Lubricating device for hollow shaft in transmission system of vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to a lubrication device for a hollow shaft in a transmission system of a vehicle, in particular to a lubrication device for guiding lubricant into an axial bore of a shaft rotating about an axis of rotation in a direction of rotation in a transmission system of a vehicle, comprising: a cup-shaped housing, the cup-shaped shell is provided with an axial inner surface facing the end part of the shaft and a radial inner surface facing the radial outer surface of the shaft; and a lubricant guide disposed between the axially inner surface of the housing and the end of the shaft and configured to guide lubricant impinging on the lubricant guide into the axial bore at the end of the shaft, the radially inner surface of the housing having a flow redirection structure, the flow redirection structure is configured to guide lubricant impinging on the flow redirection structure in a radial direction axially toward the lubricant guide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to lubrication. In a particular aspect, the present disclosure relates to a lubrication device for a hollow shaft in a transmission system of a vehicle. The present disclosure may be applicable to heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment, among other vehicle types. Although the present disclosure may be described with respect to a particular vehicle, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In mechanical systems with rotating shafts, providing lubricant to all lubrication points is challenging. Directing lubricant into the shaft bore of a rotating shaft, such as a layshaft of a layshaft brake in a transmission system, can be particularly challenging.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide improved delivery of lubricant into an axial bore of a rotating shaft. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a lubricating device for guiding lubricant into an axial hole of a shaft rotating around a rotation axis in a transmission system of a vehicle in a rotation direction is provided, the lubricating device comprising: a cup-shaped housing having an axial inner surface facing the end of the shaft and a radial inner surface facing the radial outer surface of the shaft; and a lubricant guide, the lubricant guide being arranged between the axial inner surface of the housing and the end of the shaft, and being configured to guide the lubricant impinging on the lubricant guide into the axial hole at the end of the shaft, the radial inner surface of the housing having a flow redirecting structure, the flow redirecting structure being configured to guide the lubricant impinging on the flow redirecting structure in a radial direction axially toward the lubricant guide. The first aspect of the present disclosure can seek to solve the problem of insufficient lubricant supply to the axial hole of the rotating shaft. Technical advantages can include providing a simple and compact way to guide lubricant into the axial hole of the rotating shaft.

[0005] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the flow redirecting structure may include at least one fluid guiding structure extending in a direction having a component in the rotational direction of the shaft and an axial component. Technical advantages may include effectively guiding lubricant that has been thrown off the outer radial surface of the shaft to the lubricant guide and thereby to the axial bore of the shaft.

[0006] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the flow redirecting structure can include a plurality of substantially parallel flow directing structures, such as grooves and / or ridges.Technical advantages can include providing effective directing for lubricants.

[0007] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the fluid directing structure may be substantially evenly distributed over at least a portion of the radially inner surface of the housing. Technical advantages may include providing more efficient directing of lubricant.

[0008] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the lubricant introducer may include an axial lubricant receiving surface facing the end of the shaft and at least one redirecting structure extending into the axial bore of the shaft. Technical advantages may include using the lubricant receiving surface to stop the axial movement of the lubricant so that the lubricant begins to move vertically downward, and using at least one redirecting structure to redirect the lubricant moving vertically downward into the axial bore of the shaft.

[0009] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, at least one redirecting structure can be formed by a partial cut-away and bent portion of the lubricant guide. Technical advantages can include facilitating production and reducing the cost of the lubricant guide, and thereby reducing the cost of a lubrication device including the lubricant guide.

[0010] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the lubricant introducer may include at least one peripheral protrusion; and the housing may include at least one recess configured to receive the peripheral protrusion of the lubricant introducer to limit movement of the lubricant introducer relative to the housing. Technical advantages may include maintaining the lubricant introducer in a fixed position relative to the rotation axis, such that it can be ensured that the lubricant can flow along the lubricant introducer along a predictable path determined by the force of gravity acting on the lubricant.

[0011] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the lubricant introducer may include an opening. Technical advantages may include allowing the moving part to axially pass through the opening of the lubricant introducer, which may be particularly beneficial when the lubrication device is included in a braking system (such as a countershaft brake).

[0012] Optionally, in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the lubricant device of the present disclosure may be included in a transmission system of a vehicle, the transmission system also including a shaft having an axial hole and configured to rotate around a rotation axis in a rotational direction, and the lubrication device may be arranged and configured to guide lubricant into the axial hole of the shaft.

[0013] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the transmission system may be included in a vehicle.

