SEPARATION MECHANISMS, GEARBOX SYSTEMS CONTAINING THESE, AND ASSOCIATED PROCEDURES

Abstract

Separation mechanism (130) for selectively decoupling a drive device (110) from a driven device (120), wherein the separation mechanism (130) comprises the following: a lever (500); an internal shaft (600) which is coupled to the lever (500) to rotate about a longitudinal axis (LA) in response to an actuation of the lever (500); an outer shaft (700) coupled to the inner shaft (600) for common rotation with it about the longitudinal axis (LA) and comprising a plurality of projections (702, 704) each extending outwards from an outer surface (706) of the outer shaft (700); and a housing (1300) that at least partially accommodates the inner shaft (600) and the outer shaft (700) and comprises a plurality of spiral slots (1302, 1304) each accommodating a corresponding projection from the plurality of projections (702, 704), wherein the lever is operable to rotate the outer shaft (700) about the longitudinal axis and to move the plurality of projections (702, 704) in the plurality of spiral slots (1302, 1304), and wherein the plurality of projections (702, 704) is designed to move in the plurality of spiral slots (1302, 1304) in order to displace the outer shaft (700) along the longitudinal axis (LA) in order to allow the separating mechanism (130) to transition between an engaged state (300) in which the separating mechanism (130) couples the drive device (110) to the driven device (120) and a disengaged state (400) in which the separating system decouples the drive device (110) from the driven device (120).

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to transmission systems and in particular to transmission systems that include one or more separation mechanisms. BACKGROUND

[0002] During the operation of some vehicles, it may be necessary to interrupt power transmission along one or more torque paths. For this purpose, some vehicles may have transmission systems with one or more disconnect mechanisms. In some cases, manually operated disconnect mechanisms can require an undesirable level of effort from the operator. Furthermore, in some cases, it can be difficult to determine the operating status of manually operated disconnect mechanisms. Systems and / or devices that incorporate disconnect mechanisms and avoid the aforementioned and other disadvantages remain of interest.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2011 080 672 A1 discloses an electrically actuating device for a wheel brake, comprising an electric motor and an actuator that converts rotation into translation. A switchable torque transmitter is arranged between the electric motor and the actuator, operating in three positions: decoupling the electric motor from the actuator, coupling with torque transmission, and locking the actuator. The torque transmitter consists of a gear driven by the electric motor, a shaft connected to the actuator, and an actuating element coupled via a steep thread and a detachable toothed connection. The actuating element is held axially displaceable by an electromagnet.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2019 107 585 A1 describes a transfer case comprising a housing and an actuator, which includes a motor and cam assembly, a fork shaft, and two forks. The motor and cam assembly is connected to the housing and drives the cam structure via an elastic rotary coupling. This cam structure contains a cam track with multiple raceway sections and a cam profile that controls the movement of the forks. Each fork is equipped with a bracket, a fork element, a cam tappet, and a sensor target, enabling precise displacement along the actuation axis. Two sensors are integrated into the housing to detect the position of the sensor targets and generate corresponding signals.

[0005] DE 10 2010 051 949 A1 discloses a device for vehicles which serves to create and release a rotationally fixed connection between two axially arranged shafts, a first shaft which is connected to a steering wheel and a second shaft which is coupled to a steering gear.

[0006] DD 53471 A1 specifies a disengagement device for the clutch between a handwheel and a machine shaft on bookbinding machines, enabling automatic disengagement after the machine is switched on. Disengagement and engagement are achieved by a pin that is fixed in the handwheel shaft and can be inserted into a disengagement sleeve on the machine shaft.

[0007] German patent DE 10 2018 206 297 A1 discloses a switchable shaft connection device comprising an axially displaceable sliding sleeve, a rotatable switching wheel with a switching contour, a fixed support element, and an actuator for establishing or disconnecting a mechanical connection between two shafts. The shaft connection device enables precise control of the connection between the drive and driven shafts, thus eliminating the need for a position sensor and minimizing the risk of operator error. SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure may include one or more of the following features and combinations thereof.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a disconnecting mechanism for selectively decoupling a drive device from a driven device may comprise a lever, an inner shaft, an outer shaft, and a housing. The inner shaft may be coupled to the lever to rotate about a longitudinal axis in response to an actuation of the lever. The outer shaft may be coupled to the inner shaft to rotate together with it about the longitudinal axis, and the outer shaft may comprise a plurality of projections, each extending outward from an outer surface of the outer shaft. The housing may at least partially accommodate the inner shaft and the outer shaft, and the housing may comprise a plurality of helical slots, each accommodating a corresponding projection from the plurality of projections.The lever is actuated to drive the rotation of the outer shaft about its longitudinal axis, in order to move the plurality of projections within the plurality of helical slots. The plurality of projections is designed to move within the plurality of helical slots, thereby displacing the outer shaft along its longitudinal axis and allowing the disengaging mechanism to transition between an engaged state, in which the disengaging mechanism couples the drive device to the driven device, and a disengaged state, in which the disengaging system decouples the drive device from the driven device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the transition of the disengaging mechanism between the engaged and disengaged states can correspond to a rotation of the lever about its longitudinal axis of less than 90 degrees. The transition of the disengaging mechanism between the engaged and disengaged states can correspond to a rotation of the lever about its longitudinal axis of 60 degrees.

[0011] In some embodiments, the inner shaft can comprise a grooved bar defining one end of the inner shaft, a wedge cylinder defining another end of the inner shaft opposite the first end, and a collar positioned between the grooved bar and the wedge cylinder. The collar can have a diameter larger than the diameter of the grooved bar and the diameter of the wedge cylinder, the wedge cylinder can extend completely around the longitudinal axis in the circumferential direction, and the wedge cylinder can have a plurality of wedge projections spaced 180 degrees apart around the longitudinal axis in the circumferential direction.The outer shaft can comprise a body defining a first end of the outer shaft and having a first diameter, and a journal defining a second end of the outer shaft opposite the first end and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the plurality of projections extend outwards from the body on an outer diameter of the same and may be spaced apart from each other by 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis in the circumferential direction, and the body may comprise a plurality of keyways on its inner diameter that accommodate the plurality of key projections.

