Transfer case with four wheel lock

US10183577B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BorgWarner Inc. · US

Inventors

• Larry A. Pritchard · Chesterfield Township, US
• Thaddeus Kopp · Oakland Charter Township, US
• Branden L. Reeves · Oxford, US
• Philip J. Francis · Lapeer, US
• Joseph D. Mastie · Belleville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 14, 2017
• Grant date: Jan 22, 2019
• Expiry date: Feb 14, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H2200/2097
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A transfer case includes primary and secondary output shafts, along with a secondary torque transfer mechanism and a locking mechanism, which are configured to selectively couple the primary and secondary output shafts. The secondary torque transfer mechanism comprises a sprocket coupled to the secondary output shaft, and a plate clutch coupled to the sprocket to selectively form a friction coupling with the primary output shaft. The locking mechanism selectively couples the primary output shaft to the sprocket, and includes a locking sleeve and an actuator that moves the locking sleeve between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the locking sleeve forms a first splined connection with the primary output shaft and forms a second splined connection with the sprocket. In the second position, the locking sleeve forms the first splined connection with the primary output shaft and forms a second splined connection with the sprocket.