Lubrication of planetary gear systems

Abstract

A planetary system is provided, which may be present in an automotive transmission. The planetary system may include: a sun gear; a plurality of pinions operably coupled to the sun gear and carried by the carrier; and a ring gear operably coupled to the plurality of pinions. The cradle may include a plurality of spaced apart sidewalls and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart posts interconnecting the sidewalls. The plurality of posts and sidewalls may be integral with one another. Further, at least one of the columns may include an oil transfer passage and an oil exit passage, the oil transfer passage and the oil exit passage being in fluid communication with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to planetary gear systems, such as those of vehicle transmissions. More particularly, the present application relates to lubricating the gears of a planetary gear system. Background Art

[0002] Planetary gear systems can be used in a variety of situations. In some examples, planetary gear systems can be used in vehicle transmissions, such as to provide multiple gear ratios, reverse capability, and / or efficient torque distribution. Generally, a planetary gear system includes a sun gear, a plurality of pinion gears supported by a carrier, and a ring gear. The plurality of pinion gears in a simple planetary gear set mesh with the sun gear and the ring gear. When meshing with the sun gear, the plurality of pinion gears may generate friction, thereby generating heat and negatively affecting the life of the planetary gear system. Summary of the invention

[0003] Some aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to planetary gear systems, such as planetary systems for automotive transmissions. Generally, a planetary gear system includes a sun gear, a plurality of pinions supported by a carrier, and a ring gear. A plurality of pinions in a simple planetary gear set mesh with the sun gear and the ring gear. When meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear, the plurality of pinions may generate friction, thereby generating heat and negatively affecting the service life of the planetary gear system. The carrier provided herein may include one or more oil passages, which guide oil to the pinions. The carrier provided herein may include a plurality of spaced-apart sidewalls and a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart columns interconnecting the sidewalls. At least one of the columns may include an oil delivery channel and an oil exit channel, which are fluidly connected to each other. The oil exit channel may be directed to the pinions so that when oil is supplied to the carrier, the oil is delivered through the oil exit channel and delivered to the pinions. Therefore, when the pinions mesh with the sun gear, the sun gear is lubricated with oil to provide continuous oil cooling to the sun gear. The planetary gear system provided herein that can provide continuous oil cooling to the sun gear enables increased torque at higher speeds compared to conventional planetary gear trains.

[0004] In some examples, a planetary system is provided. The planetary system includes: a sun gear capable of rotating about an axis; a plurality of pinion gears capable of being operably coupled to the sun gear; a carrier; and a ring gear. The plurality of pinion gears includes a pinion gear, and each of the plurality of pinion gears is capable of rotating relative to the sun gear. The carrier supports the plurality of pinion gears. The carrier includes: a front wall; a rear wall spaced apart from the front wall; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced columns interconnecting the front wall and the rear wall. At least one of the columns includes an oil delivery channel and an oil exit channel, the oil delivery channel and the oil exit channel being fluidly connected to each other. The oil exit channel is directed to a portion of the pinion gear, which is approximately the middle portion along the axial length of the pinion gear. The ring gear is capable of being operably coupled to the plurality of pinion gears. The plurality of pinion gears are capable of rotating relative to the ring gear.

[0005] In some examples, each of the columns includes a respective oil delivery channel and an oil exit channel.

[0006] In some examples, the oil delivery passage extends through the bracket in a direction generally along the axis.

[0007] In some examples, the oil delivery passage does not extend parallel to the axis.

[0008] In some examples, the oil exit passage extends through the column generally orthogonally relative to the oil delivery passage.

[0009] In some examples, the bracket includes an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, wherein the bracket includes a circumferential groove extending through the inner circumferential surface, and wherein the groove intersects the oil delivery passage.

[0010] In some examples, the oil exits the passage and is directed toward the side of the pinion gear that is rotating just toward the sun gear.

[0011] In some examples, a method of lubricating a planetary system is provided. The method includes providing a carrier, the carrier including a front wall; a rear wall spaced apart from the front wall; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced columns interconnecting the front wall and the rear wall, wherein at least one of the columns includes an oil exit channel directed toward a pinion gear. The method also includes supplying oil to the carrier so that the oil is delivered through the oil exit channel to a side of the pinion gear that just rotates into the sun gear; and meshing the pinion gear with the sun gear to lubricate the sun gear with the oil.

