DE102016100141B4 - Power transmission device with coupling and with filter element - Google Patents

Abstract

A power transmission device (50) comprising: a housing (210) having a first wall (350), the housing (210) defining a first sump (228) and a second sump (358) extending from the first sump (228) the first wall (350) is spaced apart; a liquid received in the first (228) and second sumps (358); a drive pinion (212) received in the housing (210) and configured to rotate relative to the housing (210); an input member (214) received in the housing (210) and configured to rotate relative to the housing (210), the input member (214) being in mesh with the drive sprocket (212) and configured to rotate through the first sump (228) to rotate; a clutch assembly (48) having a plurality of first clutch plates (316) and a plurality of second clutch plates (318) interleaved with the plurality of first clutch plates (316), the first (316) and second clutch plates (318 ) are configured to rotate through the second sump (358); an output shaft (220) having an outer surface (386), the output shaft (220) being drivably coupled to the input member (214) and the first clutch discs (316), the outer surface (386) and the first wall (350) being annular Defining a cavity (362) fluidly coupling the first (228) and second sumps (358); and a filter (224) disposed about the output shaft (220) and received within the annular cavity (362), the filter (224) comprising: a second wall (426) extending radially between the first wall (350 ) and the outer surface (386) of the output shaft (220), the second wall (426) defining at least one aperture (454) extending axially through the second wall (426); ...

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

 This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 464,029, filed on August 20, 2014. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

TERRITORY

 The present disclosure relates to a power transmission device with a clutch and with a filter element.

BACKGROUND

 This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

Power transmission components with a torque transmitting device, such. A diverging drive module in an AWD system generally includes an input gearbox and at least one clutch having a plurality of friction disks and a piston for selectively engaging the friction disks. The input gear generally has a drive pinion meshing with a ring gear of an input member. The input member is drivingly coupled to an input of the clutch, and the friction discs are configured to transfer torque between the input of the clutch to an output of the clutch when the clutch is engaged. The friction discs rotate through a liquid in a clutch sump to provide lubrication and cooling of the plates when the clutch is engaged. The input gear rotates through a fluid in a transmission sump to provide lubrication and cooling of the gears within the input gear. Conventionally, the clutch sump and the transmission sump are separated by gaskets which prevent the exchange of fluid between the two sumps.

The DE 10 2004 047 329 A1 describes a torque transmitting device and a housing structure of a motor vehicle having a first and second sump, wherein the first and second sump are separated by a seal. The DE 100 55 402 A1 describes a seal with a central passage opening.

SUMMARY

 The object of improving the arrangements known from the prior art is achieved by a power transmission device having the features of claim 1. This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not an exhaustive disclosure of its full scope or all features.

The present teaching provides a power transmission device having a housing, a liquid, a first element, in particular a drive pinion, a second element, in particular an input element, a clutch assembly, a third element, in particular an output shaft, and a filter. The housing may have a first wall. The housing may define a first sump and a second sump spaced from the first sump by the first wall. The liquid may be contained in the first and second sumps. The first element may be received in the housing and may be configured for rotation relative to the housing. The second member may be received in the housing and may be configured for rotation relative to the housing. The second member may be in mesh with the first member and may be configured to rotate through the first sump. The clutch assembly may include a plurality of first clutch plates and a plurality of second clutch plates that may be nested with the plurality of first clutch plates. The first and second clutch plates may be configured to rotate through the second sump. The third element may have an outer surface. The third element may be drivingly coupled to the second member and the first clutch plates. The outer surface and the first wall may define an annular cavity that may fluidly couple the first and second sumps. The filter may be disposed about the third member and may be received in the annular cavity. The filter may have a second wall, an outer part, an inner part and at least one filter element. The second wall may extend radially between the first wall and the outer surface of the third member. The second wall may define at least one opening that may extend axially through the second wall. The outer part may be coupled to the second wall and may be in sealing contact with the first wall. The inner part may be coupled to the second wall and may be in sealing contact with the outer surface of the third element. The at least one filter element can span the at least one opening. The filter element may be configured to provide fluid communication between the fluid allow first and second sump through the at least one opening, and can prevent passage of solid particles.

