DESC:GEARBOX LUBRICATION SYSTEM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202321039859 filed on 11/06/2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Generally, the present disclosure relates to a transmission system for vehicle(s). Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a lubrication mechanism for a transmission system for vehicle(s).
BACKGROUND
Recently, there has been a rapid development in the automotive technologies. The two-wheeler automobiles are particularly popular due to their affordability and lower cost of running. The automobiles generally comprise a traction unit that convert some form of stored energy into mechanical energy to drive the wheels of the vehicle. The traction unit is mechanically linked to the wheels of the vehicle via a transmission unit. The transmission unit majorly comprises a gearbox having different set of gears to optimally deliver power from the traction unit to the wheels of the vehicle.
The gearbox alters the speed and torque of the traction unit’s output power. It's essentially a system of interlocking gears housed in a case. By changing the arrangement of these gears, the gearbox can multiply the traction unit’s torque (turning force) or increase the rotational speed. The gearbox transmission fluid that constantly lubricates the gears to prevent wear and tear of the gears during the operation of the vehicle.
Traditional gearboxes typically use a pump designed to deliver a steady flow of lubricant whenever it's running. However, a timer controls the flow by turning the pump on and off at specific intervals. This approach has a major drawback: the pump rarely achieves a truly consistent flow due to various factors. As a result, the gearbox may be under-lubricated or over-lubricated.
Furthermore, using a separate pump for lubricant circulation adds complexity to the gearbox's design and operation. Additionally, the pump requires extra power to function, which can negatively impact the vehicle's overall fuel efficiency.
Therefore, there exists a need for an improved lubrication mechanism that overcomes one or more problems as set forth above.
SUMMARY
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lubrication system of a gearbox assembly.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a pumpless lubrication system for a gearbox assembly.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a lubrication system of a gearbox assembly. The lubrication system comprises an oil splash tank, a splash gear, at least one pocket, and at least one lubricant flow path. The oil splash tank comprises a lubricant. The splash gear is partially submerged in the lubricant and configured to splash the lubricant on a wall of the gearbox assembly. The at least one pocket is located on the wall and configured to collect the splashed lubricant. The at least one lubricant flow path is configured to lubricate at least one internal bearing surface of the gearbox assembly and at least one gear mesh.
The present disclosure provides a lubrication system of a gearbox assembly. The lubrication system of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of eliminating the pump. The lubrication system of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of reducing the number of moving parts in the gearbox, leading to a simpler and more reliable design. The lubrication system of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of potentially lowering manufacturing costs. The lubrication system of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of improved efficiency. The lubrication system of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of consistent lubrication without getting affecting from the changing viscosity of the lubricant. The lubrication system of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of reducing maintenance requirements of the gearbox assembly. The lubrication system of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of reducing the weight of the gearbox assembly.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments constructed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.
It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
Figure 1a & 1b illustrates a front view of a lubrication system of a gearbox assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2a, 2b & 2c illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first lubricant flow path of the lubrication system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second lubricant flow path of the lubrication system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the lubrication system depicting the first lubricant flow path and the second lubricant flow path, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.
In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a lubrication system and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various structures and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, or system that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which are shown by way of illustration-specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
As used herein, the terms “gearbox assembly” “transmission unit”, “transmission”, and “gearbox” are used interchangeably and refer to a mechanical device that manages the power delivered from a source to another part (like wheels). The transmission unit comprises transmission gears with different gear ratios to determine how the rotation speed and the torque are altered between input and output of the transmission unit.
As used herein, the term “oil splash tank” refers to oil reservoir present in the gearbox assembly. The oil splash tank holds the lubricant when the gearbox assembly is not in operation. The oil splash tank may be open from upper end to enable physical contact between the lubricant and the splash gear.
As used herein, the term “splash gear” refers to a gear which creates splash of lubricant in the gearbox assembly during its operation. The splash gear may be a primary drive gear.
As used herein, the term “pocket” refers to specifically designed sections on the wall of the gearbox to collect and direct the splashing lubricant to a particular location in the gearbox.
As used herein, the term “lubricant flow path” refers to a specifically design and well-defined path for the flow of the lubricant for the lubrication of various components of the gearbox.
As used herein, the term “internal bearing surface” refers to an internal surface of the gears that is in contact with the shafts on which the gears are mounted.
As used herein, the term “gear mesh” refers to refers to teeth portion of the gears that meshes with another gear for transfer of mechanical power from one gear to another gear.
