Vehicle drive train
US6109411A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K17/344
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic clutch for a vehicle drive train to selectively connect and disconnect a drive portion of the drive train to a driven portion of the drive train, the drive and driven portions having adjacent and mated spline portions at a designated position in the drive train. A clutch ring slidably mounted to one of the spline portions and slidable into engagement with the other spline portions. The designated position adjacent a portion of the vehicle frame and a remote controlled actuator secured to the portion of the vehicle frame. A bearing member of the actuator engaging the clutch ring for urging sliding movement of the clutch ring. Improvements to the above include application of the actuator clutch to front and rear wheel ends for conversion of the vehicle between two-wheel and four-wheel drive, the actuator being mounted to the steering knuckles. Also, improved bearing packs are provided for better performance and to facilitate assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.