The present teachings further provide a power transmission device having a housing, a fluid, a first member, a second member, a clutch assembly, a third member, and a filter. The housing may have a first wall. The housing may define a first sump and a second sump that may be spaced from the first sump by the first wall. The liquid may be contained in the first and second sumps. The first element may be received in the housing and may be configured for rotation relative to the housing. The second member may be in mesh with the first member and may be configured to rotate through the first sump. The clutch assembly may have a plurality of first clutch plates and a plurality of second clutch plates that may be nested with the first clutch plates. The first and second clutch plates may be configured to rotate through the second sump. The third member may have an outer surface and may be drivingly coupled to the second member and the plurality of first clutch discs. The outer surface and the first wall may define an annular cavity that may be fluidly coupled to the first and second sumps. The filter may be disposed about the third member and may be received in the annular cavity. The filter may have an outer portion which may be in sealing contact with the first wall. The inner part may be in sealing contact with the outer surface of the third element. The plurality of spokes may extend radially between the outer and inner parts. The at least one filter element may extend between the plurality of spokes. The filter element may be configured to permit fluid communication of the fluid between the first and second sumps, and may prevent passage of particulate matter between the first and second sumps.

The present teachings further provide a power transmission device that includes a drive sprocket, a housing, a fluid, an input member, a first output member, a differential, a clutch, an intermediate member, and a filter. The drive pinion may be configured to rotate about a first axis. The housing may have a first wall and may define a first cavity and a second cavity that may be separated from the first cavity by the first wall. The liquid may be accommodated in the first and second cavities. The input member may be received in the first cavity and may be configured to rotate about a second axis. The input member may be in meshing engagement with the drive pinion and may include a first output member and a second output member. The differential may include a differential case and a differential gear. The differential case may be configured to be drivingly coupled to the input member. The differential gear may be configured to transmit rotational force between the differential case and the first and second output members. The clutch assembly may be received in the second cavity and may include a plurality of first clutch plates and a plurality of second clutch plates that may be nested with the plurality of first clutch plates. The intermediate member may be received by the first wall and may have an outer surface. The intermediate member may be configured to rotate relative to the housing about the second axis and may be drivingly coupled to the input member and the plurality of first clutch discs. The outer surface of the intermediate member and an inner surface of the first wall may define an annular cavity that may fluidly couple the first and second cavities. The filter may be received in the annular cavity and may include a first body, at least one filter element, and a second body. The first body may have a washer and a flange. The disk may define a first opening and at least a second opening. The intermediate element may be received through the first opening. The second opening may be radially between the first opening and the flange and may extend axially through the disk. The flange may extend from the disk in a first axial direction and may be configured to form a seal with the inner surface of the first wall. The filter element can span the second opening. The filter element may be configured to permit fluid communication of the fluid between the first and second cavities through the second opening and may prevent the passage of particulates between the first and second cavities. The second body may be coupled to the disk and may be configured to form a seal with the outer surface of the intermediate member.

DRAWINGS

1 FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a power transmission device constructed in accordance with the present teachings; FIG.

2 is a sectional view of the power transmission device of 1 representing a clutch sump, a transmission sump and a filter;