[0012] In some examples, the plurality of posts, the front wall, and the rear wall are integral with one another.

[0013] In some examples, at least one of the columns further includes an oil delivery passage in fluid communication with the oil exit passage, and wherein supplying oil further includes supplying oil through the oil delivery passage into the oil exit passage and supplying oil to the pinion gear.

[0014] In some examples, the bracket is rotationally symmetric about the axis, and the oil delivery passage extends through the bracket in a direction generally along the axis.

[0015] In some examples, oil is delivered through the oil delivery passage by rotation of the carrier.

[0016] In some examples, the oil delivery passage does not extend parallel to the axis.

[0017] In some examples, the oil exit passage extends through the column generally orthogonally relative to the oil delivery passage.

[0018] In some examples, the oil exit passage is directed toward a portion of the pinion gear, the portion of the pinion gear being approximately midway along the axial length of the pinion gear.

[0019] In some examples, a carrier for a planetary gear system is provided. The carrier includes a plurality of spaced-apart sidewalls and a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart posts interconnecting the sidewalls. The plurality of posts and the sidewalls are integrally cast. At least one of the posts includes an oil delivery channel and an oil exit channel, the oil delivery channel and the oil exit channel being in fluid communication with each other.

[0020] In some examples, each of the columns includes a respective oil delivery channel and an oil exit channel.

[0021] In some examples, the bracket is rotationally symmetric about the axis, and the oil delivery passage extends through the bracket in a direction generally along the axis.

[0022] In some examples, the oil delivery passage does not extend parallel to the axis.

[0023] In some examples, the oil exit passage extends through the column generally orthogonally relative to the oil delivery passage.

[0024] The present summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are further described in the following detailed description. The present summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional aspects, features and / or advantages of the examples will be set forth in part in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned through disclosed practice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above-mentioned and other features of the present invention and the manner of achieving them will become more apparent and the present invention itself will be better understood by referring to the following description of embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 An isometric view of a planetary gear system according to some aspects provided herein is shown.

[0027] Figure 1A According to some aspects provided in this article Figure 1 Exploded view of a planetary gear system.

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a device with stepped sections according to some aspects provided herein is shown. Figure 1 Cross-section of a planetary gear system.

[0029] Figure 3 According to some aspects provided in this article Figure 1 Cross-section of a planetary gear system.

[0030] Figure 4 According to some aspects provided in this article Figure 1 Front perspective view of the carrier of the planetary gear system.

[0031] Figure 5 According to some aspects provided in this article Figure 4 Rear perspective view of the bracket.

[0032] Figure 6 An example method of lubricating a planetary gear system according to some aspects provided herein is shown.

[0033] Corresponding reference numerals may indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Unless otherwise specified, the figures are in proportion and are drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] It should be understood that the words and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, herein is meant to include the items listed below and their equivalents as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled," and variations thereof, are used broadly and include both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0035] Although the structures and components disclosed herein can be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the embodiments described in the present disclosure are merely examples of the principles described herein, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown. Further, throughout the present disclosure, the terms "about," "roughly," and "approximately" mean plus or minus 5% of the number or geometric constraint preceding each term. For example, about 100 can mean 100+ / -5. Additionally or alternatively, roughly orthogonal can mean that any 90 degree angle associated with the described orthogonality can be between 85.5 and 94.5 degrees (including 85.5 and 94.5 degrees).