[0014] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, a lubrication device according to the present disclosure, wherein the lubricant introducer has an opening, can be included in a brake device, the brake device being controllable to brake a shaft of a transmission system, the brake device further comprising: at least one first brake member, the at least one first brake member being rotationally coupled to the shaft; at least one second brake member, the at least one second brake member being rotationally coupled to the housing; a brake piston inside the cup-shaped housing, the brake piston being located between the axial inner surface of the housing and the end of the shaft, the brake piston comprising a plurality of protrusions extending through the opening of the lubricant introducer to axially press the first brake member and the second brake member toward each other when the brake piston is actuated to axially move from the axial inner surface of the cup-shaped housing. Technical advantages can include providing improved lubrication for lubrication points along a hollow shaft braked by the brake device.

[0015] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the brake device may include an actuation chamber located between an axial inner surface of the housing and an axial surface of the brake piston facing the axial inner surface of the housing.

[0016] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the brake device may include a spring disposed between the lubricant introducer and the brake piston to urge the brake piston axially away from the end of the shaft. Technical advantages may include that the lubricant introducer may perform a dual function, namely, serving as a spring support, defining an axially fixed end of the brake spring, and guiding lubricant as further described above.

[0017] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the brake device can include a radial lubrication channel connecting the hole to the periphery of the shaft. Technical advantages can include that lubricant that has been transferred into the axial hole of the shaft can reach lubrication points along the axial hole and then along the radial lubrication channel at the periphery of the shaft.

[0018] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the brake device may include at least one needle bearing mounted on the shaft to receive lubricant through a radial lubrication passage.

[0019] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the brake device of the present disclosure can be included in a transmission system of a vehicle, the transmission system also including a shaft having an axial hole and configured to rotate around a rotation axis in a rotational direction, and the brake device can be arranged and configured to guide lubricant into the axial hole of the shaft and brake the shaft.

[0020] Optionally, in some examples, including at least one preferred example, the transmission system may be included in a vehicle.

[0021] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed aspects, examples (including any preferred examples), and / or the accompanying claims may be appropriately combined with each other. Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Examples are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 is an exemplary vehicle according to an example.

[0024] Figure 2 is an exemplary lubrication device according to an example.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of an exemplary lubrication device in FIG.

[0026] Figure 4 is an example of an exemplary braking device according to an example.

[0027] Figure 5 is an exemplary cup-shaped housing included in an exemplary lubrication device according to an example.

[0028] Figure 6 is an example lubricant introducer included in an example lubrication device according to an example.

[0029] Figure 7 is an example lubricant introducer included in an example lubrication device according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The detailed description set forth below provides information and examples of the disclosed technology in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 is an exemplary vehicle 1 according to an example, the vehicle comprising a transmission system 3 for transmitting torque from an engine 2 to drive wheels 4 of the vehicle 1 .

[0032] refer to Figure 2 The transmission system 3 may include at least one shaft 11 having an axial hole 17 for allowing lubrication of at least one lubrication point along the shaft 11 through the axial hole. Figure 2 As rotation is schematically indicated in FIG, lubricant disposed at the periphery of the shaft 11 tends to be thrown off the shaft 11 due to the rotation, and getting the lubricant to travel towards the axis of rotation 15 so that the lubricant can enter the axial bore 17 has proven to be challenging.

[0033] Continue to refer Figure 2 , therefore, the lubrication device 5 is provided for guiding lubricant into an axial bore 17 of a shaft 11 rotating about a rotation axis 15 in a transmission system 3 of a vehicle 1 in a rotation direction 13. The lubrication device 5 comprises a cup-shaped housing 7 and a lubricant guide 9. The shaft 11, which is not included in the lubrication device 5 according to the present disclosure, is schematically indicated here as having a radial lubrication channel 19 connecting the axial bore 17 to the periphery of the shaft 11 to allow lubricant to be supplied from the axial bore 17 to lubrication points of the periphery of the shaft 11.

[0034] Now refer to Figure 3 , which is Figure 2 An exploded view of an exemplary lubrication device in FIG. Figure 3 An example of a cup-shaped housing 7, a lubricant guide 9 and a shaft 11 is schematically shown, which is not part of the lubricating device 5. Figure 3 As indicated in FIG. 1 , the cup-shaped housing 7 has an axial inner surface 21 facing the end 25 of the shaft 11, and a radial inner surface 23 facing the radial outer surface 27 of the shaft 11. The lubricant introducer 9 is arranged between the axial inner surface 21 of the housing 7 and the end 25 of the shaft 11, and is configured to guide the lubricant impinging on the lubricant introducer 9 into the axial hole 17 at the end 25 of the shaft 11. The radial inner surface 23 of the housing 7 has a flow redirecting structure 29, which is configured to guide the lubricant impinging on the flow redirecting structure 29 in a radial direction axially toward the lubricant introducer 9.

