COMPACT PULSE VACUUM LIVE SPINDLE HUB LOCK

摘要

A pulse vacuum hub lock system for selectively engaging a wheel hub to an axial shaft includes a cartridge unit received in a bore in the wheel hub. The cartridge unit supports a clutch ring to move between splines in the wheel hub and be directly coupled with the axle shaft. A diaphragm is connected to a piston assembly, is responsive to a vacuum pressure, and engages or disengages a latch mechanism that holds the clutch ring so as to activate the piston assembly in an engaged or disengaged position. A piston spring and an auxiliary spring are provided between first and second pistons of the piston assembly and facilitate separation in a vacuum level required to activate the latch mechanism. The vacuum hub lock system is compact so as to be disposed on an inboard opening in the external side of a wheel rim.