External actuator system
By designing an actuator system that integrates support components, lugs, and shift forks, the complex integration of gear assemblies and shifting blockage issues were resolved, achieving low-cost, fast, and low-force shifting performance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE HOLDING 2 AS
- Filing Date
- 2021-10-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing actuation systems are complex to integrate into gear assemblies and are prone to momentary blockage and wear during gear shifting, resulting in the need for high-force and low-efficiency operation.
An actuator system is designed, including a support, lugs, shift forks, and a drive system. It achieves low-cost integration through cam and pivot assemblies and overcomes blockage during shifting through an offset member, providing fast shifting and low-force operation.
It enables low-cost integration of actuator systems in a variety of applications, rapid gear shifting, and prevention of premature wear, reducing the risk of damage to gear assemblies.
Smart Images
Figure CN117120736B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The instruction generally relates to an actuator system comprising an actuator assembly with an integrated shift fork and spring aid for use with a gear assembly, typically used in asynchronous mechanisms. Background Technology
[0002] Typically, actuation of gear assemblies is done manually or with the aid of an actuator. However, in most examples, the actuation assembly is separate from the shift fork. In actuators using separate actuation assemblies and shift forks, integrating the individual components into the gearbox is complex and application-specific, posing a challenge to using a single actuator assembly in multiple applications.
[0003] Typically, the actuation mechanism is configured to linearly move the shift fork connected to the pawl clutch between multiple positions. The actuator assembly is operated manually (e.g., in a standard gearbox, the user selects gears by moving the actuator from one position to another) or by the actuator moving the shift fork connected to the pawl clutch in each position. Due to the nature of some gear actuations, when the sliding gear moves from the disengaged position to engage with the receiving gear, there is a momentary jamming or misalignment of the teeth on the sliding gear and the teeth on the receiving gear. At this moment of misalignment, the shift fork presses the sliding gear against the receiving gear, but the sliding gear does not actually engage with the receiving gear. This misalignment creates resistance on the shift fork. Due to the design of the gear assembly, the engagement time window is typically short. If this time window is not utilized, a more powerful motor is required because the force becomes higher to force the teeth of the sliding gear to align with the teeth of the receiving gear. This requires greater force and results in slower operation, which may not allow the sliding gear to sit as far as possible into the receiving gear, and / or lead to premature wear and damage to the system.
[0004] What would be attractive is a low-cost actuation system that can be easily integrated into several different systems and different types of gearboxes. What would be attractive is a system capable of providing rapid shifting with low force and high acceleration, preventing damage and premature wear. What would be attractive is a system with integrated shift forks and actuators. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This teaching addresses one or more current needs by providing an actuator system that is low-cost, easy to integrate into a variety of applications, and provides rapid actuation between locations while applying a small force with special penetrating power.
[0006] This teaching provides a system including a gearbox comprising a gear assembly and having an outer surface having a pair of orifices; and an actuator. The actuator includes a support having at least a pair of lugs, each lug having an opening; a drive system connected to the support; a shift fork including a pair of arms, the shift fork communicating with the drive system and configured to move a distance defining a travel length between a disengaged position and an engaged position; and an actuation assembly operatively connected to the drive system to move the shift fork between a neutral position and a shift position, the shift positions having a plurality of intermediate positions. The actuator is mounted to the outer surface of the gearbox, the pair of lugs extending into the pair of orifices of the gearbox, and at least a portion of the shift fork extending through the lugs into and below the outer surface of the gearbox. The portion of the shift fork within the gearbox engages the gear assembly within the gearbox.
[0007] This instruction provides an actuator comprising: a support member including an outer surface and an inner surface, the support member having at least a pair of lugs extending from the outer surface of the support member, each lug having an opening; a drive system connected to the inner surface of the support member; and a shift fork pivotally mounted to the pair of lugs and extending outwardly through the opening, the shift fork being operatively connected to the drive system to move between a neutral position and a shift position, the shift fork having a plurality of intermediate positions between the neutral and shift positions. The shift fork extends from the inner surface of the support member through the opening of the pair of lugs away from the outer surface of the support member. Attached Figure Description
[0008] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an actuation system with an integrated shift fork.
