Interchangable wheel hub modules
A drive spline defines an inner profile configured to receive and mate with a drive axle and an outer profile configured to mate with a wheel hub. A cage surrounds and is engaged with the outer profile of the drive spline. The cage retains the drive spline axially and radially in position relative to the outer profile. A cap is coupled to an end of the wheel hub connecting device opposite the drive spline. The cap encloses the end of the hub connecting device.
1 . A wheel hub connecting device comprising:
a drive spline defining an inner profile configured to receive and mate with a drive axle and an outer profile configured to mate with a wheel hub;
a cage surrounding and engaged with the outer profile of the drive spline, the cage retaining the drive spline axially and radially in position relative to the wheel hub connecting device; and
a cap coupled to an end of the wheel hub connecting device opposite the drive spline, the cap enclosing the end of the hub connecting device, wherein the cap comprises:
a ring configured to attach to the wheel hub;
a removable cover surrounded by the ring; and
a gasket between the ring and the removable cover, the removable cover retained to the ring by friction of the gasket.
2 . The hub connecting device of claim 1 , wherein the cage comprises collets extending axially away from the drive spline, the collets retaining the ring.
3 . The wheel hub connecting device of claim 1 , wherein the cage is a spring coupling the cap to the drive spline and retaining the drive spline axially and radially in position relative to the outer profile.
4 . The wheel hub connecting device of claim 3 , wherein a first end of the spring is wound at least partially around an annular groove in the drive spline and a second end of the spring is at least partially wound around an annular groove in the ring.
5 . The wheel hub connecting device of claim 3 , wherein the spring is the only structural member connecting the cap to the drive spline.
6 . The wheel hub connecting device of claim 3 , wherein the spring is configured to provide a pre-load centering force.
7 . An axle system comprising:
a first drive axle;
a wheel hub connecting device at a first end of the first drive axle, the wheel hub connecting device comprising:
a drive spline defining an inner profile configured to receive and mate with the drive axle and an outer profile configured to mate with a wheel hub;
a cage surrounding and engaged with the outer profile of the drive spline, the cage retaining the drive spline axially and radially;
a cap at an end of the wheel hub connecting device opposite the drive spline; the cap configured to prevent dust from entering the wheel hub connecting device; and
a second drive axle;
a hub lock having substantially similar outer dimensions as the wheel hub connecting device, the hub lock comprising:
a drive spline defining an inner profile configured to receive and mate with the second drive axle and an outer profile;
an axially adjustable spline clutch defining an inner profile configured to mate with the outer profile of the drive spline;
a cage engaged with both the spline clutch and the drive spline to keep the spline clutch and drive spline rotably aligned;
a cap defining:
an interaction side defining a surface to be manipulated by an operator;
an operation side defining a ramped portion arranged to axially move the spline clutch responsive to a rotational position of the cap; and
a diaphragm between the cap and the spline clutch.
8 . The axle system of claim 7 , wherein the hub lock further comprises a bias set to maintain the spline clutch in a disengaged position.
9 . The axle system of claim 7 , further comprising a pneumatic linkage fluidically connecting the diaphragm to an actuable pressure source or actuable vacuum source.
10 . The axle system of claim 9 , further comprising a controller configured to:
direct the actuable pressure source or actuable vacuum source to send an engagement signal to the hub lock.
11 . The axle system of claim 9 , further comprising a controller configured to:
direct the actuable pressure source or actuable vacuum source to send a disengagement signal to the hub lock.