[0012] In some embodiments, the disconnecting mechanism may include a preload element positioned between the inner and outer shafts such that the preload element extends along the longitudinal axis. The preload element can exert a preload force on the outer shaft, and the lever can exert a leverage force on the inner shaft. In the engaged state of the disconnecting mechanism, the preload force exerted on the outer shaft by the preload element and the leverage force exerted on the inner shaft by the lever can work together to resist displacement of the outer shaft along the longitudinal axis. In the disengaged state of the disconnecting mechanism, the preload force exerted on the outer shaft by the preload element and the leverage force exerted on the inner shaft by the lever may not be sufficient to resist displacement of the outer shaft along the longitudinal axis.Additionally, in some embodiments, the separating mechanism may include a bearing surrounding the outer shaft at an inner diameter of the bearing, a lock nut surrounding the outer shaft and securing the bearing against displacement along its longitudinal axis relative to the outer shaft, a coupling shaft coupled to the bearing at its outer diameter, and a plurality of snap rings securing the coupling shaft to the bearing at its outer diameter. The plurality of projections in the plurality of helical slots may displace the bearing, the lock nut, the coupling shaft, and the plurality of snap rings along the longitudinal axis with the outer shaft.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a transmission system may comprise a drive device, a driven device, and a disengagement mechanism. The drive device may include a transmission for transmitting a rotational force. The driven device may include a final drive hub for receiving the rotational force from the drive device. The disengagement mechanism may selectively disengage the drive device from the driven device. The disengagement mechanism may include a lever, an inner shaft, an outer shaft, and a housing. The inner shaft may be coupled to the lever to rotate about a longitudinal axis in response to an actuation of the lever. The outer shaft may be coupled to the inner shaft to rotate with it about the longitudinal axis and may have a plurality of projections.The housing can at least partially accommodate the inner and outer shafts and comprise a plurality of helical slots, each receiving a corresponding projection from the plurality of projections. When the gear system is used, actuation of the lever can drive the movement of the plurality of projections in the plurality of helical slots to cause a displacement of the outer shaft along its longitudinal axis, such that the disengaging mechanism transitions between an engaged state, in which the disengaging mechanism couples the driving device to the driven device, and a disengaged state, in which the disengaging system decouples the driving device from the driven device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the transition of the disengaging mechanism between the engaged and disengaged states can correspond to a 60-degree rotation of the lever about its longitudinal axis. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inner shaft can comprise a grooved bar defining one end of the inner shaft, a wedge cylinder defining another end of the inner shaft opposite the first end, and a collar positioned between the grooved bar and the wedge cylinder, wherein the collar can have a diameter larger than the diameter of the grooved bar and the diameter of the wedge cylinder, the wedge cylinder can extend completely circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, and the wedge cylinder can comprise a plurality of wedge projections spaced 180 degrees apart circumferentially around the longitudinal axis.The outer shaft can comprise a body defining a first end of the outer shaft and having a first diameter, and a journal defining a second end of the outer shaft opposite the first end and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the plurality of projections extend outwards from the body on an outer diameter of the same and may be spaced apart from each other by 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis in the circumferential direction, and the body may comprise a plurality of keyways on its inner diameter that accommodate the plurality of key projections.

[0015] In some embodiments, the separating system may further comprise a preload element arranged between the inner and outer shafts such that the preload element extends along the longitudinal axis; a bearing surrounding the outer shaft at an inner diameter of the bearing; a lock nut surrounding the outer shaft and securing the bearing against displacement along the longitudinal axis relative to the outer shaft; a coupling shaft coupled to the bearing at an outer diameter of the bearing; and a plurality of snap rings securing the coupling shaft to the bearing at the outer diameter of the bearing. The movement of the plurality of projections in the plurality of helical slots of the bearing, the lock nut, the coupling shaft, and the plurality of snap rings displaces the outer shaft along its longitudinal axis.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for assembling a separation mechanism for selectively decoupling a drive device from a driven device using the separation mechanism may include: (i) inserting a preload element into a first passage formed in an outer shaft of the separation mechanism, (ii) advancing an inner shaft of the separation mechanism into the first passage such that the preload element is at least partially received in a second passage formed in the inner shaft, (iii) coupling the outer shaft to a coupling shaft of the separation mechanism, (iv) installing the inner shaft, the outer shaft, and the preload element into a housing of the separation mechanism such that a plurality of projections of the outer shaft are received by a plurality of helical slots formed in the housing, and the inner shaft,the outer shaft and the preload element are aligned along a longitudinal axis, and (v) attaching a lever of the separating mechanism to the inner shaft.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lever of the disconnecting mechanism can be attached to the inner shaft in such a way that a connection is established between the lever and the outer shaft, such that the rotation of the lever displaces the outer shaft and the coupling shaft along the longitudinal axis. Additionally, in some embodiments, coupling the outer shaft to the coupling shaft can include arranging the outer shaft in contact with a bearing at an inner diameter of the bearing, attaching a lock nut to the outer shaft to secure the bearing against displacement along the longitudinal axis relative to the outer shaft, contacting the bearing with the coupling shaft at an outer diameter of the bearing, and fixing the outer diameter of the bearing to the coupling shaft by means of a plurality of snap rings.The lever of the separating mechanism is attached to the inner shaft in such a way that a connection is established between the lever and the outer shaft, such that the rotation of the lever displaces the outer shaft, the bearing, the lock nut, the multitude of snap rings and the coupling shaft along the longitudinal axis.

[0018] These and other features of the present disclosure become clearer from the following description of the explanatory embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention described herein is illustrated in the accompanying figures by way of example and without limitation. For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Thus, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated compared to others for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, where appropriate, reference designations have been repeated in the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a transmission system suitable for use in a vehicle; Fig. 2 is a detailed view of Fig. 1, with some elements omitted for the sake of simplicity; Fig. Figure 3 is a sectional view of a separation mechanism located in the gear system of Fig. 1 is included and is shown in an indented state; Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the separation mechanism of Fig. 3, which is depicted in a disengaged state; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a lever used in the separation mechanism of Fig. 3 is included; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an internal shaft located in the separation mechanism of Fig. 3 is included; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an outer shaft that is part of the separation mechanism of Fig. 3 is included; Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a prestressing element used in the separation mechanism of Fig. 3 is included; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a bearing that is part of the separation mechanism of Fig. 3 is included; Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a lock nut used in the separation mechanism of Fig. 3 is included; Fig. Figure 11 is a sectional view of a coupling shaft located in the separation mechanism of Fig. 3 is included; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of at least one snap ring that is part of the separation mechanism of Fig. 3 is included; and Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a housing that is part of the separation mechanism of Fig. 3 is included. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] References in the description to "a single embodiment," "an embodiment," "an illustrative embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or property, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or property. Furthermore, such expressions do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, if a specific feature, structure, or property is described in connection with an embodiment, it is to be assumed that it is within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art to realize that this feature, structure, or property can also be realized in connection with other embodiments, regardless of whether these are expressly described or not.Furthermore, it should be noted that elements in a list in the form of "at least one A, B, and C" can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, elements listed in the form of "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean: (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).

[0021] For the sake of clarity, the drawings may show certain structural or procedural features, such as those representing devices, modules, instruction blocks, and data elements, in specific arrangements and / or sequences. However, it should be noted that such specific arrangements and / or sequences are not strictly necessary. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and / or sequence than shown in the illustrative figures. Furthermore, the inclusion of a structural or procedural feature in a particular figure does not imply that this feature is required in all embodiments, and in some embodiments it may not be included at all or may be combined with other features.

