Mechanical front wheel drive axle for improved steering
US6056081A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 2, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2188
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steerable drive axle for improved steering is provided. The steerable drive axle includes a drive shaft housing and at least one axle shaft. A portion of the axle shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing in the drive shaft housing. The drive shaft housing has an actuator recess disposed therein. The steerable drive axle further includes a wheel drive shaft supported by a wheel bearing assembly in a wheel bearing support. An angle drive assembly connects the axle shaft to the wheel drive shaft, and a pivot assembly pivotally attaches the drive shaft housing to the wheel bearing support. In addition, the steerable drive axle includes an actuator coupled between the drive shaft housing and the pivot assembly. A portion of the actuator is located within the actuator recess of the drive shaft housing when the pivot assembly is pivoted relative to the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.