Wheel disconnect system
AssigneeSchaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
InventorMichael EASTMAN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An integrated wheel disconnect system is provided, including a mechanically actuated engagement interlock selector assembly. The engagement interlock selector assembly including a housing, an interlock mechanism disposed in the housing, a spring disposed in the housing, and an actuator assembly, arranged to displace the interlock mechanism towards or away from the spring. The engagement interlock selector assembly is operated by an actuator module, such as a pin, sliding along an external ramp on the interlock mechanism, the mechanism moving axially to selectively engage and disengage the wheel hub from the drive axle.
Claims18
A wheel end disconnect system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a drive axle;
- a wheel hub rotatably mounted on said drive axle;
- an engagement component mounted to said wheel hub;
- and
- an interlock selector assembly, including an engagement selector element, controllably displaceable for selectively engaging or disengaging said wheel hub to or from said drive axle.
An engagement interlock selector assembly for a wheel system, comprising:
- a housing;
- an interlock mechanism disposed in the housing;
- a spring disposed in the housing;
- an actuator assembly, arranged to displace the interlock mechanism towards or away from the spring.
A method of operating a wheel end disconnect assembly, the method comprising:
- rotating an interlock mechanism;
- and
- selectively engaging an actuator with at least one groove in the interlock mechanism during rotation of the interlock mechanism, to cause the interlock mechanism to move axially, and selectively engage or disengage a wheel hub from a drive axle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.