Linear motion gear for making drive shafts
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THK product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Dec 21, 2005
Ballscrews and linear motion products from THK are being used by automotive producers to make drive shafts in front wheel drive cars, vans and trucks.
Ballscrews and linear motion products from THK are being used by automotive producers to make drive shafts in front wheel drive cars, vans and trucks.
The ballscrews and linear guides are for use where, traditionally, hydraulic components were installed, and are providing cost savings and a higher degree of machine control.
Constant velocity joints and jointed side-shafts used by vehicle manufacturers typically comprise two joints and a shaft that transfer steering, suspension and variable torque to the driven wheels of a vehicle, while reducing noise, vibration and harshness.
The drive shaft manufacturing cell can be based around four purpose built machines, each of which carries out part of the assembly.
First, a journal press assembles the drive shaft and universal drive joint that connects the shaft to the driven wheel and suspension components.
The second stage is to add a rubber boot, secured with a crimped band, to protect the joint in use.
This is followed by two operations to add a double offset joint on the inboard end of the shaft, with the joint effectively letting the shaft move inwards and outwards as the suspension unit oscillates.
Throughout, the splined joints and shaft must be located precisely to ensure consistent long term operation, for low wear and vehicle safety.
The manufacturing cell replaces a largely manual operation by developing production systems that allow automation of an essentially complex process.
HBN ballscrews, driven by servo motors, and SHS caged ball linear guides are used to control precisely the vertical positioning and alignment of each tool head and workpiece.
Control is especially important on the system that locates and then locks the splined shafts and joints together and then, while the two components are still clamped, exerts a retraction force to check they are fully engaged.
The pull force is always greater than that required to engage the parts, while the first stage in the process needs a gentle oscillating motion to ensure the splines locate correctly.
The ballscrews and linear guides let the machine achieve positional accuracy, high speed acceleration and deceleration, and precise positive and negative pressure.
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