Flexible mounting system for powertrain mounted components
A mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof is provided. A mounting flange is integrally cast with a powertrain component and extends outwardly therefrom. An opening extends through the mounting flange defining a mounting flange axis and axially receives a portion of a powertrain component for support therein, and by the mounting flange. A separation line extends diametrically across the mounting flange to define a separated portion and a remaining portion of the mounting flange. Fasteners are configured to removeably attach the separated portion to the remaining portion to thereby facilitate removal of the powertrain component from the powertrain assembly in a radial direction.
1. A mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof, comprising;
a powertrain assembly comprising a cylinder block;
a mounting flange integrally cast with the cylinder block and extending outwardly from an outer surface of the cylinder block;
an opening extending through the mounting flange, defining a mounting flange axis, and having an inner circumference configured to axially receive a portion of a powertrain component, for support therein by the mounting flange;
a plurality of bores positioned on the mounting flange and extending substantially parallel to the mounting flange axis;
a fracture line formed by a fracturing process performed on the mounting flange, the fracture line extending diametrically across the mounting flange, to thereby define a separated portion and a remaining portion of the mounting flange; and
fasteners to removeably attach the separated portion to the remaining portion to facilitate removal of the powertrain component from the powertrain assembly in a direction that extends radially from the mounting flange axis.
2. The mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof of claim 1 , said powertrain assembly further comprising, a transmission housing.
3. The mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof of claim 1 , wherein the fracture line defines first and second, mirror image mating surfaces at the interface of the separated portion and the remaining portion of the mounting flange.
4. The mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof of claim 2 , wherein the mounting flange is located adjacent one end of the cylinder block and the powertrain component is an engine starter motor configured to engage a flywheel that is mounted for rotation on a crankshaft disposed in the cylinder block.
5. The mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof of claim 4 , wherein the engine starter motor is positioned by the mounting flange in axial alignment with an axis of the crankshaft and radially with a perimeter of the flywheel.
6. A mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof, the mounting system comprising:
a powertrain assembly comprising mission housing;
a mounting flange integrally cast with the powertrain assembly and extending outwardly therefrom;
an opening extending through the mounting flange, defining a mounting flange axis, and having an inner circumference configured to axially receive a portion of a powertrain component, for support therein by the mounting flange;
a plurality of bores positioned on the mounting flange and extending substantially parallel to the mounting flange axis;
a separation line extending diametrically across the mounting flange, to thereby define a separated portion and a remaining portion of the mounting flange; and
fasteners to removably attach the separated portion to the remaining portion to facilitate removal of the powertrain component from the powertrain assembly in a direction that extends radially from the mounting flange axis,
wherein the mounting flange is located adjacent one end of the transmission housing and the powertrain component is an engine starter motor configured to engage a flywheel that is mounted for rotation on a crankshaft disposed in the cylinder block.
7. The mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof of claim 6 , wherein the engine starter motor is positioned by the mounting flange in axial alignment with an axis of the crankshaft and radially with a perimeter of the flywheel.
8. The mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof of claim 2 , wherein the mounting flange is located adjacent one end of the cylinder block and the powertrain component is configured to engage an accessory drive system that is rotatably driven by a crankshaft disposed in the cylinder block.
9. The mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof of claim 8 , the accessory drive system further comprising:
a crankshaft pulley mounted for rotation at an end of the crankshaft;
a driven pulley mounted for rotation to the powertrain component; and
a drive belt extending between the crankshaft pulley and the driven pulley and configured to drive the driven pulley and the associated component.
10. A mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof, the mounting system comprising:
a powertrain assembly comprising a transmission housing and a cylinder block;
a mounting flange integrally cast with the powertrain assembly and extending outwardly therefrom;
an opening extending through the mounting flange, defining a mounting flange axis, and having an inner circumference configured to axially receive a portion of a powertrain component, for support therein by the mounting flange;
a separation line extending diametrically across the mounting flange, to thereby define a separated portion and a remaining portion of the mounting flange; and
fasteners to removably attach the separated portion to the remaining portion to facilitate removal of the powertrain component from the powertrain assembly in a direction that extends radially from the mounting flange axis,
wherein the mounting flange is located adjacent one end of the transmission housing and the powertrain component is an engine starter motor configured to engage a flywheel that is mounted for rotation on a crankshaft disposed in the cylinder block.
11. The mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof of claim 2 , wherein the mounting flange is located adjacent one end of the transmission housing and the powertrain component is an engine starter motor configured to engage a flywheel that is mounted for rotation on a crankshaft disposed in the cylinder block.