Air pressure regulated axle sump
US8485289B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0396
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and associated apparatus for controlling fluid levels within an axle tube, the method comprising: (a) establishing a first predetermined level of a liquid lubricant within a transmission and an electric motor operatively coupled to the electric motor, the axle tube housing the electric motor and the transmission, where a cavity interposing a wall of the axle tube and the electric motor is occupied by the liquid lubricant reservoir at a second predetermined level; and, (b) lowering the first predetermined level of a liquid lubricant within the electric motor and the transmission by changing a gas pressure exerted upon the liquid lubricant, where changing the gas pressure exerted upon the liquid lubricant within the axle tube raises the second predetermined level of liquid lubricant within the cavity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.