Fluid distribution system and device

Abstract

Fluid distribution system (500) comprising: a fluid distribution device (502) disposed in a hollow shaft (512) comprising a coaxial passage (416, 516) and a plurality of radial channels (420, 520), the fluid distribution device (502) comprising: a cartridge (550) coaxial with the hollow shaft (412, 512) having a first circular side (555) with a coaxial inlet opening (514, 414) and a second circular side (553) with a plurality of tube openings (557) arranged equidistant from a rotational axis (408, 508) of the hollow shaft (412, 512); and a plurality of tubes (560), each tube (560) extending from one of the plurality of tube openings (557) parallel to the rotational axis (408, 508) of the hollow shaft (412, 512), a length (564) of each tube (560) corresponding to axial positions of the plurality of radial channels (420, 520) distributed axially along the hollow shaft (412, 512).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present description relates generally to a fluid distribution device that may be positioned within a hollow shaft of a fluid distribution system for distributing fluid to components disposed around the shaft. BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

[0002] Mechanical transmission systems such as drivetrains, gearboxes, or transmissions may require lubrication for the relative movement (e.g., sliding and / or rolling) of components such as gears and bearings. In a mechanical transmission system, an adequate supply of lubricant to one or more consumers (e.g., bearings or gear meshes) may be necessary to reduce friction. Methods that can be used to deliver lubricant (e.g., oil) to consumers include forced lubrication and splash lubrication. With splash lubrication, the lubricant can be randomly distributed (e.g., dragged or splashed) by the moving elements, so high power losses can occur due to fluid friction caused by more parts rotating in the lubricant, and a larger amount of oil is required than with targeted lubricant delivery methods such as forced lubrication.Therefore, forced lubrication may be desirable to reduce power losses and lubricant quantity. For forced lubrication, a pump, such as a volumetric pump with a mechanical or electric drive, can be used to generate a fluid flow. A fluid distribution method can be used to appropriately supply fluid (e.g., lubricant) to the consumers for lubrication and / or cooling of the system.

[0003] However, current fluid distribution systems may not be sufficiently aligned with consumers. For example, a fluid distribution system may include a horizontally oriented shaft (e.g., with respect to a direction of gravity) with a hollow shaft through which a fluid can flow, and channels that allow the fluid to flow from the hollow shaft to components external to the shaft, such as gears and / or bearings. The channels may be spaced apart along the axial length of the shaft. Due to the rotational speed of the shaft about an axis concentric with the axial centerline of the shaft, the channels closer to an inlet through which fluid enters the hollow center may accommodate more fluid than channels farther from the inlet.For example, excessive amounts of fluid may be pumped through the fluid distribution system to achieve sufficient fluid flow through the passage farthest from the inlet. The excess fluid may accumulate in undesirable locations, such as a transmission oil pan, increasing drag losses due to system components interacting with the excess fluid accumulation.

[0004] An alternative approach to solving the above-mentioned problems may involve drilling blind holes in the shaft to connect the inlet to each of the channels, with the feed holes parallel, but not coaxial, to the axial centerline of the shaft. This allows approximately the same amount of fluid to flow through each of the channels. However, machining the geometry of such a shaft can be expensive and complicated. Furthermore, for a shaft of at least one length and / or with at least one number of consumers, material continuity in the shaft may not be sufficient, since the number of feed holes depends in part on the number of consumers.

[0005] Therefore, embodiments are disclosed herein that can address at least some of the problems described above with a fluid distribution system comprising: a fluid distribution device positioned within a hollow shaft having a coaxial passageway and a plurality of radial channels, the fluid distribution device comprising: a cartridge coaxial with the hollow shaft and having a first circular side with a coaxial inlet opening and a second circular side with a plurality of tube openings arranged equidistant from a rotational axis of the hollow shaft; and a plurality of tubes, each tube extending from one of the plurality of tube openings parallel to the rotational axis of the hollow shaft, a length of each tube corresponding to axial positions of the plurality of radial channels spaced axially apart along the hollow shaft.In this way, an appropriate amount of fluid can be directed through each channel in the shaft, reducing fluid volume requirements and power losses. This can reduce the resource requirements for a system incorporating the fluid distribution of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the efficiency of the system can be increased. For example, drag losses caused by excess fluid impeding movement (e.g., rotation, sliding, rolling, etc.) can be reduced by reducing fluid requirements.

