Borgwarner Inc.

Christopher Anthony Chirco

Michael Robert Palazzolo

Travis J Wentz

Paul Matthew Riggs

Ryo Takagi

A transfer case is disclosed that includes an input shaft, a primary output shaft, a secondary output shaft, a gear reduction mechanism that selectively couples the input shaft to the primary output shaft in a high range and a low range, a secondary torque transfer mechanism that operates to selectively couple the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft to engage a four-wheel drive mode, and an actuation mechanism that operates the gear reduction mechanism and the secondary torque transfer mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a gear plate with an integral target pattern that is rotatable through a plurality of positions corresponding to states of the gear reduction mechanism and the secondary torque transfer, as well as a sensor that is adapted and positioned to read the target pattern to in each of the positions of the gear plate.

Drive gear including integrated target pattern

A transfer case with an actuator for operating a two-speed transmission (i.e., range mechanism) and a clutch (i.e., mode mechanism). The actuator employs a motor-driven cam structure that coordinates the movement of a first fork, which is associated with the range mechanism, and a second fork that is associated with the mode mechanism. A resilient coupling is employed to provide compliance between the motor and the cam structure in the event that tooth-on-tooth contact inhibits the range mechanism from changing from a high-range mode and a low range mode or tooth-on-tooth contact inhibits the mode mechanism from changing between a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode. A sensor target and sensor are employed to identify the rotational positioning of the cam structure placement, which is indicative of the modes in which the transmission and the clutch are operating.

Transfer case with range and mode actuator having cam follower mechanism to overcome blocked shift events and sensor configuration permitting detection of fork positions

An actuator for a transfer case includes an actuator member, a face cam mechanism, and a motor. The actuator member includes a circumferential flange and an annular body extending from an inner periphery of the circumferential flange. The annular body includes a circumferential slot opposite the flange defined between two end walls formed by the annular body. One of the end walls includes a bearing member coupled thereto. The face cam mechanism includes a follower coupled to a cam member. The cam member is configured to displace axially when rotated. The follower is disposed within the slot. In a first range of motion, the annular member is rotated independent of the face cam mechanism. In a second range of motion, the bearing member engages the follower to rotate the second cam member relative to the first cam member, and the follower moves axially along the bearing member.

Actuator mechanism for transfer case

A transfer case includes an input shaft, a primary output shaft, a secondary output shaft, and an actuator. The primary output shaft is coupled to the input shaft with a gear reduction mechanism. The secondary output shaft is selectively coupleable to the primary output shaft with a secondary torque transfer mechanism. The actuator includes a first actuation mechanism, a second actuation mechanism, and a driver gear assembly. The first actuation mechanism is configured to operate the gear reduction mechanism. The second actuation mechanism is configured to operate the secondary torque transfer mechanism. The drive gear assembly includes a gear plate member, a sense plate member configured to engage the first actuation mechanism, and a hub member configured to engage the second actuation. The sense plate member and the hub member are independently coupled to the gear plate member to rotate in unison with the gear plate member.

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Romeo, MI, United States of America

Christopher Anthony Chirco