[0036] As mentioned above, planetary gear systems can be used in various scenarios. In some examples, planetary gear systems can be used in vehicle transmissions, such as to provide multiple gear ratios, reverse capability, and / or effective torque distribution. The planetary gear system includes a sun gear, a plurality of pinion gears supported by a carrier, and a ring gear. A plurality of pinion gears in a simple planetary gear set mesh with the sun gear and the ring gear. When meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear, the plurality of pinion gears may generate friction, thereby generating heat, and based on a certain amount of heat, the service life of the planetary gear system may be negatively affected. Transmission systems often include a plurality of planetary gear sets, the plurality of planetary gear sets having a respective sun gear, a planet carrier, and a ring gear, each of which is fixedly or selectively interconnected by a plurality of clutches and / or brakes. An exemplary planetary transmission is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,808,807, entitled "MULTI-SPEED PLANETARY TRANSMISSION", the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] Therefore, there is a need to reduce the amount of heat generated by the intermeshing of gears, such as the amount of heat generated by the sun gear when it meshes with the pinion gear. In an embodiment, the amount of heat generated can be reduced by lubricating the sun gear with a lubricating fluid, such as a transmission oil. The term "oil" used throughout the remainder of the specification should be interpreted to include any type of fluid that can be used to lubricate components. In an example, lubrication of the sun gear can be indirect. For example, the lubricating fluid can be provided through a passage in a bracket and directed at the pinion gear, which in turn lubricates the sun gear as it rotates due to intermeshing with the sun gear. It is with respect to these and other general considerations that embodiments have been described. Likewise, although relatively specific issues have been discussed, it should be understood that embodiments should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified herein.

[0038] Some aspects of the present disclosure may be beneficial in addressing the above problems, as well as additional problems that may be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Generally, as explained herein, a planetary gear system includes a sun gear, a plurality of pinions supported by a carrier, and a ring gear. A plurality of pinions in a simple planetary gear set mesh with the sun gear and the ring gear. The carrier provided herein may include a plurality of spaced-apart sidewalls and a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart columns interconnecting the sidewalls. At least one of the columns may include an oil delivery channel and an oil exit channel, the oil delivery channel and the oil exit channel being in fluid communication with each other. The oil exit channel may be directed to the pinion gear so that when oil is supplied to the carrier, the oil is delivered through the oil exit channel and delivered to the pinion gear. Therefore, when the portion of the pinion gear having oil meshes with the sun gear, the sun gear is lubricated with oil to lubricate the sun gear and reduce friction between the sun gear and the pinion gear. In an embodiment, the pinion gear provides continuous oil lubrication to the sun gear. Compared with a conventional planetary gear system, the planetary gear system provided herein that provides continuous oil cooling to the sun gear enables increased torque at higher speeds.

[0039] Figure 1 An isometric view of the planetary gear system 100 is shown, and Figure 1A 1 shows an exploded view of the planetary gear system 100. The input member 102 is connected to the planetary gear system 100 by a shaft 103 (see FIG. Figure 3 ) is operably coupled to the sun gear 104 of the planetary gear system 100. In an embodiment, the input member 102 is fixedly coupled to the sun gear 104 such that the input member 102 and the sun gear 104 rotate together. Alternatively, the input member 102 can be operably coupled to the sun gear 104 through one or more intermediate rotatable components. The sun gear 104 is intermeshed with a plurality of pinion gears 106, which are carried by a carrier 108. The plurality of pinion gears 106 are also intermeshed with a ring gear 110. The ring gear 110 is illustratively shown as having splines 112, which can be received in corresponding splines of a transmission housing (not shown) to hold the ring gear 110 stationary relative to the transmission housing. Thus, rotation of the input member 102 causes a corresponding rotation of the sun gear 104, which in turn causes rotation of the carrier 108 through the intermeshing of the teeth 116 of the sun gear 104 with the teeth 114 of the pinion gear 106, and the intermeshing of the teeth 114 of the pinion gear 106 with the teeth 118 of the ring gear 110. Thus, in the example shown, the carrier 108 is considered the output member of the planetary gear system 100. In other embodiments, the input member 102 can be coupled to the carrier 108, and the sun gear 104 is the output member of the planetary gear system 100. Other arrangements are possible.

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a device with stepped sections according to some aspects provided herein is shown. Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a planetary gear system 100. The planetary gear system 100 includes a sun gear 104 (see Figure 2 ), the sun gear 104 is disposed in a bracket 108 and is surrounded by a plurality of pinion gears 106.

