FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of manufacturing of an automobile shaft sub-assembly.
DEFINITIONS
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicate otherwise.
NR Bearing - The term "NR Bearing" hereinafter refers to a bearing provided with a snap ring groove and a snap ring fitted therein. The outer diameter of the snap ring is greater than the outer diameter of the bearing.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Typically, an intermediate shaft sub-assembly is being assembled on an assembly line. A ball bearing and an NR bearing are installed on the intermediate shaft for facilitating smooth rotation of the intermediate shaft when it is assembled in the final transmission of the vehicle. The process involves the use of a fixture for supporting the ball bearing and the NR bearing. First the ball bearing is placed on the fixture followed by the placement of the NR bearing. Once, both the ball bearing and the NR bearing are placed in a desired orientation, a worker inserts the intermediate shaft from the operative top end of the NR bearing and pressed by a suitable means. The bearings are fixed on the shaft by interference fit or by a suitable locking arrangement. The intermediate shaft is later pulled out from the fixture and forwarded to another workstation.
However, in a conventional fixture it is observed that a new worker sometimes places the NR bearing in an upside down orientation. As a result the intermediate

shaft sub-assembly is fitted with an NR bearing having a wrong orientation. This causes issues in the further fitment of the intermediate shaft assembly in the final transmission. If the above mentioned issue remains unnoticed by the workers, service and performance issues may be faced by the customers. This may attract bad reputation and loss of trust from the customers.
There is, therefore, felt a need of a fixture for an intermediate shaft sub-assembly that alleviates the above mentioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for assembling an intermediate shaft sub-assembly.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for assembling an intermediate shaft sub-assembly that is adjustable as per the model of the shaft sub-assembly.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fixture for assembling an intermediate shaft sub-assembly that is capable of detecting the incorrect orientation of an NR bearing.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a fixture for assembling bearings on an intermediate shaft. The fixture includes a base portion and detection portion. The detection portion is having a stopper for detecting the incorrect orientation and

incorrect sequence of ball beairngs and NR bearings. The stopper is in the form of a projection.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base portion is fastened at a workstation while the detection portion is configured at the operative top end of the base portion, wherein a receiving zone is defined in the detection portion. The receiving zone is configured to receive ball bearings and NR bearings therein. The stopper provided at the operative top surface of the detection portion extends axially along the surface of the detection portion and in an upward direction. The operative height of the stopper (projection) is such that the tip of the stopper is just below an outer ring of the NR bearings when the NR bearings are placed in a proper orientation in the receiving zone, while on the other hand, the stopper restricts the placement of the NR bearings in the receiving zone by virtue of interference with the outer ring of the NR bearings when the NR bearings are placed in an incorrect orientation, such that the the NR bearings are lifted only from one side to visually notify the operator of some error in the sub-assembly.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection portion is in the form of a hollow cylinder.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a slot is provided in the detection portion. The slot is configured to receive the stopper.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the stopper is configured to move telescopically in the slot along a direction parallel to the axes of the bearings.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of holes is provided in the stopper along its length.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the telescopic movement of the stopper is facilitated by the holes in the stopper and a screw arrangement.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operative height of the stopper is configured to be adjusted as per the model of the intermediate shaft sub-assembly and the orientation of the bearings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The fixture for assembling an intermediate shaft sub-assembly of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 shows a fixture for assembling an intermediate shaft sub-assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the fixture of Figure 1;
Figures 3a and 3b show steps involved in placement of ball bearings and NR bearings on the fixture, wherein the NR bearing is placed in a correct orientation;
Figure 3c shows a side view of the fixture of Figure 3b;
Figure 4 shows a zoomed in view of the fixture of Figure 1;
Figure 5 shows a cut-section view of the fixture of Figure 1;
Figures 6a-6c shows different height settings that can be achieved by a stopper of the fixture;
Figure 7a shows an isometric view of the fixture when the bearings are placed in a correct orientation;
Figure 7b shows a top view of the fixture of Figure 7a;
Figure 8a shows an isometric view of the fixture when the bearings are placed in an incorrect orientation; and
Figure 8b shows a top view of the fixture of Figure 8a.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING
200 - Fixture
200a- Base portion
200b - Detection portion
204 - Receiving zone
205a - Ball bearing/s
205b-NRbearing/s
206 - Snap ring
210-Stopper
210a-Screw
210b - Holes in stopper 210
210c-Slot
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known

techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
The present disclosure describes a fixture used for assembling an intermediate shaft sub-assembly. However, the teachings of the present disclosure can be

modified and implemented for other shaft sub-assemblies without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
A fixture 200 for assembling an intermediate shaft sub-assembly is illustrated in Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The intermediate shaft sub-assembly comprises ball bearing/s 205a, NR bearings 205b, and an intermediate shaft. The ball bearings 205a and the NR bearings 205b are fixed on the intermediate shaft. An outer ring 206 is provided on the NR bearing 205b. The axial position of the outer ring 206 is dependent on the design requirements and packaging constraints. It is important to ensure that the orientation of the NR bearings 205b is correct. Else, the intermediate shaft will not function properly.
The fixture 200 comprises a base portion 200a and a detection portion 200b. The base portion 200a is configured to be mounted on a foundation provided on the assembly line. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a stopper 210 is provided at the operative top edge of the detection portion 200b. The stopper 210 is in the form of a plate, wherein the plate extends in the upward direction.
Figures 3a shows steps involved in the placement of the ball bearing 205a and the NR bearing 205b on the fixture, wherein the NR bearing 205b is placed in a correct orientation. The sequence of operations involved in the assembly of the intermediate shaft sub-assembly using the fixture 200 is as follows:
a. placing the ball bearing 205a in the receiving zone 204;
b. placing the NR bearing 205b on top of the ball bearing 205a; and
c. inserting the intermediate shaft from the operative top side of the NR
bearing 205b; and
d. fastening the bearings 205a and 205b to the intermediate shaft by suitable
means.

The fastening means for fastening the bearings 205a and 205b to the intermediate shaft is selected from the group of methods consisting of press fitting, locking, and fitting using a key.
The above mentioned sequence of operations is also applicable to a fixture 200, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the fixture 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The fixture 200 comprises a base portion 200a, a detection portion 200b, a longitudinal slot 210c defined near the top end of the detection portion 200b, a stopper 210, and a screw 210a.
The slot 210c extends in a downward direction from the operative top edge of the detection portion 200b. The slot 210c is configured to receive and support the stopper 210. The stopper 210 is in the form of a plate which comprises a plurality of holes 210b defined along its length. The height of the stopper 210 is adjustment such that the operative top edge of the stopper 210 is slightly below the outer ring 206 of the NR bearing 205b.
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the fixture of Figure 1. The plurality of holes 210b, as seen in the figure 2, facilitates the necessary height adjustment of the stopper 210.
Case I: Correct orientation of NR bearing
It is seen from Figure 3b that the stopper 210 is just below the outer ring 206 of the NR bearing 205b. The distance between the top end of the stopper 210 and the operative bottom edge of the outer ring 206 is in the range 0.5mm to 2mm. In this case, the NR bearing 205b sits onto the ball bearing 205a with the axes of both the bearings 205a and 205b coinciding with one another. The intermediate shaft easily fits into the central portions of the bearings 205a and 205b and thus the intermediate shaft sub-assembly is completed and forwarded to another workstation for further processing. Figure 3b shows a perspective view of the

