, the prior art end cap 100 is attached to the housing, and the end play of the assembled prior art power take-off is measured. If the end play is outside a desired range, the prior art end cap 100 is removed from the housing. One or more of the shims 108 is inserted between the cap body 102 and the housing, the prior art end cap 100 is reattached to the housing, and the end play of the assembled prior art power take-off is remeasured. This process is repeated until the desired end play is achieved. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the number and combination of shims 108 needed to achieve the desired end play is not know in advance, and multiple repetitions of this process may be required in order to complete assembly of the prior art power take-off.

[0038] Referring to Fig. 6, there is illustrated a cross-sectional elevational view of a power take-off, indicated generally at 1010, in accordance with a second embodiment of this invention. The power take-off 1010 includes several features similar to the previously described power take-off 10 and will not be described in detail. Similar features on power take-off 1010 are identified by the same element number with the prefix 1000. The illustrated power take-off 1010 is intended to illustrate an environment in which this invention may be used.

[0039] The power take-off 1010 includes a housing 1012 and an input mechanism 1018. The power take-off 1010 includes an output shaft 1036 that is disposed within the housing 1012. The output shaft 1036 is rotatably supported on the housing 1012 by tapered bearing 1038 and 1040. The output shaft 1036 is adapted to be rotatably driven by the input mechanism 1018. The output shaft 1036 is also adapted to be connected to a driven accessory (not shown).

[0040] The output shaft 1036 extends from a closed end of the housing 1012, indicated generally at 1110, to an open end of the housing 1012, indicated generally at 1112. The output shaft 1036 extends through an outlet opening 1088 in the housing 1012, which is located on the open end 1112. The power take-off 1010 includes an end play setting adjustable device, indicated generally at 1072, located at the open end 1112 of the housing 1012. The illustrated end play setting adjustable device 1072 is similar to the previously described end play setting adjustable device 72.

[0041] The end play setting adjustable device 1072 includes a bearing cap 1074 and a pilot sleeve 1076. The illustrated bearing cap 1074 and the illustrated pilot sleeve 1076 are made of metal but may be made of any suitable materials. The bearing cap 1074 includes a cap body 1078 that serves as an interface between the power take-off 1010 and the rotatably driven accessory. The end play setting adjustable device 1072 includes a pilot support 1114. The illustrated pilot support 1114 is a threaded bore 1080 that extends through the cap body 1078. The pilot sleeve 1076 includes a pilot body 1082, a pilot bore 1084, and a threaded surface 1086. The pilot body 1082 serves as a pilot to ensure thatthe housing 1012, the output shaft 1036, and the bearing cap 1074 are positioned in-line with one another.

[0042] The end play setting adjustable device 1072 is assembled similarly to the previously described end play setting adjustable device 72. The pilot sleeve 1076 is initially threaded into the threaded bore 1080 on the bearing cap 1074 to an initial pilot position. The threaded bore 1080 supports and cooperates with the threaded surface 1086 to hold the pilot sleeve 1076 in the initial pilot position relative to the bearing cap 1074.

[0043] The bearing cap 1074 is then attached to the housing 1012 at the outlet opening 1088. An output shaft axis 1090, defined by the output shaft 1036, extends through the pilot bore 1084 of the pilot body 1082. A plurality of bolts (not shown) is installed through the pilot body 1082 and into the housing 1012 hold the pilot body 1082 in place relative to the housing 1012. The end play setting adjustable device 1072 is then in an initial installed position.

