Drive axle assembly with gear mesh lubrication systems for lubricating gear mesh and/or differential bearings
US8167758B2 · kind B2 · utility
34Cited by
19References
23Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H57/045
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An axle assembly having an axle assembly with first and second sumps for holding a lubricant. A rotating ring gear associated with a differential can rotate through the lubricant in the first sump to cause a portion of the lubricant to cling to the ring gear. A portion of the lubricant that has clung to the ring gear can be removed from the ring gear and transferred to the second sump. The lubricant in the second sump can be drained to lubricate teeth of a pinion that is in meshing engagement with the ring gear and/or to lubricate bearings that support the pinion. A related method is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.