For Differential Planetary Gearing Patents (Class 475/160)
  • Patent number: 8974342
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a housing, a reservoir module, and an axle. The reservoir module may be configured to receive a lubricant and may be disposed in an arm portion of the housing. The axle may be disposed in the arm portion such that the axle extends through and is spaced apart from a tube portion of the reservoir module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Kwasniewski, Harry Trost
  • Publication number: 20150065286
    Abstract: Drivable axle (1), in particular a rigid axle, for a motor vehicle, the axle (1) featuring one differential gear (2), at least one gear bearing, at least one axle tube (5, 6) and at least one axle shaft (5a, 6a), whereas the differential gear (2) features a volume (V1) for lubricant separate from the at least one axle tube (5, 6). Thereby, the differential gear (2) is sealed at the least one axle tube (5, 6) by using a gap-type seal (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Anetzberger, Robert Peter, Manfred Geier
  • Publication number: 20150057124
    Abstract: A power transmitting component can include a differential, a first sump, a clutch assembly, a reservoir, a pump, and a fluid circuit. The pump can operate in a first mode to pump fluid from a reservoir to the piston chamber to move the piston to a second position. The pump can operate in a second mode to pump fluid from the piston chamber to the reservoir to move the piston to a first position. The fluid circuit can fluidly couple the reservoir to the first sump when the piston is in the first position and the pump is operated in the second mode. The pump can be configured to pump fluid from the first sump through the fluid circuit when the fluid circuit fluidly couples the first sump and the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher D. Pump
  • Publication number: 20150057123
    Abstract: A torque transfer device can include a housing and a clutch. The housing can define a clutch cavity and a pocket. The pocket can be formed at an axial end of the clutch cavity and have a generally arcuate shape that extends circumferentially about the clutch cavity above a static lubrication level. The clutch can include an outer carrier, an inner carrier, a plurality of first and second interleaved friction plates. One of an outer and an inner plate carrier of the clutch can be coupled to an input member for common rotation. The other of the carriers can be coupled to a differential case for common rotation. Rotation of the outer carrier relative to the housing through a fluid in the clutch cavity can sling a portion of the fluid toward an inner surface of the housing to cause the portion of the fluid to collect in the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Chris Phelps, Jeffrey L. Kincaid, John C. Hibbler, Paul W. Kornosky, James P. Downs
  • Publication number: 20150057125
    Abstract: The present teachings provide for a power transmitting component including a housing, a clutch, a vent, and a dam. The vent can fluidly couple a first and second cavity. The dam can include a door member. Rotation of the outer carrier through a fluid in the second cavity can sling a portion of the fluid toward the vent to cause the portion of the fluid to be transferred from the second cavity, through the vent, and to the first cavity. When the piston is in a first position, the door member can be in a closed position to limit fluid flow from the first cavity to the second cavity. When the piston is in a second position, the door member can be in an open position to allow fluid to flow from the first cavity to the second cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher D. Pump, Charles G. Stuart, John C. Hibbler, James P. Downs, Shawn S. Proctor, Robert J. DeGowske, Adrian M. Lenczewski, Firoz Ali S. Jafri, Paul J. Valente, Brian McCormick, Thomas C. Bowen, Paul W. Kornosky
  • Patent number: 8960362
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly is provided that improves lubrication to the components of the drive axle assembly. As the wheel differential rotates, lubricant is splashed and lubricates bearings and other associated components of the differential assembly. In addition, lubricant is pumped by rotation of the first and second spur gears and is fed to the radial face of a forward bearing through a lubrication passage through a plurality of passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Mirko Barbir
  • Patent number: 8961361
    Abstract: A wheel drive unit includes: a planetary gear mechanism including a planetary gear and an internally-toothed gear; a casing integrated with the internally-toothed gear, a wheel being attached to the casing, and the casing transmitting rotation of the internally-toothed gear to the wheel; a bearing nut configured to prevent axial movement of the casing; and an oil seal provided more toward an interior of a vehicle than the planetary gear mechanism and axially fixed with respect the casing. An inner diameter of the detachment prevention member is smaller than an outer diameter of the externally-toothed gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 8961348