[0022] In some embodiments, schematic elements used to represent blocks of a process can be executed manually by a user. In other embodiments, the implementation of these schematic elements can be automated by using any suitable form of machine-readable instruction, such as software or firmware applications, programs, functions, modules, routines, processes, procedures, plug-ins, applets, widgets, code snippets, and / or others. Each such instruction can be implemented using any suitable programming language, library, application programming interface (API), and / or other software development tools. In some embodiments, the schematic elements can be implemented using, for example, Java, C++, and / or other programming languages.Likewise, schematic elements used to represent data or information can be implemented using any suitable electronic arrangement or structure, such as registers, data storage, tables, records, arrays, indexes, hashes, maps, trees, lists, graphs, files (of any file type), folders, directories, databases and / or others.

[0023] When connecting elements such as solid or dashed lines or arrows are used in the drawings to illustrate a connection, relationship, or association between or among two or more other schematic elements, the absence of such connecting elements does not mean that no connection, relationship, or association can exist. In other words, some connections, relationships, or associations between elements may not be shown in the drawings to avoid obscuring the disclosure. Furthermore, a single connecting element may be used for the sake of simplicity to represent multiple connections, relationships, or associations between elements. For example, if a connecting element represents communication of signals, data, or instructions, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that such an element can represent one or more signal paths (e.g.,a bus) can represent in order to effect communication.

[0024] The present disclosure provides a disconnecting mechanism (e.g., the disconnecting mechanism 130) for selectively decoupling a drive device (e.g., the device 110) from a driven device (e.g., the device 120). Among other elements, the disconnecting mechanism may comprise a lever (e.g., the lever 500), an inner shaft (e.g., the inner shaft 600), an outer shaft (e.g., the outer shaft 700), and a housing (e.g., the housing 1300). The inner shaft is coupled to the lever to rotate about a longitudinal axis (e.g., the axis LA) in response to manual actuation of the lever. The outer shaft is coupled to the inner shaft for common rotation about the longitudinal axis, and the outer shaft includes projections (e.g., projections 702, 704) which each extend outwards from an outer surface (e.g., surface 706) of the outer shaft.The housing accommodates at least part of the inner and outer shafts and contains helical slots (e.g., helical slots 1302, 1304), each of which receives a corresponding projection. When the disconnecting mechanism is used, manual actuation of the lever causes the outer shaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis, thus moving the projections within the helical slots. This movement of the projections in the helical slots causes the outer shaft to shift along its longitudinal axis, allowing the disconnecting mechanism to transition between an engaged state (e.g., state 300), in which the disconnecting mechanism couples the drive device to the driven device, and a disengaged state (e.g., state 400), in which the disconnecting system decouples the drive device from the driven device.

[0025] It should be clear that in some applications, the torque paths of the drive system can be separated or interrupted. In conventional configurations, this separation or interruption can correspond to, or be otherwise related to, an axial movement of gear pairs. In such configurations, the axial movement of gear pairs can be driven by the rotation of a hand- or tool-operated lever. The conversion of the lever's rotational movement into an axial movement of the gears is typically achieved by one or more screw mechanisms. Actuating the screw mechanism(s) often requires multiple rotations of the lever. Furthermore, determining the axial position of the gears in relation to the lever's rotational position can be challenging.

[0026] The separation mechanism presented in this disclosure enables the conversion of a rotary motion into an axial motion, as achieved with conventional screw mechanisms, while offering several advantages. Firstly, the degree of rotary motion required to actuate the separation mechanism between the engaged and disengaged states described below is less than the rotary motion required in conventional configurations. Therefore, actuating the separation mechanism under consideration requires less time and less force than actuating other mechanisms. Secondly, the axial position of one or more components of the separation mechanism provided here can be easily observed and determined according to the rotational position of the lever of the separation mechanism.Consequently, the operating state of the separation mechanism provided here can be determined more easily than the operating state of other mechanisms.

[0027] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 is an illustrative transmission system 100 designed to transmit a rotational force to a load when in use. In some embodiments, the transmission system 100 is configured to transmit the rotational force generated by an energy source, such as one or more drive units, motors, internal combustion engines, power plants, or the like, to the load. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the transmission system 100 may include one or more drive units, motors, internal combustion engines, power plants, or the like.

[0028] In some embodiments, the illustrative transmission system 100 can be adapted or otherwise incorporated for use with one or more vehicles employed in a variety of applications. In some embodiments, the transmission system 100 can be adapted or otherwise incorporated for use with fire and rescue vehicles, garbage trucks, buses, motorhomes and camper vans, municipal and / or service vehicles, agricultural vehicles, mining vehicles, special-purpose vehicles, energy vehicles, defense vehicles, port service vehicles, construction vehicles, and transit and / or bus vehicles, to name only a few.Furthermore, the 100 transmission system can be adapted or otherwise incorporated in some embodiments for use with tractors, front loaders, scraper systems, mowers and choppers, hay and forage machines, planting machines, seed drills, sprayers and applicators, tillage equipment, utility vehicles, mowers, dump trucks, backhoe loaders, track loaders, crawler loaders, bulldozers, excavators, road graders, compact loaders, tractor loaders, wheel loaders, rakes, scarifiers, timber skidders, bundling machines, forwarders, harvesters, swing loaders, articulated loaders, diesel engines, axles, planetary gearboxes, pump drives, transmissions, generators and marine engines, as well as other suitable equipment.

