Modular housing for vehicular power transfer devices

Abstract

A power transfer device for a motor vehicle having a modular housing assembly which supports a geartrain. A first embodiment of the modular housing assembly includes a case having unitary sidewall with terminal edges defining two opposed openings. The sidewall also defines an interior chamber and the openings are enclosed by a pair of cover plates. Pillow blocks are used to support the drive components of the geartrain within the chamber and are secured to shelves which extend from the sidewall. Loads created during operation are transmitted from the geartrain to the sidewall. The cover plates are secured to the terminal edges of the sidewall using a plurality of U-shaped spring clamps. A second embodiment of the modular housing assembly includes a box-like case having one open side. A cover plate is used to enclose the geartrain and lubrication fluid within the interior volume of the box-like case. A continuous support shelf is formed from the base of the box-like case and allows loads to be transmitted directly to the box-like case. A third embodiment of the modular housing assembly includes a box-like case having one open side, a cover plate used to enclose the geartrain and a continuous support shelf. Rotary and non-rotary components of the geartrain are entirely contained within the box-like case. Pillow blocks are used to support the drive components of the geartrain.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.