Machine element or mechanism – Gearing – Lubrication
Patent
1980-09-29
1983-04-05
Staab, Lawrence J.
Machine element or mechanism
Gearing
Lubrication
184 612, 74710, F16H 5704
Patent
active
043787118
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to a planetary mechanism, and more particularly to a device for reducing the drag losses due to fluid churning by the elements of the planetary mechanism.
2. Background Art
It is well known that it is undesirable to run power train gears in a chamber with an appreciable amount of lubricating fluid therein because of the horsepower losses that are incurred by the action of the rotating elements. Not only does a high fluid level result in a loss in the operational efficiency of the power train, but also the fluid tends to be heated by the churning and to deteriorate more rapidly. Still another disadvantage is that the fluid can become so aerated that it can detrimentally influence the associated control system.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,220,810 to K. Alquist on Mar. 27, 1917 discloses a gear mechanism that overcomes some of these problems by providing an elevated reservoir in the casing to which the lubricating fluid is directed by the tips of the gear teeth pumping against an associated casing wall. In other words, the gear teeth tips extend into a lower fluid reservoir to a limited extent, and a relatively low-fluid level is maintained therein by the action of the teeth tips as they sweep upwardly adjacent the casing wall.
Although the above-mentioned patent describes a mechanism that can be very effective in reducing fluid drag, it requires a complex case or housing construction and is not conveniently adaptable to the typical planetary gear mechanisms found in a vehicle for example. In the usual vehicle space is at a premium, and there are so many elements to lubricate that it is difficult to economically distribute the fluid to them while simultaneously maintaining different fluid levels in the desired regions for minimal drag.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention a baffle is connected to a support in generally encircling relationship to a planetary mechanism having the usual plurality of rotating elements, and the baffle advantageously includes means for wiping fluid from one of the elements in response to rotation thereof and for directing the fluid away from the planetary mechanism.
Specifically, the present invention includes an economical sheet metal baffle of generally cylindrical construction that has an opening therein and a fluid wiping lip located at the opening. Upon rotation of one of the elements of the planetary mechanism located within the baffle fluid is urged upwardly toward the lip, whereupon the lip directs the fluid radially outwardly away from the planetary mechanism so that fluid drag losses and aeration problems are minimized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, elevational sectional view of a planetary mechanism as taken along the central axis thereof, the planetary mechanism having a fluid baffle and being constructed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic, transverse sectional view of the planetary mechanism of FIG. 1 as taken along line II--II thereof.
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic, perspective elevational view of the fluid baffle illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A planetary mechanism 10 is shown in FIG. 1 as having first and second planetary sets 12 and 14 arranged along a common central axis 16. The first planetary set 12 includes ring gear, sun gear and planet carrier elements 18,20 and 22 of the usual type wherein a plurality of planet gears 24 are rotatably mounted on the carrier element and are in intermeshing engagement with the ring gear and sun gear elements. Likewise, the second planetary set 14 includes ring gear, sun gear and planet carrier elements 26, 28 and 30, and a plurality of planet elements 32 rotatably mounted in spaced peripheral relationship on the carrier element.
In the instant example the planetary mechanism 10 serves as a vehicle differential with the central axis 16 being dispose
REFERENCES:
patent: 1220810 (1917-03-01), Alquist
patent: 1220811 (1917-03-01), Alquist
patent: 1483830 (1924-02-01), Moore
patent: 1544081 (1925-09-01), Garrett
patent: 2968190 (1961-01-01), Orr
patent: 3091131 (1963-05-01), McNally
patent: 3182527 (1965-05-01), Bryan
patent: 3407902 (1968-10-01), Musser
patent: 3529698 (1970-09-01), Nelson
patent: 3539035 (1970-11-01), Wolkenstein
patent: 3618711 (1971-11-01), Vollmer
patent: 3625310 (1971-12-01), Herrick
patent: 4227427 (1980-10-01), Dick
patent: 4231266 (1980-11-01), Nishikawa et al.
Caterpillar Tractor Co.
Lanchantin, Jr. Charles E.
Staab Lawrence J.
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