[0029] The transmission system 100 comprises, as shown, a drive device 110 (shown with a dashed line), a driven device 120, and a disengagement mechanism 130. In some embodiments, the drive device 110 comprises a transmission configured to transmit the rotational force supplied by a rotational force source as described above to the drive device 120, or is otherwise configured as such. In some embodiments, the driven device 120 comprises a final drive hub or final drive hub assembly coupled to a load, or is otherwise configured as such. In the example shown, the driven device 120 is coupled to a track 122 of a vehicle so that the rotational force can be transmitted from the drive device 110 to the track 122 when the vehicle is in operation to drive its motion.In other examples, however, the driven device 120 may be coupled to another suitable structure capable of receiving a rotational force from the drive device 110, such as a wheel, a power take-off gearbox, or a power take-off assembly, to name just a few. Furthermore, in some examples, the driven device 120 may be configured as or include a power take-off gearbox or power take-off assembly. The disengaging mechanism 130 is configured to selectively couple the devices 110 and 120 to transmit the rotational force from the drive device 110 to the driven device 120 when the transmission system 100 is used.Furthermore, the separation mechanism 130, as explained in more detail below, is configured to selectively decouple the drive device 110 from the driven device 120 when using the gear system 100, in order to interrupt the transmission of the rotational force between the devices 110, 120.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the separating mechanism 130 comprises a lever 500 (see also Fig. 5) The lever 500 is configured to be attached to an internal shaft 600 (see Fig. 6) can be attached and extends outwards from an outer surface 234 of a housing 232 of the separating mechanism 130. When a head 502 of the lever 500 is positioned around the inner shaft 600 as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, lever 500 is configured for a pivoting movement about a longitudinal axis LA. More precisely, lever 500 is manually moved about the longitudinal axis LA between a first position 240, which corresponds to a retracted state 300 (see Figure 2). Fig. 3) of the separating mechanism 130, and pivotable to a second position 250 (shown in dashed line), which corresponds to a disengaged state 400 (see Fig. 4) of the separation mechanism 130.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 500 can be locked in each of the positions 240 and 250. For this purpose, the lever 500 is shaped to have an opening 504, and the outer surface 234 of the housing 232 is shaped to have holes 236 and 238. When the lever 500 is in position 240, the opening 504 can be aligned with the hole 236 to receive a fastener 260 and thereby lock the lever 500 in position 240. Similarly, when the lever 500 is in position 250, the opening 504 can be aligned with the hole 238 to receive the fastener 260 and thereby lock the lever 500 in position 250.

[0032] As described in more detail below, manual actuation of the lever 500 between positions 240 and 250 switches the disconnecting mechanism 130 between the engaged state 300 and the disengaged state 400. In the engaged state 300 of the disconnecting mechanism 130, the disconnecting mechanism 130 couples the drive device 110 to the driven device 120. In the disengaged state 400 of the disconnecting mechanism 130, the disconnecting system 130 disengages the drive device 110 from the driven device 120. As further explained below, the transition between the engaged state 300 and the disengaged state 400 also involves unlocking the lever 500 from its current position (e.g., one of the positions 240, 250) and locking the lever 500 in its desired position (e.g., the other of the positions 240, 250).

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the lever 500 between positions 240 and 250 corresponds to, or is otherwise connected with, a manual rotation of less than 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis LA. In some embodiments, the movement of the lever 500 between positions 240 and 250 corresponds to, or is otherwise connected with, a manual rotation of 60 degrees about the longitudinal axis LA, represented by the angle β. It should be clear that, since the movement of the lever 500 between positions 240 and 250 causes the disengaging mechanism 130 to switch between the engaged state 300 and the disengaged state 400, this transition corresponds to and is characterized by the aforementioned rotation of the lever 500 about the longitudinal axis LA.

[0034] With reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 The separation mechanism 130 shown in the illustration includes, among other things, the lever 500, the inner shaft 600, an outer shaft 700 (see Fig. 7) and a housing 1300 (see Fig. 13) The inner shaft 600 is coupled to the lever 500 to rotate with it about the longitudinal axis LA in response to manual actuation of the lever 500, as described above. The outer shaft 700 is coupled to the inner shaft 600 to rotate with it about the longitudinal axis LA. The outer shaft 700 includes projections 702, 704 that extend outward from an outer surface 706 of a body 708 of the outer shaft 700. The housing 1300 at least partially accommodates the inner shaft 600 and the outer shaft 700 and includes helical slots 1302, 1304, each dimensioned to accommodate a corresponding projection 702, 704.

[0035] As explained below, when using the illustrated separating mechanism 130, manual actuation of the lever 500 causes the rotation of the outer shaft 700 about the longitudinal axis LA to move the projections 702, 704 in the helical slots 1302, 1304. As explained in more detail below, the movement of the projections 702, 704 in the helical slots 1302, 1304 also causes the outer shaft 700 to shift along the longitudinal axis LA, allowing the separating mechanism 130 to transition between the engaged state 300 and the disengaged state 400. Of course, it should be understood that the transition of the separating mechanism 130 between states 300, 400, which is guided by the displacement of the outer shaft 700 along the longitudinal axis LA, is effected by the rotation of the lever 500 between the positions 240, 250 discussed above.

[0036] The illustrated separation mechanism 130 further comprises a prestressing element 800 (see Fig. 8), a warehouse 900 (see Fig. 9), a lock nut 1000 (see Fig. 10), a coupling shaft 1100 (see Fig. 11) and at least one snap ring 1200 (see Fig. 12) The preload element 800 is arranged between the inner shaft 600 and the outer shaft 700 such that the preload element 800 extends along the longitudinal axis LA in both the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130. The bearing 900 surrounds the outer shaft 700 at an inner diameter ID of the bearing 900 in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130. The locking nut 1000 surrounds the outer shaft 700 and secures the bearing 900 against displacement along the longitudinal axis LA relative to the outer shaft 700 in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130. The coupling shaft 1100 is coupled to the bearing 900 at an outer diameter OD of the bearing 900 in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130.The at least one snap ring 1200 comprises two snap rings that fasten the coupling shaft 1100 to the outer diameter OD of the bearing 900 in the engaged and disengaged state 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130 to the bearing 900.

[0037] With reference to Fig. Figure 5 shows that the lever 500 comprises the head 502 and a handle 506 connected to the head 502. The handle 506 is designed for manual operation by an operator and is shaped to include the opening 504. The head 502 is shaped to have an opening 508 dimensioned to accommodate a portion of the inner shaft 600, as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 502 has a circular shape corresponding to the shape of the portion of the inner shaft 600, and the handle 506 has a rectangular shape. It is understood, of course, that in other embodiments the head 502 and the handle 506 may assume other suitable geometric shapes. In any case, in the illustrated embodiment, the lever 500 is dimensioned and constructed such that it exerts a lever force LF on the inner shaft 600 when the lever 500 is coupled to the inner shaft 600 (e.g., as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown).

[0038] With reference to Fig. 6 includes the in Fig. Figure 6 shows an inner shaft 600 comprising a grooved bar 610, a wedge cylinder 620, and a collar 630 located between the grooved bar 610 and the wedge cylinder 620. The grooved bar 610 defines one end 612 of the inner shaft 600, and the wedge cylinder 620 defines another end 622 of the inner shaft 600, opposite end 612. The grooved bar 610 is dimensioned to engage with the toothed opening 508 of the lever 500. The wedge cylinder 620 is dimensioned to engage with the outer shaft 700 in both the engaged and disengaged states 300 and 400 of the separating mechanism 130. The grooved rod 610, the wedge cylinder 620 and the collar 630 are at least partially positioned in the housing 1300 in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the grooved rod 610 of the inner shaft 600 has a cylindrical shape, such that the rod 610 extends completely around the longitudinal axis LA in the circumferential direction in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130. The grooved rod 610 has a diameter D1 as shown. In other embodiments, however, the grooved rod 610 can also assume the shape of other suitable geometric forms.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the wedge cylinder 620 of the inner shaft 600 has a generally cylindrical shape, such that the cylinder 620 extends completely around the longitudinal axis LA in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130. The wedge cylinder 620 has a diameter D2 as shown. Furthermore, the wedge cylinder 620 is shaped to have rectangular wedge projections 624, which are spaced apart from each other by 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis LA in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130. In other embodiments, however, the wedge cylinder 620 and the wedge projections 624 can assume other suitable geometric shapes.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 630 of the inner shaft 600 comprises a circular disk or is otherwise configured as such, which extends completely around the longitudinal axis LA in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130. The collar 630 is shown to have a diameter D3 that is larger than the diameter D1 of the grooved bar 610 and the diameter D2 of the wedge cylinder 620. In other embodiments, however, the collar 630 can assume the shape of other suitable geometric forms.

