FLUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A ENGINE STRUCTURE

Abstract

A fluid management system for a powertrain comprises a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a main suction line, and a secondary suction line. The first reservoir is located in a lower section of the transmission. The first reservoir maintains a preselected fluid level. The second reservoir is also located in a lower section of the transmission. It is separated from the first reservoir by a barrier with an opening. The main suction line has an opening located in a lower section of the first reservoir, below the preselected fluid level. The secondary suction line also has an opening located in a lower section of the second reservoir.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid management system for a drive train. BACKGROUND

[0002] Work vehicles typically include a transmission and a front and rear axle assembly. During operation of the work vehicle, a supply pump circulates oil through a distribution circuit, providing lubrication for rotating components such as gears, clutches, and axles. The distribution circuit may include an oil pan or an oil reservoir. SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid management system for a driveline includes a first reservoir positioned in a lower portion of a transmission, the first reservoir having a preselected fluid level, a second reservoir positioned in a lower portion of a transmission, the second reservoir separated from the first reservoir by a barrier having an opening, a main suction line having an opening positioned in a lower portion of the first reservoir below the preselected fluid level, and a second suction line having an opening positioned in a lower portion of the second reservoir.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the main intake line is in fluid communication with a front axle and a rear axle.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the main suction line is in fluid communication with a third reservoir.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second suction line is in flow communication with a front axle and a rear axle.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid management system includes a transfer pump in fluid communication with the first reservoir, a front axle, and a rear axle, and the transfer pump is configured to transfer fluid from the first reservoir to the front and rear axles.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid management system includes a second pump in fluid communication with the second suction line, and the second pump is configured to deliver fluid from the second reservoir to the rear axle.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid management system includes a second pump in fluid communication with the second suction line, wherein the second reservoir is in fluid communication with a front axle, and the second pump is configured to pump fluid from the front axle to the rear axle.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the opening in the barrier is positioned above the main suction line and near the preselected fluid level of the first reservoir.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the barrier comprises a protrusion into the first reservoir, and the protrusion comprises the opening in the barrier.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid management system includes an overflow tube positioned in the opening in the barrier, the overflow tube having a first end positioned over the opening of the main suction line and a second end in fluid communication with the second reservoir, and the first end of the overflow tube being positioned near a center of the first reservoir and near the preselected fluid level in the first reservoir.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid management system for a driveline includes a transmission including a first reservoir and a second reservoir in a lower portion of the transmission, the second reservoir separated from the first reservoir by a barrier, the first reservoir having a preselected fluid level, and the barrier having an opening, a main suction line having an opening positioned in a lower portion of the first reservoir below the preselected fluid level, and a second suction line having an opening positioned in a lower portion of the second reservoir.

[0014] The above and other features will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The detailed description refers to the enclosed figures; the drawings show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a work vehicle, including a loader, according to one implementation; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a transmission according to one implementation; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a transmission according to one implementation; Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a transmission according to one implementation; Fig. 5 is a partial sectional view of a transmission according to one implementation; Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a fluid management system according to one implementation; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a transmission according to one implementation; Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a transmission according to one implementation; Fig. 9 is a partial sectional view of a transmission according to one implementation; Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a transmission according to an implementation, and Fig. 11 a schematic view of a fluid management system according to one implementation.

[0016] Corresponding reference numerals are used throughout the various figures to indicate corresponding elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The embodiments or implementations disclosed in the above drawings and the following detailed description are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to those embodiments or implementations.

[0018] With reference to Fig. 1, a work vehicle 100, such as an agricultural tractor, may include an operator station or cab 102, a hood 104, one or more ground-engaging devices 106, such as wheels or track assemblies, and a chassis or chassis 110. The work vehicle 100 may include an operator interface with any number and combination of electronic devices, such as an interactive display. The work vehicle 100 may have a rigid or articulated chassis 110. The work vehicle 100 may include one or more power sources 108, such as an internal combustion engine, a hybrid engine, or an electric or hydraulic machine.The work vehicle 100 may include a transmission 120 that transfers power from the one or more power sources 108 to a driveline including the ground engaging devices 106 and one or more power take-off (PTO) shafts 112 or other additional power outputs or inputs. This disclosure also applies to other types of work vehicles in agriculture, construction, forestry, and road building.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 2-11, the transmission 120 may include a transmission housing 122 that provides enclosure for the various transmission or other driveline components. The transmission housing 122 forms an outer surface and an inner surface of the transmission 120. The transmission 120 may include a plurality of shafts, gears, and clutches within the transmission housing 122. One or more of the shafts or other transmission or driveline components may be rotatably connected to or supported by the transmission housing 122. The transmission 120 may include one or more electric machines 124, such as electric motor / generators, within the transmission housing 122.