[0035] exist Figure 3 In the exemplary configuration of the lubrication device 5 schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the flow redirecting structure 29 comprises at least one fluid guiding structure 31, which guides the fluid along the rotation direction 13 of the shaft 11 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ) and the axial component. Figure 3 In the particular example configuration shown in , the flow redirecting structure 29 is indicated as comprising a plurality of substantially parallel flow guiding structures 31 that are substantially evenly distributed over at least a portion of the radially inner surface 23 of the housing 7. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the fluid guiding structure 31 is indicated as a groove / ridge for Figure 2 The lubricant guide 9 is effectively designed to capture and transport lubricant drops thrown off the periphery 27 of the shaft 11 when rotating in the direction of rotation 13 indicated in FIG. The lubricant thus transported axially toward the axial inner surface 21 of the cup-shaped housing 7 impinges on the axial lubricant receiving surface 33 of the end 25 of the lubricant guide 9 facing the shaft 11 and then moves under the influence of gravity to at least one redirecting structure 35 extending into the axial bore 17 of the shaft 11. Figure 3In the embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary redirecting structure 35 is schematically shown as a half-pipe structure. It should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example and the redirecting structure 35 can be configured in a variety of different ways. Figure 7 An example of an alternative configuration is discussed further.

[0036] Figure 4 is an exemplary braking device 37 according to an example. The braking device 37 may be configured to brake the countershaft 11 in the transmission system 3. Figure 4 The brake device 37 includes at least a first brake member 39, at least a second brake member 41, a lubricating device 5 and a brake piston 43. At least one first brake member 39 (in Figure 4 In the configuration of, there are several first brake members 39) coupled to the shaft 11 in terms of rotation. At least one second brake member 41 is coupled to the housing 7 in terms of rotation. Figure 4 In the configuration of , the first brake member 39 and the second brake member 41 are sandwiched between the rotationally fixed parts of the brake device in a layered configuration. Figure 4 In the configuration of Figure 6 and Figure 7 1 and 2. The brake piston 43 is best shown in FIG. The brake piston 43 is arranged inside the cup-shaped housing 7 of the lubricating device 5, between the axial inner surface 21 of the housing 7 and the end 25 of the shaft 11. The brake piston 43 includes a plurality of protrusions 45, which extend through the opening 47 of the lubricant introducer 9 to press the first brake member 39 and the second brake member 41 axially toward each other when the brake piston 43 is actuated to axially move away from the axial inner surface 21 of the cup-shaped housing 7. In order to actuate the brake piston 43, the brake device 37 includes an actuation chamber 49, which is located between the axial inner surface 21 of the housing 7 and an axial surface of the brake piston 43 facing the axial inner surface 21 of the housing 7. The brake piston 43 can be actuated by introducing a fluid, such as air, into the actuation chamber 49. Figure 4 The brake device 37 in EM further comprises a spring 51 which is arranged between the lubricant introducer 9 and the brake piston 43 to urge the brake piston 43 axially away from the end 25 of the shaft 11 .

[0037] When the brake device 37 is in operation, the lubricant (in Figure 4 The lubricant is provided through the lubrication passage 52 and flows toward the first brake member 39 and the second brake member 41. Due to the rotation of the first brake member 39 and the shaft 11, the lubricant is thrown toward the radial inner surface 23 ( Figure 5 As further explained above, the lubricant is directed axially toward the lubricant guide 9 by the flow redirecting structure 29 (including the grooves / ridges 31). Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the lubricant hits the axial lubricant receiving surface 33 of the lubricant guide 9, the lubricant flows downwards towards the redirecting structure 35 which extends into the axial bore 17 of the hollow shaft 11. In order to allow lubricant to be supplied to, for example, a needle bearing 57 mounted on the shaft 11, the shaft is provided with at least one radial lubrication channel 19.