    Abstract: A drive axle housing system may minimize churning of splash and spray oil within a drive axle housing. The drive axle housing system includes apparatus for incorporation into the axle, the apparatus including an oil churning reduction member that may be affixed to the interior walls of the axle housing. The oil churning reduction member includes interior surfaces adapted to closely align with interior moving gear components of the axle to minimize efficiency losses due to oil movement. The system may also incorporate an annular element, affixed to the axle housing and closely aligned with the backside of a ring gear component of the differential axle. The combined use of the member and the element may substantially reduce torque losses attributable to excessive churning of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Weber, Dale C. Messmore, John B. Salomon, Benjamin T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20150031490
    Abstract: A differential gear mechanism constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure can include a differential casing defining first and second output shaft openings. The differential casing can have a case housing portion that defines fluid porting therein. The case housing portion including a hub extending therefrom. The hub can have an inner hub portion and an outer hub portion. The outer hub portion can be stepped down from the inner hub portion. The hub can include a stepped annular face at a transition between the inner and the outer hub portions. A hydraulic transfer bushing can be received by the outer hub of the case housing portion. The hydraulic transfer bushing can define fluid porting therein. The hydraulic transfer bushing can be disposed on the outer hub at a location where the fluid communication porting is fluidly connected to the fluid porting of the case housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew G. Fox
  • Publication number: 20150000990
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly is provided that improves lubrication to the components of the drive axle assembly. As the wheel differential rotates, lubricant is splashed and lubricates bearings and other associated components of the differential assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Mirko Barbir
  • Patent number: 8900083
    Abstract: A fan gear drive system includes a torque frame having a base with integrated gear shafts circumferentially spaced relative to one another. Each shaft provides a shaft axis. A bearing assembly is mounted on each of the gear shafts and provides a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly includes a spherical bearing configured to permit angular movement of the bearing axis relative to the shaft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Sheridan
  • Publication number: 20140335990
    Abstract: An axle assembly including a housing having a first axle tube and a second axle tube, a crown wheel mounted in the housing, a pinion in meshing engagement with the crown wheel, a first reservoir for retaining fluid in contact with the crown wheel for lubricating the crown wheel, a second reservoir for retaining fluid remote from the crown wheel, a first system for transferring fluid in the first reservoir to the second reservoir, a second system for transferring fluid in the second reservoir to the first reservoir, a sensor for generating a signal representative of an axle assembly characteristic, the axle assembly further including a control system for receiving said signal and operating said first system and or said second system to transfer fluid to or from the first reservoir in response to said signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Meritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Domenico Martucci, Chiara Cesari, Marco Bassi, Fabio Santinato
  • Patent number: 8858381
    Abstract: An axle assembly having an axle housing that includes arm portion for receiving an axle. A dam may be disposed in the arm portion and may cooperate with the arm portion to define a reservoir that is configured to retain a volume of a lubricant. A conduit may deliver lubricant to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Harry Trost
  • Patent number: 8858380
    Abstract: A speed reduction device includes front and rear stage speed reduction mechanisms. The speed reduction device includes a connecting shaft that connects the front stage speed reduction mechanism to the rear stage speed reduction mechanism; bearings that support the connecting shaft; an oil supply port that is formed on one side of front and rear stage sides of the bearings; and communication passages that make a receiving section, which is closer to the front stage speed reduction mechanism than the bearings in a casing of the speed reduction device, communicate with a receiving section, which is closer to the rear stage speed reduction mechanism than the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Ishizuka, Ikuko Nonoyama
  • Patent number: 8858382
    Abstract: A gear arrangement for a planetary gearbox includes a planet carrier, a planet pin, a planet gear, bearing means located between the planet pin and the planet gear, the bearing means including a bearing ring, a retainer secured to the planet carrier by one or more bolts, and one or more shims located between the retainer and the planet pin. The planet pin is hollow and is in fluid communication with an inside surface of the bearing ring and with an inlet. This means that a fluid forced via the inlet and the hollow planet pin applies a radial force to the bearing ring, reducing the contact friction between the bearing ring and the planet pin and allowing an axial position of the planet pin to be adjusted to provide a correct preloading to the bearing means. This means that the bearing can be pre-set, in-situ using hydraulic actuator and oil injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Romax Technology Limited