[0009] Figure 2 This is a side view of an actuator with an integrated shift fork.
[0010] Figure 3 It is a 3D view of the gearbox.
[0011] Figure 4A -4C shows an actuator with an integrated shift fork connected to the outer surface of the gearbox.
[0012] Figure 5A It is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a section of the actuation system connected to the gearbox and gear assembly.
[0013] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Enlarged view of the connection area between the actuator and the gearbox housing.
[0014] Figure 6A This is a partial side sectional view of the actuator connected to the gearbox and gear assembly.
[0015] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Enlarged view of the connection area between the actuator and the gearbox housing.
[0016] Figure 7 It is a 3D view of the actuator and the integrated shift fork.
[0017] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional view of the actuator system and related components, with the support shown in a blurred manner.
[0018] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the actuator system without the cover, with the support components shown in a blurred manner.
[0019] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the actuator without a cover and support.
[0020] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of an actuator system without a cover, with the support shown in a blurred manner, and the gear set shown.
[0021] Figure 12 This is an end view of the actuator.
[0022] Figure 13A and 13B A perspective view of the actuator without the cover is shown.
[0023] Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the actuator motor and gear set connected to a part of the actuation assembly.
[0024] Figure 15A It is a 3D diagram of the shift fork.
[0025] Figure 15B This is a perspective view of the actuator without a cover and support.
[0026] Figure 16A This is a 3D view of the hub assembly (hub assembly).
[0027] Figure 16B This is a side view of the hub component.
[0028] Figure 16C This is a side view of the hub component, which is shown in a blurred manner.
[0029] Figure 17A and 17B The hub component is shown in a compressed state.
[0030] Figure 18 This is an exploded diagram of the hub components.
[0031] Figure 19 This is a 3D view of the cam.
[0032] Figure 20 This is a three-dimensional view of the pivot component.
[0033] Figure 21A -21C shows schematic end views of the actuator in the disengaged, intermediate, and engaged positions, respectively.
[0034] Figure 22A -22C shows schematic end views of the actuator assembly in the disengaged, intermediate, and engaged positions, respectively. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The explanations and illustrations provided herein are intended to familiarize others skilled in the art with the teachings, their principles, and their practical applications. Those skilled in the art can adapt and apply the teachings in various forms, as these forms may be best suited to the requirements of a particular application. Therefore, the specific embodiments of the teachings illustrated are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Consequently, the scope of the teachings should not be determined by reference to the foregoing description, but rather by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. All disclosures in articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible, such as those obtained from the following claims, which are also incorporated by reference in this written description.
[0036] This instruction relates to actuator 10 (also referred to as actuator system). Actuator 10 includes an actuation assembly 22 that functions as a means of moving at least one shift fork adapted to engage with claw clutch 102 between a disengaged position 44 and one or more engaged positions 46. Actuator 10 may be attached to a transmission, transfer case, axle, gearbox (gearbox), controller, etc., or combinations thereof. Actuator 10 can be used in automobiles, autonomous vehicles, robots, trucks, ships, or any other vehicle or machine that utilizes moving gears. Actuator system 10 can be used in any device that engages two rotating shafts, gears, or other rotating components. Actuator system 10 can be used in combination with multiple actuator systems. For example, a transmission may have a first actuator system actuating first and second gears, and a second actuator system actuating third and fourth gears. It is conceivable that, in some examples, each actuator system moves claw clutch 102 into communication with one or more receiving gears 104.
[0037] Actuator 10 Figure 1 -2 and Figure 7As shown in the perspective view in Figure 8, the actuator 10 includes a base or support 54 and a housing or cover 50. The support 54 and the cover 50 form a cavity therebetween. The housing has a relatively low profile, thereby minimizing the amount of space required to house the actuator system 10. In some non-limiting examples, the height of the housing may be less than 150 mm, less than 125 mm, less than 100 mm, or even less than 90 mm. At least one shift fork 34 extends from and through the support 54, configured to slide inside the transmission and operatively engage with the claw clutch 102. At least one shift fork 34 is pivotally engaged with the support 54. Figure 4A As shown in -4C, the actuator 10 is configured to be mounted on surface 40 of the gearbox 38. Figure 21A -22C shows a partial view.
