Locking transfer case
US10766362B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2200/0034
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transfer case comprises a primary output shaft, and a secondary output shaft selectively coupleable to the primary output shaft with a plate clutch to transfer torque therebetween. The plate clutch includes a housing, a plurality of interleaved plates that are engaged alternatingly with the primary output shaft and the housing to rotate therewith, and an apply plate non-selectively coupled to the primary output shaft to rotate therewith. The apply plate is moveable axially along the primary output shaft into a first configuration in which the apply plate is positively coupled to the housing to rotate therewith, a second configuration in which the apply plate rotates independent of the housing, and a third configuration in which the apply plate compresses the interleaved plates to form a friction coupling between the primary output shaft and the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.