Lubrication – Systems – Gearing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-27
2001-07-10
Fenstermacher, David (Department: 3682)
Lubrication
Systems
Gearing
C184S007100, C384S466000, C384S473000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257368
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to rotating shaft assemblies such as bearings and gear reducers. More particularly, the invention relates to such assemblies having an improved lubricant drain arrangement.
As should be understood in this art, gear reducers, bearings and other such devices include housings that define interior areas in which gears, bearings and other moving parts are located. This area typically contains lubricant that is moved about the interior during operation and defines a lower portion, or sump, in which the lubricant collects.
The housing defines one or more bores extending through its walls and through which a shaft extends. The area between the housing bore and the shaft is sealed to prevent lubricant escape and to prevent ingress of exterior contaminants. The seal may include one or more seal elements between which lubricant may collect.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes and addresses disadvantages of prior art constructions and methods.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rotating shaft assembly having an improved lubricant seal and drain arrangement.
This and other objects are accomplished by a rotating shaft assembly having a housing that defines a bore that extends from an area exterior to the housing to an area interior to the housing. A shaft is rotatably disposed in the housing about an axis of the bore. The shaft extends through the bore between the interior area and the exterior area. A lubricant retention area is axially outward of, and sealed from, the interior area. The retention area is configured to collect lubricant from the interior area. A sump is in fluid communication with the interior area. A drain extends between the retention area and the sump. A check valve is disposed in the drain. The check valve is oriented to permit lubricant flow from the retention area to the sump and to prevent lubricant flow from the sump to the retention area.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4782919 (1988-11-01), Chalaire et al.
patent: 6126411 (2000-10-01), Flanigan et al.
Farr Lloyd G.
Fenstermacher David
Gerasimow A. M.
Reliance Electric Technologies LLC
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