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, 400) for a transfer case (200) includes a pump (240) in fluid communication with a lubricant source (243) and a power transfer assembly as well as a valve (302, 402) positioned along a fluid flow path between the lubricant source (243) and the power transfer assembly. The valve (302, 402) includes a valve inlet (306), a first valve inlet (406), a first valve outlet (308, 408) that does not restrict flow of the lubricant along the fluid flow path in a first state, a second valve outlet (310, 410) that is operable to restrict flow of the lubricant along the fluid flow path in a second state, and a control that is operable to open the first valve outlet (308, 408) in the first state and open the second valve outlet (310, 414) in the second state.

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: A transfer case and hydraulic clutch assembly for a motor vehicle driveline include a hydraulic fluid circuit in communication with a cavity disposed opposite a piston from a clutch pack for delivering pressurized fluid to the cavity for biasing the piston towards the clutch pack thereby activating the clutch. The transfer case and hydraulic clutch assembly also include a lubricant fluid circuit that is in communication with the chain that links the input sprocket to the output sprocket during use, as the chain rotates around the input sprocket and output sprocket, the lubricant fluid drips from or is sprayed from the chain. At least part of this released fluid is captured by a screen disposed above the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The screen removes any metal particles or debris and then passes the screen fluid into the hydraulic fluid reservoir thereby replenishing the hydraulic fluid reservoir without resorting to a time consuming and costly maintenance procedure.

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.