As used herein, the term “counter shaft feeding channel” refers to a channel in the wall of the gearbox that enables the flow of lubricant towards the counter shaft.
As used herein, the term “counter shaft” refers to a rotating shaft that works alongside the main shaft to control gear selection and power delivery.
As used herein, the term “main shaft feeding channel” refers to a channel in the wall of the gearbox connecting the counter shaft and the main shaft to enable flow of lubricant from the counter shaft to the main shaft.
As used herein, the term “main shaft” refers to shaft responsible for transferring input power to the wheels. The main shaft may be an input shaft of the gearbox.
As used herein, the term “gear mesh lubrication channel” refers to a channel in a gearbox casing to enable flow of lubricant to the gear mesh.
As used herein, the term “plurality of openings” refers to a plurality of holes in the gear mesh lubrication channel positioned above each of the gear mesh to enable flow of lubricant from the gear mesh lubrication channel to the gear mesh.
As used herein, the term “clutch assembly” refers to a component responsible for smoothly connecting and disconnecting the motor’s power to the transmission unit. It may act as a bridge between the motor and the wheels.
As used herein, the term “housing” refers to a casing that encloses various components of the powertrain within itself. The housing performs functions including protection, lubrication containment, structural support, heat dissipation, and so on.
Figure 1a & 1b, in accordance with an aspect describes front view of a lubrication system 100 of a gearbox assembly. The lubrication system 100 comprises an oil splash tank 102, a splash gear 104, at least one pocket 106, 108, and at least one lubricant flow path 110, 112. The oil splash tank 102 comprises a lubricant. The splash gear 104 is partially submerged in the lubricant and configured to splash the lubricant on a wall of the gearbox assembly. The at least one pocket 106, 108 is located on the wall and configured to collect the splashed lubricant. The at least one lubricant flow path 110, 112 is configured to lubricate at least one internal bearing surface 114 of the gearbox assembly and at least one gear mesh 116.
The present disclosure provides a lubrication system 100 of a gearbox assembly. The lubrication system 100 of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of eliminating the pump. The lubrication system 100 of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of reducing the number of moving parts in the gearbox, leading to a simpler and more reliable design. The lubrication system 100 of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of potentially lowering manufacturing costs. The lubrication system 100 of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of improved efficiency compared to sump lubrication. The lubrication system 100 of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of consistent lubrication without getting affecting from the changing viscosity of the lubricant. The lubrication system 100 of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of reducing maintenance requirements of the gearbox assembly. The lubrication system 100 of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of reducing the weight of the gearbox assembly.
In an embodiment, the at least one pocket 106, 108 comprises a first pocket 106 and a second pocket 108 configured to collect the splashed lubricant. Beneficially, the first pocket 106 and the second pocket 108 effectively collects the splashed lubricant to direct the collected lubricant in the at least one lubricant flow path 110, 112.
In an embodiment, the at least one lubricant flow path 110, 112 comprises a first lubricant flow path 110 and a second lubricant flow path 112. Beneficially, the first lubricant flow path 110 and the second lubricant flow path 112 directs the flow of lubricant for effective lubrication and cooling of each component of the gearbox assembly.
Figure 2a, 2b & 2c, in accordance with an embodiment describes that the first lubricant flow path 110 is configured to lubricate the at least one internal bearing surface 114 of the gearbox assembly. Beneficially, the first lubricant flow path 110 lubricates and effectively cools the at least one internal bearing surface 114 of the gearbox assembly.
In an embodiment, the first lubricant flow path 110 receives the lubricant collected in the first pocket 106 due to gravity. Beneficially, the requirement of any additional pump for the flow of the lubricant is eliminated due to the design of the first lubricant flow path 110 and the first pocket 106.
In an embodiment, the first lubricant flow path 110 comprises at least one of: a counter shaft feeding channel 110a, a counter shaft 110b, a main shaft feeding channel 110c and a main shaft 110d.
In an embodiment, the lubricant collected in the first pocket 106 flows through the counter shaft feeding channel 110a to enter in the counter shaft 110b. Beneficially, the counter shaft feeding channel 110a directs the flow of lubricant towards the counter shaft 110b and the lubricant enters in to the counter shaft 110b.
In an embodiment, the lubricant entered in the counter shaft 110b is partially splashed on the at least one internal bearing surface 114 due to centrifugal force generated during operation of the counter shaft 110b. Beneficially, the counter shaft 110b comprises a plurality of holes at required spaces for flow of the lubricant from the counter shaft 110b to the at least one internal bearing surface 114. Such flow is beneficially created due to the centrifugal force generated during operation of the counter shaft 110b.
