Patent ID: 6691847
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: F16D,F16H

Abstract:
A four-wheel drive transfer case comprising:a torque input member; a rear wheel torque output member coupled to the torque input member; a front wheel torque output member; and a torque transfer assembly for transferring torque from the torque input member to the front wheel torque output member, the torque transfer assembly comprising a pair of one-way clutches coupled between the torque input member and the front wheel torque output member and having opposite freewheeling directions of rotation for allowing overrunning of the front wheel torque output member independently of a direction of rotation of the torque input member, a sprocket coupled to the rear wheel torque output member, the sprocket including an inner tubular surface surrounding the front wheel torque output member and defining an internal cavity therebetween; and each said one-way clutch comprising a tubular race coupled to the front wheel torque output member and being disposed within the internal cavity, a tubular clutch slipper disposed between the inner tubular surface and the tubular race and defining a spiral channel disposed between the inner tubular surface and the slipper, a plurality of roller elements disposed within the spiral channel, and an actuator coupled to the slipper for radially moving the slipper relative to the race.