Working equipment transmission device with a gear baffle and assembly method

Abstract

A transmission device of a working device includes a gear, a gearbox, and a baffle. The gearbox housing accommodates the gear in an inner cavity defining a storage tank and is defined by a first housing body having a first baffle retaining surface and an outlet opening and a second housing body having a second baffle retaining surface. The baffle has a shroud wall defining a peripheral lip for engaging with the first baffle retaining surface, an annular collar having an annular collar lip for engaging with the second baffle retaining surface, and an end wall. The baffle is installed in the gearbox housing, the end wall extends close to the gear, and the shroud wall extends at least partially around the gear. The baffle is installed by the clamping force between the first housing body and the second housing body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gear baffle for use within a work equipment. Background Art

[0002] The transmissions of wheel loaders and other work equipment generally include a positively lubricated gear train mounted within a gearbox housing. To limit the gear windage and lubrication losses in the transmission gearbox, baffles may be provided around one or more of the gears within the gearbox housing. The baffles also help to maintain proper spacing between the enclosed gear(s), shaft, and adjacent components within the transmission, which can be particularly useful in the context of work equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A work equipment (such as a vehicle) transmission is provided. In various embodiments, the work equipment transmission includes: a gear; a gearbox housing that houses the gear within an inner cavity that defines a reservoir for retaining a volume of lubricant; and a baffle. The gearbox housing is defined by a first housing body and a second housing body, the first housing body having a first baffle retaining surface and an outlet opening disposed about a gear axis; the second housing body being mountable to the first housing body and having a second baffle retaining surface. The baffle has: a shroud wall that defines a peripheral lip; an annular collar that has an annular collar lip and an opening concentric with the annular collar lip; and an end wall that extends radially and joins the shroud wall and the annular collar. The baffle is disposed within the gearbox housing to separate the gear from a volume of lubricant within the reservoir, the end wall extending adjacent to a face of the gear and the shroud wall extending at least partially about an outer perimeter of the gear. The baffle is mounted to the gearbox housing by a clamping force between the first housing body and the second housing body and by the engagement of the peripheral lip with the first baffle retaining surface of the first housing body and the engagement of the collar lip with the second baffle retaining surface of the second housing body, wherein the opening is disposed about the gear axis.

[0004] On the other hand, a method of assembling a transmission of a work equipment with a baffle is provided. The method includes: providing a first housing body having a first baffle retaining surface and an outlet opening; installing a gear in the first housing body; installing a baffle on the gear; installing a second housing body onto the first housing body; and mating the first housing body with the second housing body to form a gearbox housing that houses the gear within an inner cavity that defines a reservoir for holding a volume of lubricant. The gear has a face and an outer periphery and is rotatable about a gear axis defined by the outlet opening. The baffle has: a shroud wall that defines a peripheral lip; an annular flange that has an opening concentric with an annular flange lip; and an end wall that extends radially and joins the shroud wall and the annular flange. The second housing body has a second baffle retaining surface. The baffle is disposed within the gearbox housing to separate the gear from the volume of lubricant in the reservoir, with the end wall extending adjacent to the face of the gear and the shroud wall extending at least partially around the outer periphery of the gear. The baffle is installed to the gearbox housing by a clamping force between the first housing body and the second housing body and by the engagement of the peripheral lip with the first baffle retaining surface of the first housing body and the engagement of a collar lip with the second baffle retaining surface of the second housing body, wherein the opening is disposed around the gear axis.

[0005] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The following will describe at least one example of the present disclosure in conjunction with the following drawings:

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example work equipment (wheel loader) of a transmission incorporating an embodiment including a baffle, as shown in an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a transmission gearbox incorporating an example baffle;

[0009] Figure 3 is of an example baffle installed Figure 2 is an isometric view of a housing body of a transmission gearbox;

[0010] Figure 4 is along Figure 2 taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a transmission gearbox and an example baffle;

[0011] Figure 5 is Figure 2 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of a transmission gearbox and a baffle; and

[0012] Figure 6 is Figure 2 an isometric view of a baffle plate.

[0013] Like reference symbols in different figures indicate like elements. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the description and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the examples and non-limiting embodiments of the invention described in the subsequent detailed description. It should also be understood that features or elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, unless otherwise stated. Detailed Description

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the figures briefly described above. Various modifications to the example embodiments may be envisioned by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0015] Overview

[0016] A transmission for a work device (e.g., a work vehicle) may have a multi-speed gearbox containing a volume of lubricant. The transmission may include shafts (e.g., an input shaft and an output shaft) that extend through the transmission housing to an external region for mating with external components, which introduces potential leak points for the lubricant. Such transmissions and baffle plates are associated with various limitations. Due to the drag on the gear teeth (especially at high speeds), the gears are susceptible to windage power losses. The transmission may be subject to extreme external operating conditions such as bounce and shock loads. The internal components may also experience these external conditions as well as high heat and vibration during operation of the transmission, which can lead to misalignment or other damage. The internal components may be mounted with fasteners, which may be prone to leakage while also increasing the total number of parts, cost, and complexity of the work device transmission.