[0041] Each pinion 106 can be connected to the shaft 119 (see Figure 1A ) rotates on the bracket 108, and the shaft 119 is fixedly coupled to the bracket 108. The bearing 120 is interposed between the corresponding shaft 119 and the pinion gear 106. The plurality of pinion gears 106 can be operably coupled to the sun gear 104. For example, the plurality of pinion gears 106 can rotate in a rotation direction opposite to the rotation direction of the sun gear 104 (for example, clockwise or counterclockwise). The sun gear 104 is configured to rotate about an axis A. In some examples, the bracket 108 is rotationally symmetrical about the axis A. In some examples, the sun gear 104 is located at the center of the bracket 108 so that the axis A extends through the geometric center point and / or the center of mass of the sun gear 104. Further, the plurality of pinion gears 106 can be radially symmetrical about the axis A. For example, the plurality of pinion gears 106 may include four pinion gears (such as Figure 2 ), the four pinions are equally spaced about the axis A. In some examples, the plurality of pinions 106 includes two pinions, three pinions, six pinions, or any other plurality of pinions spaced about the axis A.

[0042] The sun gear 104 includes a plurality of teeth 116. Further, the plurality of pinion gears 106 each include a corresponding plurality of teeth 114. The teeth 116 of the sun gear 104 are sized and shaped to mesh with the teeth 114 of the pinion gears 106 so that when the sun gear 104 or one of the plurality of pinion gears 106 is rotated, the other of the sun gear 104 or the plurality of pinion gears 106 is also rotated.

[0043] In some examples, each of the plurality of pinion gears 106 has the same size (e.g., has the same diameter). In some examples, the size (e.g., diameter) of one or more of the plurality of pinion gears 106 is different compared to one or more other pinion gears in the plurality of pinion gears 106. In some examples, the diameter of at least one of the plurality of pinion gears 106 (e.g., the diameter measured from the outermost point of the teeth 114 and / or the innermost point of the teeth 114) is greater than the diameter of the sun gear 104 (e.g., similarly the diameter measured from the outermost point of the teeth 116 and / or the innermost point of the teeth 116). Additionally and / or alternatively, in some examples, the diameter of at least one of the plurality of pinion gears 106 (e.g., the diameter measured from the outermost point of the teeth 114 and / or the innermost point of the teeth 114) is less than the diameter of the sun gear 104 (e.g., similarly the diameter measured from the outermost point of the teeth 116 and / or the innermost point of the teeth 116). In such an example, the planetary gear system 100 may have a plurality of ring gears 110 with a first portion of the plurality of pinion gears 106 having a first diameter intermeshing with the first ring gear and a second portion of the plurality of pinion gears 106 having a second diameter intermeshing with the second ring gear.

[0044] The planetary gear system 100 also includes a ring gear 110. The ring gear 110 can surround the plurality of pinion gears 106, as shown. Thus, the ring gear 110 can also surround the sun gear 104. The ring gear 110 can be rotationally symmetrical about the axis A. Further, the ring gear 110 can be operably coupled to the plurality of pinion gears 106 so that the ring gear 110 meshes with the plurality of pinion gears 106. For example, the ring gear 110 can include a plurality of teeth 118 that mesh with teeth 114 of the plurality of pinion gears 106. As mentioned herein, the ring gear 110 includes a plurality of splines 112, for example, the plurality of splines 112 can fixedly couple the ring gear 110 to a fixed component, such as a housing. In an embodiment, the splines 112 can be coupled to another rotating component, such as one of a sun gear, a planet carrier, or a ring gear of another planetary gear system. Thus, the ring gear 110 can be configured to rotate based on the rotation of one or more of the plurality of pinion gears 106. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of pinion gears 106 may be configured to rotate based on the rotation of the ring gear 110 (eg, depending on which component of the planetary gear system 100 is being driven).

