Patent · US Expired

Self-scavenging, hybrid lubrication subsystem

US5411116A · kind A · utility

32Cited by
2References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 22, 1994
Grant dateMay 2, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 22, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T74/19991
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A self-scavenging, hybrid lubrication subsystem for a main transmission gearbox includes a sump fabricated as an integral extension of the lower portion of the gearbox wherein the sump dynamic fluid level is above the gearbox bottom. The interior sidewall of the lower gearbox is modified to include a cylindrical segment having a first radius, a throat segment having a second radius, and a transition segment contiguous with the cylindrical and throat segments. The radial discontinuity between the cylindrical and throat segments defines a nozzle inlet that directs the outflow of lubricating medium in the gearbox bottom to the sump via a nozzle. The outflow end of the nozzle is positioned above the sump dynamic fluid level. Housed within the lower gearbox is a planetary gear train that includes an annular planetary carrier plate having a deflection plate mounted thereto. The periphery of the carrier plate and the cylindrical and throat segments in combination form primary and restricted flow channels. Interaction between the deflection plate and the gearbox bottom exerts a viscous pumping action on the lubricating medium in the gearbox bottom causing it to flow outwardly into the prim…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.