[0017] Accordingly, there is a continuing need to provide a work equipment (e.g., vehicle) transmission gearbox having high efficiency, lubricant retention, reduced part count, ease of assembly, reduced manufacturing cost, and other desirable characteristics. To meet this need, a work equipment transmission gearbox having such desirable characteristics is provided herein, and the work equipment transmission gearbox is at least partially achieved by incorporating one or more baffles into the gearbox housing of the transmission gearbox. As described below, embodiments of the baffles are used to optimize transmission lubrication, maintain critical component spacing, and enhance other operational aspects of the transmission gearbox (e.g., reduce wind resistance). The baffles and the gearbox housing may also include certain complementary mounting arrangements (such as grooves, slots, and tabs) that can be joined by a clamping force (e.g., press fit) to provide a secure seal and ensure proper registration of the baffles into the gearbox housing while eliminating or reducing reliance on fasteners. In at least some embodiments, the mounting arrangements of the baffles may also provide anti-rotation features that prevent undesired rotation of the baffles within the transmission.

[0018] The disclosed baffles may include a circumferential shroud wall that extends at least partially around the outer perimeter and gear teeth of one or more gears around which the baffle is positioned. The shroud wall is generally tubular and is sized to provide a relatively tight (low clearance) fit around the enclosed gear(s) and gear teeth, such that the accumulation of lubricant within the shroud is minimized to reduce wind resistance and improve the overall performance of the work equipment transmission. The shroud wall may also protect the enclosed gear(s) from debris and prevent misalignment.

[0019] Additionally, the disclosed baffles may include an annular collar (which has a reduced diameter relative to the shroud wall) that is also tubular to fit around and protect additional components (such as shafts and bearings) of the gear(s) or the assembly that supports the gear(s). A disc-shaped end wall extends radially to connect the shroud wall and the annular collar. Like the shroud wall, the annular collar and the end wall are sized to provide a tight fit and enclose the components of the gear(s). Additional features may be incorporated into the annular collar and / or the end wall to strengthen the baffle and improve the installation. In some examples, an annular collar lip is welded to the annular collar at the terminus where the annular collar engages an inner boss of the gearbox housing.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the disclosed baffle includes one or more gear engagement windows formed in the shroud wall. The gear engagement windows are sized to allow the enclosed gear(s) to engage and mesh with other gears of the working equipment transmission. In certain embodiments, as an alternative location or in addition to the shroud wall, the disclosed baffle may provide a gear engagement window in an annular collar. Due to the arrangement of the gearbox transmission during use, the gear engagement window is positioned so that the baffle still protects and encloses the remainder of the gear(s) in the manner discussed herein. In order to provide additional strength and stability in the area of ​​the gear engagement window, reinforcing ribs may extend from the end wall.

[0021] The disclosed baffle can provide advantageous installation and assembly within a working equipment transmission. Fasteners used with conventional baffles may present potential leak points or failure points to the gearbox housing or the baffle. The disclosed baffle is retained by a clamping force from the gearbox housing, such as being pressed into a mounting structure of the gearbox housing, to eliminate the need for such fasteners. To achieve this, the baffle and the inner boss can have various complementary mounting features, for example, the inner boss has a baffle retaining surface, one or more of which can be an annular groove sized to receive a lip of an annular collar or shroud wall. Additionally, the baffle retaining surface can include one or more additional anti-rotation features, such as a narrow slot for receiving a complementary retaining tab of the baffle, which prevents the baffle from rotating relative to the gearbox housing.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the entire baffle or various features of the baffle may be integrally formed as a feature or portion of a single or unitary piece (including but not limited to any combination of the shroud wall, end wall, annular collar, reinforcing ribs, and retaining tabs mentioned above). This arrangement provides the baffle with a structurally strong construction at a reduced manufacturing cost. The integral construction of the baffle and the aforementioned fastener-free installation advantageously reduce parts and assembly time, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs. The baffle also provides suitable strength and rigidity to accommodate extreme operating conditions inside the gearbox transmission (e.g., high heat, rotational speeds, vibration, etc.) as well as conditions outside the gearbox (shock loads, etc.). Embodiments of the baffle may also provide other benefits. In combination Figures 1 to 6 Example embodiments of a baffle and a work equipment transmission suitably incorporating the baffle are described.

[0023] Example embodiments of a working equipment transmission with a gear guard and an assembly method

[0024] refer to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the disclosed work vehicle 10 can be a wheel loader. Although as described above, the work equipment transmissions and baffles described herein can be applicable to various work equipment machines, such as other construction vehicles (e.g., graders), agricultural vehicles including tractors, and forestry vehicles (e.g., log loaders). As shown, the work vehicle 10 can be considered to include a chassis formed by a chassis 12 that supports a work implement 16. The work implement 16 is selectively positioned and controllably moved using any number of actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders) through various combinations of structural elements (e.g., arms, crossbars, pivot joints, etc.). The work vehicle 10 can also be considered to include a powertrain 22, a cab 24, a control system 26, and a hydraulic system 28. The work vehicle 10 can be supported off the ground by ground-engaging wheels or tracks. In the example shown, the work vehicle 10 includes a front axle (not shown) that mounts steerable front wheels 30 (one at each left / right lateral side of the work vehicle 10) and a rear axle (not shown) that mounts driven rear wheels 32 (one or more at each left / right lateral side of the work vehicle 10).

