US Patent:
20130337951, Dec 19, 2013
Inventors:
Thomas E. Braford - Brighton MI, US
Matthew Girlando - Skaneateles NY, US
International Classification:
B60K 23/08
Abstract:
A power transfer device for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes a first shaft for transferring torque to a first driveline, a second shaft for transferring torque to a second driveline, and a transfer mechanism driving the second shaft. A mode clutch assembly drivingly connects the first shaft to the transfer mechanism and includes a clutch gear driven by the transfer mechanism and a mode sleeve. A sprocket hub associated with the transfer mechanism has external drive teeth meshed with internal drive teeth on the clutch gear with a predetermined amount of backlash therebetween. A ball cam mechanism centers the backlash and permits relative rotation between the transfer mechanism and the mode sleeve to circumvent a blocked mode shift.