bearings placed in the receiving zone 204 of the fixture 200. Figure 3c shows a front view of the fixture 200 of Figure 3b. It is seen from Figure 3c that the top end of the stopper 210 is just touching the outer ring 206, such that the stopper 210 does not interfere with the outer ring 206. As a result, the NR bearing 205b easily fits into the receiving zone 204 of the fixture 200 and the fastening of the bearings 205a and 205b on the intermediate shaft is completed without any constraint.
Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the fixture of Figure 1. The stopper 210 is held at a suitable height by the screw 210a. Figure 5 shows a cut-section view of the fixture of Figure 1. It is seen from Figure 5 that the screw 210a is configured to hold the stopper 210 at any desired height by engaging with any of the holes 210b provided in the stopper. The stopper 210 is inserted through the top opening of the slot 210c. Once the desired height of the stopper 210 is adjusted, the screw 210a is fastened to the threaded opening provided in the slot 210c or threads formed in each of the holes 210b in the stopper 210.
The stopper 210 is configured to move telescopically in the slot 210c along a direction parallel to the axes of the bearings (205a and 205b) and/or up-down direction. The telescopic movement of the stopper 210 is possible with the help of the holes 210b and a screw 210a arrangement. The operative height of stopper 210 is configured to be adjusted as per the model of the intermediate shaft sub-assembly and the orientation of the bearing (205a ad 205b).
Figure 7 a shows an isometric view of the fixture when the bearings 205a and 205b are placed in a correct orientation. Figure 7b shows a top view of the fixture of Figure 7a
Case II: Incorrect orientation of NR bearing
When the NR bearing 205b is placed over the ball bearing 205a in an incorrect orientation, the stopper 210 will interfere with outer ring 206 such as to hinder the proper placement of the NR bearing 205b. As a result the NR bearing is held

in a hanging position about the outer ring 206. The stopper 210 uplifts the NR bearing 205b at the outer ring 206 and displaces the NR bearing 205b from its center. Figure 8a shows an isometric view of the fixture 200 when the bearings are placed in an incorrect orientation. Figure 8b shows a top view of the fixture 200 of Figure 8a. The operator will be able to visually detect the wrong orientation of the bearings.
If, by chance the operator fails to visually detect the uplifted NR bearing 205b as shown in Figure 8a and the operator tries to insert the intermediate shaft into the bearings, the intermediate shaft will not pass through both the bearings 205a and 205b. This is because of the miss-alignment between the axes of the bearings. The non-insertion of the intermediate shaft acts as a second level of check to detect incorrect orientation and sequence of placement of the bearings.
The implementation of the fixture (200) as described in various embodiments of the present disclosure helps in eliminating wrong fitments of bearings. This also saves time of rework.
Figures 6a-6c shows different configurations of the fixture 200 with different height settings that can be achieved by the stopper 210.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a fixture for assembling an intermediate shaft sub-assembly that:

• prevents incorrect fitment of bearings on a shaft;
• is adjustable;
• can be used for multiple shaft sub-assemblies;
• is simple in construction;
• can be easily modified to work with different intermediate shaft sub-assemblies; and
• reduces the transition time for switching from one sub-assembly to another.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

CLAIMS

1.A fixture (200) for assembling bearings on an intermediate shaft sub¬
assembly of a gear transmission, said fixture (200) comprising:
• a base portion (200a) fastened at a workstation of an assembly line;
• a detection portion (200b) configured at the operative top end of said base portion (200a);
• a receiving zone (204) defined in said detection portion (200b), said receiving zone (204) configured to receive ball bearings (205a) and NR bearings (205b) therein; and
• a stopper (210) provided at the operative top surface of said detection portion (200b), said stopper (210) extending axially along the surface of said detection portion (200b) and in an upward direction.

2. The fixture (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operative height of said stopper (210) is such that the tip of said stopper (210) is just below an outer ring (206) of said NR bearings (205b) when the NR bearings (205b) are placed in a proper orientation in said receiving zone (204).
3. The fixture (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stopper (210) is configured to restrict the placement of said NR bearings (205b) in said receiving zone (204) in an incorrect orientation by interfering with the outer rings (205c) of said NR bearings (205b).
4. The fixture (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detection portion (200b) is in the form of a hollow cylinder.
5. The fixture (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a slot (210c) is provided in said detection portion (200b), said slot (210c) being configured to receive said stopper (210).

6. The fixture (200) as claimed in claim 1, said stopper (210) is configured to move telescopically in said slot (210c) along a direction parallel to the axes of said bearings (205a and 205b).
7. The fixture (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of holes (210b) is provided in said stopper (210) along its length.
8. The fixture (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the telescopic movement of said stopper (210) is facilitated by said holes (210b) and a screw (210a) arrangement.
9. The fixture (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the operative height of said stopper (210) is configured to be adjusted as per the model of the intermediate shaft sub-assembly and the orientation of said bearings (205a ad 205b).