[0025] Generally, the powertrain 22 includes a propulsion source (such as an engine 34) that supplies power to the work vehicle 10 either as direct mechanical power or after being converted to electrical power (e.g., through a battery) or hydraulic power. In one example, the engine 34 is an internal combustion engine (such as a diesel engine) that is controlled by an engine control module (not shown) of the control system 26. It should be noted that the use of an internal combustion engine is merely an example, as the propulsion source can be a fuel cell, an electric motor, a hybrid gas motor, or other power generating devices. The engine 34 selectively drives the wheels or tracks of the work vehicle 10, such as the rear wheels 32 or both the front wheels 30 and the rear wheels 32. Additionally, the powertrain 22 has a wheel steering component 36 that includes various means (e.g., a power steering pump and lines, a steering mechanism, etc.) for coupling manual (e.g., an operator steering controller or a wheel) and / or automatic (through the control system 26) steering inputs to one or more of the wheel sets (such as the front wheels 30).

[0026] The powertrain 22 of the work vehicle 10 further includes at least one actively lubricated transmission 38. For example, the transmission 38 can be mounted on the rear frame 12 of the work vehicle 10 at a location behind the cab 24. During operation, the work equipment transmission 38 transfers rotational motion from the engine 34 of the work vehicle 10 to other driven components of the work vehicle 10 (e.g., the rear wheels 32), while providing a desired mechanical reduction (speed reduction) between the engine output and the driven components. To help ensure the proper operation of the work equipment transmission 38 over a long period of time, the transmission 38 is actively lubricated by the circulation of a selected lubricant (usually oil), which can be filtered or otherwise conditioned (e.g., cooled) to maintain the lubricant quality. To further ensure the proper operation of the transmission 38 despite the relatively harsh, high-vibration environment in which the work vehicle 10 and the transmission 38 can operate, the transmission 38 can also include one or more baffles, which help maintain an appropriate spacing between the stationary and rotating components of the transmission 38. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the work equipment transmission 38 of the work vehicle 10 includes at least one baffle 40, which not only provides this partial spacing function, but also provides other functions (e.g., a lubricant reservoir), as discussed more fully below in connection with Figures 2 to 6 as discussed more fully below.

[0027] Reference is also made to Figure 2 FIG. 3, an example transmission 38 is shown and is applicable to the work vehicle 10 as a wheel loader as discussed above and various alternative work equipment applications (e.g., graders, construction vehicles). The transmission 38 includes a gearbox housing 42 defined by a first housing body 44 (shown as a front housing body) and a second housing body 46 (shown as a rear housing body). The terms "front" and "rear" as used herein are defined relative to the work equipment in which the gearbox housing 42 is incorporated. Generally, the gearbox housing 42 contains various gears, shafts, bearings, and other such components arranged to provide a gear reduction from input to output. During assembly, the various components contained within the gearbox housing 42 can initially be mounted within the first housing body 44. Then, the second housing body 46 can be placed together with the first housing body 44. Finally, the first housing body 44 and the second housing body 46 can be joined together using, for example, bolts or other fasteners.

[0028] Reference is also made to Figure 3, the transmission 38 includes an output shaft assembly 50, which includes an output gear 52 that rotates about a gear axis 54 and includes a first face 56a and a second face 56b at its axial ends, and defines an outer periphery 58 where tooth portions are formed. The output shaft assembly 50 is mounted at a first inner boss 60 of the first housing body 44 and a second inner boss 62 of the second housing body 46. Various additional shafts 64 and gears 66 (a subset of which are shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) are rotatably supported in a gear mount 68 that includes an input gear mount 70. In the example shown, several (e.g., seven) gears are provided, including a second gear 72 that rotates about a second gear axis 74 and meshes with the output gear 52. The additional gears 66 are mechanically linked between the output gear 52 and an input gear (not shown), and the rotation of the shafts 64 and gears 66 is facilitated by several rolling element bearings (not shown). The rotating components of the work equipment transmission 38 can be arranged in multiple stages, where in the example shown, the output shaft assembly 50 serves as a seventh-stage gear output, and the second gear 72 serves as a sixth-stage gear. In additional embodiments, various other gear train configurations are possible. The output shaft assembly 50 has a first end 76 and a second end 78, and two of these ends project through the corresponding first housing body 44 and second housing body 46 for selective mechanical connection (e.g., by a splined shaft) to corresponding rotatable components from the outside of the gearbox housing 42 to selectively drive the rotatable components. Additionally, rolling element bearings 80 (e.g., roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, etc.) are disposed around the output shaft 48 to facilitate the rotation of the output gear 52 and the elements of the output shaft assembly 50 about the gear axis 54. Similarly, the additional shafts 64 are supported by a plurality of bearings (not shown) to facilitate the rotation of the additional shafts 64 and the additional gears 66 being supported.