    Inventor: Richard Smith
  • Patent number: 8858388
    Abstract: An epicyclic gear train includes a carrier that supports star gears that mesh with a sun gear. A ring gear surrounds and meshes with the star gears. The star gears are supported on respective journal bearings. Each of the journal bearings includes a peripheral journal surface and each of the star gears includes a radially inner journal surface that is in contact with the peripheral journal surface of the respective journal bearing. The epicyclic gear train has a gear reduction ratio of greater than or equal to about 2.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8857149
    Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a fan rotatable about an axis, a compressor section, a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor section, a turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, and a fan drive gear system including a carrier for supporting a plurality of gears. A torque frame is attached to the carrier. A plurality of connectors extends between the carrier and torque frame for securing the torque frame to the carrier. A scupper captures lubricant during gear operation and directing lubricant into a space between at least one of the plurality of connectors and at least one of the torque frame and the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Marc J. Muldoon
  • Patent number: 8844396
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle including a first gear, and a second gear joined to a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The second gear engages the first gear. A bearing is disposed over the shaft distal the second gear. A housing is disposed about at least a portion of the shaft. The housing includes a first lubricant pathway spaced apart from a second lubricant pathway, wherein the first lubricant pathway routes lubricant towards the bearing and the second lubricant pathway routes lubricant away from the bearing. The first and second lubricant pathways are not in a position coplanar with a plane of rotation of the first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Gary Myers, Joseph A. Rozman, Charles R. Pajtas, Shawn E. Bronner, Syed M. Akbari
  • Patent number: 8845473
    Abstract: An equalizing unit of a drive train of a motor vehicle includes a clutch device to be oiled in driving mode. In order to stop drag torques which act on the clutch device from the outside, and result in increased dissipation when said clutch device is not required due to an operating state, measures are provided which promote the dry running of the clutch device. The measures include the spatial-functional separation of the oil delivery device from the clutch device and the provision of a braking or decoupling device by which the oil delivery device can be deactivated if there is no oil requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Koping AB
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Nett, Christoph Göttert, Michael Müllers, Jan Haupt
  • Publication number: 20140274527
    Abstract: A drive module with a planetary transmission that includes a transmission housing, a first ring gear and a second ring gear. The first ring gear is rotatably mounted in the transmission housing, the second ring gear is non-rotatably mounted in the transmission housing, and the first ring gear is supported on the second ring gear to thereby align a central axis of the first ring gear to a central axis of the second ring gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EAAM DRIVELINE SYSTEMS AB
    Inventors: Erik J. Sten, Thomas C. Bengtsson
  • Patent number: 8821332
    Abstract: In a power transmission device, a breather chamber having an opening on its one end side and extending coaxially with the countershaft is formed in a countershaft that transmits power from an output shaft of an automatic transmission to a differential mechanism. An inner end of a vent pipe placed so as to extend through a transmission case and that includes the inner end and an outer end each having an opening is inserted in the opening of the breather chamber. A plug, which closes a gap between an inner peripheral surface of the breather chamber and an outer peripheral surface of the inner end of the vent pipe so as to allow air to flow between the inside of the transmission case and the breather chamber and so as to restrict entrance of hydraulic oil into the breather chamber, is placed in the opening of the breather chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Kawamura, Takayoshi Kato, Toshihiko Aoki, Hiroshi Kato, Satoru Kasuya
  • Publication number: 20140243137
    Abstract: An axle assembly and a method of control. The axle assembly may include a lubrication pump that may be operated to distribute lubricant in the axle assembly based on ambient air temperature and lubricant temperature or when a spinout condition is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Dale L. Kwasniewski, Larry Wagle
  • Publication number: 20140235395
