Vehicle torque transfer case
US5226860A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60T8/322
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a vehicle four wheel drive torque transfer case having a friction clutch which is selectively engaged when it is desired to place the transfer case in a four wheel drive operating mode. The transfer case includes an input shaft which is connected to supply torque to a rear output shaft. A multi-disc friction clutch is connected between the input shaft and a front output shaft for supplying torque to the front output shaft. A planetary gear assembly includes a sun gear, a carrier a planet carrier connected to the input shaft, and a ring gear coupled to drive the front output shaft. The multi-disc clutch is interposed between the sun gear and the ring gear and is engaged to inhibit any rotation of the planet carrier relative to the ring gear and thereby transfer torque to the front output shaft. The planetary gear assembly functions as a .sctn.'torque multipler" and this reduces the torque capacity requirements for the clutch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.