192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Axially engaging
Reexamination Certificate
1997-08-01
2001-11-20
Lorence, Richard M. (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Axially engaging
C192S085060, C180S247000, C301S105100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318533
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a new and novel motor vehicle wheel end assembly with hub lock. More particularly, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle wheel end assembly with hub lock for a driving and, in most cases, but not always, a steering axle of a motor vehicle.
The driving and steering axle of a motor vehicle typically includes an axle or shaft which originates from a differential at its inward end and connects to a constant velocity (CV) joint at its outward end. The constant velocity (CV) joint normally includes an inner race which is connected for rotation with the axle shaft to receive torque therefrom and an outer race which receives torque from the inner race at a constant angular velocity through a torque transferring arrangement such as torque transmitting balls. The outer race is generally coupled for rotation with a spindle which is, in turn, coupled for rotation with a wheel hub. The wheel hub is typically supported for rotation by one or more bearing assemblies which are positioned within a bore formed through the knuckle, such as a steering knuckle. The wheel hub generally includes a wheel mounting flange formed in its outward regions to allow a wheel to be mounted thereto and secured for rotation with the wheel hub using a plurality of wheel mounting studs and associated internally threaded wheel mounting lugnuts. A disk brake rotor is also typically secured adjacent to the wheel mounting flange by the wheel mounting studs.
Such prior art motor vehicle wheel end assemblies generally include a variety of components which add to the complexity, weight, cost, ease of assembly and disassembly, and the ease of adjustment of such prior art motor vehicle wheel end assemblies.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is, therefore, directed to a motor vehicle wheel end assembly with hub lock which includes a wheel bearing and hub assembly attached to a knuckle, shown as a steering knuckle, but not required, pursuant to standard industry practice. A hub trunnion is extended inwardly beyond a wheel bearing cone, is grooved to accept a snap ring retainer and is splined to receive an adapter flange. A constant velocity (CV) joint stub shaft is piloted and retained within a bore in the hub trunnion by utilizing ball bearings and a retaining ring. The outside diameter of the constant velocity (CV) joint body is splined to match the outside diameter of the adapter flange. A locking collar with internal spline teeth is piloted on the constant velocity (CV) joint body and is movable laterally to selectively engage, or not engage, with the adapter flange outside diameter splines. When engaged, torque can be transmitted from the constant velocity (CV) joint to the wheel hub. The locking collar is controlled by a vacuum-operated actuator assembly and an actuator arm assembly. The vacuum-operated actuator assembly consists of a formed actuator housing, a formed actuator piston, three (3) springs, an actuator arm and three (3) collar wear pads. When a vacuum is applied to an internal chamber in the housing, the formed actuator piston and the actuator arm move laterally, and the locking collar is disengaged from the adapter flange. When the vacuum is removed, the springs move the formed actuator piston and actuator arm laterally outboard, and the locking collar is engaged with the adapter flange.
Accordingly, motor vehicle wheel end assemblies with hub locks in accordance with the present invention provide a simple, cost-effective arrangement for a driving axle and in most cases, but not always, a steering axle of a motor vehicle.
Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Dana Corporation
Hahn Loeser + Parks LLP
Lorence Richard M.
LandOfFree
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