[0045] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5, the bracket 108 includes a base 160 having a rear wall 162 and a front wall 164. The side wall 132 extends between the rear wall 162 and the front wall 164. The side wall 132 includes a plurality of circumferential recesses 170, each of which receives a corresponding pinion 106. Each of the front wall 164 and the rear wall 162 includes a hole 172, 174, respectively, to support a corresponding shaft 119, which in turn supports a corresponding pinion 106. Intervening between the various circumferential recesses 170 and spanning from the front wall 164 to the rear wall 162 are a plurality of spaced-apart posts 136. As shown, the plurality of posts 136 are spaced circumferentially apart because the plurality of posts 136 are positioned at regular intervals along the circumference of the bracket 108. As shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, each pair of adjacent columns 136 may have a pinion gear of the plurality of pinion gears 106 disposed between each pair of adjacent columns 136. Therefore, the number of columns 136 may be the same as the number of pinion gears 106.

[0046] In some examples, the side wall 132, the plurality of columns 136, the front wall 164, and the rear wall 162 are integral with each other (e.g., the side wall 132, the plurality of columns 136, the front wall 164, and the rear wall 162 are not removable or are not separable from each other). For example, the bracket 108 can be a single piece of casting. That is, the bracket 108 can be manufactured by pouring molten material into a mold and allowing the molten material to solidify into the bracket 108. As another example, the bracket 108 can include a plurality of pieces that are bolted, brazed, welded, or otherwise coupled together. Cast metals have several characteristics that make them suitable for a wide range of applications. Cast metals generally have good strength, allowing cast metals to withstand heavy loads and forces. The strength of cast metals can be enhanced by alloying or heat treatment processes. The casting process enables the production of complex shapes and complex and fine details. Cast metals are also durable and resistant to wear, corrosion, and other environmental factors. This makes cast metals suitable for applications that require durable and reliable components. Further, cast metals, such as aluminum and copper alloys, have high thermal conductivity. This property allows for efficient heat transfer, making cast metals suitable for applications involving heat dissipation or thermal management (e.g., of fluids in automotive transmissions).

[0047] refer to Figure 2In some examples, the post 136 includes a first curved wall 137 and a second curved wall 138. The first curved wall 137 and the second curved wall 138 can be laterally opposed. At least a portion of the first curved wall 137 can be defined by a curvature that generally matches the curvature of the outer diameter of the pinion 106. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the second curved wall 138 can be defined by a curvature that generally matches the curvature of the outer diameter of the pinion 106. Therefore, the first curved wall 137 and / or the second curved wall 138 can be sized and shaped to economically use space within the bracket 108.

[0048] In some examples, the posts 136 can each be symmetrical about a plane passing through the center of the post and the axis A. In some examples, the first curved wall 137 and / or the second curved wall 138 are concave, such that the first curved wall 137 and / or the second curved wall 138 are generally curved inward. For example, the first curved wall 137 and / or the second curved wall 138 of each of the plurality of posts 136 can be curved toward a plane of vertical symmetry defining the respective post 136 (a plane passing through the center of the post and the axis A).

[0049] In some examples, at least one of the columns 136 includes an oil delivery passage 140 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) and oil exit passage 144 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). The oil delivery channel 140 and the oil exit channel 144 can be in fluid communication with each other. Specifically, the oil delivery channel 140 and the oil exit channel 144 can together form a path through which a fluid (e.g., oil) can flow without restriction. In some examples, each of the columns 136 includes a corresponding oil delivery channel and an oil exit channel 144.

[0050] Each oil exit channel 144 may be directed toward a corresponding pinion of the plurality of pinions 106, such that when oil is supplied to the carrier 108 (e.g., via the oil delivery channel 140), the oil is delivered through the oil exit channel 144 and onto the pinion 106. The oil may splash onto the pinion 106 via the oil exit channel 144. Specifically, in an embodiment, the oil exit channel 144 may be directed toward a central portion of the pinion 106, which is approximately a middle portion along the axial length (e.g., the length extending along the axis A) of the pinion 106.

[0051] In some examples, oil can be delivered to the side of the one or more pinion gears 106 that just rotates into the sun gear 104 through the oil exit passage 144. By applying the oil to the side of the one or more pinion gears 106 that just rotates into the sun gear 104, the oil does not have to be transferred around a large portion of the rotating one or more pinion gears 106 before being applied to the sun gear 104 (which may result in oil loss due to distance traveled, centrifugal forces, etc.). Therefore, the oil can be effectively transferred from the oil exit passage 144 to the sun gear 104 (e.g., the teeth 114 of the one or more pinion gears 106) via the one or more pinion gears 106 (e.g., the teeth 116 of the sun gear 104).