[0038] The support member 54 includes at least a pair of lugs 56, each lug extending away from the support member 54 and having an opening extending from a cavity formed between the support member 54 and the cover 50. Each lug 56 has an opening and an outer surface. Each lug forms a passage from an inner portion of the cavity. The lugs 56 may have any suitable shape. In some examples, the lugs 56 may have an elliptical profile, as in... Figure 1 -2 and Figure 4A As shown in –4C. Each lug 56 has a shape that allows the shift fork 34 to move between a neutral position and a shift position. The lug 56 helps mount the actuator 10 to the outer surface 40 of the gearbox 38. The lug 56 provides a passage from the cavity into the gearbox 38 for at least a portion of the actuation assembly 22 (e.g., the shift fork 34). Each lug 56 is axially disposed about a portion of the shift fork 34. The lug 56 can be engaged with the shift fork 34 and provides a pivot point 30 for the shift fork 34, as will be further described below. The shift fork 34 can be pivotally mounted to the pair of lugs 56.
[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the gearbox 38 includes a pair of orifices 42 in its surface 40 to allow at least a portion of the actuator 10 and shift fork 34 to enter the gearbox 38. The orifices on the gearbox are small to maintain structural rigidity and strength. Similarly, the shift fork 34 is sized to pass through the orifices 42 in the surface 40 of the gearbox 38. The shift fork 34 is shown in the schematic diagram. Figure 21A -21C and Figure 22A -22C is a partial view below the surface 40 of the gearbox, while the rest of the actuator 10 is above the surface 40 of the gearbox 38. Figure 3 A perspective view of gearbox 38 is shown, illustrating paired orifices 42 as bosses extending from the outer surface 40 of the gearbox. In some examples, gearbox 38 includes a gear assembly 100 configured as a claw-shaped clutch assembly, such as... Figure 5A and Figure 6A As shown. An aperture 42 on the outer surface 40 of the gearbox 38 provides passage to receive at least a portion of the shift fork 34 and the support 54. The aperture 42 serves to assist in mounting the actuator 10 to the gearbox 38. The aperture 42 is shaped to allow the shift fork 34 to move between positions 44, 46, and 48 to shift gears in the gear assembly 100.
[0040] Figure 4A , 4B Figures 4C and 4C show the actuator system 10 connected to the gearbox 38. Figure 4A A shift fork 34 aligned with an orifice 42 is depicted in the actuator system 10. Lugs 56 and orifice 42 have complementary shapes, with the orifice 42 being larger than the lugs 56 to receive them. The orifice 42 includes a sealing surface 106 for mating with a seal 57 positioned around each lug 56 and on the bottom surface of a support 54. The sealing surface 106 and seal 57 cooperate to maintain a seal between the actuator 10 and the gearbox 38, preventing unwanted particles and debris from entering the gearbox 38 and preventing fluid from escaping from the gearbox. The gearbox 38 includes a fastener post 108, and the actuator 10 includes a fastener hole 110. The fastener post 108 and fastener hole 110 are axially aligned to receive fasteners, thereby securing the actuator system 10 to the gearbox 38 when connected.
