Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
In a motor vehicle rear axle assembly comprising a differential gear assembly; at least one axle extending outwardly from the differential gear assembly; a cast differential gear housing surrounding the differential gear assembly; and an axle housing surrounding each axle, said axle housing arranged within a sleeve-like portion of the differential gear housing extending in the direction of the associated axle, the improvement comprising at least one opening in each sleeve-like portion extending substantially radially inward with respect to the axle associated therewith; and pin-like means arranged in the opening in contact with the sides thereof and welded to the associated axle housing, for attaching the axle housing to the differential gear housing; whereby the weld prevents motion of the attaching means with respect to the associated axle housing and the contact with the sides of the opening prevents motion of the attaching means with respect to the differential gear housing, at least in the circumferential direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
In a motor vehicle rear axle assembly comprising a differential gear assembly; at least one axle extending outwardly from the differential gear assembly; a cast differential gear housing surrounding the differential gear assembly; and an axle housing surrounding each axle, said axle housing arranged within a sleeve-like portion of the differential gear housing extending in the direction of the associated axle, the improvement comprising at least one opening in each sleeve-like portion extending substantially radially inward with respect to the axle associated therewith; and pin-like means arranged in the opening in contact with the sides thereof and welded to the associated axle housing, for attaching the axle housing to the differential gear housing; whereby the weld prevents motion of the attaching means with respect to the associated axle housing and the contact with the sides of the opening prevents motion of the attaching means with respect to the differential gear housing, at least in the circumferential direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The improvement defined in claim 1, wherein the attaching means is at least partially hollow and is welded to said axle housing within the region delimited by its external surfaces; and wherein the contact with the sides of the opening prevents axial as well as circumferential motion of the attaching means with respect to the differential gear housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement defined in claim 2, wherein the attaching means is tube-shaped, and wherein the weld is arranged within the inner walls of the tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improvement defined in claim 2, wherein the attaching means is cup-shaped and has a hole in the bottom, and wherein the weld is arranged in the hole.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvemenT defined in claim 2, wherein the attaching means is cup-shaped and wherein the bottom thereof is resistance-welded to the axle housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The improvement defined in claim 1, wherein the sides of the opening are spaced in the axial direction from the attaching means and wherein the attaching means is welded to the axle housing in the region between the external surfaces of the attaching means and the spaced sides of the opening.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improvement defined in claim 6, wherein the attaching means is bar-shaped and wherein the external surfaces thereof are welded to the axle housing.