[0042] With reference to Fig. Figure 7 comprises the outer shaft 700, a body 710, and a journal 720 connected to the body 710. The body 710 defines one end 712 of the outer shaft 700, and the journal 720 defines another end 722 of the outer shaft 700, which is arranged opposite end 712. The body 710 has a cylindrical shape and a diameter D4. The journal 720 has a cylindrical shape and a diameter D5, which is smaller than the diameter D4 of the body 710. The body 710 is dimensioned and constructed such that, in the engaged and disengaged states 300 and 400 of the disengaging mechanism 130, it accommodates the wedge cylinder 620 of the inner shaft 600 and the preload element 800. The pin 720 is dimensioned and constructed in such a way that it is received by the bearing 900 and the locking nut 1000 in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130.In other embodiments, however, the body 710 and the pin 720 can assume the form of other suitable geometric shapes.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the body 710 of the outer shaft 700 is shaped such that it has keyways 714 on its inner diameter 716. The keyways 714 are dimensioned, as shown, to accommodate the key projections 624 of the wedge cylinder 620. Similar to the key projections 624, the keyways 714 are spaced apart from each other by 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis LA in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130.

[0044] In the illustrative embodiment, the projections 702, 704 extend outwards from the body 710 at its outer diameter 718. Each of the projections 702, 704 is shown to have a cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, however, the projections 702, 704 can also assume the shape of other suitable geometric forms. In any case, the projections 702, 704 are spaced apart from each other circumferentially by 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis LA in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400 of the separating mechanism 130.

[0045] With reference to Fig. In Figure 8, the preload element 800 comprises any elastic element capable of storing mechanical energy or is otherwise configured as such. In the illustrative embodiment, the preload element 800 comprises a spring 810, such as a helical spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, a torsion spring, or the like. As shown in Figure 8, the preload element 800 comprises a spring 810 such as a coil spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, a torsion spring, or the like. Fig. As can best be seen in Figure 3, when the preload element 800 is positioned between the inner shaft 600 and the outer shaft 700, it exerts a preload force BF on the outer shaft 700 to push the outer shaft 700 away from the lever 500 along the longitudinal axis LA.

[0046] As in Fig. As indicated in Figure 3, when the disengaging mechanism 130 is in the engaged state 300, the preload force BF exerted on the outer shaft 700 by the preload element 800 and the lever force LF exerted on the inner shaft 600 by the lever 500 work together to resist displacement of the outer shaft 700 relative to the lever 500 along the longitudinal axis LA. In some embodiments, the combination of (i) the preload force BF exerted on the outer shaft 700 by the preload element 800 and (ii) the lever force LF exerted on the inner shaft 600 by the lever 500 as a result of the weight of the lever 500 acts in such a way that the disengaging mechanism 130 operates in the engaged state 300 in the event of a disengagement fault condition, such as...A fault condition related to incomplete movement of one or more components of the separating mechanism 130, improper fastening of the lever 500 in one of the positions 240 or 250, or operator error, to name just a few. Conversely, as in . Fig. As indicated in Figure 4, the preload force BF and the lever force LF are insufficient to resist displacement of the outer shaft 700 towards the lever 500 along the longitudinal axis LA when the disengaging mechanism 130 is in the disengaged state 400. It should be clear that the lever 500 and the preload element 800 are dimensioned and constructed to apply the respective forces LF and BF, which together are sufficient to resist displacement of the outer shaft 700 towards the lever 500 along the longitudinal axis LA when the disengaging mechanism 130 is in the engaged state 300.

[0047] With reference to Fig. Figure 9 includes, as shown, any device capable of supporting the outer shaft 700 (i.e., its journal 720) at least partially for rotation about the longitudinal axis LA, or is otherwise configured as such. In some embodiments, the bearing 900 may be configured to at least partially allow or facilitate a common rotation of the outer shaft 700 and the coupling shaft 1100 about the longitudinal axis LA. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bearing 900 may be configured to at least partially allow or facilitate a certain degree of relative rotation between the outer shaft 700 and the coupling shaft 1100 about the longitudinal axis LA.

[0048] In the illustrative embodiment, the bearing 900 comprises a ball bearing 910 or is otherwise configured as such, for example, an angular contact ball bearing, a thrust ball bearing, a deep groove ball bearing, a Conrad ball bearing, a slotted ball filling ball bearing, a ball bearing with a free-standing raceway, a ball bearing with a segmented raceway, a hybrid ball bearing, or the like. In other embodiments, however, the bearing 900 may also comprise another suitable bearing or be configured as such in other ways.

[0049] In some embodiments, the bearing 900 comprises an inner ring 920, an outer ring 930, and an intermediate ring 940 arranged radially between the inner ring 920 and the outer ring 930. The inner ring 920 defines the inner diameter ID of the bearing 900 and contacts the journal 720 of the outer shaft 700. The outer ring 930 defines the outer diameter (OD) of the bearing 900 and contacts the coupling shaft 1100. Although not shown, the bearing 900 includes rollers or balls arranged radially between the inner ring 920 and the intermediate ring 940 and / or between the outer ring 930 and the intermediate ring 940, at least in some embodiments.

[0050] With reference to Fig. In Figure 10, the locking nut 1000 comprises, as shown, any device capable of securing the bearing 900 to the outer shaft 700 and thereby securing the bearing 900 against displacement along the longitudinal axis LA relative to the outer shaft 700, or is otherwise implemented as such. In some embodiments, the locking nut 1000 may comprise, or otherwise be implemented as, a self-locking nut, a nut with predominant torque, a stiff nut, an elastic stop nut, or the like. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the locking nut 1000 may be implemented as any device configured such that it does not loosen under the influence of vibration and torque in order to maintain the fastening of the bearing 900 to the outer shaft 700 during the operation of the disconnecting mechanism 130.