[0041] Figure 5A and Figure 6A This is a partial cross-sectional view of the actuator 10 and the gearbox 38. Figure 5A A partial longitudinal sectional view of the actuator system 10 and gearbox 38 is shown. Similarly, Figure 6A A partial side sectional view of the actuator 10 and gearbox 38 is shown. The actuator 10 causes at least a portion of the shift fork 34 and the lug 56 to pass through the outer surface 40 of the gearbox 38 to connect the shift fork 34 to the gear assembly 100 (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 6A (As shown). When the actuator 10 is connected to the gearbox 38, the lug 56 is disposed within the orifice 42, and the bottom of the support 54 and the sealing surface 106 press against the seal 57, thereby forming a secure connection. Each seal 57 mates with a corresponding sealing surface 106 on each of the paired orifices 42. The lug 56 and the pivot 30 are as shown. Figure 5A and Figure 6A As shown, it is located below the surface 40 of the gearbox 38. When connected, as... Figure 5A As shown, the shift fork 34 engages the claw clutch 102 (also known as the sliding gear) to engage or disengage the claw clutch 102 with one or more receiving gears 104 via positions 44, 46, and 48. Figure 5BA close-up of the lug 56 within the orifice 42 is shown. The pivot 30, located below the outer surface 40 of the gearbox 38 and positioned within the orifice 42, allows the shift fork 34 to move between positions 44, 46, and 48. The bottoms of the lug 56 and the support 54 are sealed with an orifice having a seal 57. Each of the paired lugs 56 includes a seal 57 surrounding the periphery of each lug 56. In some examples, the seal 57 may be an O-ring. In other examples, the seal 57 may be a gasket. The seal may be deformable.
[0042] Figure 6A A partial side sectional view of the actuator 10 and gearbox 38 is shown. Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of the actuator 10 connected to the gear assembly 100 is shown. As explained further below, the cam assembly 12 and the actuator assembly 22 operate by pivoting the shift fork 34 between positions 44, 46, and 48 to move the claw clutch 102 between positions 44, 46, and 48. Figure 6A A pair of arms of the shift fork 34 are shown, each arm disposed within one of a pair of lugs 56, each arm pivotally connected 30 to a corresponding lug in the pair of lugs 56. The shift fork 34 is shown as engaging both sides of the claw clutch 102. The lugs 56 and the orifice 42 are sized and shaped to allow the shift fork 34 to move between positions 44, 46, and 48. The orifice 42 and the lugs 56 are spaced apart such that the shift fork 34 can pass through the opening, thereby allowing a pad 36 on the shift fork 34 to engage either side of the claw clutch 102. The arms of the shift fork 34 are spaced apart corresponding to the dimensions of the claw clutch 102. Figure 6B This is an enlarged (close-up) side view of the lug 56 held within the orifice 42, with the pivot 30 positioned below at least a portion of the outer surface 40 of the gearbox 38. In some examples, the pivoting connection 30 is positioned below the outer surface 40 of the gearbox 38.
[0043] Turning Figures 9 to 13B The actuator 10 includes a cam assembly 12 of any suitable design or construction. The cam assembly 12 serves to actuate the shift fork 34 between the neutral position, the intermediate position, and the shift position, moving the shift fork from the disengaged position 44 to the engaged position 46.
[0044] Actuator 10 includes a drive system, which in particular includes a motor 16, a gear set 18, and an output section 15. Motor 16 serves to rotate gear set 18, which in turn rotates output section 15, thereby rotating cam assembly 12. Motor 16 can be used to receive signals from a controller to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise according to the pivoting motion required to move shift fork 34 between positions 44 and 46. The motor 16 shown is an electric motor; however, any suitable device for actuating cam assembly 12 is conceivable, such as a pneumatic actuator, hydraulic actuator, manual actuator, etc. Motor 16 is configured to rotate gear set 18, which rotates cam assembly 12.
[0045] like Figure 11 , 12 As shown in Figure 14, actuator 10 includes a gear set 18 to amplify the torque produced by motor 16, thereby increasing the rotational torque of cam 14. Actuator 10 also includes an actuation assembly 22 in communication with cam assembly 12. Actuation assembly 22 is used to be moved by cam assembly 12 to pivot and move shift fork 34 between positions 44, 46, and 48. Figure 21A -21C). The actuation assembly 22 includes at least a shift fork 34 and one or more pivotal couplings 30 connecting the shift fork 34 to the support 54. The shift fork 34 may include one or more cam followers 24 and an actuator bracket 25 configured to retain and position one or more cam followers 24.
