Breather assembly
US7604020B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/3087
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A breather for a driveline component such as an axle, for example, includes a rigid body portion attached to an axle housing, an extension portion attached to the rigid body portion and extending into a housing cavity, and a conical spring supported by the extension portion. The rigid body portion has an internal bore that extends from a first body end to a second body end with the first body end extending outwardly from the axle housing and the second body end being fixed to the axle housing. The extension portion has a non-uniform cross-sectional area, and includes an extension bore with a large internal diameter. The conical spring is received within the extension bore and cooperates with the extension to prevent lubricating fluid from exiting the breather while still allowing air to vent through the breather as needed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.