3 is a perspective view of the filter of 2 ; and

4 is a perspective sectional view of a portion of the filter of 2 ,

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

 Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Regarding 1 In the drawings, an example of a vehicle having a power transmission device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated by the reference numeral 10 designated. The vehicle 10 can a motor string 12 and a drive system or drive train 14 to have. The engine train 12 may be conventional and may be a source of power 16 and a gearbox 18 include. The power source 16 may be configured to provide motive power, and may include, for example, an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor. The gear 18 can drive power source 16 can absorb and can force the drivetrain 14 output. The gear 18 can have a variety of automatically or manually selected gear ratios. The powertrain 14 in the particular example provided includes a four-wheel drive configuration ("AWD"), but those skilled in the art will understand that the teachings of the present disclosure are applicable to other powertrain configurations, including four-wheel drive configurations ("4WD"), two-wheel drive configurations ("2WD"). Rear Drive Configurations ("RWD") and Front Drive Configurations ("FWD"). The powertrain 14 can be a front axle assembly 20 , a power take-off unit (PTU) 22 , a cardan shaft 24 and a rear axle assembly 26 exhibit. The front axle assembly 20 can be configured in any desired manner, such as a front rigid axle or independent front drive axle. An output of the gearbox 18 can with an entrance of the Vorderachsbaugrouppe 20 be coupled to an input element 30 the front axle assembly 20 drive. The PTU 22 can be a PTU input element 32 have the torque from the input element 30 the front axle assembly 20 and a PTU output element 34 , the torque on the cardan shaft 24 can transfer. The cardan shaft 24 can the PTU output element 34 with the rear axle assembly 26 couple, allowing torque generated by the PTU 22 is issued by the rear axle assembly 26 is recorded. The rear axle assembly 26 can be configured in any desired manner, such as a rear rigid axle, an independent rear drive axle or a rear drive module. The front axle assembly 20 and the rear axle assembly 26 can be driven on a permanent basis to Fahrzeugvorderräder or -ninterräder 40 respectively. 42 drive. The powertrain 14 may include one or more clutches to transfer torque through a portion of the powertrain 14 to interrupt. In the particular example provided, the powertrain has 14 a first clutch 46 which can be configured to allow the transmission of torque through the PTU 22 to interrupt (eg the input element 30 the front axle assembly 20 from the PTU input element 32 to decouple), and a second clutch 48 , which may be configured to rotate components within the rear axle assembly 26 to control.

In the particular example provided, the rear axle assembly has 26 a rear-wheel drive module 50 (ie, a power transmission device) constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the teachings of the present disclosure are applicable to various other devices having a clutch, such as transmissions, power take-off units, torque transfer devices, transfer cases, front axle assemblies, and all other power transmission components that have a housing that forms separate sumps that separate from each other be spanned a rotating element.

Regarding 2 becomes the rear axle assembly 50 shown in detail. In the particular example provided, the rear drive module is 50 a type known as a split shaft drive module. It should be understood, however, that the teachings of the present disclosure have application to various other types of drive modules. The rear-wheel drive module 50 can be a case 210 , a drive pinion 212 , an input element 214 , the second clutch 48 , a differential assembly 216 , a first output shaft 218 , a second output shaft 220 , a third output shaft 222 and a filter 224 exhibit. The housing 210 can be a first cavity 226 including a transmission sump or first sump 228 define. The first marsh 228 may be at a lower end of the first cavity 226 positioned and configured to receive a volume of lubricant fluid (not shown). The drive pinion 212 can be a hypoid pinion with a hypoid gear 230 , a drive pinion shaft 232 and a drive pinion flange (not shown). The drive pinion flange can drive with the cardan shaft 24 be coupled ( 1 ). The hypoid gear 230 can be inside the first cavity 226 be arranged. The drive pinion shaft 232 can rotate in the housing 210 along a first axis 234 through a head camp 236 near the hypoid gear 230 and a rear bearing (not shown) which is remote from the hypoid gear 230 and near the drive pinion flange and propeller shaft 24 is ( 1 ). The input element 214 may be a ring gear with a face gear 238 be. The input element 214 can rotate in the housing 210 around a second axis 242 through a warehouse 244 be stored so that the spur toothing 238 through the liquid in the first sump 228 can rotate around the spur gear teeth 238 to lubricate. The second axis 242 may be generally transverse or perpendicular to the first axis 234 be. The spur toothing 238 can with the hypoid gear 230 in mesh to form a hypoid gear.

The differential assembly 216 can be a differential case 250 and a differential gear 252 exhibit. The differential case 250 can rotate around the second axis 242 be configured. The differential case 250 can drive with the input element 214 be coupled, and in the example provided it is integral with the input element 214 shaped. The differential case 250 can be inside the case 210 through a warehouse 254 be stored and can with the input element 214 for common rotation about the second axis 242 be coupled. In the example provided, the first output shaft becomes 218 for rotation within the differential housing 250 through a bushing or a bearing 256 mounted radially between a part of the transmission housing 250 and the first output shaft 218 is positioned, although other configurations can be used. The differential gear 252 Can be configured to torque between the differential case 250 and the first and second output shafts 218 . 220 transferred to. In the example provided, the differential gear has 252 a pair of side wheels 258 and a pair within the differential case 250 arranged output gears 260 on. The side wheels 258 can rotate with the differential case 250 around the second axis 242 coupled and for rotation relative to the differential case 250 around a cross pin 262 be coupled. The cross pin 262 can be around a third axis 264 be arranged, which is generally perpendicular to the second axis 242 can be arranged. The output gears 260 can with the side wheels 258 be in meshing engagement and configured to move around the second axis 242 to turn. The first output shaft 218 can drive with one of the output gears 260 coupled and may be coupled to the associated common rotation. The first output shaft 218 Can drive with one of the rear wheels 42 be coupled ( 1 ). The second output shaft 220 can drive with the other of the output gears 260 coupled and may be coupled to the associated common rotation. The third output shaft 222 Can drive with the other of the rear wheels 42 be coupled 1 ).

