Eaton Corporation

Ross K Cheadle

Lawrence McAuliffe, Jr

Charles Robert Martus

Allan S Ludwig

Joseph F Rosiek

A wheel disconnect system is provided including a rear drive module and a constant velocity joint housing. The rear drive module includes a housing, at least one actuator, and at least one dog clutch. The dog clutch includes a first portion configured to move when the actuator is moved and a second portion configured for engagement with the first portion. The constant velocity joint housing is formed integrally with the second portion of the dog clutch. A wheel may be disconnected from the rear drive module unless engagement of the first and second portions of the dog clutch allows torque to be transferred to the wheel. In one embodiment, a hydraulically activated piston may be used to activate the first portion of the dog clutch. In another embodiment, a ball ramp may be used to activate the first portion of the dog clutch. A vehicle driveline including a wheel disconnect system is also provided.

Rear drive module wheel disconnect

A differential gear mechanism including a first output gear ( ), and a cam and ramp actuator ( ) including first ( ) and second ( ) actuating plates, relative rotation of which results in axial movement of said first plate ( ) toward said first output gear ( ). The mechanism includes an electromagnetic actuator ( ) operable to cause rotation of the second actuating plate ( ), relative to a gear case ( ). Both actuating plates ( ) are disposed external to an end wall ( ) of the gear case, the first actuating plate ( ) having a plurality of actuation members ( ) extending axially through openings ( ) in the end wall. A locking plate ( ) is disposed adjacent the first output gear ( ), and is fixed to be non-rotatable relative to the gear case, but axially moveable therein. The output gear ( ) defines an array of teeth ( ) and the locking plate ( ) defines a plurality of recesses ( ), adapted to receive the teeth, and lock the locking plate ( ) relative to the output gear whenever the cam and ramp actuator ( ) and the actuation members ( ) move the locking plate to a locked position (FIG. ).

Electronically actuated locking differential

A differential gear mechanism of the limited slip type including a clutch pack ( ) operable to retard rotation between the side gears ( ) and the gear case ( ). The clutch pack may be loaded, to retard differentiating action by means of a retarding mechanism ( ) including a first ball ramp actuator ( ) operable to cause axial movement of a plurality of elongated engagement members ( ). When the members ( ) move axially, a cone clutch assembly ( ) is engaged, which retards rotation of a ramp plate ( ) of a second ball ramp actuator ( ). It is the ramping action of the second ball ramp actuator ( ) which applies a load to the clutch pack ( ) to limit, or prevent, differentiation within the differential gearing.

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Wixom, MI, United States of America

Ross K Cheadle