In an embodiment, the lubricant from the counter shaft 110b flows to the main shaft feeding channel 110c and enters the main shaft 110d through the main shaft feeding channel 110c due to gravity. Beneficially, such flow of the lubricant enables effective and efficient lubrication of the entire gearbox assembly.
In an embodiment, the lubricant entered in the main shaft 110d is partially splashed on the at least one internal bearing surface 114 and a clutch assembly due to centrifugal force generated during operation of the main shaft 110d. Beneficially, the main shaft 110d comprises a plurality of holes at required spaces for flow of the lubricant from the main shaft 110d to the at least one internal bearing surface 114. Such flow is beneficially created due to the centrifugal force generated during operation of the main shaft 110d.
In an embodiment, the lubricant from the main shaft 110d flows back to the oil splash tank 102. Beneficially, the flow of the lubricant back to the oil splash tank 102 from the main shaft 110d completes the first lubricant flow path 110. It is to be understood that the lubricant continuously flows in the first lubricant flow path 110 during the operation of the gearbox without the use of any additional pump.
Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment describes that the second lubricant flow path 112 is configured to lubricate the at least one gear mesh 116. Beneficially, the second lubricant flow path 112 lubricates and effectively cools the at least one gear mesh 116 of the gearbox assembly.
In an embodiment, the second lubricant flow path 112 receives the lubricant collected in the second pocket 108 due to gravity. Beneficially, the requirement of any additional pump for the flow of the lubricant is eliminated due to the design of the second lubricant flow path 112 and the second pocket 108.
In an embodiment, the second lubricant flow path 112 comprises a gear mesh lubrication channel 112a.
In an embodiment, the lubricant collected in the second pocket 108 flows into the gear mesh lubrication channel 112a due to gravity. Beneficially, the lubricant enters in the gear mesh lubrication channel 112a without the neeed of any additional pump.
In an embodiment, the gear mesh lubrication channel 112a comprises a plurality of openings 118 leading to the at least one gear mesh 116.
In an embodiment, the lubricant entering the gear mesh lubrication channel 112a flows to the plurality of openings 118 and trickles on the at least one gear mesh 116 to lubricate the at least one gear mesh 116. Beneficially, the required amount of lubricant constantly trickles on the at least one gear mesh 116 to lubricate the at least one gear mesh 116.
In an embodiment, the lubricant flows back to the oil splash tank 102 after trickling on the at least one gear mesh 116. Beneficially, the flow of the lubricant back to the oil splash tank 102 from the at least one gear mesh 116 completes the second lubricant flow path 112. It is to be understood that the lubricant continuously flows in the second lubricant flow path 112 during the operation of the gearbox without the use of any additional pump.
Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment describes an exploded view the lubrication system 100 with the first lubricant flow path 110 and the second lubricant flow path 112. As shown in the figure, the lubricant travels throughout the gearbox assembly to effectively lubricate all moving elements of the gearbox assembly.
In an exemplary embodiment, the lubrication system 100 comprises the oil splash tank 102, the splash gear 104, the at least one pocket 106, 108, and the at least one lubricant flow path 110, 112. The oil splash tank 102 comprises the lubricant. The splash gear 104 is partially submerged in the lubricant and configured to splash the lubricant on the wall of the gearbox assembly. The at least one pocket 106, 108 is located on the wall and configured to collect the splashed lubricant. The at least one lubricant flow path 110, 112 is configured to lubricate the at least one internal bearing surface 114 of the gearbox assembly and the at least one gear mesh 116. Furthermore, the at least one pocket 106, 108 comprises the first pocket 106 and the second pocket 108 configured to collect the splashed lubricant. Furthermore, the at least one lubricant flow path 110, 112 comprises the first lubricant flow path 110 and the second lubricant flow path 112. Furthermore, the first lubricant flow path 110 is configured to lubricate the at least one internal bearing surface 114 of the gearbox assembly. Furthermore, the first lubricant flow path 110 receives the lubricant collected in the first pocket 106 due to gravity. Furthermore, the first lubricant flow path 110 comprises at least one of: the counter shaft feeding channel 110a, the counter shaft 110b, the main shaft feeding channel 110c and the main shaft 110d. Furthermore, the lubricant collected in the first pocket 106 flows through the counter shaft feeding channel 110a to enter in the counter shaft 110b. Furthermore, the lubricant entered in the counter shaft 110b is partially splashed on the at least one internal bearing surface 114 due to centrifugal force generated during operation of the counter shaft 110b. Furthermore, the lubricant from the counter shaft 110b flows to the main shaft feeding channel 110c and enters the main shaft 110d through the main shaft feeding channel 110c due to gravity. Furthermore, the lubricant entered in the main shaft 110d is partially splashed on the at least one internal bearing surface 114 and the