Intermediate shaft assembly
US7285052B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C3/02
- 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 increase hydraulic fluid flow and improve 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 present intermediate shaft assembly includes a flexible transitional diameter to impart axial flexion to the shaft during peak torque events and also provides semicircular spline relief grooves, which reduce areas of stress concentration and potential breakage of the shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.