    Abstract: A drive device for the road wheels of a vehicle, with a stationary housing partially filled with a lubricating liquid, and a rotatably drivable driveshaft inserted into the housing interior and with a differential unit having a crown wheel with a differential housing. The crown wheel is rotatably drivable by the driving gear wheel, by means of which crown wheel a plurality of differential gear wheels of the differential unit are rotatably drivable, driven gear wheels being rotatably drivable in turn by these differential gear wheels. The driven gear wheels being drivingly connected in each instance to driven shafts for driving the road wheels of the vehicle. The differential unit is enclosed in the housing interior by a shielding housing, wherein the stationary housing interior is connected to the shielding housing interior via one or more apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Horst SIGL, Paul LENZ
  • Patent number: 8808129
    Abstract: A transmission device (1) with a hydraulic system (4) comprising a main transmission pump device for supplying various transmission components with hydraulic fluid. The main transmission pump device is driven by torque applied to the transmission input shaft (2). A force flow between the transmission input shaft (2) and transmission output shaft (3) is produced by various hydraulically actuated transmission components. When the hydraulic system (4) is not supplied by the main transmission pump, the force flow is interrupted. The hydraulic system (4) has an auxiliary pump device (5) by virtue of which the hydraulic system (4) too can be supplied with hydraulic fluid. The auxiliary pump device (5) is driven by torque applied to the transmission output shaft (3) at least when the force flow is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Matthias List, Thilo Schmidt, Thomas Lindner, Peter Tiesler
  • Publication number: 20140221145
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lubricating a gear of a differential gear system is disclosed. A member or shaft rotates within a housing of the differential gear system. The shaft includes a chamber for receiving a lubricant from the exterior of the housing. A gear rotates relative to the shaft, and a hole in the shaft disperses the lubricant from the chamber to a selected gear location of the gear to lubricate the gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: David G. Hill, Michael Carbone
  • Publication number: 20140213405
    Abstract: A power transmission device having a shift device in a case; and a pump sucking and discharges oil, including: a gear receiving power from the shift device; a gear shaft with a breather chamber having at least one end side in an axial direction being opened, and attached to the gear; a bearing supporting the gear shaft rotatably relative to the case on the breather chamber one end side; a vent pipe communicating with the breather chamber opening and outside of the case; a passage in the case with an outlet port opening to the case inside, and allowing pump leakage oil to flow from the outlet port; a member receiving flowing from the outlet port of the passage; a passage guiding the leakage oil from the receiving member to the bearing; and a portion suppressing entry of oil thrown up with rotation of the gear into the receiving member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Ishikawa, Tatsuaki Ito
  • Patent number: 8777793
    Abstract: A fan gear drive system includes a torque frame having a base with integrated gear shafts circumferentially spaced relative to one another. A fan shaft is integrated with the base, such that the torque frame provides rotational output from the fan gear drive system. Each shaft provides a shaft axis. A bearing assembly is mounted on each of the gear shafts and provides a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly includes a spherical bearing configured to permit angular movement of the bearing axis relative to the shaft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Sheridan
  • Publication number: 20140187374
    Abstract: An outer lubricating liquid inflow passage that provides communication between an outside of a liquid-lubricated bearing and a rolling element arrangement chamber is formed between an outer ring and a cage, on the lubricating liquid inflow side. The outer lubricating liquid inflow passage has an annular axially extending outer passage portion that extends in the axial direction, and an annular radially extending outer passage portion. The radially extending outer passage portion communicates with a rolling element-side axial end portion of the axially extending outer passage portion. The radially extending outer passage portion extends from the axially extending outer passage portion to the rolling element arrangement chamber inward in the radial direction of the outer ring. A labyrinth is formed by the axially extending outer passage portion and the radially extending outer passage portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masayuki MURAKAMI
  • Patent number: 8764604
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes an input shaft and a fan shaft rotatable about an axis. The fan shaft supports fan blades. An epicyclic gear train is connected between the input shaft and the fan shaft. The epicyclic gear train includes a plurality of star gears, a carrier supporting the plurality of star gears, a sun gear that meshes with the plurality of star gears and a ring gear surrounding and meshing with the plurality of star gears such that the sun gear is rotatable in a first direction and the ring gear is rotatable in a second, opposite direction. The ring gear includes first and second portions that each have an inner periphery with teeth. The first and second portions include respective recesses facing one another to provide an internal annular cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Patent number: 8753243
