Patent ID: 6598722
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: B60K,F16D

Abstract:
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 and 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; a pneumatic annular actuator positioned between said knuckle and said constant velocity joint and mounted to said knuckle, and a rotary seal mounted to said actuator and in dynamic sealing engagement with said constant velocity joint and defining an air tight cavity surrounding said clutch ring, said actuator including an air chamber having an elastomeric wall movable upon pressurization and depressurization of said air chamber, said movable wall having an outer side in said air tight cavity and connected to the 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; a venting passage provided between the actuator and the rotary seal, and an air line connecting said venting passage to non-contaminated ambient air to equalize air pressure in said defined air tight cavity with that of ambient air.