[0052] In an embodiment, in a multi-speed transmission, the pinion gear 106 can rotate in different directions relative to the oil exit passage 144 based on the gear setting of the transmission, such as rotating in a first rotational direction toward the sun gear 104 for a forward gear setting, in which a vehicle including the transmission is driven forward, and rotating in a second rotational direction away from the sun gear 104 for a reverse gear setting, in which a vehicle including the transmission is driven backward. Among other advantages, an advantage of having the oil exit passage 144 deliver oil to the side of the pinion gear 106 that is forward toward the sun gear 104 in the forward gear setting is that the sun gear 104 is lubricated at a higher rate during a majority of the vehicle driving time because the vehicle is driven in the forward direction for a majority of the vehicle time.

[0053] To lubricate each of the plurality of pinion gears 106, the oil delivery passage 140 may be directed to each of the pinion gears 106 via respective ones of the plurality of posts 136. In some examples, the exit point of the oil from the passage 144 (e.g., the point at which the oil is configured to exit the passage 144 of the carrier 108) directs the oil to the teeth 114 of the pinion gears 106 on the side of the pinion gears 106 that is rotating toward the sun gear 104. Thus, the oil directed to the teeth 114 of the pinion gears 106 is then delivered to the sun gear 104 to lubricate the sun gear 104.

[0054] Figure 3 According to some aspects provided in this article, Figure 1 and Figure 2 sectional view of the planetary gear system 100. Figure 3 As shown, oil delivery passage 140 extends through carrier 108 in a direction generally along axis A. In some examples, oil may be transferred through oil delivery passage 140 as a result of centrifugal forces generated by rotation of some aspect of planetary gear system 100 (e.g., rotation of plurality of pinion gears 106 and / or carrier 108 ).

[0055] In some examples, including the example shown, the oil delivery passage 140 does not extend parallel to the axis A, wherein a portion adjacent to and in fluid communication with the oil exit passage 144 is further from the axis A than a portion adjacent to and in fluid communication with the groove 156. If the oil delivery passage 140 is parallel to the axis A, the oil delivery passage 140 may need to be pressurized (e.g., via a conventional pressurizing mechanism) so that oil can be transferred through the oil delivery passage 140. However, when the oil delivery passage 140 does not extend through the carrier 108 parallel to the axis A, then the oil can be transferred through the oil delivery passage 140 solely relying on the centrifugal force generated by the planetary gear system 100. In some examples, the oil delivery passage 140 can be pressurized to supplement the centrifugal force. However, in other examples, the oil delivery passage 140 can use only centrifugal force to transfer oil through the oil delivery passage 140.

[0056] In some examples, the oil exit passage 144 extends through the column approximately orthogonally relative to the oil delivery passage 140. In other words, the oil exit passage 144 can extend approximately parallel to the radial direction of the bracket 108 (e.g., in the bracket 108, the radial direction is orthogonal to the axis A) to deliver oil to the teeth 114 of the pinion 106. For example, the oil exit passage 144 and / or the oil delivery passage 140 can define a respective longitudinal axis (e.g., an axis extending from a first end to a second end of each of the respective passages 140, 144 while extending through a respective geometric center point of each of the passages 140, 144). The longitudinal axes can intersect each other at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, the oil exit passage 144 can extend from the oil delivery passage 140 (e.g., and through the column 136) at an angle between approximately 60 degrees and approximately 120 degrees, or between approximately 75 degrees and approximately 105 degrees, or between approximately 80 degrees and approximately 100 degrees.

