Automatic hub clutch
US4415073A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 1980 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K17/3515
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic hub clutch for the front wheels of a four-wheel drive vehicle which enables said wheels to automatically become engaged or disengaged from the front axle shaft when the transfer case of the vehicle is shifted to the required operating mode. The hub clutch comprises a plurality of gears the engagement of which is carried out through a control assembly that includes a control plate which forces a plurality of ball members over a cam surface for compressing a spring member to move the gear members into engagement with one another. The gear members are moved out of engagement under the action of a spring when the ball members are moved over the cam surface in the opposite direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.