[0029] The first housing body 44 and the second housing body 46 form an inner cavity that defines a reservoir 82, which is a fluid-sealed chamber or compartment that holds a certain volume of lubricant (e.g., oil, transmission fluid, etc.) in the lower portion of the gearbox housing 42. The reservoir 82 is defined in the lower portion of an inner cavity 84 provided in the first housing body 44 and the second housing body 46. During assembly, the housing bodies 44, 46 abut to form a liquid-tight seal such that the reservoir 82 can hold the body of lubricant or "lubricant reservoir". Any number and type of gaskets or other sealing elements can be provided between the housing bodies 44, 46 to minimize (if not eliminate) leakage at this interface. After assembling the gearbox housing 42, a selected lubricant is injected into the interior of the gearbox housing 42 and collected in the reservoir 82 to form a lubricant reservoir. The volume of lubricant introduced into the transmission gearbox housing 42 will vary; however, as an example,Figure 2 The dashed line 86 in [reference] can represent the fill line of the gearbox housing 42 and thus, when filled with a selected lubricant, can correspond to the upper surface of the lubricant reserve held within the reservoir 82. The dashed line 86 is only a general indication of the position of the upper surface of the lubricant reservoir. Note that the volume of the lubricant reservoir (and thus the position of the upper surface) will vary depending on the volume of lubricant held within the gearbox housing 42 at a given point in time and the operating state of the gearing. In particular, the fill line can be close to or collinear with the gear axis 54.

[0030] As shown, the dashed line 86 indicating the volume of the lubricant reservoir can partially overlap the output gear 52. However, it is desirable to avoid submerging the output gear 52 in the lubricant reservoir for various reasons such as preventing windage power losses in the gearing. Thus, the baffle 40 is mounted with the output shaft assembly 50 to separate the lubricant reservoir from the output gear 52. The baffle 40 also fits closely around the output gear 52 to protect the output gear 52 and prevent a large volume of lubricant from impeding the gear teeth.

[0031] Also refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first inner boss 60 of the first housing body 44 and the second inner boss 62 of the second housing body 46 are arranged to receive the output shaft assembly 50 and are arranged to actively mount the baffle 40 using the clamping force exerted by various structures complementary to the features of the baffle 40. The first inner boss 60 and the second inner boss 62 can also slightly axially compress the baffle 40 under the action of the clamping force to provide a tight fit, for example compressing the baffle 40 by up to about 3 mm. In particular, the first inner boss 60 has a first outlet opening 92 for receiving the output shaft assembly 50, and the second inner boss 62 has a corresponding second outlet opening 94. In this way, the first outlet opening 92 and the second outlet opening 94 each define the gear axis 54 and allow the output shaft 48 to extend outside the gearbox housing 42. To mount the baffle 40, the first inner boss 60 has a first inner face 96 which has a first baffle retaining surface 98, and the second inner boss 62 has a second inner face 100 which has a second baffle retaining surface 102. In the example shown, the first inner face 96 and the second inner face 100 are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the gear axis 54 of the output gear 52. In this example, the second baffle retaining surface 102 is an annular groove having spaced-apart radial inner walls 104 and radial outer walls 106. This second baffle retaining surface 102 also includes an anti-rotation surface 108 formed between the radial inner walls 104 and the radial outer walls 106. The anti-rotation surface 108 of the example shown is a slot, although other arrangements are also conceivable.

[0032] Also refer toFigure 6 , the exemplary baffle 40 will be described in more detail. The baffle 40 mainly includes a shroud wall 110 and an annular collar 112. The shroud wall and the annular collar are substantially cylindrical and concentric with the annular collar 112 having a diameter relatively smaller than that of the shroud wall. The end wall 114 is in a disk shape and extends radially to join the shroud wall 110 and the annular collar 112. The end wall 114 extends in a radially inward direction from the circumferential shroud wall 110. The annular collar 112 projects from the annular end wall 114 in a backward axial direction opposite to the shroud wall 110. The shroud wall 110 defines a peripheral lip 116 at the end side opposite to the end wall 114 and has at least one tab 118 axially extending therefrom for insertion into the anti-rotation surface 108. Although two tabs 118 and two corresponding anti-rotation surfaces 108 are shown, other examples of the disclosed gearbox housing 42 may implement one, three, four, five, six or more tabs and corresponding anti-rotation surfaces. The terms "radial" and "axial" as referred to in the part of the baffle 40 herein are relative to the centerline of the baffle 40, which corresponds to the gear axis 54 when assembled.

[0033] The shroud wall 110 extends for less than about 360 degrees to define a gear engagement window 120. The exemplary shroud wall 110 extends for more than 270 degrees to protect and isolate the output gear 52; in other words, the gear engagement window 120 occupies less than 90 degrees of the shroud wall 110. This range of the shroud wall 110 can vary as long as the output gear 52 is fully engaged with the second gear 72. The exemplary annular collar 112 extends for about 360 degrees as a completely enclosed annular portion. Although in other embodiments, the annular collar 112 may also form a window similar to the gear engagement window 120 in the shroud wall 110. Any number of peripheral gear engagement windows 120 or similar openings may be formed in the baffle 40 to, for example, allow additional gear(s) 66 outside the baffle 40 to engage with the output gear 52 or gear(s) enclosed by the baffle 40.