[0046] Turning Figure 15A and Figure 15B The shift fork 34 is configured to pivot between multiple positions and can be configured to move the claw clutch 102 between multiple positions, particularly engaging and disengaging with one or more receiving gears 104. The shift fork 34 may have a generally U-shaped or C-shaped configuration, including a top surface and two arms disposed perpendicularly from that surface, which face toward and engage the claw clutch 102.
[0047] The cam assembly 12 includes a cam 14. The cam 14 can serve as an actuating cam follower 24, an actuator bracket 25, and a shift fork 34. The cam 14 has a base circle 70 disposed about a rotation center of the cam 14 and a follower portion 72, the cam 14 rotating about a rotation axis RA, and the follower portion 72 designed to interact with the cam follower 24 attached to the actuator bracket 25 to move the shift fork 34 between positions 44, 46, and 48.
[0048] Cam 14 can be configured to move radially relative to the axis of rotation, thereby changing the position of cam 14 relative to the axis of rotation (explained further below). Cam 14 can be designed to contact cam follower 24 and actuator bracket 25 and move them a specific distance, thereby pivoting shift fork 34 between positions 44, 46, and 48, thereby engaging or disengaging claw clutch 102 with receiving gear 104. Cam 14 can be coupled to and rotated by gear set 18. Cam 14 may include one or more bias member mounts 82 to receive one or more bias members 28.
[0049] The biasing member 28 assists the actuating assembly 22 to move rapidly between the disengaged position 44 and the engaged position 46. The biasing member 28 can also help the shift fork overcome momentary blockages by storing potential energy in the biasing member 28 during compression and releasing this potential energy as a force to the cam follower 24 and the shift fork 34. Figure 21B and Figure 21C One or more biasing members 28 may be part of the pivot assembly 60, which is further described below. The biasing member 28 may be configured to have a length in the extended state that is configured to push the shift fork 34 through its full stroke via the cam assembly 12. One or more biasing members 28 may be configured to generate a large force to aid in the alignment and engagement of the claw clutch 102 with the receiving gear 104. The biasing member 28 may be configured to have an extended length corresponding to the distance the shift fork must travel to transition between the disengaged position 44 and the engaged position 46. One or more biasing members 28 provide a continuous applied force applied to the cam follower 24 via the cam 14 during rotation.
[0050] The cam assembly 12 includes a pivot assembly 60. The pivot assembly 60 can be used to assist the actuator system 10 in moving the claw clutch 102 into the receiving gear 104 in the presence of a blockage. The pivot assembly 60 can be used to move the cam 14 between an extended state 74 and a compressed state 76 according to a force applied to the driven portion 72 of the cam 14. The pivot assembly 60 may include a pivot housing (hub housing) 62, one or more biasing members 28, and a retaining plate 64. The pivot housing 62 extends through an orifice 66 of the cam 14, and the one or more biasing members 28 are disposed within the cam orifice 66 and communicate with the pivot housing 62, abutting against an inner surface 67 of the cam orifice 66. The pivot assembly 60 is connected to the gear set 18 such that the pivot assembly 60 rotates when the motor 16 is actuated.
[0051] Figure 16A -16C and Figure 17A and Figure 17BA pivot assembly 60 including a cam 14 is shown. A pivot housing 62 is connected to a gear set 18. The pivot housing 62 is configured to fit within and keyed to the orifice 66 of the cam 14, such that when the gear set 18 rotates, the pivot housing 62 causes the cam 14 to rotate. The pivot housing 62 abuts the cam 14 along contact surfaces 84, 86, thereby providing an axial stop for the cam 14 against the pivot housing 62. Similarly, a retaining plate 64 is configured to hold the cam 14 and the pivot housing 62 in a desired axial relationship. Figure 14 and Figure 19 -20 As best shown, the inner surface 67 of the pivot housing 62 and the aperture 66 is configured to receive one or more biasing members 28. In one example, as Figure 16A As shown in -17B, the biasing member 28 is disposed within the mounting member 68, which is configured to provide a channel for receiving the biasing member 28. Figure 16A As shown in -17B, the pivot housing 62 is configured to pass through the orifice 66 of the cam 14 and is constructed to allow the cam 14 to be radially displaced along the pivot housing 62 when the rotation center of the cam 14 moves radially away from the rotation axis RA, compressing one or more biasing members 28 to move the shift fork 34 and the cam assembly 12 from one of a plurality of intermediate positions 48 to an engaged position 46 (corresponding to the shift position of the cam assembly 12). The pivot assembly 60 is as follows Figure 17A and Figure 17B The image shows a compressed state, indicating that cam 14 has moved along the pivot housing 62, compressing the biasing member 28. When a blockage occurs during the rotation of cam 14, one or more biasing members 28 are compressed between the mounting members 68 and 82, as shown. Figure 21B As shown.
