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Transfer case with disconnectable transfer clutch

  • US 6,079,535 A
  • Filed: 04/01/1999
  • Issued: 06/27/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/01/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A transfer case for use in motor vehicles for transferring drive torque from a powertrain to first and second drivelines, said transfer case comprising:

  • a first output shaft adapted to transmit drive torque from the powertrain to the first driveline;

    a second output shaft adapted to transmit drive torque to the second driveline;

    a transfer clutch for transferring drive torque from said first output shaft to said second output shaft, said transfer clutch including a first clutch member supported on said first output shaft, a second clutch member coupled for rotation with said second output shaft, and a clutch pack having a first plate coupled for rotation with said first clutch member and a second plate coupled for rotation with said second clutch member, said transfer clutch further including an apply plate coupled for rotation with said first output shaft and sliding movement relative thereto, and a spring acting between said first and second clutch members; and

    an actuator for moving said apply plate to establish one of a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode, said actuator is operable to locate said apply plate in a first position disengaged from said clutch pack such that said spring biases said first clutch member to a disconnect position whereat said first clutch plate is uncoupled from said first output shaft for establishing said two-wheel drive mode, and said actuator is operable to locate said apply plate in a second position engaged with said clutch pack such that said first clutch member is located in a connect position whereat said first clutch member is coupled for rotation with said first output shaft for establishing said four-wheel drive mode.

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