The second clutch 48 can be selectively operated to torque from the second output shaft 220 on the third output shaft 222 transferred to. In the particular example provided, the second clutch is 48 a friction clutch coaxial with the input member 214 and the differential assembly 216 around the second axis 242 is mounted. The second clutch 48 can be a clutch housing 310 , an outer clutch disc carrier 312 , an inner clutch disc carrier 314 , a variety of first clutch discs 316 , a variety of second clutch discs 318 , a pretensioner 320 , a piston 330 , a pressure washer 332 , a pump 334 , a pump motor 336 and a reservoir 338 exhibit. The coupling housing 310 can be integral with or partially through the housing 210 of the rear drive module 50 be shaped or can be molded separately and attached to the housing 210 be mounted. In the example provided, the clutch housing is 310 separate from the housing 210 shaped and has a first wall or shell 350 and a second shell 352 on. The first shell 350 can be attached to the case 210 be mounted. The first and the second shell 350 . 352 may be coupled together to form a second cavity 356 including a coupling sump or second sump 358 define. The second marsh 358 may be at a lower end of the second cavity 356 positioned and configured to hold a second volume of lubricant fluid. The first shell 350 can generally be the first cavity 226 from the second cavity 356 separate to generally the first swamp 228 from the second marsh 358 to separate. The first shell 350 can also have a piston chamber 360 can define and partially an annular cavity 362 define. The annular cavity 362 can be radially inward from the piston chamber 360 and can be between the first and second cavity 226 . 356 extend and generally be open to these. In the example provided, the annular cavity becomes 362 through the first shell 350 , a part 364 of the input element 214 and the second output shaft 220 although it is understood that the annular cavity 362 through other configurations of the input element 214 and / or the second output shaft 220 may be defined, such as the structure disclosed in copending US Application No. 14 / 464,029, the entire The disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. In the example provided, the warehouse is 244 within the annular cavity 362 radially between the part 364 of the input element 214 and the first shell 350 arranged to the input element 214 for rotation relative to the first shell 350 to store. In the example provided, the warehouse is 244 a tapered roller bearing, although other suitable types of bearings can be used. The warehouse 244 may be configured to lubricate fluid through the annular cavity 362 between the first and second cavities 226 . 356 and therefore between the first and second sump 228 . 358 pass.

The outer and inner clutch disc carrier 312 . 314 and the first and second clutch plates 316 . 318 can in the second cavity 356 be included. One of the outer and inner clutch disc carrier 312 . 314 can not rotate with the third output shaft 222 and the plurality of first clutch plates 316 be coupled. The other of the outer and inner clutch disc carrier 312 . 314 Can not rotate with the second output shaft 220 and the plurality of second clutch plates 318 be coupled. In the example provided, the outer clutch disc carrier is 312 non-rotatable with the third output shaft 222 and the plurality of first clutch plates 316 coupled while the inner clutch disc carrier 314 non-rotatable with the second output shaft 220 and the plurality of second clutch plates 318 is coupled. In the particular example provided, the inner clutch plate carrier 314 and the second output shaft 220 uniformly shaped, although other configurations may be used, such as fasteners, splines or welds.

The inner clutch disc carrier 314 and the second output shaft 220 can inside the clutch housing 310 for relative rotation through a bush or bearing 366 be stored. In the example provided, the warehouse is 366 radially between the second output shaft 220 and the part 364 of the input element 214 positioned. In the example provided, the part is 364 of the input element 214 radially between the bearing 244 and the camp 366 , and the camps 244 and 366 are generally axially aligned, although other configurations may be used.

