초록 ▼

A vehicle brake unit is provided for use with a drive train having a drive train subassembly. The brake unit comprises a brake unit housing for enclosing a braking mechanism, the braking mechanism arranged to act on a power shaft configured for operatively connecting the output drive shaft of the dr

A vehicle brake unit is provided for use with a drive train having a drive train subassembly. The brake unit comprises a brake unit housing for enclosing a braking mechanism, the braking mechanism arranged to act on a power shaft configured for operatively connecting the output drive shaft of the drive train subassembly with a further drive shaft, in order to transfer power therebetween. The brake unit housing is arranged for mounting directly to a housing of the drive train subassembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the brake unit housing replaces the rear tail housing of a four-wheel drive transfer case.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of retrofitting a disc brake unit to a selected vehicle drive train subassembly, the subassembly including a subassembly output drive shaft, a subassembly main casing and a tail housing, the method comprising the steps of: providing the disc brake unit with a housing portion specially si

1. A method of retrofitting a disc brake unit to a selected vehicle drive train subassembly, the subassembly including a subassembly output drive shaft, a subassembly main casing and a tail housing, the method comprising the steps of: providing the disc brake unit with a housing portion specially sized and shaped for the selected subassembly, the disc brake unit housing portion having a first face configured to replicate a mating face of said tail housing;removing said tail housing from the subassembly main casing;mounting the disc brake unit housing portion to the subassembly main casing by way of said first face;providing a power shaft designed and arranged to cooperate with said subassembly output drive shaft;fitting said power shaft to provide interconnection between said subassembly output drive shaft and a further drive shaft; andarranging the disc brake unit so as to interact with said power shaft. 2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of applying a retaining means to said power shaft so as to fixedly engage the power shaft with the subassembly output drive shaft. 3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of shortening the subassembly output drive shaft in the vehicle drive train to accommodate the longitudinal dimension of the brake unit. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the selected vehicle drive train subassembly is a four-wheel drive transfer case. 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the tail housing is the rear tail housing and said further drive shaft is the vehicle rear tailshaft. 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the disc brake unit is a multiple disc brake unit. 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the disc brake unit is a spring-activated, hydraulic release disc brake unit. 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the disc brake unit includes a housing including: (a) a pressure plate portion;(b) a spring plate portion; and(c) a cover portion for housing at least one braking disc,wherein the disc brake unit housing portion to be mounted to the subassembly main casing is provided by the cover portion.