[0020] A fluid pan or first reservoir 126 is located or positioned in a lower portion of the transmission 120. The first reservoir 126 may contain a fluid, such as a hydraulic or transmission fluid (e.g., gear oil, hydraulic oil, or other lubricant). The first reservoir 126 may contain a preselected amount or level of fluid 128. The rear axle 162 may be in fluid communication with the first reservoir 126. The PTO 112 may be in fluid communication with the rear axle 162 and the first reservoir 126. A second reservoir 142 is located or positioned in a lower portion of the transmission 120. The second reservoir 142 is separated or partitioned from the first reservoir 126 by a barrier or wall 146, which may include an opening 148. A front axle 160 may be in fluid communication with the second reservoir 142.

[0021] A main suction line 130 may be positioned in the first reservoir 126. The main suction line 130 has an opening positioned in a lower portion of the first reservoir 126. The opening at one end of the main suction line 130 is positioned below the preselected fluid level 128. The main suction line 130 may be in fluid communication with the first reservoir 126 and / or the front axle 160 and / or the rear axle 162. Alternatively or additionally, the main suction line 130 may be in fluid communication with a third reservoir 132 that is in fluid communication with the first reservoir 126, the front axle 160, and the rear axle 162. A feed pump 134 (e.g., a hydraulic pump) is in fluid communication with the main suction line 130.The feed pump 134 may be fluidly connected to the first reservoir 126, the front axle 160, and the rear axle 162 to deliver fluid from the first reservoir 126 to the front axle 160 and the rear axle 162. Alternatively or additionally, the feed pump 134 may be fluidly connected to the third reservoir 132 to deliver fluid from the first reservoir 126 to the third reservoir 132.

[0022] A return or second suction line 140 may be positioned in the second reservoir 142. The second suction line 140 has an opening positioned in a lower portion of the second reservoir 142. The opening at one end of the second suction line 140 is positioned below the preselected fluid level 128. The opening at one end of the second suction line 140 may be positioned lower than the opening in the barrier 146. The opening at one end of the second suction line 140 may be positioned below the opening in the barrier 146. The second suction line 140 may be in fluid communication with the second reservoir 142 and / or the front axle 160 and / or the rear axle 162. A return or second pump 144 (e.g., a hydraulic pump) is in fluid communication with the second suction line 140.The second pump 144 may be fluidly connected to the second reservoir 126 and the rear axle 162 to pump fluid from the second reservoir 126 to the rear axle 162. The second pump 144 may be fluidly connected to the front axle 160 and may drain or pump fluid from the front axle 160.

[0023] According to some implementations, the barrier 146 includes an opening 148 positioned near or above the preselected fluid level 128 in the first reservoir 126, such as in Fig. 3-6. The opening 148 may be positioned in an upper portion of the barrier 146. The opening 148 may be positioned above the main suction line 130. The opening 148 may provide a passage or conduit between the first reservoir 126 and the second reservoir 142 for any fluid above the preselected fluid level 128 in the first reservoir 126. The barrier 146 may include a vertical or substantially vertical portion separating or partitioning the second reservoir 142 from the first reservoir 126. The barrier 146 may include a portion extending or projecting outwardly from the second reservoir 142 toward the first reservoir 126 and including the opening 148, such as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The opening 148 may be positioned at or near the center of the first reservoir 126. The main intake manifold 130 draws or extracts the majority of the fluid from the first reservoir 126 in the transmission 120. Any fluid rising above the preselected fluid level 128 in the first reservoir 126 flows through the opening 148 into the second reservoir 142. The second intake manifold 140 draws or extracts the overflowing fluid from the second reservoir 142.

[0024] According to some implementations, an overflow tube 150 is positioned in an opening 148 in the barrier 146, such as in Fig. 7-11. The overflow tube 150 may provide a passage or conduit between the first reservoir 126 and the second reservoir 142. The overflow tube 150 may be angled or inclined in a longitudinal direction, such as shown in Fig. 7-11. The transfer tube 150 has a first opening in a first end 152 positioned over the opening of the main suction line 130. The transfer tube 150 has a second opening in a second end 154 that is in fluid communication with the second reservoir 142. The first end 152 of the transfer tube 150 is positioned at or near the center of the first reservoir 126. The first end 152 of the transfer tube 150 is positioned near or above the preselected fluid level 128 in the first reservoir 126. Based on the position of the transfer tube 150 in the first reservoir 126, the fluid level 128 near the first end 152 of the transfer tube 150 may remain nearly or substantially the same when the transmission 120 is operated in a fore-and-aft direction, such as in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, or a direction from side to side, as shown in Fig. 10 is tilted or inclined.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 11, fluid flow through the fluid management system may include one or more pumps, one or more driveline components, and one or more reservoirs. The transfer pump 134 may pump fluid from the first reservoir 126 of the transmission 120 via the main suction line 130. The transfer pump 134 may pump fluid from the first reservoir to the front and rear axles 160, 162 or to the third reservoir 132 connected to the front and rear axles 160, 162. Fluid from the rear axle 162 may flow into the first reservoir 126. Fluid from the front axle 162 may flow into the second reservoir 142. The second pump 144 may pump fluid from the second reservoir 142 to the rear axle 162. The second pump 144 may pump fluid from the front axle 160 to the rear axle 162.