In the example provided, the outer clutch disc carrier 312 a set of internal splines 368 on, with a set of outboard splines 370 in meshing engagement with the third output shaft 222 are shaped to the third output shaft 222 and the outer clutch disc carrier 312 non-rotatably couple. The outer clutch disc carrier 312 can rotate relative to the inner clutch disc carrier 314 through a warehouse 372 be mounted radially between the inner and outer clutch disc carrier 312 . 314 is arranged, and the third output shaft 222 can rotate relative to the clutch housing 310 through a warehouse 374 be stored, the radially between the third output shaft 222 and the second shell 352 is arranged, although other configurations can be used. A seal 376 can be radial between the third output shaft 222 and the second shell 352 and axially outward of the bearing 374 be arranged. In the example provided is the seal 376 a radial lip seal configured to fluid within the second cavity 356 withhold, and to prevent contaminants in the second cavity 356 from outside the coupling housing 310 penetration.

The second clutch discs 318 can with the first clutch discs 316 radially between the outer and inner clutch disc carrier 312 . 314 nested and configured to move through the second marsh 358 to turn. The piston 330 can in the piston chamber 360 be picked up and configured to move along the second axis 242 to move. The piston 330 Can be configured to be inside the piston chamber 360 between extended and retracted positions relative to the plurality of first and second clutch plates 316 . 318 to move. Although in 2 shown schematically, the pump can 334 to the housing 210 or the clutch housing 310 be mounted or removed from the housing 210 and the clutch housing 310 be. The pump motor 336 can be a two-way servo motor capable of running forward and reverse, and can drive with the pump 334 be coupled to the pump 334 to operate selectively.

The pump 334 can be liquid with the reservoir 338 through a first pump line 378 be coupled and fluidly with the piston chamber 360 through a second pump line 380 be coupled. In the example provided, the second pump line is 380 through the clutch housing 310 Are defined. Although in 2 shown schematically, the first pump line 378 also through the coupling housing 310 and / or the housing 210 be defined. The storage tank 338 may be configured to receive a hydraulic fluid. The pump 334 can be operated in a first mode to pump the hydraulic fluid in a first direction to the hydraulic fluid from the reservoir 338 to the piston chamber 360 to deliver to the piston 330 from the withdrawn position to the move outward position. The pump 334 can be operated in a second mode to pump a hydraulic fluid in a second direction to the hydraulic fluid selectively from the piston chamber 360 to the reservoir 338 pull off to the piston 330 to move from the extended position to the retracted position. Although in 2 shown schematically, the reservoir 338 to the housing 210 or the clutch housing 310 be mounted. Alternatively, the reservoir 338 integral with the housing 210 or the clutch housing 310 or away from the housing 210 and the clutch housing 310 be shaped. The storage tank 338 may also have a vent (not shown), the gases to the atmosphere or for example another part of the rear drive module 50 can deliver.

The pressure disc 332 can in the second cavity 356 between the piston 330 and the plurality of first and second clutch plates 316 . 318 be arranged. The piston 330 Can be configured to the pressure washer 332 along the second axis 242 to shift to with the first and second clutch discs 316 . 318 to selectively engage the first and second clutch discs 316 . 318 press against each other, leaving the second clutch 48 Torque between the second and third output shaft 220 . 222 can transfer. It is understood that the second clutch 48 can not be configured to torque between the second and third output shaft 220 . 222 to transfer when the piston 330 is in the retracted position. The second clutch 48 can also be configured to different levels of torque by adjusting the position of the piston 330 relative to the first and second clutch plates 316 . 318 transferred to. The pressure disc 332 can be in the direction of the piston 330 through the pretensioner 320 be biased. The pretensioner 320 can be any type of device used for biasing the thrust washer 332 in the direction of the piston 330 is suitable, such as a spring. The pretensioner 320 can the piston 330 bias in the direction of the retracted position.