[0044] The torque tool can then be attached to the pilot sleeve 1076. In the illustrated embodiment, the torque tool is inserted through the threaded bore 1080 to engage the pilot sleeve 1076. The torque tool is then operated to rotate the pilot sleeve 1076 relative to the pilot support 1114 and move the pilot sleeve 1076 axially relative to the pilot support 1114. The pilot sleeve 1076 is also moved axially relative to the bearing 1040. The pilot sleeve 1076 is movable axially relative to the bearing cap 1074 in a direction that is substantially parallel to the output shaft axis 1090. The pilot sleeve 1076 is moved relative to the pilot support 1114 until the pilot sleeve 1076 makes contact with the bearing 1040. The position of the pilot sleeve 1076 relative to the pilot support 1114 may be adjusted to a desired amount of torque in order to provide a desired amount of end play and a desired amount of pre-load force on the bearing 1040. The position of the pilot sleeve 1076 relative to the pilot support 1114 may be adjusted to provide a desired amount of end play / preload condition and thereby achieve desirable line-to-line bearing settings. The pilot sleeve 1076 is then in a final pilot position relative to the pilot support 1114, and the end play setting adjustable device 1072 is in a final installed position, illustrated in Fig. 6. An optional lock (not shown) may be attached to prevent the pilotsleeve 1076 from moving relative to the bearing cap 1074 under normal operation of the power take-of 1010. The lock may be a thread locker, a jam nut, or any other suitable lock.

[0045] The power take-off 1010 includes a second bearing cap 1116. The second bearing cap 1116 is located at the closed end 1110 of the housing 1012. When the pilot sleeve 1076 is moved to the engage the bearing 1040, the bearing 1038 is pushed against the second bearing cap 1116. Although the illustrated second bearing cap 1116 is a separate piece attached to the housing 1012, the second bearing cap 1116 may be part of the housing 1012.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 7, there is illustrated a cross-sectional elevational view of a power take-off, indicated generally at 2010, in accordance with a third embodiment of this invention. The power take-off 2010 includes several features similar to the previously described power take-off 1010 and will not be described in detail. Similar features on power take-off 2010 are identified by the same element number with the prefix 2000. The illustrated power take-off 2010 is intended to illustrate an environment in which this invention may be used.

[0047] The power take-off 2010 includes a housing 2012 and an input mechanism 2018. The power take-off 2010 includes an output shaft 2036 that is disposed within the housing 2012. The output shaft 2036 is rotatably supported on the housing 2012 by tapered bearing 2038 and 2040. The output shaft 2036 is adapted to be rotatably driven by the input mechanism 2018. The output shaft 2036 is also adapted to be connected to a driven accessory (not shown).

[0048] The output shaft 2036 extends from a closed end of the housing 2012, indicated generally at 2110, to an open end of the housing 2012, indicated generally at 2112. The output shaft 2036 extends through an outlet opening 2088 in the housing 2012, which is located on the open end 2112. The power take-off 2010 includes an end play setting adjustable device, indicated generally at 2072, located at the closed end 2110 of the housing 2012.

[0049] The end play setting adjustable device 2072 includes a bearing cap 2116 and a pilot sleeve 2076. The illustrated bearing cap 2116 and the illustrated pilot sleeve 1076 are made of metal but may be made of any suitable materials. The bearing cap 2116 includes a cap body 2078. The end play setting adjustable device 2072 includes a pilot support 2114. The illustrated pilot support 2114 is a threaded bore 2080 that extends through the cap body 2078. The pilot sleeve 2076 includes a pilot body 2082, a pilot bore 2084, and a threaded surface 2086. The illustrated pilot sleeve 2076 includes a web 2118 that is located in the pilot bore 2084.

[0050] To assemble the end play setting adjustable device 2072, the pilot sleeve 2076 is initially threaded into the threaded bore 2080 on the bearing cap 2116 to an initial pilot position. The threaded bore 2080 supports and cooperates with the threaded surface 1086 to hold the pilot sleeve 2076 in the initial pilot position relative to the bearing cap 2116.

[0051] The bearing cap 2116 is then attached to the housing 2012 at the closed end 2110 of the housing 2012. A plurality of bolts (not shown) is installed through the bearing cap 2116 and into the housing 2012 hold the bearing cap 2116 in place relative to the housing 2012. An output shaft axis 2090, defined by the output shaft 2036, extends through the pilot bore 2084. The end play setting adjustable device 2072 is then in an initial installed position.