[0057] In some examples, the bracket 108 includes an inner circumferential surface 148 of the side wall 132 (see Figure 3 ) and the outer peripheral surface 152 (see Figure 3 ). The bracket 108 can include a groove 156 that extends through the inner circumferential surface 148. For example, the groove 156 can extend through the inner circumferential surface 148 and extend continuously about the axis A. The groove 156 can intersect the oil delivery passage 140. Therefore, the groove 156 can be in fluid communication with the oil delivery passage 140 so that fluid can be supplied to the oil delivery passage 140 via the groove 156. In some examples, as a result of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the bracket 108, the groove 156 can collect oil in the groove 156 when the bracket 108 rotates.

[0058] While grooves, such as groove 156, are included to provide one example of how oil may be delivered to the oil delivery passage 140, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize additional and / or alternative oil delivery methods. For example, oil may be provided directly to the oil delivery passage 140, such as via radial jets, an oil pump, and / or a nozzle. In some examples, one or more wicks (not shown) may be used to draw oil from a reservoir and deliver the oil to the oil delivery passage 140 by capillary action. As another example, the bracket 108 may include a baffle (not shown) having a catch plate that supplies oil to the oil delivery passage 140. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize additional and / or alternative oil delivery methods.

[0059] Figure 6 An example method 400 for lubricating a planetary gear system according to some aspects provided herein is shown. In some examples, the method 400 is used as previously described herein. Figures 1 to 5 The planetary system 100 is depicted executing the example method 400 .

[0060] Method 400 begins at operation 410, where a bracket is provided. The bracket may be similar to the bracket described previously herein. Figures 1 to 5 The same or similar carrier 108 discussed. For example, the carrier may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced columns. At least one of the columns may include an oil exit passage that points toward the pinion.

[0061] At operation 420, oil is supplied to the bracket so that the oil is delivered to the pinion through the oil exit passage. In some examples, the bracket also includes an oil delivery passage, and the oil delivery passage is fluidly connected to the oil exit passage to deliver fluid (e.g., oil) to the oil exit passage. For example, oil can be directly supplied to the oil delivery passage to deliver oil to the oil exit passage. Additionally and / or alternatively, oil can be supplied via radial injection, an oil pump and / or a nozzle. In some examples, one or more cores (not shown) can be used to extract oil from a reservoir and deliver oil to the oil delivery passage and / or the oil exit passage by capillary action. As another example, the bracket can include a baffle (not shown) having a catch plate, which supplies oil to the oil delivery passage and / or the oil exit passage. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize additional and / or alternative oil delivery methods.

[0062] In some examples, the oil delivery passage is circumferentially oriented about an axis (e.g., Figure 1 The oil delivery passage is rotationally symmetrical about the axis A of the carrier. In some examples, the oil delivery passage extends through the carrier in a direction generally along the axis. Additionally and / or alternatively, in some examples, oil is delivered through the oil delivery passage by rotation of the pinion. For example, (e.g., in addition to or independently of the pressurization applied to the oil delivery passage) centrifugal force can cause oil to be delivered upward along the oil delivery passage.

[0063] At operation 430, the pinion gear is aligned with the sun gear (eg, Figure 2 The sun gear 104 of the pinion is meshed to lubricate the sun gear with oil. Generally, the oil can leave the oil exit channel to reach the positive rotation of the pinion to the sun gear (e.g., Figure 2 By applying oil to the side of the pinion gear that is rotating toward the sun gear, the oil does not have to be transferred around a large portion of the pinion gear before being applied to the sun gear (transferring around a large portion of the pinion gear may result in oil loss due to distance traveled, centrifugal force, etc.). Therefore, the oil can be effectively transferred from the oil exit channel to the sun gear (e.g., teeth of the sun gear) via the pinion gear (e.g., teeth of the pinion gear).

[0064] The method 400 may terminate at operation 430. Alternatively, the method 400 may return to operation 410 or 420 to create a continuous process for lubricating the planetary gear system.

[0065] The system provided herein facilitates the delivery of lubricating oil directly to the teeth 116 of the sun gear 104. Such a feat is difficult to accomplish because the sun gear 104 is located at the center of the planetary system 100, making the feat difficult to achieve. Further, the centrifugal force of the planetary gear system 100 is directed away from the teeth 116 of the sun gear 104, making it difficult for the centrifugal force of the planetary gear system 100 to direct lubrication to the sun gear 104. The planetary gear system 100 provided herein, which can provide continuous oil to the sun gear teeth, can increase torque at higher speeds compared to conventional planetary systems. Although some advantages of using the planetary system 100 include improved performance and increased product life, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize additional and / or alternative advantages.

