Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle is provided having a normal two wheel drive mode and a selective four wheel drive mode. The transfer case has a common motor for range shifting and clutch actuation and further has an anti-neutral drive biasing device preventing the range shifting assembly from dropping out of high or low gear to a neutral mode inadvertently.

Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle is provided having a normal two wheel drive mode and a selective four wheel drive mode. The transfer case has a common motor for range shifting and clutch actuation and further has an anti-neutral drive biasing device preventing the range shifting assembly from dropping out of high or low gear to a neutral mode inadvertently.

Abstract: A transfer case (16) for translating torque from an engine (12) to first and second differentials (20, 22), including: a housing (42), a primary shaft (44) supported in the housing (42) with an input end (52) in communication with the engine (12) and an output end (54) in communication with the first differential (20), a secondary shaft (46) spaced from the primary shaft (44) and in communication with the second differential (22), a clutch assembly (48) in communication with the shafts (44, 46) for selectively translating torque therebetween, and a sleeve (50) operatively attached to the primary shaft (44) between ends (52, 54). The sleeve (50) has an outer surface (68) with a plurality of radially spaced flutes (70) defined therein for directing lubricant from a predetermined location (72) of the housing (42) toward the clutch assembly (48) during rotation of the primary shaft (44).

Abstract: A lubrication system (300) for a transfer case (200) includes a shaft (302) having a lubricant inlet port (306) and a hollow bore (304) for transporting lubricant within the shaft (302), a pump (310) having a pump housing (312) and one or more pumping elements (318) that are disposed in the pump housing (312), and a clutch assembly (330). The clutch assembly 330 has an engaged position, in which rotational force from the shaft (302) is transferred to the one or more pumping elements (318) to cause operation of the pump (310), and a disengaged position, in which rotational force from the shaft (302) is not transferred to the one or more pumping elements (318). An actuator (370, 410) is operable to cause the clutch assembly (330) to move between the engaged position and the disengaged position in response to signals received from a controller (233).

Abstract: A lubrication system (300) for a transfer case (200) includes a shaft (302) having a lubricant inlet port (306) and a hollow bore (304) for transporting lubricant within the shaft (302), a pump (310) having a pump housing (312) and one or more pumping elements (318) that are disposed in the pump housing (312), and a clutch assembly (330). The clutch assembly 330 has an engaged position in which rotational force from the shaft (302) is transferred to the one or more pumping elements (318) to cause operation of the pump (310), and a disengaged position in which rotational force from the shaft (302) is not transferred to the one or more pumping elements (318). An actuator (370, 410) is operable to cause the clutch assembly (330) to move between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing contaminants in lubrication for a transfer case. The apparatus utilizes the tendencies of a transfer case to splash and otherwise project internal sealed lubricant in numerous directions within the case, along with gravitational forces acting on the lubricant, to passively filter and otherwise remove particulate contaminates from the lubrication. The apparatus for containing lubricated mechanical components comprising a housing and a vessel. The vessel has an open top. The vessel is located proximate an inside surface of the housing. A filter is secured to the vessel. Lubrication contained within the housing flows along an inside surface of the housing into the vessel through the open top, and further flows out of the vessel through the filter.

Abstract: A transfer case (16) for translating torque from an engine (12) to first and second differentials (20, 22), including: a housing (42), a primary shaft (44) supported in the housing (42) with an input end (52) in communication with the engine (12) and an output end (54) in communication with the first differential (20), a secondary shaft (46) spaced from the primary shaft (44) and in communication with the second differential (22), a clutch assembly (48) in communication with the shafts (44, 46) for selectively translating torque therebetween, and a sleeve (50) operatively attached to the primary shaft (44) between ends (52, 54). The sleeve (50) has an outer surface (68) with a plurality of radially spaced flutes (70) defined therein for directing lubricant from a predetermined location (72) of the housing (42) toward the clutch assembly (48) during rotation of the primary shaft (44).

Abstract: A lubrication system (200) for a transfer case (120) includes a shaft (210) having a lubricant supply port (214); a control collar (230) disposed on the shaft (210), the control collar (230) having at least one lubrication path (234); and an actuator (250) for moving the control collar (230) between a first position in which lubricant is able to flow from the lubricant supply port (214) through the at least one lubrication path (234) and a second position in which lubricant is not able to flow from the lubricant supply port (214) through the at least one lubrication path (234).