[0052] The torque tool can then be attached to the pilot sleeve 2076. In the illustrated embodiment, the torque tool is inserted through the threaded bore 2080 to engage the pilot sleeve 2076. The torque tool is then operated to rotate the pilot sleeve 2076 relative to the pilot support 2114 and move the pilot sleeve 2076 axially relative to the pilot support 2114. The pilot sleeve 2076 is also moved axially relative to the bearing 2038. The pilot sleeve 2076 is movable axially relative to the bearing cap 2074 in a direction that is substantially parallel to the output shaft axis 2090. The pilot sleeve 2076 is moved relative to the pilot support 2114 until the pilot sleeve 2076 makes contact with the bearing 2038. The position of the pilot sleeve 2076 relative to the pilot support 2114 may be adjusted to a desired amount of torque in order to provide a desired amount of end play and a desired amount of pre-load force on the bearing 2038. The position of the pilotsleeve 2076 relative to the pilot support 2114 may be adjusted to provide a desired amount of end play / preload condition and thereby achieve desirable line-to-line bearing settings. The pilot sleeve 2076 is then in a final pilot position relative to the pilot support 2114, and the end play setting adjustable device 2072 is in a final installed position, illustrated in Fig. 7. An optional lock (not shown) may be attached to prevent the pilot sleeve 2076 from moving relative to the bearing cap 2116 under normal operation of the power take-of 2010. The lock may be a thread locker, a jam nut, or any other suitable lock.

[0053] The illustrated pilot sleeve 2076 includes a web 2118 that is located in the pilot bore 2084. The web 2118 closes the pilot bore 2084 in order to close the closed end 2110 of the housing 2012. However, the web 2118 may be a separate piece that is attached to the housing 2012 or other part of the power take-off 2010. Additionally, the illustrated bearing cap 2116 is a separate piece that is attached to the housing 2012. However, the bearing cap 2116 may be part of the housing 2012, and the pilot support 2114 may be part of the housing 2012.

[0054] The power take-off 2010 includes a second bearing cap 2074. The second bearing cap 2074 is located at the open end 2110 of the housing 2012. When the pilot sleeve 2076 is moved to the engage the bearing 2038, the bearing 2040 is pushed against the second bearing cap 2074. Although the illustrated second bearing cap 2074 is a separate piece attached to the housing 2012, the second bearing cap 2074 may be part of the housing 2012.

[0055] Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives for the described and illustrated embodiments can be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure, and that the various elements and features of one example described and illustrated herein can be combined with various elements and features of another example without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the particular example disclosed herein has been selected by the inventor(s) simply to describe and illustrate an example of the invention and is not intended to limitthe scope of the invention or its protection, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

Claims1. A power- take off with an end play setting adjustable device comprising: a housing; an input mechanism disposed within the housing and adapted to be connected to a source of rotational energy; an output shaft disposed within the housing and adapted to be connected to a driven accessory, the output shaft adapted to be rotatably driven by the input mechanism; tapered bearings, wherein the output shaft is rotatably supported on the housing by the bearings; a pilot guide attached to the housing; and a pilot sleeve that is supported on the pilot guide for rotational movement relative to the pilot guide and axial movement relative to the pilot guide; wherein the pilot sleeve is adapted to be torqued to a desired amount to set endplay of the tapered bearings.

2. The power-take off with an end play setting adjustable device of claim 1, wherein the pilot sleeve is movable relative to the bearing between an initial pilot position, wherein the pilot sleeve is located a first distance from the bearing, and a final pilot position, wherein the pilot sleeve is located a second distance from the bearing.

3. The power take-off of claim 2, wherein the first distance is larger than the second distance.

4. The power take-off of claim 2, wherein when the pilot sleeve is located the second distance from the bearing, the pilot sleeve is in contact with the bearing.

5. The power-take off with an end play setting adjustable device of claim 1, wherein the pilot guide has a first threaded surface; andthe pilot sleeve includes a second threaded surface; wherein the first threaded surface cooperates with the second threaded surface to support the pilot sleeve relative to the pilot guide for rotational movement relative to the pilot guide and axial movement relative to the pilot guide.

