Integrated Wheel End Shift Fork Compliant Stop

摘要

A wheel end of a vehicle includes a knuckle and a wheel and wheel hub rotatably mounted to the knuckle. A CV-joint is positioned adjacent to the wheel hub. A clutch ring is slidable between engagement with one of the wheel hub and the CV-joint or both. A pneumatic annular actuator is connected to a shift fork that is engaged with the clutch ring for movement of the clutch ring between engaged and dis-engaged. The shift fork includes a base portion and an L-shaped section. The L-shaped section includes a plurality of slots therein to allow the shift fork to deflect and pivot when a misalignment occurs between the teeth of the constant velocity joint half shaft and the clutch ring during assembly of the CV-joint to the wheel hub. The pneumatic actuator includes an elastomeric diaphragm wall that includes a compliant stop extending axially therefrom.

主权项

1. A wheel end of a vehicle comprising:
a knuckle; a wheel and wheel hub rotatably mounted to the knuckle; a constant velocity joint positioned adjacent the wheel hub; a clutch ring slidable between positions of interlocked engagement with one of said wheel hub and constant velocity joint and both of said wheel hub and constant velocity joint; and a pneumatic annular actuator positioned between said knuckle and said constant velocity joint and mounted to said knuckle, said actuator including an air chamber having an elastomeric diaphragm wall movable upon pressurization and depressurization of said air chamber, said diaphragm wall connected to a shift fork that is engaged with said clutch ring for movement of said clutch ring between said positions as the air chamber is pressurized and depressurized, and an air passage extended into said air chamber and an air line connected to said passage and connected to an air pressure source for directing air into and out of said air chamber, said shift fork including an annular base portion and an L-shaped section extending from the base portion, said L-shaped section having a plurality of slots therein.