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes an epicyclic gear train that has a two-piece ring gear. Each portion of the ring gear includes radially outwardly extending flanges that are axially constrained to a turbo fan shaft by bolts secured circumferentially along the flanges. Knife edge seals are secured to the flanges to contain oil expelled through the ring gear into a gutter. The ring gear and turbo fan shaft can be rotationally balanced together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Publication number: 20140155214
    Abstract: A lubricating oil supply apparatus arranged in a transaxle case includes a differential ring gear, a catch tank that stores lubricating oil picked up by the differential ring gear, a first flow path arranged higher than a highest position of an outer diameter of the differential ring gear, a gear with a higher center position than the differential ring gear, and a second flow path that guides the lubricating oil picked up by the gear to the catch tank. The first flow path guides the lubricating oil picked up by the differential ring gear to the catch tank. The gear is in mesh with the differential ring gear, and picks up the lubricating oil picked up by the differential ring gear. The second flow path is arranged lower than a highest position of an outer diameter of the gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiromichi KIMURA, Tatsuo OBATA, Shingo KATO, Yuya AOKI
  • Patent number: 8740741
    Abstract: A differential axle assembly for a work machine having a differential lock capability. The differential axle has a differential gear housing, which utilizes a sealed housing on the outside thereof and a bleed flow path for pressurized liquid lubricant actuating a differential lock feature to provide adequate cooling flow for the differential gear set and differential lock mechanism under heavy duty circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Wood, Jr., Michael J. Cliff, Craig R. Eike
  • Patent number: 8740740
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes an input shaft and a fan shaft rotatable about an axis. The fan shaft supports fan blades. An epicyclic gear train is connected between the input shaft and the fan shaft. The epicyclic gear train includes a plurality of star gears, a carrier supporting the plurality of star gears, a sun gear that meshes with the plurality of star gears and a ring gear surrounding and meshing with the plurality of star gears such that the sun gear is rotatable in a first direction and the ring gear is rotatable in a second, opposite direction. The ring gear includes first and second portions that each have an inner periphery with teeth. The first and second portions include respective recesses facing one another to provide an internal annular cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Patent number: 8708858
    Abstract: An electric generator unit comprises a front flywheel, a back flywheel, a gear accelerating assembly, a planetary decelerating assembly, a middle shaft and a tail shaft. The electric generator unit forms the effect of energy increasing by degrees based on the nonlinear coupling theory and the assembly of mass, acceleration and lever. When a small driving force is continuously given from the outside, the electric generator unit can achieve energy increasing by degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Wenxiu Li, Zhenquan Wang
  • Patent number: 8684876
    Abstract: A power transmitting component includes a housing having an interior cavity with a sump, a lubricant disposed in the sump, and a component mounted in the housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The component rotates through the lubricant in the sump to generate a stream of lubricant that is slung from the component as it rotates at a speed in excess of a predetermined speed. The housing includes a deflector that extends into the interior cavity and has a first face having an impingement portion and a first edge adjacent the impingement portion. The impingement portion extends into the stream and deflects a portion of the stream towards the first edge. The first edge disperses the portion of the stream toward selected areas in the interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Corless, Mark A. Harnden, Mark S. Waack
  • Patent number: 8668612
    Abstract: In a lubrication structure of a differential gear unit, a case has a guide rib that extends over a certain area with respect to a rotation path of a head of a bolt when a ring gear rotates, and that protrudes out from the case toward the head of the bolt. Also, a through-hole that extends in a vertical direction is formed in an upper portion of a hollow supporting portion, and the guide rib has an oil reservoir that curves toward an upper end opening of the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromichi Kimura, Takeshi Kuwahara, Takeshi Kitahata, Tatsuo Obata, Masahiro Tanae
  • Patent number: 8662276
