Power transfer unit disconnect
US9102234B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19074
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A power transfer unit in a front-wheel-drive based all-wheel-drive vehicle is operatively coupled to a transmission to continuously transfer rotational movement through a link shaft to a front wheel when the vehicle is in motion. The power transfer unit also selectively transfers rotational movement from the transmission to a rear driveline system. When the rear driveline system is connected to the transmission, lubricant contained within the housing is automatically distributed throughout the housing to lubricate components therein. When the rear driveline system is disconnected from the transmission, the lubricant contained within the housing is not distributed throughout the housing. Since rotation of the link shaft continues independently of the rear driveline system, bearings rotatably supporting the link shaft are isolated from the interior of the housing such that the bearings are lubricated by lubricant that is provided from outside the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.