[0066] Although the present invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present application is intended to cover any variation, use or modification of the present invention using its general principles. Further, the present application is intended to cover such deviations from the present disclosure that fall within the known or customary practices in the field to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A planetary system, comprising: A sun gear, which is capable of rotating about an axis; a plurality of pinion gears operably coupled to the sun gear, the plurality of pinion gears including one pinion gear, and each of the plurality of pinion gears being rotatable relative to the sun gear; a carrier supporting the plurality of pinions, the carrier comprising: a front wall; a rear wall spaced apart from the front wall; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart posts interconnecting the front wall and the rear wall, wherein at least one of the posts comprises an oil delivery channel and an oil exit channel, the oil delivery channel and the oil exit channel being in fluid communication with each other, and wherein the oil exit channel is directed toward a portion of the pinion gears, the portion of the pinion gears being approximately midway along an axial length of the pinion gears; and A ring gear is operably coupled to the plurality of pinion gears, and the plurality of pinion gears are rotatable relative to the ring gear.

2. The planetary system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the columns includes a respective oil delivery channel and an oil exit channel.

3. The planetary system according to claim 1, wherein: The oil delivery passage extends through the bracket in a direction generally along the axis.

4. The planetary system according to claim 3, wherein: The oil delivery passage does not extend parallel to the axis.

5. The planetary system according to claim 1, wherein: The oil exit passage extends through the column generally orthogonally relative to the oil delivery passage.

6. The planetary system of claim 1, wherein: The bracket includes an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, wherein the bracket includes a circumferential groove extending through the inner circumferential surface, and wherein the groove intersects the oil delivery passage.

7. The planetary system of claim 1, wherein: The oil exit passage is directed toward the side of the pinion gear that is turning toward the sun gear.

8. A method of lubricating a planetary system, the method comprising: A carrier is provided, the carrier comprising: a front wall; a rear wall spaced from the front wall; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced posts interconnecting the front wall and the rear wall, wherein at least one of the posts comprises an oil exit passage directed toward a pinion gear; and supplying oil to the carrier so that the oil is delivered to the side of the pinion gear that is forward-turning into the sun gear through the oil exit passage; and The pinion gear is meshed with the sun gear to lubricate the sun gear with the oil.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of posts, the front wall and the rear wall are integral with one another.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one of the columns further comprises an oil delivery passage in fluid communication with the oil exit passage, and wherein supplying the oil further comprises supplying oil through the oil delivery passage into the oil exit passage and onto the pinion gear.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The bracket is rotationally symmetric about an axis, and wherein the oil delivery passage extends through the bracket in a direction generally along the axis.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Through the rotation of the bracket, the oil is transferred through the oil transfer passage.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The oil delivery passage does not extend parallel to the axis.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The oil exit passage extends through the column generally orthogonally relative to the oil delivery passage.

15. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The oil exit passage is directed toward a portion of the pinion gear, the portion of the pinion gear being approximately midway along the axial length of the pinion gear.

16. A bracket for a planetary system, the bracket comprising: a plurality of spaced-apart side walls; as well as a plurality of circumferentially spaced columns interconnecting the side walls, wherein the plurality of columns and the sidewall are an integral casting, and Wherein, at least one of the columns comprises an oil delivery channel and an oil exit channel, the oil delivery channel and the oil exit channel being in fluid communication with each other.

17. The bracket according to claim 15, wherein: Each of the columns includes a respective oil delivery channel and an oil exit channel.

18. The bracket according to claim 15, wherein: The bracket is rotationally symmetric about an axis, and wherein the oil delivery passage extends through the bracket in a direction generally along the axis.

19. The bracket according to claim 18, wherein: The oil delivery passage does not extend parallel to the axis.

20. The bracket according to claim 15, wherein: The oil exit passage extends through the column generally orthogonally relative to the oil delivery passage.

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