    Abstract: A braking apparatus for a vehicle, in particular a heavy goods vehicle, includes a drive axle having a transmission gear, such as a differential, around which an amount of oil for lubrication is variable. The brake apparatus further includes at least one friction brake and at least one retarder that is capable of operating to slow the vehicle through the transmission gear. The braking apparatus comprises a brake operating device for operating the at least one friction brake and the least one retarder, and a determining feature to determine an oil level around the transmission gear. The brake operating device, on operation by a user, is arranged to apply the retarder when the oil level around the transmission gear is above a threshold level, and, if the oil level is below the threshold level, the brake operating device is arranged to initiate an increase in the oil level around the transmission gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Meritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Ralf Leiter, Roberto Gianone, Marco Fratelli, Marco Bassi, Chiara Cesari, Fabio Santinato, Clemente Magnago, Jon Honig, Karthik Kayyar, Juchirl Park, Cesare Bonfa
  • Publication number: 20130316866
    Abstract: In a power transmission device, a breather chamber having an opening on its one end side and extending coaxially with the countershaft is formed in a countershaft that transmits power from an output shaft of an automatic transmission to a differential mechanism. An inner end of a vent pipe placed so as to extend through a transmission case and that includes the inner end and an outer end each having an opening is inserted in the opening of the breather chamber. A plug, which closes a gap between an inner peripheral surface of the breather chamber and an outer peripheral surface of the inner end of the vent pipe so as to allow air to flow between the inside of the transmission case and the breather chamber and so as to restrict entrance of hydraulic oil into the breather chamber, is placed in the opening of the breather chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya Kawamura, Takayoshi Kato, Toshihiko Aoki, Hiroshi Kato, Satoru Kasuya
  • Patent number: 8591371
    Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism for a wind power plant includes a sun gear, an internal gear and a planetary carrier with planetary gears supported by radial and axial slide bearings. The radial slide bearings include a sleeve made of a slide bearing material and attached as an inner ring to a planetary gear shaft or mounted as an outer ring in a bore in a planetary gear. An outer bearing ring cooperating with the inner ring is formed by the bore in the planetary gear, or an inner bearing ring cooperating with the outer ring is formed by the planetary gear shaft. A slide bearing material of a first bearing element of the axial slide bearings is applied between a planetary carrier cheek and an end side of a planetary gear. The end side of the planetary gear or the planetary carrier cheek forms a corresponding cooperating second bearing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Martin Dinter, Arno Klein-Hitpass, Thomas Meyer
  • Publication number: 20130303323
    Abstract: A power transmitting component with a housing, a shaft and a seal. The housing has a wall member, a shaft bore, and a shield wall. The shaft bore is formed through the wall member. The shield wall is coupled to and extends outwardly from the wall member. The shield wall is formed about the shaft bore and defines a drain spout. The shaft is received through the shaft bore. The seal is received in the shaft bore and sealingly engages the housing and the shaft. The drain spout is configured to drain liquid from a space that is radially inward of the shield wall when the power transmitting component is disposed in a predetermined orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Zink, Kevin R. Beutler, James P. Downs, Paul J. Valente
  • Publication number: 20130296095
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a housing, a reservoir module, and an axle. The reservoir module may be configured to receive a lubricant and may be disposed in an arm portion of the housing. The axle may be disposed in the arm portion such that the axle extends through and is spaced apart from a tube portion of the reservoir module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Kwasniewski, Harry Trost
  • Publication number: 20130288843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine system comprising a machine having at least a first section and a second section, the first section having a first velocity and the second section having a second velocity, the second velocity being different from the first velocity, and a lubrication system comprising at least one tank having one lubricant, the lubrication system being connected to the first and second sections. Furthermore, the invention relates to a wind turbine comprising the machine system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Jochen Baum, Jens Demtröder, Ralf Rüschoff
  • Publication number: 20130281251
    Abstract: A power transmitting component includes a housing having an interior cavity with a sump, a lubricant disposed in the sump, and a component mounted in the housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The component rotates through the lubricant in the sump to generate a stream of lubricant that is slung from the component as it rotates at a speed in excess of a predetermined speed. The housing includes a deflector that extends into the interior cavity and has a first face having an impingement portion and a first edge adjacent the impingement portion. The impingement portion extends into the stream and deflects a portion of the stream towards the first edge. The first edge disperses the portion of the stream toward selected areas in the interior cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel G. Corless, Mark A. Harnden, Mark S. Waack