[0051] With reference to Fig. 11. The coupling shaft 1100 comprises any device configured for interaction with the driven device 120 when using the disconnecting mechanism 130, or is otherwise configured as such. In some embodiments, the coupling shaft 1100 may be integrated into the driven device 120 or otherwise form part of it. In any case, in the illustrative embodiment, the coupling shaft 1100 comprises a ring 1110, a first circular ring 1120, a second circular ring 1130, and a third circular ring 1140. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen best in Figure 4, the ring 1110, the first circular ring 1120, the second circular ring 1130 and the third circular ring 1140 are arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis LA when the separating mechanism 130 is in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400.

[0052] The ring 1110 of the coupling shaft 1100 is, as shown, configured to interact with at least one part of the outer shaft 700 (e.g., the body 710), at least in some embodiments. In other embodiments, however, the ring 1110 may be configured to interact with another component, such as the bearing 900. The ring 1110 is shaped such that it has teeth 1112 on its inner circumference 1114. In some embodiments, the teeth 1112 are configured for interaction (i.e., direct contact or indirect coupling) with the outer shaft 700 and / or the bearing 900. The ring 1110 has an outer diameter 1118, measured with respect to the longitudinal axis LA.

[0053] The first circular ring 1120 is arranged axially (e.g., along the longitudinal axis LA) between the ring 1110 and the second circular ring 1130, as shown in the illustration. In the illustrative embodiment, the circular ring 1120 has an outer diameter 1122, measured relative to the longitudinal axis LA, which is generally equal to the outer diameter 1118 of the ring 1110. The circular ring 1120 is shaped such that it has at least one circumferential groove 1124 on its inner circumference 1126. In some embodiments, the at least one circumferential groove 1124 is dimensioned such that it at least partially accommodates the at least one snap ring 1200. In such embodiments, the at least one groove 1124 can comprise two grooves that are axially spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis LA and are dimensioned such that they accommodate two snap rings. Furthermore, in some embodiments, during the entire operation of the separation mechanism 130 as illustrated (e.g.in the engaged and disengaged state 300, 400) the at least one snap ring 1200 is received by the at least one circumferential groove 1124 to secure the circular ring 1120 in contact with and / or engagement with the outer diameter OD of the bearing 900.

[0054] The second circular ring 1130 is arranged axially between the first circular ring 1120 and the third circular ring 1140, as shown in the illustration. In this illustrative embodiment, the circular ring 1130 has an outer diameter 1132, measured with respect to the longitudinal axis LA, which is larger than the outer diameter 1122 of ring 1120 and the outer diameter 1118 of ring 1110. The circular ring 1130 is shown to be free of teeth or grooves on its inner circumference 1134.

[0055] The third circular ring 1140 is arranged axially opposite to the ring 1110, as shown in the illustration. In the illustrative embodiment, the circular ring 1140 has an outer diameter 1142, measured with respect to the longitudinal axis LA, which is larger than the outer diameter 1132 of the circular ring 1130. The circular ring 1140 is shown to be free of teeth or grooves on its inner circumference 1144. However, in the illustrative embodiment, the circular ring 1140 includes teeth 1146 formed on the outer diameter 1142. In some embodiments, the circular ring 1140 is configured for interaction (i.e., direct contact or indirect coupling) with a component of the driven device 120.

[0056] With reference to Fig. Figure 12 shows that the at least one snap ring 1200 comprises an arc-shaped body 1210 extending circumferentially (e.g., around the longitudinal axis LA) between tabs 1212 and 1214. The at least one snap ring 1200 is defined as having a C-shaped form. It is understood that the snap ring 1200 can assume other suitable geometric shapes. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the at least one snap ring 1200 is dimensioned such that it can be positioned, at least partially, in the at least one circumferential groove 1124 of the coupling shaft 1100 to secure the coupling shaft 1100 to the bearing 900. In some embodiments, the at least one snap ring 1200 comprises two snap rings.In such embodiments, the two snap rings can be axially spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis LA, radially spaced apart from each other relative to the longitudinal axis LA, or circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the longitudinal axis LA. It should be clear that in other embodiments, the at least one snap ring 1200 can also comprise another suitable number of snap rings.

[0057] With reference to Fig. In Figure 13, the illustrative housing 1300 is designed as a structure or otherwise includes such a structure, which is secured against displacement along the longitudinal axis LA when the separating mechanism 130 is used. In some embodiments, the housing 1300 can interact with a feature of the driven device 120 (e.g., a mechanical stop) to prevent displacement of the housing 1300 along the longitudinal axis LA. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the housing 1300 can interact with a feature of the driven device 120 (e.g., a brake) to prevent rotation of the housing 1300 about the longitudinal axis LA. In each case, the housing 1300, as illustrated above, includes the spiral slots 1302 and 1304.

[0058] Each of the spiral slots 1302, 1304 shown in the illustration is defined in the housing 1300 on an inner circumference 1310 thereof. In the arrangement shown, the spiral slots 1302, 1304 of the housing 1300, similar to the projections 702, 704 of the outer shaft 700, are spaced apart from each other circumferentially by 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis LA. The slots 1302, 1304 extend axially through one end 1312 of the housing 1300 to an opposite end 1314 of the housing 1300. During the entire operation of the separating mechanism 130 (e.g., in the engaged and disengaged states 300, 400), the end 1312 is farther from the lever 500 along the longitudinal axis LA than the end 1314. The slots 1302, 1304 extend, at least in some embodiments, at least halfway along an axial length 1316 of the housing 1300, measured between the ends 1312, 1314.In some embodiments, the slots 1302, 1304 extend at least three-quarters of the way over the axial length 1316 of the housing 1300.

[0059] With renewed reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. A method for assembling the illustrated separating mechanism 130 may include inserting the preload element 800 into a passage 730 formed in the body 710 of the outer shaft 700. In some embodiments, inserting the preload element 800 into the passage 730 may involve inserting the element 800 into the passage 730 such that one end of the preload element 800 contacts an inner wall 740 of the outer shaft 700. The inner wall 740 defines the passage 730 at least partially, at least in some embodiments.

[0060] In some embodiments, the method may include advancing the inner shaft 600 into the passage 730 such that the preload element 800 is at least partially received in a passage 640 formed in the inner shaft 600, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown. Additionally, in some embodiments, the insertion of the inner shaft 600 into the passage 730 can include the insertion of the inner shaft 600 into the passage 730 such that the other end of the preload element 800 contacts the inner walls 650 of the inner shaft 600, which at least partially define the passage 640.

[0061] In some embodiments, the method may include coupling the outer shaft 700 with the coupling shaft 1100, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown. In addition, in some embodiments, coupling the outer shaft 700 to the coupling shaft 1100 may comprise: (i) arranging the outer shaft 700 in contact with the bearing 900 at its inner diameter ID; (ii) attaching the locking nut 1000 to the outer shaft 700 to secure the bearing 900 against axial displacement; (iii) contacting the bearing 900 with the coupling shaft 700 at the outer diameter OD of the bearing 900; and (iv) fixing the outer diameter OD of the bearing 900 to the coupling shaft 1100 using the snap rings 1200.

