Vehicle axle connect and disconnect system
US9868351B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2023/123
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electronic self-locking connect and disconnect system for vehicles. The system includes a motor which turns a gear that meshes with a ring gear contained within a housing. The ring gear meshes with a lead screw thread on an outer surface of a lead screw. When the motor is activated the ring gear rotates the lead screw thread which selectively engages or disengages the clutch. A groove extends on the outer surface of and transverse to the lead screw thread. A pin extends radially inward from an inner surface of the housing till part of the pin is located within the groove. When the pin contacts a radial wall of the groove it prevents further rotation of the lead screw which prevents the stub shaft from axially moving beyond predetermined points. A spring and a sliding collar may be utilized to accommodate full motor travel regardless of the clutch state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.