Wheel end disconnect system
US6408973B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K17/306
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An integrated wheel end system for a vehicle including a clutch adapted to provide driving engagement/disengagement of a wheel to convert between driven and non-driven modes of wheel movement. A vehicle is provided with both 4×2 and 4×4 capabilities and, when 4×4 capability is required, a negative pressure is applied to a vacuum cavity thus causing a piston, shift fork and spline collar to move inboard. The spline collar is splined to the constant velocity joint and as it moves inboard it locks on the spline plate locking the wheelend to the axle shaft. The invention also provides a default 4×4 embodiment, the spline collar is splined to the joint and as the piston fork and spline collar move inboard, they unlock the wheelend from the axle shaft. A selectively activated actuator is provided for moving the clutch member between its driving and non-driving positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.