The filter 224 can be inside the annular cavity 362 coaxial with the second axis 242 may be arranged and may be configured to lubricate fluid through the filter 224 between the first and second cavities 226 . 356 while permitting solid particles to pass between the first and second cavities 226 . 356 is prevented. In the particular example provided, the filter 224 an inner surface 384 the first shell 350 and an outer surface 386 the second output shaft 220 touch to the annular cavity 362 radially across to span, although other constructions can be used. In another example, which is not expressly shown, the filter may 224 the first shell 350 and the part 364 of the input element 214 touch and extend between them. The interfaces between the filter 224 and the inner surface 384 and the outer surface 386 may be configured to form a seal sufficient to allow particulate matter to pass between the filter 224 and the first shell 350 and the second output shaft 220 although the interfaces do not have to prevent fluid transfer therebetween. The filter 224 can be axially between the bearing 244 and the second swamp 358 be to particles from the second marsh 358 to prevent the camp 244 to touch.

With additional reference to 3 and 4 becomes the filter 224 shown in detail. The filter 224 can be the first body 410 , at least one filter element or sieve 414 and a second body or a second sealing element 418 exhibit. In the example provided, the first body becomes 410 molded from a stamped piece of metal, such as steel or aluminum, although other designs or materials can be used. The first body 410 may be an annular shape circumferentially about an axis 420 is arranged, and can be a flange 422 , a wall 426 and a flan lip 430 exhibit. The flange 422 may be generally cylindrical and may have an outer surface 434 have the outer circumference of the filter 224 can define. The outer surface 434 may have a maximum diameter greater than the diameter of the inner surface 384 is, so the flange 422 and the first shell 350 have a press fit when the filter 224 , as in 2 shown, is positioned. The flange 422 can non-rotating with the filter 224 and with the first shell 350 be coupled, such as by friction between the outer surface 434 and the inner surface 384 ,

The flan lip 430 can be radially inward from a front side 438 of the flange 422 extend. The wall 426 can be radially inward from a backside 442 of the flange 422 extend. In the example provided, the flan lip 430 and the wall 426 generally perpendicular to the flange 422 although other configurations can be used.

The wall 426 can be a general disc shape with a front surface 446 have, and a back surface 450 can have at least one opening 454 define that is axially through the wall 426 between the front surface 446 and the rear surface 450 extends. In the example provided, the wall points 426 an outer ring 458 , an inner ring 462 and six spokes 466 on, extending radially between the outer and inner ring 458 . 462 extend to six arcuate openings 454 to define that around the wall 426 circumferentially spaced, although other configurations may be used.

The filter element 414 can any of the openings 454 span or can be configured to flow the lubricant fluid between the first and the second sump 228 . 358 through the openings 454 while permitting solid particles to pass through the openings 454 is prevented. In the example provided, the filter element is 414 a mesh screen design that can prevent particulates larger than the size of the meshes. In the example provided, the mesh size may generally be between 50 μm and 200 μm, such as 150 μm, although other mesh sizes may be used. The filter element 414 may be formed of any suitable material, such as constructed of a metal wire mesh or plastic fabric. It is understood that the filter element 414 may be constructed of a porous material other than a mesh screen configured to allow fluid flow while blocking solid particles. The filter element 414 can be a simple, annular sheet metal on the front or back surface 446 . 450 the Wall 426 Is it up to the six openings 454 and the six spokes 466 cover. In the particular example provided, the filter element is 414 on the back surface 450 hung up. In an alternative construction, which is not expressly shown, individual filter elements may be used, with each filter element for covering a corresponding one of the openings 454 can be configured.

The sealing element 418 can a flex-thigh 470 , an outer section 474 a lip 478 and a biasing element 482 exhibit. The flex leg 470 , the outer section 474 and the lip 478 may be molded from a molded plastic or elastomeric material. In the example provided, the flex leg 470 , the outer section 474 and the lip 478 a uniformly shaped fitting, although other constructions can be used. The flex leg 470 and the lip 478 Like the flex legs and lips, they can be constructed from radial shaft seal rings which are generally known in the art, although other designs may be used. The flex leg 470 and the lip 478 can with the inner ring 462 be coupled and can be radially inward of the inner ring 462 and in the circumferential direction about the axis 420 extend so that one or both of the flex leg 470 and the lip 478 the radially innermost part of the filter 224 can / can. The flex leg 470 can be a first end 486 have that close to the inner ring 462 is, and can be axially outward from the front surface 446 of the inner ring 462 to a second end 488 extend that far away from the inner ring 462 is.