  • Publication number: 20130274054
    Abstract: This lubrication system for a differential of a driven axle on an automotive vehicle includes a sump in which is located a crown wheel driven by a pinion, the crown wheel being fast in rotation with a carrier, and a main lubricant tank having an inlet port and at least one outlet port. Rotation of the crown wheel causes lubricant to be transferred from the sump to the main tank via the inlet port, and the outlet port allows the lubricant to pass from the main tank to the sump. The lubrication system includes an auxiliary lubricant tank located in the sump, adapted to be tilled in with lubricant by rotation of the crown wheel, and an arrangement to convey lubricant from auxiliary tank to a lubricant needing portion of the differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: RENAULT TRUCKS
    Inventor: Thomas Barillot
  • Patent number: 8544174
    Abstract: A differential mechanism includes a case including first and second portions, the first portion including a first surface interrupted by recesses, the second portion including a second surface interrupted by second recesses, contacting the first surface, and secured to the first portion, a pin extending though the recesses, and a ring gear secured to the portions and overlapping the surfaces and the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis W. Isken, II, James M. Story, Charles Krysztof, Robert J. Neal, Jason Savage, Gerald S. Szczepanski
  • Patent number: 8535191
    Abstract: A differential flange assembly is disclosed herein that includes a flange member and a washer member. The flange member is defined by an engagement face and having an aperture therethrough. At least one slot is formed on the engagement face so as to extend radially outward from the aperture. The washer member has at least one tab extending from a peripheral edge of the washer member and at least one opening. The tab is configured to be seated within the slot to mate the washer member to the engagement face of the flange member. The interaction of the slot of the flange member and the tab of the washer member prevent rotation of the washer member with respect to the flange member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Gall, Kevin J. Kaplan, Eric James LaMothe
  • Patent number: 8523733
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle driveline differential with improved efficiency during vehicle cold starts, the differential includes: a pinion; and a pinion bearing journaled onto a shaft of the pinion. The pinion bearing includes a thermal-insulation sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Scott Lippert
  • Publication number: 20130217532
    Abstract: A method for lubricating an axle assembly can include: coupling a pair of tapered roller bearing to opposite ends of a differential housing; placing the differential housing into a carrier housing assembly such that the tapered roller bearings support the differential housing on the carrier housing assembly for rotation about a first axis; collecting a lubricant proximate a side of one of the tapered roller bearings opposite the differential housing; and rotating the differential housing about the first axis to cause the one of the tapered roller bearings to move a portion of the collected lubricant through the differential housing. A related axle assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8512193
    Abstract: A method for lubricating an axle assembly can include: coupling a pair of tapered roller bearing to opposite ends of a differential housing; placing the differential housing into a carrier housing assembly such that the tapered roller bearings support the differential housing on the carrier housing assembly for rotation about a first axis; collecting a lubricant proximate a side of one of the tapered roller bearings opposite the differential housing; and rotating the differential housing about the first axis to cause the one of the tapered roller bearings to move a portion of the collected lubricant through the differential housing. A related axle assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Hilker, Gregory E. Woodside, Kevin R. Beutler, Robert B. Dwyer, Chih-Hung Chung
  • Patent number: 8500591
    Abstract: A vehicle final drive includes a fixed spindle about which a wheel hub is mounted for rotation by wheel bearings, and within which a park and service brake assembly is mounted including a stack of Belleville springs carried by an input quill mounted within an inner end region, and a disc brake pack mounted within an outer end region. Located in the hub outboard of the spindle is a two-stage planetary reduction transmission. A reaction plate is fixed to an outer end face of the spindle cylindrical portion and holds the disc brake pack and a hub of a double ring gear of the transmission in place and preloads the wheel bearings. A fluid distribution manifold is defined by a passage in the spindle for distributing flow for cooling and/or lubricating an input thrust bearing, input drive shaft coupling splines, the brake disc pack, the wheel bearings, and the first stage planet gear bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Turner, Mark J Besler