초록 ▼

A multi-speed offset transfer case for a four (4) wheel drive motor vehicle having a plural stage torque transfer and speed changing mechanism which provides four (4) or more output speeds for each input speed. A modified planetary gear assembly forms the first stage and provides selectively either

A multi-speed offset transfer case for a four (4) wheel drive motor vehicle having a plural stage torque transfer and speed changing mechanism which provides four (4) or more output speeds for each input speed. A modified planetary gear assembly forms the first stage and provides selectively either speed reduction or an output speed which is equal to the input speed. This planetary gear assembly receives torque from an input shaft and includes a sun gear in driven engagement with the input shaft, a planetary gear carrier which supports a plurality of planet gears and a ring gear. The planetary gear carrier includes an output sleeve, which is preferably an integral part of the planetary gear carrier. An actuator for the planetary gear assembly includes a first shift collar which is capable of grounding the ring gear so that it will not rotate, thereby causing the planetary gear carrier to be driven at a lower angular speed than the input shaft, and a second shift collar which locks the planetary gear carrier to the ring gear so that both rotate at the same angular speed as the input shaft. The second stage includes two (2) or more chain drives which are engaged alternately, providing two (2) or more output speeds for each input speed. This makes it possible to obtain four (4) or more output speeds ranging from a deep reduction to overdrive.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A multi-speed transfer case providing at least four (4) output speeds for a given input speed, said multi-speed transfer case comprising:a housing having an interior and an exterior;an input shaft mounted in said housing for rotation about a first axis;rotatable first and

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A multi-speed transfer case providing at least four (4) output speeds for a given input speed, said multi-speed transfer case comprising:a housing having an interior and an exterior;an input shaft mounted in said housing for rotation about a first axis;rotatable first and second output shafts;a plural stage torque transfer and speed changing mechanism including, in series, a first stage torque transfer and speed changing mechanism for receiving torque from said input shaft and providing at least two (2) output speeds for each input speed and at least one (1) subsequent stage torque transfer and speed changing mechanism for receiving torque from a preceding stage and providing at least two (2) output speeds for each input speed, said at least one (1) subsequent stage torque transfer and speed changing mechanism including a final stage torque transfer and speed changing mechanism for transferring an output torque to at least one (1) of said output shafts; anda speed selector mechanism for selecting individually for each stage of said torque transfer and speed changing mechanism one (1) output speed provided by that stage.