Patent ID: 11878583
Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
Field: Mechanical elements (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B  F | IPC B  F

Claim 23:
24. A drive shaft sub assembly for an axle system according to claim 1, the drive shaft having one end configured to be connected to a vehicle wheel and one end connected to a differential unit of the axle system, the drive shaft including at least one joint connecting two portions of the drive shaft to transmit rotary motion between said portions, the joint having a radial dimension, characterized in that the drive shaft sub assembly comprises: —a first bearing having an inner ring secured around the drive shaft, the outer diameter of the first bearing being smaller than the radial dimension of the joint; —an annular cover having a central opening in which the drive shaft is received, an annular seal being mounted between the drive shaft and said central opening, the annular cover being located between the first bearing and the joint and comprising at least one aperture which, when looking axially towards the differential unit, is located in an area at least partially included in a joint enveloping cylinder, which is the smallest cylinder which has its center on the axis, and which fully contains the joint and can be placed in a circumferentially offset position from the joint or each portion of the joint, the aperture being configured to allow a tightening member to be inserted through it until it abuts against the outer ring of the first bearing.