[0026] During operation, the fluid in the transmission 120 or driveline components may become agitated, and air may mix with the fluid, creating an aerated fluid. This fluid-air mixture rises to the top of the preselected fluid level 128 in the transmission 120 and may exceed the preselected fluid level 128. If the transmission 120 includes an opening 148 in the barrier 146, the fluid-air mixture exceeding the preselected fluid level 128 flows from the first reservoir 126 through the opening 148 in the barrier 146 into the second reservoir 142. If the transmission 120 includes a transfer tube 150 in the opening 148, the fluid-air mixture exceeding the preselected fluid level 128 flows from the first reservoir 126 through the opening 152 of the transfer tube 150 into the second reservoir 142.The second pump 144 then pumps the overflowing fluid from the second reservoir 142 to the rear axle 162 or the third reservoir 132 or both.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing example embodiments or implementations and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the," as used herein, are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that any use of the terms "comprises," "includes," "including," or the like in this specification indicates the presence of stated features, integers, steps, acts, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, acts, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0028] It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that terms such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "upper," "lower," etc., are used descriptively for the figures and do not represent limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the teachings herein may be described in terms of functional components and / or logical block components or various processing steps, which may include any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specific functions.

[0029] Terms of degree, such as "generally," "substantially," or "approximately," refer to reasonable ranges outside of a stated value or orientation, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, such as general tolerances or positional relationships associated with the manufacture, assembly, and use of the described embodiments and implementations.

[0030] The term "e.g.," is used herein to list non-exhaustive examples and has the same meaning as alternative illustrative phrases such as "including," "including, but not limited to," and "including without limitation." As used herein, lists containing items separated by connectives (e.g., "and") and further preceded by the phrase "one or more of" or "at least one of," unless otherwise limited or modified, indicate configurations or arrangements that may include individual items of the list or any combination thereof. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" or "one or more of A, B, and C" each indicate the possibilities of only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B, and C).

[0031] While exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present disclosure are described above, these descriptions are not intended to be limiting or restrictive. Rather, various variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Fluid management system for a powertrain, comprising: a first reservoir positioned in a lower portion of a transmission, the first reservoir having a preselected fluid level; a second reservoir positioned in a lower portion of the transmission, the second reservoir separated from the first reservoir by a barrier having an opening; a main suction line having an opening positioned in a lower portion of the first reservoir below the preselected fluid level; and a second suction line having an opening positioned in a lower portion of the second reservoir. [2] The fluid management system of claim 1, wherein the main suction line is in fluid communication with a front axle and a rear axle. [3] A fluid management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main suction line is in flow communication with a third reservoir. [4] Fluid management system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second suction line is in flow connection with a front axle and a rear axle. [5] The fluid management system of any preceding claim, further comprising a transfer pump in fluid communication with the first reservoir, a front axle, and a rear axle, the transfer pump configured to transfer fluid from the first reservoir to the front and rear axles. [6] A fluid management system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a second pump in fluid communication with the second suction line, the second pump being configured to deliver fluid from the second reservoir to the rear axle. [7] The fluid management system of any preceding claim, further comprising a second pump in fluid communication with the second suction line, wherein the second reservoir is in fluid communication with a front axle, the second pump being configured to deliver fluid from the front axle to the rear axle. [8] A fluid management system according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening in the barrier is positioned above the main suction line and near the preselected fluid level of the first reservoir. [9] A fluid management system according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier comprises a projection into the first reservoir and the projection comprises the opening in the barrier. [10] A fluid management system according to any preceding claim, further comprising an overflow tube positioned in the opening in the barrier, the overflow tube having a first end positioned above the opening of the main suction line and a second end in fluid communication with the second reservoir, the first end of the overflow tube being positioned near the center of the first reservoir and near the preselected fluid level in the first reservoir.

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