Intermediate shaft assembly
US6875111B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H57/043
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An intermediate shaft assembly for an automotive transmission wherein hydraulic fluid intake ports in the rotating shaft assembly are designed to provide increased hydraulic fluid flow and improved lubrication to mating components served by the shaft lubrication circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic fluid intake ports are laterally offset from the center plane of the shaft assembly to increase the angle of entry to fluid entering the intake ports and configured to produce a scooping effect within the fluid surrounding the intake ports upon shaft rotation, which substantially increases hydraulic flow into the shaft and counteracts the inhibitory effect of centrifugal force on fluid flow within the ATF intake ports. In addition, the dimensions of fluid plug orifices and of lubrication outlets on the present shaft assembly have been calibrated to regulate the increased ATF flow and to deliver effective lubrication to the aforementioned mating components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.