6. The power-take off with an end play setting adjustable device of claim 1, wherein the pilot guide is located on the housing.

7. The power-take off with an end play setting adjustable device of claim 1, wherein the pilot guide is located on a bearing cap that is attached to the housing.

8. The power take-off with an end play setting adjustable device of claim 7, wherein the bearing cap includes a cap body and an internal threaded bore that extends through the cap body, the pilot sleeve includes a pilot body and a threaded surface, and the internal threaded bore supports and cooperates with the threaded surface to hold the pilot sleeve in the initial pilot position relative to the bearing cap.

9. The power take-off with an end play setting adjustable device of claim 1, wherein the output shaft defines an output shaft axis, the pilot sleeve includes a pilot body and a pilot bore, and the output shaft axis extends through the pilot bore when the pilot sleeve is in the initial pilot position and when the pilot sleeve is in the final pilot position.

10. A power-take off with an end play setting adjustable device comprising: a housing; an input mechanism disposed within the housing and adapted to be connected to a source of rotational energy; an output shaft disposed within the housing and adapted to be connected to a driven accessory, the output shaft rotatably driven by the input mechanism, the output shaft defines an output shaft axis;a tapered bearing, wherein the output shaft rotatably supported on the housing by the bearing; and an end play setting adjustable device that includes a bearing cap and a pilot sleeve, wherein the bearing cap is attached to the housing and the pilot sleeve is supported on the bearing cap for rotational movement relative to the bearing cap and axial movement relative to the bearing cap, the pilot sleeve includes a pilot body and a pilot bore, and the output shaft axis extends through the pilot bore.

11. The power take-off with an end play setting adjustable device of claim 10, wherein the pilot sleeve is movable relative to the bearing between an initial pilot position wherein the pilot sleeve is located a first distance from the bearing, and a final pilot position wherein the pilot sleeve is located a second distance from the bearing.

12. The power take-off with an end play setting adjustable device of claim 11, wherein the first distance is larger than the second distance.

13. The power take-off with an end play setting adjustable device of claim 11, wherein when the pilot sleeve is located the second distance from the bearing, the pilot sleeve is in contact with the bearing.

14. The power take-off with an end play setting adjustable device of claim 11, wherein the output shaft axis extends through the pilot bore when the pilot sleeve is in the initial pilot position and when the pilot sleeve is in the final pilot position.

15. The power take-off with an end play setting adjustable device of claim 10, wherein the bearing cap includes a cap body and an internal threaded bore that extends through the cap body, the pilot sleeve includes a threaded surface, and the internal threaded bore supports and cooperates with the threaded surface to hold the pilot sleeve relative to the bearing cap.

16. A power take-off with an end play setting adjustable device comprising: a housing; an input mechanism disposed within the housing and adapted to be connected to a source of rotational energy; an output shaft disposed within the housing and adapted to be connected to a driven accessory, the output shaft adapted to be rotatably driven by the input mechanism, the output shaft defines an output shaft axis; a bearing, wherein the output shaft rotatably supported on the housing by the bearing; and an end play setting adjustable device that includes a bearing cap and a pilot sleeve, the bearing cap includes a cap body that is attached to the housing and an internal threaded bore that extends through the cap body, the pilot sleeve includes a pilot body, a threaded surface, and a pilot bore that extends through the pilot body, wherein the internal threaded bore supports and cooperates with the threaded surface to support the pilot sleeve on the bearing cap for rotational movement relative to the bearing cap and axial movement relative to the bearing cap; wherein the pilot sleeve is movable relative to the bearing between an initial pilot position wherein the pilot sleeve is located a first distance from the bearing, and a final pilot position wherein the pilot sleeve is located a second distance from the bearing, wherein the first distance is larger than the second distance, wherein the output shaft axis extends through the pilot bore when the pilot sleeve is in the initial pilot position and when the pilot sleeve is in the final pilot position.

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