[0034] The reinforcing rib 122 is optionally provided on the end wall 114 to reinforce the baffle 40 and reduce vibration. The reinforcing rib 122 is positioned within the gear engagement window 120 and extends at least partially in the axial direction away from the peripheral lip 116 such that when assembled, the reinforcing rib 122 does not engage the drive 38 or any other structure of the gearbox housing 42. The annular collar 112 terminates opposite the end wall 114 at the annular collar lip 124, which is concentric with the annular collar lip 124. A central opening 126 is formed in the end wall 114 and connects the main internal compartment or cylindrical cavity of the baffle 40 (i.e., the internal portion of the baffle 40 enclosed by the shroud wall 110) to the smaller internal compartment of the baffle 40 (i.e., the internal portion of the baffle 40 enclosed by the annular collar 112). When the baffle 40 is installed within the gearbox housing 42, a portion of the output shaft assembly 50 extends through the central opening 126 and through the open forward and rearward ends of the baffle 40. The annular collar lip 124 is sized to fit tightly with the first internal boss 60 of the first housing body 44 and may be configured to have relatively high material strength to withstand the operating loads and component clamping loads at the interface with the first internal boss 60.

[0035] In various embodiments, most, if not all, of the baffle 40 may be integrally formed as a single piece (e.g., formed simultaneously from the same material by the same process). Similarly, the tab 118 may be an integral part of the shroud wall 110, and the reinforcing rib 122 may be an integral part of the end wall 114. In certain examples, one or more of the shroud wall 110, the annular collar 112, and the end wall 114 may be separately formed parts assembled together. To facilitate installation using clamping force, the baffle 40 may have a slight degree of flexibility or elasticity in its construction material (e.g., sheet metal or polymeric material) and / or flexibility at its corners (the corners where the shroud wall 110 meets the end wall 114 and / or the corners where the annular collar 112 meets the end wall 114). The annular collar lip 124 in the illustrated example is a separate part (e.g., a sheet metal circular part) welded to the annular collar 112. Additional sealing features (e.g., O-rings) may be added for assembly at the peripheral lip 116 or the annular collar lip 124 (or the corresponding first baffle retaining surface 98 and second baffle retaining surface 102).

[0036] When the work equipment drive 38 is fully assembled, the baffle 40 fits tightly (e.g., under a compressive clamping force) between the first internal boss 60 of the first housing body 44 and the second internal boss 62 of the second housing body 46 so as to apply a clamping force sufficient to hold the baffle 40 in place without separate fasteners, etc. The annular collar lip 124 engages the first baffle retaining surface 98. As Figure 4As shown, the annular collar lip 124 slides on the complementary-shaped circular waist 130 of the first inner boss 60 to bear against the first baffle retaining surface 98. At the opposite axial ends of the baffle 40, the peripheral lip 116 of the shroud wall 110 engages the second baffle retaining surface 102 by fitting between the radial inner wall 104 and the radial outer wall 106. Due to having an unloaded axial length equal to or greater than the distance between the first inner boss 60 and the second inner boss 62, the baffle can be clamped and pressed between the first baffle retaining surface 98 and the second baffle retaining surface 102. In some examples, the baffle 40 can have an axial length that is approximately 0 to 6 mm or approximately 0 to 3 mm greater than the distance between the first baffle retaining surface 98 and the second baffle retaining surface 102. The gearbox housing 42 is filled with a certain volume of lubricant as indicated by the fill line 86, and as described above, the volume of the lubricant can vary. The baffle 40 extends at least partially around the outer periphery 58 of the output gear 52, thereby isolating the output gear 52 from the lubricant reservoir in the sump 82. The output gear 52 enclosed by the baffle 40 engages the second gear 72 within the gearbox housing 42 through the gear engagement window 120. In this way, the output gear 52 and the output shaft assembly 50 are substantially isolated from the lubricant reservoir in the sump 82.

[0037] The annular collar 112 can further help maintain part spacing and prevent undesired contact or friction between the rotating and stationary components within the gearbox housing 42. Additionally, as described above, a gap or buffer is provided between the first face 56a of the enclosed output gear 52 and the end wall 114. The lower portion of the annular end wall 114 can also serve as a dam feature or retaining wall to prevent the lower interior of the baffle 40 (defined by the portion of the shroud wall 110 located within the lubricant reservoir) from filling with a pool of lubricant. This, together with the relatively tight dimensions of the baffle 40 relative to the enclosed output gear 52, can reduce the wind resistance of the output gear 52 during the operation of the work equipment transmission 38.

