Planetary gear transmission systems or components – Variable speed or direction transmission combined with... – Transmission output shaft parallel to differential output...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-23
2001-05-15
Marmor, Charles A (Department: 3681)
Planetary gear transmission systems or components
Variable speed or direction transmission combined with...
Transmission output shaft parallel to differential output...
C180S249000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06231470
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to transfer cases for four-wheel drive motor vehicles and more specifically to a transfer case intended for use with a transaxle of a front wheel drive motor vehicle and which includes components for redirecting power from the transverse axis of rotation of the transaxle to a longitudinal axis of rotation.
Conventional four-wheel drive vehicles having a prime mover, transmission and transfer case generally have these components disposed in alignment along the longitudinal center line of the vehicle. This configuration is dictated by two features: the length of many engines measured along its crankshaft and the center tunnel which has become an accepted intrusion into the passenger compartment of most vehicles.
Addition to or adaptation of a two-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine and transaxle to a four-wheel drive vehicle presents many configuration and packaging issues beyond those encountered with a longitudinally mounted engine and transmission. One of the most challenging is the location of the rear prop shaft inasmuch as the center tunnel on most front wheel drive vehicles is occupied by the exhaust system. More important are the mechanical considerations such as the location of the power takeoff to the rear drive line and the location and orientation of the transfer case and its clutch or other coupling mechanism which selectively provides drive torque to the two additional (rear) drive wheels.
The present invention is directed to such a device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A transfer case adapted for installation on a front-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely oriented engine and transaxle receives drive torque on a transverse axis and provides it to the rear differential on a longitudinal axis. The transfer case is driven through the front axle center differential cage. A drive chain delivers power through sprockets to a modulating or viscous clutch disposed behind and parallel to the front stub axles. The output of the clutch is provided to a bevel gear set which drives the rear prop shaft, rear differential and rear axles. The transfer case and rear prop shaft are preferably disposed along the longitudinal center line of the vehicle. Alternatively, the transfer case and the rear prop shaft may be disposed along an axis laterally offset but parallel to the longitudinal center line of the vehicle.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a transfer case and drive line adapted for installation in a front wheel drive vehicle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transfer case and drive line adapted for installation in a front wheel drive vehicle having a transaxle.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a transfer case and modulating clutch adapted for on-center installation in a motor vehicle having a front wheel drive power train.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a transfer case and viscous clutch adapted for on-center installation in a motor vehicle having a front wheel drive power train.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a transfer case and modulating clutch assembly adapted for offset installation in a motor vehicle having a front wheel drive.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a transfer case and viscous clutch assembly adapted for offset installation in a motor vehicle having a front wheel drive power train.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following description to the preferred embodiment and appended drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same component, element or feature.
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Beckerman Joseph W.
Cook Dennis
Fowler Craig B.
Joslin T. Mark
Showalter Dan J
Borg-Warner Inc.
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Dziegielewski Greg
Ho Ha
Marmor Charles A
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