[0052] The pivot assembly 60 serves to assist the shift fork 34 in shifting between positions 44, 46, and 48, thereby moving the cam 14 between an intermediate position corresponding to disengagement 44, an intermediate position corresponding to intermediate position 48, and a shift position corresponding to engagement 46. When misalignment (misalignment) of the pawl clutch 102 causes a blockage, the pivot assembly 60 applies a force F to the shift fork 34, compressing one or more biasing members 28 between the driven portion 72 and the pivot housing 62. Figure 21B When the receiving gear 104 and the claw clutch 102 are aligned, the compressed biasing member 28 applies a sufficiently large force to quickly move the claw clutch 102 into place.
[0053] Figure 21A and 22A The actuator 10 is shown in the disengaged position 44. When the shift fork 34 is in the disengaged position 44 (corresponding to the neutral position) and the cam assembly 12 is in the neutral position, the actuator 10 is in the disengaged position 44. Depending on the rotation direction of the cam 14, the shift fork 34 can move from the disengaged position 44 to either side.
[0054] Figure 21B and 22B The actuator 10 is shown in intermediate position 48. Intermediate position 48 occurs in a congested condition, such as when there is a misalignment between the pawl clutch 102 and the receiving gear 104. During congestion, resistance 52 is applied to the distal end of the shift fork 34 as the actuator moves between disengaged position 44 and engaged position 46. The congestion is caused by a momentary misalignment between the pawl clutch 102 and the receiving gear 104, during which the shift fork 34 presses against the pawl clutch 102, which in turn presses against the receiving gear 104. In some examples, such as... Figure 21B and Figure 22B As shown, when the bias member 28 is compressed in the intermediate position 48, the base circle 70 and the first section 78 of the cam 14 do not contact the cam follower 24, causing the rotation center of the cam to move away from the rotation axis RA. The stored energy is applied from the follower portion of the cam 14 to the shift fork 34. When the momentary misalignment / blockage is cleared, the stored energy is released and converted into kinetic force, pushing the shift fork 34 through its stroke into the desired position, and moving the actuator 10 into the engagement position 46, moving the cam assembly 12 into the shift position (see...). Figure 21C ).
[0055] Figure 21C and Figure 22C The actuator 10 is shown in the engaged position 46. When the cam follower 24 is actuated by the cam 14, the actuator 10 moves into the engaged position 46, and the cam follower 24 applies pressure to the top of the shift fork 34 via the actuator support 25, causing the proximal end of the shift fork 34 to move in the direction of the force, which simultaneously causes the distal end of the shift fork 34 to move in the opposite direction of the force relative to the pivot axis PA at the pivoting connection 30. The shift fork 34 moves into the engaged position 46. Similarly, when the actuator 10 moves from the engaged position 46 back to the disengaged position 44, the cam 14 actuates the cam follower 24 in the opposite direction of the engaged position, thereby moving the actuator support 25 and the shift fork 34 from the engaged position 46 to the disengaged position without any momentary blockage.
