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US 5,960,670 AGranted
Actuator for gear transfer case with cushion at end of travel
AssigneeUT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
InventorsAnthony Iverson, Ronald L. Merckling
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle transfer case for movement between two- and four-wheel drive includes a stop cushion as an end of travel range is approached. The cushion is preferably provided by a generally U-shaped spring that is contacted by the stop at either of its ends of travel. The cushion prevents the stop from locking into a housing for the gear.
Claims20
A motor and transmission assembly comprising:
- a reversible electric motor driving a worm having a thread;
- a worm gear having gear teeth engaged with said thread on said worm, a stop selectively engaging a stop surface preventing rotation of said worm gear beyond two ends circumferentially spaced by less than 360.degree.;
- and
- a cushion for cushioning said stop as said stop approaches said stop surface at said ends.
1 more element
An actuator for a transfer case of a vehicle comprising:
- a motor for driving a first gear, said first gear engaging a second gear and being driven by said first gear;
- a shaft being driven by said second gear, said shaft moving an actuator for a transfer case of a vehicle, the rotational position of said shaft causing movement of said actuator to achieve a selected mode of operation for a transfer case;
- said second gear being prevented from rotating 360.degree., and having a range of travel with two circumferential end spaced by less than 360.degree., a stop provided on said second gear member to prevent movement beyond said ends;
- and
- a cushion to be contacted by said stop as said stop approaches each of said ends, and providing a cushion for said stop.
2 more elements
A method of operating an actuator for a vehicle transfer case comprising the steps of:
- (1) providing a motor driving a first gear, said first gear engaging a second gear, said second gear driving a shaft, said shaft controlling movement of an actuator pin to move a vehicle transfer case between positions providing two- or four-wheel drive for a vehicle;
- (2) operating said motor to drive said second gear to move said actuator pin to desired positions, the rotation of said second gear being limited to a range of less than 360.degree.;
- and
- (3) providing a spring cushion to cushion movement of said second gear as it approaches the end of its range of travel.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.