[0038] For assembling the working equipment transmission 38, some or all of the internal components can be first installed on the first housing body 44 or the second housing body 46 before the first housing body 44 and the second housing body 46 are subsequently connected together. An example assembling method includes providing a first housing body 44 that includes a first baffle retaining surface 98 on a first inner boss 60 and a first outlet opening 92. The output gear 52 is installed in the first housing body 44. The output gear 52 has a first face 56a and an outer periphery 58 and is rotatable about a gear axis 54 defined by the first outlet opening 92. The output gear 52 is installed on the output shaft 48 together with some or all of the components of the output shaft assembly 50, such as the rolling element bearing 80. The additional shaft 64 and the gears 66, including the second gear 72, are assembled at their respective gear mounts 68, including assembling the input shaft and the input gear at the input gear mount 70. The baffle 40 is installed on the output gear 52. The baffle 40 has a shroud wall 110 that defines a peripheral lip 116, an annular collar 112 having an annular collar lip 124 and having an opening 126 concentric with the annular collar lip 124, and an end wall 114 that extends radially and joins the shroud wall 110 and the annular collar 121. The second housing body 46 having a second baffle retaining surface 102 is installed on the first housing body 44. Subsequently, the first housing body 44 is mated with the second housing body 46, for example by bolts, to form a gearbox housing 42 that houses the output gear 52 within an inner cavity 84 that defines a reservoir 82 for retaining a volume of lubricant. The baffle 40 is installed within the gear housing 42 to separate the output gear 52 from the volume of lubricant in the reservoir 82. The end wall 114 extends adjacent to the first face 56a of the output gear 52, and the shroud wall 110 extends at least partially around the outer periphery 58 of the output gear 52. By the clamping force between the first housing body 44 and the second housing body 46 and the engagement of the peripheral lip 116 with the second baffle retaining surface 102 of the second housing body 46 and the engagement of the collar lip 124 with the first baffle retaining surface 98 of the first housing body 44, the baffle is also disposed within the gear housing body 42, wherein the opening 126 is disposed about the gear axis 54. In this way, the baffle 40 is clamped between the first inner boss 60 of the first housing body and the second inner boss 62 of the second housing body 46.

[0039] In addition, the assembly method may include one or more of the following steps and structural details. The second housing body 46 has at least one anti-rotation surface 102, and the baffle 40 has at least one tab 118 sized to engage with at least one anti-rotation surface 102 of the second housing body 46. The second housing body 46 has a plurality of anti-rotation surfaces 108 in the form of slots; and the baffle 40 has a plurality of tabs 118 extending from the shroud wall 110 and configured to engage with the slots 108 in the second housing body 46. The collar lip 124 is substantially circular. The second baffle retaining surface 102 is an annular groove having spaced-apart radial inner walls 104 and radial outer walls 106 to receive the peripheral lip 161 of the shroud wall 110 of the baffle 40. The baffle 40 has at least one tab 118 extending axially from the shroud wall 110; at least one slot 108 is formed between the radial inner wall 104 and the radial outer wall 106, and the size and position of the at least one slot are sized to receive the at least one tab 118. The shroud wall 110 extends less than 360 degrees around the gear axis 54 to define a gear engagement window 210. The end wall 114 defines a reinforcing rib 122 that extends at least partially in an axial direction away from the peripheral lip 116 of the shroud wall 110. The assembly method may further include mounting a second gear 72 in the gearbox housing 42 for rotation about a second gear axis 74 parallel to the gear axis 54, wherein the second gear 72 engages with the output gear 52 through the gear engagement window 120 of the baffle 40. The annular collar 112 is welded to the end wall 114 of the baffle 40.

[0040] Embodiments of the baffle may include additional manifestations or rearrangements of the disclosed features. In alternative examples, anti-rotation structures, such as tabs, may be provided on the annular collar in addition to or instead of the shroud wall. Although the disclosed baffle is described as being mounted on the output gear, the baffle is applicable to any one or all of the gears in a work equipment transmission. Accordingly, the disclosed baffle may have any size to closely fit the intended gear(s), and one or more gear engagement windows may be provided in the shroud wall and / or the annular collar as needed to allow mating gears to engage.

[0041] Enumerated examples of a work equipment transmission and an assembly method with a gear baffle

[0042] In addition, the following examples are provided and are numbered for ease of reference.

[0043] 1. A transmission for a work device (such as a vehicle) is provided. In various embodiments, the work device transmission includes: a gear having a face and an outer periphery and rotatable about a gear axis; a gearbox housing that houses the gear within an inner cavity that defines a reservoir for retaining a volume of lubricant, the gearbox housing being defined by: a first housing body having a first baffle retaining surface and an outlet opening disposed about the gear axis; and a second housing body that is mountable to the first housing body and has a second baffle retaining surface; and a baffle having: a shroud wall that defines a peripheral lip; an annular collar having an annular collar lip and an opening concentric with the annular collar lip; an end wall that extends radially and joins the shroud wall and the annular collar; and wherein the baffle is disposed within the gearbox housing to separate the gear from a volume of lubricant in the reservoir, the end wall extends adjacent to the face of the gear, and the shroud wall extends at least partially about the outer periphery of the gear; and wherein the baffle is mounted to the gearbox housing by a clamping force between the first housing body and the second housing body and the engagement of the peripheral lip with the first baffle retaining surface of the first housing body and the engagement of the collar lip with the second baffle retaining surface of the second housing body, wherein the opening is disposed about the gear axis.

[0044] 2. The work device transmission of Example 1, wherein the second housing body has at least one anti-rotation surface; wherein the baffle has at least one tab; and wherein the at least one tab is sized to engage the at least one anti-rotation surface of the second housing body.

[0045] 3. The work device transmission of Example 2, wherein the second housing body has a plurality of anti-rotation surfaces in the form of slots; and wherein the baffle has a plurality of tabs extending from the shroud wall and configured to engage the slots in the second housing body.

[0046] 4. The work device transmission of Example 1, wherein the second baffle retaining surface is an annular groove having spaced-apart radial inner and outer walls to receive the peripheral lip of the shroud wall of the baffle.

