Lubrication system for a universal joint cross
US7140965B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 7, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2300/06
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cross for use in a universal joint includes a lubrication system for positively causing lubricant to flow into the region of the bearings contained within a bearing cup mounted on the trunnion. The lubrication system includes a pump that is disposed in the lubrication passageway formed in the trunnion of the cross. In a first embodiment, the pump is embodied as a reciprocating piston pump, including a hollow cylindrical housing having a piston slidably supported therein. When the cross is rotated during use, the piston is moved radially outwardly relative to the housing, thereby injecting a quantity of lubricant from the lubricant passageway into the region of the bearings. When the cross is ceased to be rotated, the piston is moved radially outwardly relative to the housing under the urging of a spring. In a second embodiment, the pump is embodied as a rotatable auger pump. When the bearing cup rotates back and forth relative to the trunnion during use, the auger is rotated relative to the housing, thereby causing lubricant to be pumped from the lubricant passageway into the region of the bearings.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.