Patent ID: 7383748
Filing Date: 2008-06-10
Classification: B60K,F16D,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. In an automobile having a drivetrain, the drivetrain including an engine, a first shaft operatively coupled to the engine and having a first axis of rotation, and a member having a second axis of rotation rotatably coupled with said first shaft, the improvement comprising: a plurality of splines on said first shaft, said splines having a first end, a second end and a center portion longitudinally intermediate said first and said second end; a plurality of splines on said member intercalated with the splines on said first shaft in driven relationship, said splines on said member having one end and another end and a middle portion longitudinally intermediate said one end and the another end, whereby said splines on said first shaft are external splines and said splines on said member are internal splines; and a second shaft generally axially aligned with said first shaft and having a second shaft axis, said second shaft being operatively connected by said member to said first shaft for rotation therewith, said second shaft being located adjacent said first shaft, wherein at least said external splines or said internal splines are cut with a crowned involute configuration and wherein said first shaft includes a domed end surface whereby said first axis may deflect relative to said second shaft axis during rotation of said shafts with said domed surface in engagement with said second shaft.