Axle assembly with sealed wheel end bearings and sealed pinion input bearings
US11535057B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 2020 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2057/02052
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle axle assembly including an axle housing, carrier assembly, and first and second axle shafts. The axle housing is formed from an upper beam and a lower beam that are positioned in a clam-shell arrangement. The carrier assembly includes a carrier housing and a differential that includes a ring gear arranged in meshing engagement with a pinion. The first and second axle shafts extend outwardly from the differential in opposite directions. The pinion is rotatably supported by a self-lubricating cartridge pinion input bearing and the outboard ends of the first and second axle shafts are rotatably supported by self-lubricating and unitized grease wheel end bearings. These bearings do not require lubrication from oil contained inside the axle housing allowing for a reduced oil fill level in the axle housing, creating less viscous losses and better efficiency.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.