The second end 488 can be a sealing edge 490 and a groove 494 define. The sealing edge 490 may be radially inward from the first end 486 and the perimeter of the second end 488 extend. The sealing edge 490 may have an inner diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the outer surface 386 ( 2 ) of the second output shaft 220 ( 2 ), so that the second end 488 of the flex leg 470 and the second output shaft 220 have a tight fit when the filter 224 around the second output shaft 220 , as in 2 shown, is positioned. The flex leg 470 can be an elastic material so that the flex leg 470 the sealing edge 490 radially inward and in contact with the outer surface 386 ( 2 ) pretensions when the filter 224 , as in 2 shown, is positioned. The groove 494 can be about the second end 488 extend in the circumferential direction and may be radially outwardly of the sealing edge 490 be arranged. The biasing element 482 can in the groove 494 be included and can be around the second end 488 in the circumferential direction within the groove 494 extend. The biasing element 482 may bias the second end radially inward. In the example provided, the biasing element is 482 a coil spring generally called an annular coil spring, although other constructions can be used.

The lip 478 may be at an angle radially inwardly and axially outward from the first end 486 of the flex leg 470 in the opposite axial direction from the flex leg 470 extend. The lip 478 can be axially outward from the rear surface 450 the Wall 426 extend. The lip 478 may have an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the outer surface 386 ( 2 ) of the second output shaft 220 ( 2 ), so that the lip 478 and the second output shaft 220 have a press fit when the filter 224 around the second output shaft 220 , as in 2 shown, is positioned. The lip 478 can be molded from an elastic material, leaving the lip 478 radially inward of and in contact with the outer surface 386 ( 2 ) is biased when the filter 224 , as in 2 shown, is positioned. In an alternative configuration that is not expressly shown, instead of the lip 478 a second flex leg (not shown) and second biasing member (not shown) may be used. The second flex leg can be similar to the flex leg 470 but can be axially from the rear surface 450 in the axially opposite direction to the flex leg 470 extend. The second biasing element may be similar to the biasing element 482 and may be received in a groove (not shown) of the second flex leg which is similar to the groove 494 is.

The outer section 474 may be radially outward of the flex leg 470 and the lip 478 along the front and back surfaces 446 . 450 of the inner ring 462 extend. In the particular example provided, the filter element is 414 on the back surface 450 positioned, and the outer section 474 of the sealing element 418 can then be on the first body 410 be shaped so that the outer section 474 above the filter element 414 and the rear surface 450 is shaped to the strainer on the first body 410 to secure. The outer section 474 can the back surface 450 of the inner ring 462 , the spokes 466 and the outer ring 462 cover. In the example provided, the upper portion does not extend radially outward about the entire front surface 446 of the inner ring 462 although other configurations may be used. It is understood that the filter element 414 alternatively on the front surface 446 could be positioned and that the outer section 474 similar to the filter element 414 and the front surface 446 could be shaped. In an alternative construction, which is not expressly shown, the outer section may 474 also over the wall 426 and over the flange 422 of the first body 410 extend out so that the outer section 474 between the outer surface 434 and the inner surface 384 ( 2 ) of the first shell 350 ( 2 ), so that the outer section 474 the seal with the inner surface 384 ( 2 ).

In operation, the filter 224 allow a common lubricant fluid in the first and second sumps 228 . 358 is used. The liquid can pass unhindered through the annular cavity 362 between the first and the second swamp 228 . 358 flow without leaving any particles between the first and the second sump 228 . 358 pass. The warehouse 244 may be configured to remove the lubricant fluid from the first sump 228 to the second marsh 358 through the annular cavity 362 and the filter 224 to pump. A clutch evacuation system (not shown), such as one of the clutch evacuation systems disclosed in co-pending U.S. Application No. 14 / 464,029, may be used to remove lubricant fluid between the first and second sumps 228 . 358 to move.