[0062] In some embodiments, the method may include installing the inner shaft 600, the outer shaft 700, and the preload element 800 into the housing 1300, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown. In addition, in some embodiments, the installation of the inner shaft 600, the outer shaft 700 and the preload element 800 into the housing 1300 may include installing these components into the housing 1300 such that the projections 702, 704 are received by the helical slots 1302, 1304 and the inner shaft 600, the outer shaft 700 and the preload element 800 are aligned along the longitudinal axis LA.

[0063] In some embodiments, the method may include maintaining axial positions of the inner shaft 600 and the housing 1300 along the longitudinal axis LA using a retaining hub 350, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows that the retaining hub 350 can comprise an inner flange 352 and an outer flange 354, which is connected to the inner flange 352 and extends radially outward from the inner flange 352, at least in some embodiments. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the retaining hub 350 can have one or more grooves formed along its inner diameter (e.g., an inner diameter defined by the inner flange 352) and one or more grooves formed along its outer diameter (e.g., an outer diameter defined by the outer flange 354), and the groove(s) formed along the inner and outer diameters of the hub 350 can each be dimensioned to accommodate at least one sealing O-ring.Furthermore, in some embodiments, maintaining the axial positions of the inner shaft 600 and the housing 1300 along the longitudinal axis LA may include (i) contacting the collar 630 of the inner shaft 600 with the inner flange 352 of the retaining hub 350 and (ii) contacting the housing 1300 with the outer flange 354 of the retaining hub 350.

[0064] In some embodiments, the method may include attaching the lever 500 to the inner shaft 600, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown. In addition, in some embodiments, attaching the lever 500 to the inner shaft 600 may include establishing a mechanical connection between the lever 500 and the outer shaft 700, such that when using the disconnecting mechanism 130, the manual rotation of the lever 500 drives the displacement of the outer shaft 700, the bearing 900, the locking nut 1000, the snap rings 1200 and the coupling shaft 1100 along the longitudinal axis LA.

[0065] Still referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. After the assembly of the separating mechanism 130 as described above, the mechanism 130 can be brought into the engaged state 300 in order to couple the drive device 110 with the driven device 120. As proposed above, to bring the separating mechanism 130 into the engaged state 300, the lever 500 is positioned in position 240 and locked in position 240 with the fastening element 260. When the separating mechanism 130 is in the engaged state 300, the body 710 of the outer shaft 700 is spaced along the longitudinal axis LA from the collar 630 of the inner shaft 600.

[0066] To bring the disconnecting mechanism 130 into the disengaged state 400 and thereby decouple the drive device 110 from the driven device 120, the fastener 260 is removed to unlock the lever 500 from position 240. The lever 500 is then rotated to position 250 and locked in position 250 with the fastener 260. When the disconnecting mechanism 130 is in the disengaged state 400, the collar 630 of the inner shaft 600 rests against the body 710 of the outer shaft 700, and the bearing 900, the lock nut 1000, the coupling shaft 1100, and the snap rings 1200 are located to the left (i.e., along the longitudinal axis LA) of the positions of these components in the engaged state 300 of the disconnecting mechanism 130.From the above explanation it should be evident that the movement of the projections 702, 704 in the spiral slots 1302, 1304 causes a displacement of the bearing 900, the locking nut 1000, the coupling shaft 1100 and the snap rings 1200 along the longitudinal axis LA with the outer shaft 700.

