Transfer case having parallel clutches and lockup feature

Abstract

A transfer case includes a clutch assembly having a disc pack clutch, a cone clutch and a lockup hub or collar. All three clutch components are disposed in mechanical parallel between the primary transfer case shaft and the secondary output. The disc pack clutch includes a plurality of interleaved discs and an electromagnetic operator which effects compression of the disc pack to transfer torque from the primary transfer case output shaft to a chain drive sprocket, through a chain, to a secondary output shaft. The cone clutch is disposed adjacent the disc pack and is also actuated by the electromagnetic operator. The cone clutch includes a conical drive member driven by the primary transfer case output shaft. A conical driven member provides torque to the drive chain and, in turn, to the secondary output shaft. Preferably, the driven cone member is integrally formed with the chain drive sprocket. Splined to the conical drive member is a axially moveable lockup hub or clutch collar having gear teeth, splines or, in an alternate embodiment, lugs which mate with complementary gear teeth or splines on the chain drive sprocket. Preferably, a second operator translates the lockup hub.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.