[0047] 5. The work device transmission of Example 4, wherein the baffle has at least one tab extending axially from the shroud wall; and wherein at least one slot is formed between the radial inner and outer walls and is sized and positioned to receive the at least one tab.

[0048] 6. The work device transmission of Example 1, wherein the shroud wall extends less than 360 degrees about the gear axis to define a gear engagement window.

[0049] 7. The working device transmission of Example 6, wherein the end wall defines a reinforcing rib that extends at least partially in the axial direction away from the peripheral lip of the shield wall.

[0050] 8. The working device transmission of Example 6, further comprising a second gear mounted in the gearbox housing for rotation about a second gear axis parallel to the gear axis, wherein the second gear meshes with the gear through the gear meshing window of the baffle.

[0051] 9. In other examples, a method of assembling a working device transmission with a baffle is provided. The method includes: providing a first housing body having a first baffle retaining surface and an outlet opening; mounting a gear in the first housing body, the gear having a face and an outer periphery and being rotatable about a gear axis defined by the outlet opening; mounting a baffle on the gear, the baffle having: a shield wall that defines a peripheral lip; an annular collar that has an annular collar lip and an opening concentric with the annular collar lip; an end wall that extends radially and joins the shield wall and the annular collar; mounting a second housing body to the first housing body, the second housing body having a second baffle retaining surface; and mating the first housing body with the second housing body to form a gearbox housing that houses the gear within an inner cavity that defines a reservoir for retaining a volume of lubricant; and wherein the baffle is disposed within the gearbox housing to separate the gear from the volume of lubricant in the reservoir, the end wall extends adjacent to the face of the gear, and the shield wall extends at least partially around the outer periphery of the gear; and wherein the baffle is mounted to the gearbox housing by the clamping force between the first housing body and the second housing body and the engagement of the peripheral lip with the first baffle retaining surface of the first housing body and the engagement of the collar lip with the second baffle retaining surface of the second housing body, wherein the opening is disposed around the gear axis.

[0052] 10. The method of Example 9, wherein the second housing body has at least one anti-rotation surface; wherein the baffle has at least one tab; and wherein the at least one tab is sized to engage the at least one anti-rotation surface of the second housing body.

[0053] 11. The method of Example 10, wherein the second housing body has a plurality of anti-rotation surfaces in the form of slots; and wherein the baffle has a plurality of tabs extending from the shield wall and configured to engage the slots in the second housing body.

[0054] 12. The method of Example 9, wherein the second baffle retaining surface is an annular groove having spaced-apart radial inner and outer walls to receive the peripheral lip of the shield wall of the baffle.

[0055] 13. The method of Example 12, wherein the baffle has at least one tab extending axially from the shroud wall; and wherein at least one slot is formed between the radially inner wall and the radially outer wall, the size and location of the at least one slot being determined to receive the at least one tab.

[0056] 14. The method of Example 9, wherein the shroud wall extends around the gear axis less than 360 degrees to define a gear engagement window.

[0057] 15. The method of Example 14, further comprising mounting a second gear in the gearbox housing for rotation about a second gear axis parallel to the gear axis, wherein the second gear engages the gear through the gear engagement window of the baffle.

[0058] Conclusion

[0059] Accordingly, embodiments of a transmission gearbox of a work device (e.g., a work vehicle) including a baffle have been described, which provide several benefits and perform important functions within the gearbox. The disclosed baffle provides an elegant and robust design, with a reduced number of parts and improved assembly, thereby reducing various manufacturing costs while enhancing the performance of the gearbox transmission. In particular, the disclosed baffle can reduce windage losses (thereby improving power efficiency), improve lubricant retention, protect the gears, maintain proper part spacing, and provide other desired benefits.

[0060] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that when used in this specification, the term "comprising" specifies the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0061] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form presented. Many modifications and variations are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The embodiments and examples specifically recited herein were chosen to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present disclosure and recognize the many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the described (multiple) examples. Accordingly, various embodiments and implementations other than those specifically described are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A transmission device (38) for a working device, comprising: A gear (52), the gear having a face (56a) and an outer periphery (58) and being rotatable about a gear axis (54); A gearbox housing (42), the gearbox housing accommodating the gear (52) in an inner cavity (84), the inner cavity defining a reservoir (82) for holding a certain volume of lubricant, the gearbox housing (42) being defined by: A first housing body (44), the first housing body having a first baffle retaining surface (98) and an outlet opening (92) disposed around the gear axis (54); And A second housing body (46), the second housing body being mountable to the first housing body (44) and having a second baffle retaining surface (102), the second baffle retaining surface (102) being an annular groove; and A baffle (40), the baffle having: A shroud wall (110), the shroud wall defining an outer peripheral lip (116); An annular collar (112), the annular collar having an annular collar lip (124), the annular collar (112) having an opening (126) concentric with the annular collar lip (124); An end wall (114), the end wall extending radially and joining the shroud wall (110) and the annular collar (112); and Wherein, the outer peripheral lip (116) is defined at an end side of the shroud wall (110) opposite to the end wall (114), the baffle (40) is disposed within the gearbox housing (42) to separate the gear (52) from a certain volume of lubricant in the reservoir (82), the end wall (114) extends close to the face (56a) of the gear (52), and the shroud wall (110) extends at least partially around the outer periphery (58) of the gear (52); and Wherein, by the clamping force between the first housing body (44) and the second housing body (46), and the engagement of the outer peripheral lip (116) with the second baffle retaining surface (102) of the second housing body (46) and the engagement of the collar lip (124) with the first baffle retaining surface (98) of the first housing body (44), the baffle (40) is mounted to the gearbox housing (42), wherein the outlet opening (92) is disposed around the gear axis (54).