Claims (9)

Power transmission device ( 50 ) comprising: a housing ( 210 ) with a first wall ( 350 ), the housing ( 210 ) a first swamp ( 228 ) and a second swamp ( 358 ) defined by the first sump ( 228 ) through the first wall ( 350 ) is spaced; a liquid that is in the first ( 228 ) and the second marsh ( 358 ) is included; a drive pinion ( 212 ) located in the housing ( 210 ) and for rotation relative to the housing ( 210 ) is configured; an input element ( 214 ) located in the housing ( 210 ) and for rotation relative to the housing ( 210 ) is configured, wherein the input element ( 214 ) in meshing engagement with the drive pinion ( 212 ) and is configured to pass through the first sump ( 228 ) to turn; a coupling assembly ( 48 ) having a plurality of first clutch plates ( 316 ) and a plurality of second clutch plates ( 318 ) associated with the plurality of first clutch plates ( 316 ) are nested, with the first ( 316 ) and second clutch discs ( 318 ) are configured to pass through the second sump ( 358 ) to turn; an output shaft ( 220 ) with an outer surface ( 386 ), wherein the output shaft ( 220 ) drivingly with the input element ( 214 ) and the first clutch discs ( 316 ), wherein the outer surface ( 386 ) and the first wall ( 350 ) an annular cavity ( 362 ) defining the first ( 228 ) and the second marsh ( 358 ) fluidly coupled; and a filter ( 224 ) around the output shaft ( 220 ) and in the annular cavity ( 362 ), the filter ( 224 ) has: a second wall ( 426 ) extending radially between the first wall ( 350 ) and the outer surface ( 386 ) of the output shaft ( 220 ), wherein the second wall ( 426 ) at least one opening ( 454 ) defined axially by the second wall ( 426 ) extends; an outer part ( 422 ), which is connected to the second wall ( 426 ) and in sealing contact with the first wall ( 350 ) stands; an inner part ( 418 ), which is connected to the second wall ( 426 ) and in sealing contact with the outer surface ( 386 ) of the output shaft ( 220 ) stands; and at least one filter element ( 414 ), which has the at least one opening ( 454 ), wherein the filter element ( 414 ) is configured to fluidly connect the fluid between the first ( 228 ) and the second marsh ( 358 ) through the at least one opening ( 454 ) and to prevent the passage of particulate matter. Power transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the inner part ( 418 ) an arm ( 470 ) with a first end ( 486 ) and a second end ( 488 ), wherein the first end ( 486 ) with the second Wall ( 426 ), the arm ( 470 ) freely in a first axial direction from the first end ( 486 ) to the second end ( 488 ), wherein the second end ( 488 ) in sealing contact with the outer surface ( 386 ) of the output shaft ( 220 ) stands. Power transmission device according to claim 2, wherein the filter ( 224 ) a biasing element ( 482 ) and the second end ( 488 ) of the arm ( 470 ) a groove ( 494 ), wherein the groove ( 494 ) around an outer circumference of the second end ( 470 ), wherein the biasing element ( 482 ) within the groove ( 494 ) and the second end ( 488 ) radially inwardly biases. Power transmission device according to claim 2, wherein the inner part ( 418 ) a lip element ( 478 ), wherein the lip element ( 478 ) radially inwardly of the second wall ( 426 ) extends and extends in a second axial direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction, wherein the lip element ( 478 ) in sealing contact with the outer surface ( 386 ) of the output shaft ( 220 ) stands. Power transmission device according to claim 2, wherein the outer part ( 422 ) axially from the second wall ( 426 ) extends in the first axial direction. Power transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one opening ( 454 ) a plurality of openings ( 454 ), which around the second wall ( 426 ) are circumferentially spaced from each other. Power transmission device according to claim 6, wherein the filter element ( 414 ) has an annular shape, wherein the filter element ( 414 ) on a first page ( 450 ) of the second wall ( 426 ) and each of the openings ( 454 ) spans. Power transmission device according to claim 7, wherein the filter ( 224 ) a cover part ( 474 ) connected to the second wall ( 426 ), wherein the filter element ( 414 ) axially between the cover part ( 474 ) and the first page ( 450 ) of the second wall ( 426 ) is arranged. Power transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the filter element ( 414 ) is a sieve with a mesh size that is less than or equal to 200 μm and is configured to allow passage of particulate matter larger than the mesh size through the at least one orifice (10). 454 ) to prevent.

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