clutch assembly due to centrifugal force generated during operation of the main shaft 110d. Furthermore, the lubricant from the main shaft 110d flows back to the oil splash tank 102. Furthermore, the second lubricant flow path 112 is configured to lubricate the at least one gear mesh 116. Furthermore, the second lubricant flow path 112 receives the lubricant collected in the second pocket 108 due to gravity. Furthermore, the second lubricant flow path 112 comprises the gear mesh lubrication channel 112a. Furthermore, the lubricant collected in the second pocket 108 flows into the gear mesh lubrication channel 112a due to gravity. Furthermore, the gear mesh lubrication channel 112a comprises the plurality of openings 118 leading to the at least one gear mesh 116. Furthermore, the lubricant entering the gear mesh lubrication channel 112a flows to the plurality of openings 118 and trickles on the at least one gear mesh 116 to lubricate the at least one gear mesh 116. Furthermore, the lubricant flows back to the oil splash tank 102 after trickling on the at least one gear mesh 116.
In the description of the present invention, it is also to be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited, the terms “disposed,” “mounted,” and “connected” are to be construed broadly, and may for example be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, either mechanically or electrically. They may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood in specific cases to those skilled in the art.
Modifications to embodiments and combination of different embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non- exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural where appropriate.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A lubrication system (100) of a gearbox assembly, wherein the lubrication system (100) comprises:
- an oil splash tank (102) comprising a lubricant;
- a splash gear (104) partially submerged in the lubricant and configured to splash the lubricant on a wall of the gearbox assembly;
- at least one pocket (106, 108) located on the wall and configured to collect the splashed lubricant;
- at least one lubricant flow path (110, 112) configured to lubricate at least one internal bearing surface (114) of the gearbox assembly and at least one gear mesh (116).
2. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket (106, 108) comprises a first pocket (106) and a second pocket (108) configured to collect the splashed lubricant.
3. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one lubricant flow path (110, 112) comprises a first lubricant flow path (110) and a second lubricant flow path (112).
4. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first lubricant flow path (110) is configured to lubricate the at least one internal bearing surface (114) of the gearbox assembly.
5. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second lubricant flow path (112) is configured to lubricate the at least one gear mesh (116).
6. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first lubricant flow path (110) receives the lubricant collected in the first pocket (106) due to gravity.
7. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second lubricant flow path (112) receives the lubricant collected in the second pocket (108) due to gravity.
8. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first lubricant flow path (110) comprises at least one of: a counter shaft feeding channel (110a), a counter shaft (110b), a main shaft feeding channel (110c) and a main shaft (110d).
9. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the lubricant collected in the first pocket (106) flows through the counter shaft feeding channel (110a) to enter in the counter shaft (110b).
10. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the lubricant entered in the counter shaft (110b) is partially splashed on the at least one internal bearing surface (114) due to centrifugal force generated during operation of the counter shaft (110b).
11. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the lubricant from the counter shaft (110b) flows to the main shaft feeding channel (110c) and enters the main shaft (110d) through the main shaft feeding channel (110c) due to gravity.
12. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the lubricant entered in the main shaft (110d) is partially splashed on the at least one internal bearing surface (114) and a clutch assembly due to centrifugal force generated during operation of the main shaft (110d).
13. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lubricant from the main shaft (110d) flows back to the oil splash tank (102).
14. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second lubricant flow path (112) comprises a gear mesh lubrication channel (112a).
15. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lubricant collected in the second pocket (108) flows into the gear mesh lubrication channel (112a) due to gravity.
16. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the gear mesh lubrication channel (112a) comprises a plurality of openings (118) leading to the at least one gear mesh (116).
17. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the lubricant entering the gear mesh lubrication channel (112a) flows to the plurality of openings (118) and trickles on the at least one gear mesh (116) to lubricate the at least one gear mesh (116).
18. The lubrication system (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the lubricant flows back to the oil splash tank (102) after trickling on the at least one gear mesh (116).