2. The working equipment transmission device (38) according to claim 1, wherein, The second housing body (46) has at least one anti-rotation surface (108); Wherein, the baffle (40) has at least one tab (118); and Wherein, the size of the at least one tab (118) is determined to engage the at least one anti-rotation surface (108) of the second housing body (46).

3. The drive device (38) of the working equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The second housing body (46) has a plurality of anti-rotation surfaces (108) in the form of slots; and Wherein, the baffle (40) has a plurality of tabs (118) extending from the shroud wall (110) and configured to engage the slots (108) in the second housing body (46).

4. The drive device (38) of the working equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The annular groove has radially inner walls (104) and radially outer walls (106) spaced apart to receive the peripheral lip (116) of the shroud wall (110) of the baffle (40).

5. The working device transmission (38) according to claim 4, wherein, The baffle (40) has at least one tab (118) extending axially from the shroud wall (110); and wherein at least one slot (108) is formed between the radially inner wall (104) and the radially outer wall (106), and the size and position of the at least one slot are determined to receive the at least one tab (118).

6. The drive device (38) of the working equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The shroud wall (110) extends less than 360 degrees about the gear axis (54) to define a gear engagement window (120).

7. The working equipment transmission device (38) according to claim 6, wherein, The end wall (114) defines a reinforcing rib (122) that extends at least partially in an axial direction away from the peripheral lip (116) of the shroud wall (110).

8. The working equipment transmission (38) according to claim 6, further comprising a second gear (72) mounted in the gearbox housing (42) for rotation about a second gear axis (74) parallel to the gear axis (54); Among them, The second gear (72) meshes with the gear (52) through the gear engagement window (120) of the baffle (40).

9. A method of assembling a working equipment transmission (38) with a baffle (40), comprising: providing a first housing body (44) having a first baffle retaining surface (98) and an outlet opening (92); mounting a gear (52) in the first housing body (44), the gear (52) having a face (56a) and an outer periphery (58) and being rotatable about a gear axis (54) defined by the outlet opening (92); mounting a baffle (40) on the gear (52), the baffle (40) having: a shroud wall (110) defining a peripheral lip (116); an annular collar (112) having an annular collar lip (124), the annular collar (112) having an opening (126) concentric with the annular collar lip (124); an end wall (114) extending radially and joining the shroud wall (110) and the annular collar (112); mounting a second housing body (46) to the first housing body (44), the second housing body (46) having a second baffle retaining surface (102) that is an annular groove; and mating the first housing body (44) with the second housing body (46) to form a gearbox housing (42) that houses the gear (52) within an inner cavity (84) that defines a reservoir (82) for retaining a lubricant of a certain volume; Wherein, an outer peripheral lip (116) is defined at an end side of the shield wall (110) opposite to the end wall (114), the baffle (40) is disposed within the gearbox housing (42) to separate the gear (52) from the volume of lubricant in the reservoir (82), the end wall (114) extends close to a face (56a) of the gear (52), and the shield wall (110) extends at least partially around an outer periphery (58) of the gear (52); and Wherein, the baffle (40) is mounted to the gearbox housing (42) by a clamping force between the first housing body (44) and the second housing body (46), and by engagement of the outer peripheral lip (116) with a second baffle retaining surface (102) of the second housing body (46) and engagement of the collar lip (124) with a first baffle retaining surface (98) of the first housing body (44), wherein the outlet opening (92) is disposed around the gear axis (54).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The second housing body (46) has at least one anti-rotation surface (108); Wherein, the baffle (40) has at least one tab (118); and Wherein, the at least one tab (118) is sized to engage the at least one anti-rotation surface (108) of the second housing body (46).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The second housing body (46) has a plurality of anti-rotation surfaces (108) in the form of slots; and Wherein, the baffle (40) has a plurality of tabs (118) extending from the shield wall (110) and configured to engage slots (108) in the second housing body (46).

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The annular groove has spaced-apart radial inner walls (104) and radial outer walls (106) to receive the outer peripheral lip (116) of the shield wall (110) of the baffle (40).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The baffle (40) has at least one tab (118) extending axially from the shield wall (110); and Wherein, at least one slot (108) is formed between the radial inner wall (104) and the radial outer wall (106), and the size and position of the at least one slot are sized to receive the at least one tab (118).

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The shield wall (110) extends around the gear axis (54) by less than 360 degrees to define a gear engagement window (120).

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising mounting a second gear (72) in the gearbox housing (42) for rotation about a second gear axis (74) parallel to the gear axis (54); Among them, The second gear (72) meshes with the gear (52) through the gear engagement window (120) of the baffle (40).

Images