Claims

[1] A separation mechanism (130) for selectively decoupling a drive device (110) from a driven device (120), the separation mechanism (130) comprising: a lever (500); an inner shaft (600) coupled to the lever (500) for rotating about a longitudinal axis (LA) in response to actuation of the lever (500); an outer shaft (700) coupled to the inner shaft (600) for common rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis (LA) and comprising a plurality of projections (702, 704) each extending outwardly from an outer surface (706) of the outer shaft (700); and a housing (1300) at least partially accommodating the inner shaft (600) and the outer shaft (700) and comprising a plurality of spiral slots (1302, 1304) each accommodating a corresponding one of the plurality of projections (702, 704), wherein the lever is operable to rotate the outer shaft (700) about the longitudinal axis and to move the plurality of projections (702, 704) in the plurality of spiral slots (1302, 1304), and wherein the plurality of projections (702, 704) are configured to move in the plurality of spiral slots (1302, 1304) to translate the outer shaft (700) along the longitudinal axis (LA) to transition the disconnect mechanism (130) between an engaged state (300), in which the disconnect mechanism (130) couples the drive device (110) to the driven device (120), and a disengaged state (400), in which the disconnect system decouples the drive device (110) from the driven device (120). [2] The separating mechanism (130) of claim 1, wherein the transition of the separating mechanism (130) between the engaged state (300) and the disengaged state (400) corresponds to a rotation of the lever (500) about the longitudinal axis (LA) of less than 90 degrees. [3] Separating mechanism (130) according to claim 2, wherein the transition of the separating mechanism (130) between the engaged state (300) and the disengaged state (400) corresponds to a rotation of the lever (500) about the longitudinal axis (LA) by 60 degrees. [4] The separating mechanism (130) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner shaft (600) comprises a grooved bar (610) defining one end (612) of the inner shaft, a wedge cylinder (620) defining another end (622) of the inner shaft opposite the one end, and a collar (630) positioned between the grooved bar (610) and the wedge cylinder (620). [5] Separation mechanism (130) according to claim 4, wherein: the collar (630) has a diameter (D3) which is larger than a diameter (D1) of the grooved bar and a diameter (D2) of the wedge cylinder (620); the wedge cylinder (620) extends circumferentially completely around the longitudinal axis (LA); and the wedge cylinder (620) has a plurality of wedge projections (624) which are circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from one another about the longitudinal axis (LA). [6] Separation mechanism (130) according to claim 5, wherein: the outer shaft comprises a body (710) defining a first end (712) of the outer shaft (700) and having a first diameter (D4), and a pin (720) defining a second end (722) of the outer shaft (700) opposite the first end and having a second diameter (D5) smaller than the first diameter (D4); the plurality of projections (702, 704) extend outwardly from the body (710) at an outer diameter (718) thereof and are circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from each other about the longitudinal axis (LA); and the body (710) has a plurality of keyways (714) on its inner diameter (716) to accommodate the plurality of key projections (624). [7] Separating mechanism (130) according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a biasing element (800) arranged between the inner shaft (600) and the outer shaft (700) such that the biasing element (800) extends along the longitudinal axis (LA), wherein the prestressing element (800) is designed to exert a prestressing force (BF) on the outer shaft and the lever (500) is designed to exert a lever force (LF) on the inner shaft (600), and wherein in the engaged state of the separating mechanism (300) the preload force (BF) and the leverage force (LF) can cooperate to resist displacement of the outer shaft (700) along the longitudinal axis (LA). [8] Separating mechanism (130) according to claim 7, wherein in the disengaged state of the separating mechanism (400) the preload force (BF) and the leverage force (LF) are insufficient to resist displacement of the outer shaft (700) along the longitudinal axis (LA). [9] Separation mechanism (130) according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: a bearing (900) surrounding the outer shaft (700) at an inner diameter (ID) of the bearing (900); a lock nut (1000) surrounding the outer shaft (700) and securing the bearing (900) against displacement along the longitudinal axis (LA) relative to the outer shaft (700); a coupling shaft (1100) coupled to the bearing at an outer diameter (OD); and a plurality of snap rings (1200) that can secure the coupling shaft (1100) to the bearing (900) at the outer diameter (OD) of the bearing. [10] The separating mechanism (130) of claim 9, wherein the plurality of projections (702, 704) are configured to move in the plurality of spiral slots (1302, 1304) to translate the bearing (900), the lock nut (1000), the coupling shaft (1100), and the plurality of snap rings (1200) along the longitudinal axis (LA) with the outer shaft (700). [11] Transmission system comprising: a drive device (110) with a gear for transmitting a rotational force; a driven device (120) having a final drive hub for receiving the rotational force from the drive device (110); and a separation mechanism (130) for selectively decoupling the drive device (110) from the driven device (120), the separation mechanism (130) comprising: a lever (500); an inner shaft (600) coupled to the lever (500) for rotating about a longitudinal axis (LA) in response to actuation of the lever; an outer shaft (700) coupled to the inner shaft (600) for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis (LA) and having a plurality of projections (702, 704); and a housing (1300) at least partially accommodating the inner shaft (600) and the outer shaft (700) and comprising a plurality of spiral slots (1302, 1304) each receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of projections (702, 704); wherein the lever (500) is operable to drive movement of the plurality of projections (702, 704) in the plurality of spiral slots (1302, 1304) to guide displacement of the outer shaft (700) along the longitudinal axis such that the disconnect mechanism (130) transitions between an engaged state (300), in which the disconnect mechanism (130) couples the drive device (110) to the driven device (120), and a disengaged state (400), in which the disconnect system decouples the drive device (110) from the driven device (120). [12] A transmission system according to claim 11, wherein the transition of the disconnect mechanism (130) between the engaged state and the disengaged state corresponds to a rotation of the lever (500) about the longitudinal axis by 60 degrees. [13] Transmission system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: the inner shaft comprises a grooved rod (610) defining one end (612) of the inner shaft, a wedge cylinder (620) defining another end (622) of the inner shaft opposite the one end, and a collar (630) positioned between the grooved rod (610) and the wedge cylinder (620); the collar (630) has a diameter (D3) which is larger than a diameter (D1) of the grooved bar (610) and a diameter (D2) of the wedge cylinder (620); the wedge cylinder (620) extends circumferentially completely around the longitudinal axis (LA); and the wedge cylinder (620) has a plurality of wedge projections (624) which are circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from one another about the longitudinal axis (LA). [14] Transmission system according to claim 13, wherein: the outer shaft (700) comprises a body (710) defining a first end (712) of the outer shaft and having a first diameter (D4), and a pin (720) defining a second end (722) of the outer shaft opposite the first end and having a second diameter (D5) smaller than the first diameter (D4); the plurality of projections (702, 704) extend outwardly from the body (710) at an outer diameter (718) thereof and are circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from each other about the longitudinal axis (LA); and the body (710) includes a plurality of keyways (714) on its inner diameter (716) for receiving the plurality of key projections (624). [15] A transmission system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the separating mechanism (130) further comprises: a prestressing element (800) arranged between the inner shaft (600) and the outer shaft (700) such that the prestressing element (800) extends along the longitudinal axis (LA), a bearing (900) surrounding the outer shaft (700) at an inner diameter (ID) of the bearing (900); a lock nut (1000) surrounding the outer shaft (700) and securing the bearing (900) against displacement along the longitudinal axis (LA) relative to the outer shaft (700); a coupling shaft (1100) coupled to the bearing at an outer diameter (OD); and a plurality of snap rings (1200) that can secure the coupling shaft (1100) to the bearing at the outer diameter (OD) of the bearing. [16] The transmission system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of projections (702, 704) are configured to move in the plurality of spiral slots (1302, 1304) to displace the bearing (900), the lock nut (1000), the coupling shaft (1100) and the plurality of snap rings (1200) along the longitudinal axis (LA) with the outer shaft (700). [17] A method of assembling a separation mechanism (130) for selectively decoupling a drive device (110) from a driven device (120), the method comprising: Inserting a biasing member (800) into a first passage (730) formed in an outer shaft (700) of the separating mechanism; advancing an inner shaft (600) of the separating mechanism into the first passage (730) such that the biasing element is at least partially received in a second passage (640) formed in the inner shaft (600); Coupling the outer shaft (700) to a coupling shaft (1100) of the separating mechanism (130); Installing the inner shaft (600), the outer shaft (700), and the biasing element (800) into a housing (1300) of the separating mechanism such that a plurality of projections (702, 704) of the outer shaft are received by a plurality of spiral slots (1302, 1304) formed in the housing, and the inner shaft (600), the outer shaft (700), and the biasing element (800) are aligned along a longitudinal axis (LA); and Attaching a lever (500) of the separating mechanism to the inner shaft (600). [18] The method of claim 17, wherein the lever (500) of the separating mechanism (130) is attached to the inner shaft (600) to establish a connection between the lever (500) and the outer shaft (700) such that rotation of the lever (500) displaces the outer shaft (700) and the coupling shaft (1100) along the longitudinal axis (LA). [19] The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein coupling the outer shaft (700) to the coupling shaft (1100) comprises: Arranging the outer shaft (700) in contact with a bearing (900) at an inner diameter (ID) of the bearing; Attaching a lock nut (1000) to the outer shaft (700) to secure the bearing (900) against displacement along the longitudinal axis (LA) relative to the outer shaft (700); Contacting the bearing with the coupling shaft (1100) at an outer diameter (OD) of the bearing; Fixing the outer diameter (OD) of the bearing to the coupling shaft (1100) by means of a plurality of snap rings (1200). [20] The method of claim 19, wherein the lever (500) of the separating mechanism (130) is attached to the inner shaft (600) such that a connection is established between the lever (500) and the outer shaft (700) such that rotation of the lever displaces the outer shaft (700), the bearing (900), the lock nut (1000), the plurality of snap rings (1200) and the coupling shaft (1100) along the longitudinal axis (LA).

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