[0038] Now refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 One example of the cup-shaped housing 7 and two different examples of the lubricant introducer 9 are described. In addition to the description of the cup-shaped housing 7 provided so far, Figure 5 The cup-shaped housing 7 in the embodiment further comprises at least one recess 55, and in this exemplary configuration, three recesses 55 are evenly spaced apart at a certain angle. In addition to the description of the lubricant guide 9 provided so far, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The lubricant guide 9 in the embodiment further comprises at least one peripheral protrusion 53, and in these exemplary configurations, three peripheral protrusions 53 are evenly spaced apart at a certain angle. The recess 55 of the cup-shaped housing 7 is configured to receive the peripheral protrusion 53 of the lubricant guide 9 to limit the movement of the lubricant guide 9 relative to the housing 7, in particular to prevent the lubricant guide 9 from rotating relative to the housing 7. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the redirecting structure 35 extending into the axial hole 17 of the shaft 11 is described by reference to Figure 3 The semi-cylindrical shape of the introduction is indicated. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the redirecting structure 35 extending into the axial bore 17 of the shaft 11 is indicated as being formed by a partially cut-away and bent portion of the lubricant guide 9 .

[0039] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific aspects and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should also be understood that the term "comprises / comprising / includes and / or including" when used herein indicates the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0040] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0041] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to cover different device orientations in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly connected or directly coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise clearly defined herein, the terms used herein should be interpreted as meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0043] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and shown in the accompanying drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. In the drawings and description, various aspects have been disclosed for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes, and the scope of the present disclosure is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lubricating device for guiding lubricant into an axial hole of a shaft rotating about a rotation axis in a rotation direction in a transmission system of a vehicle, the lubricating device comprising: a cup-shaped housing having an axial inner surface facing the end of the shaft and a radial inner surface facing the radial outer surface of the shaft; as well as a lubricant introducer disposed between the axial inner surface of the housing and the end of the shaft and configured to guide lubricant impinging on the lubricant introducer into the axial bore at the end of the shaft, The radially inner surface of the housing has a flow redirecting structure configured to guide lubricant impinging on the flow redirecting structure in a radial direction axially toward the lubricant introducer.

2. The lubrication device of claim 1, wherein the flow redirecting structure comprises at least one fluid guiding structure extending in a direction having a component in the rotational direction of the shaft and an axial component.

3. The lubrication device of claim 2, wherein the flow redirecting structure comprises a plurality of substantially parallel fluid guiding structures.

4. The lubrication device according to claim 3, wherein: The fluid directing structures are substantially evenly distributed over at least a portion of the radially inner surface of the housing.

5. The lubrication device of claim 1, said lubricant introducer comprising an axial lubricant receiving surface facing said end of said shaft and at least one redirecting structure extending into said axial bore of said shaft.

6. The lubrication device of claim 5, wherein the at least one redirecting structure is formed by a partial cut-away and bent portion of the lubricant introducer.

7. The lubrication device according to claim 1, The lubricant introducer includes at least one peripheral protrusion; and The housing includes at least one recess configured to receive the peripheral protrusion of the lubricant introducer to limit movement of the lubricant introducer relative to the housing.

8. The lubrication device of claim 1, the lubricant introducer comprising an opening.

9. A transmission system for a vehicle, comprising: a shaft having an axial bore and configured to rotate about a rotational axis in a rotational direction; as well as The lubrication device of claim 1, arranged and configured to direct lubricant into the axial bore of the shaft.

10. A vehicle comprising the transmission system of claim 8.

11. A braking device capable of controlling to brake a shaft of a transmission system, comprising: at least one first brake member rotationally coupled to the shaft; at least one second brake member rotationally coupled to the housing; The lubrication device according to claim 7; as well as a brake piston inside the cup-shaped housing, the brake piston being located between the axial inner surface of the housing and the end of the shaft, the brake piston including a plurality of protrusions extending through the opening of the lubricant introducer to axially press the first brake member and the second brake member toward each other when the brake piston is actuated to move axially from the axial inner surface of the cup-shaped housing.

12. The brake device of claim 11, comprising an actuation chamber located between the axial inner surface of the housing and an axial surface of the brake piston facing the axial inner surface of the housing.

13. The brake device of claim 11, comprising a spring disposed between the lubricant introducer and the brake piston to urge the brake piston axially away from the end of the shaft.

14. A transmission system for a vehicle, comprising: a shaft having an axial bore and configured to rotate about a rotational axis in a rotational direction; as well as The brake device of claim 11, arranged and configured to direct lubricant into the axial bore of the shaft and brake the shaft.

15. A vehicle comprising the transmission system of claim 14.

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