[0056] Actuator 10 may include one or more position sensors. In some examples, actuator 10 may include multiple position sensors. Position sensors may be located on cam 14, pivot housing 62, actuator bracket 25, shift fork 34, motor 16, housing 50, combinations thereof, or anywhere on actuator 10. Position sensors may be used to sense blockage conditions by monitoring the position of cam 14, actuation assembly 22, one or more biasing members, etc., or combinations thereof. Sensors may be used to sense or detect the position of cam assembly 12, pivot assembly 60, motor 16, shift fork 34, etc., or combinations thereof. In one example, actuation assembly 22 includes sensor S, which determines the position of cam assembly 12 based on the position of magnet M relative to a sensor.
Claims
1. An external actuator system, comprising: A gearbox, the gearbox including a gear assembly, and the gearbox having an outer surface with paired orifices; as well as Actuator, including: A support member, the support member comprising at least one pair of paired lugs, each lug having an opening; A drive system connected to the support member; A shift fork, the shift fork including a pair of arms, the shift fork being in communication with the drive system and configured to move a distance of a defined stroke length between a disengaged position and an engaged position; An actuation component, operatively connected to the drive system, causes the shift fork to move between a neutral position and a shift position, the neutral position and the shift position having a plurality of intermediate positions; The actuator is mounted on the outer surface of the gearbox, the paired lugs extend into the paired orifices of the gearbox, and at least a portion of the shift fork extends through the lugs and is located below the outer surface of the gearbox. The portion of the shift fork located inside the gearbox engages with the gear assembly within the gearbox.
2. The external actuator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each lug is axially positioned around a portion of the shift fork.
3. The external actuator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shift fork can be pivotally mounted to the paired lugs.
4. The external actuator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The paired orifices of the gearbox are bosses extending from the outer surface of the gearbox.
5. The external actuator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each lug has a shape that allows the shift fork to move between the neutral position and the shift position.
6. The external actuator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each orifice is discrete and spaced apart from the others.
7. The external actuator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each lug is discrete and spaced apart from the others.
8. The external actuator system according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the paired arms is disposed within one of the paired lugs, and each arm has a pivotal connection to the corresponding lug in the paired lugs.
9. The external actuator system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pivot connection is located below the outer surface of the gearbox.
10. The external actuator system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the paired lugs includes a seal surrounding the periphery of each of the lugs.
11. The external actuator system according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each seal mates with a corresponding sealing surface on each of the paired orifices.
12. An actuator, comprising: A support member, the support member including an outer surface and an inner surface, the support member having at least one pair of paired lugs extending from the outer surface of the support member, each lug having an opening; A drive system, the drive system being connected to the inner surface of the support member; A shift fork, which is pivotally mounted to the pair of lugs and is operatively connected to the drive system and configured to move a distance of a defined travel length between a disengaged position and an engaged position. An actuation assembly operatively connected to the drive system to move the shift fork between a neutral position and a shift position, the neutral position and the shift position having a plurality of intermediate positions; The shift fork extends outward from the inner surface away from the outer surface and through the opening of the paired lugs.
13. The actuator according to claim 12, characterized in that, The shift fork includes a pair of arms.
14. The actuator according to claim 13, characterized in that, Each of the paired arms is disposed within one of the paired lugs, and each arm is pivotally connected to the corresponding lug in the paired lugs.
15. The actuator according to claim 14, characterized in that, Each arm is pivotally connected to one of the paired lugs.
16. The actuator according to claim 12, characterized in that, Each of the paired lugs includes a seal disposed around the outer surface of the outer surface adjacent to the support member.
17. The actuator according to claim 16, characterized in that, The support includes a base and a cover, the base and the cover defining a cavity.
18. The actuator according to claim 17, characterized in that, The opening of each lug communicates with the cavity.
19. The actuator according to claim 12, characterized in that, The actuation component includes a cam assembly operatively connected to the drive system to move between a neutral position and a shift position, the neutral position and the shift position having a plurality of intermediate positions, and the shift fork being in the disengaged position when the cam assembly is in the neutral position.
20. The actuator according to claim 19, characterized in that, The cam assembly includes: A cam having an orifice defining an internal surface; A pivot housing, the pivot housing being disposed within the orifice of the cam and connected to the drive system; and An offset member is disposed within the orifice and is preloaded between the inner surface of the orifice of the cam and the pivot housing.