| 摘要 |
A control system for a four wheel drive vehicle wherein the front wheels (or rear wheels in a conventional front wheel drive set up) are automatically engaged and disengaged from the vehicle drive train at both the transfer case and at the front wheel hubs. The engagement and disengagement at the transfer case is accomplished with conventional controls. The engagement and disengagement between the axles and wheel hubs is accomplished by providing concentric gear teeth portions in overlaping sections of the axle and wheel hub. A clutch ring with corresponding gear teeth is moved into and out of simultaneous engagement with the wheel hub and axle to lock them together. A pressure chamber having a movable wall associated with the clutch ring, is connected by an air line and control valve to the intake manifold of the vehicle's engine. A three-way valve selectively and alternatively opens the chamber to the manifold and to atmospheric pressure to thereby move the clutch ring between engagement and disengagement positions with the axle and hub. Atmospheric air is continuously provided to the clutch ring opposite the pressure chamber through a vent and powder metal filter.
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