[0006] It should be understood that the above summary is intended to introduce, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further explained in the detailed description. It is not intended to identify the most important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is clearly defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that address the disadvantages noted above or elsewhere in this disclosure. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS Fig. 1 shows a schematic example of a vehicle that may include a transmission with the fluid distribution system of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a schematic representation of a transmission system. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an eight-speed transmission. Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of part of a multi-stage transmission. Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a fluid distribution system including a hollow shaft and a fluid distribution device. Fig. 6 shows a cartridge and tubes of the fluid distribution device. Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B show exemplary schemes of the cartridge and the tubes. Fig. Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the fluid distribution device. Fig. Figure 9 shows a sectional view of the fluid in the cartridge. Fig. 10 shows an enlarged view of the fluid distribution device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The following description relates to systems and methods for fluid distribution systems, including an oil distribution device that can be inserted into a hollow shaft to supply fluid to specific components along the shaft. For example, the fluid distribution system can be used to supply fluid to the gears and / or bearings along a shaft in a vehicle's transmission. Fig. 1 shows a schematic example of a vehicle that may include a transmission with the fluid distribution system of the present disclosure. The vehicle in Fig. 1 may be an electrified vehicle, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle with multiple torque sources, which may include an electric motor, a hydrogen fuel cell, and / or a non-combustion engine. Fig. 2 shows a schematic example of a gear arrangement with a forced lubrication system. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show example gears that can be incorporated into the transmission, including the shafts and the rotating components arranged around the shafts. An example of the fluid distribution system of the present disclosure that includes a hollow shaft, such as the shafts of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, and a fluid distribution device, is shown in Fig. 5. The fluid distribution device is shown in different views in the Fig. 6-8 and 10. The fluid distribution system may be designed to collect fluid in an annular volume when rotated at least at a certain angular velocity, as shown in Fig. 9. The fluid distribution device can also be designed to supply approximately equal amounts of fluid to each of the components arranged around the hollow shaft. In this way, the fluid distribution device can ensure that a desired volume of fluid reaches each of the components, thereby reducing the fluid volume requirement. A lower fluid volume requirement can reduce the amount of excess fluid that causes drag losses during the rotation of components. Thus, the fluid distribution system described here can reduce resource requirements and increase the efficiency of a mechanical system.

[0008] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show schematic representations of an example configuration with relative arrangement of the various components. Fig. 3 to 10 show example configurations with approximate positioning. When these elements are in direct contact with each other or directly coupled, they may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, in at least one example. Similarly, elements shown next to or adjacent to each other may be adjacent to or adjacent to each other, at least in one example. For example, components that are in surface-to-surface contact with each other may be referred to as being in surface-to-surface contact. As another example, in at least one case, elements that are separated from each other with only a space between them and that do not have other components may be referred to as such. In yet another example, elements shown above / below, on opposite sides, or to the left / right of each other may be referred to as such, relative to each other.Furthermore, in at least one example, as illustrated in the figures, a topmost element or a topmost point of an element may be referred to as a "top" of the component, and a bottommost element or a bottommost point of the element may be referred to as a "bottom" of the component. As used herein, the terms top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below may refer to a vertical axis of the figures and may be used to describe the positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. For example, in one example, elements displayed above other elements are arranged vertically above the other elements. As another example, the shapes of the elements illustrated in the figures may be referred to as such (e.g., circular, straight, flat, curved, rounded, beveled, angled, or the like).Furthermore, in at least one example, the depicted elements that intersect each other may be referred to as intersecting elements or as intersecting elements. Furthermore, an element depicted inside another element or outside another element may be referred to as such. Furthermore, the components may be described with respect to the reference axes included in the drawings.

[0009] The term "approximately" means plus or minus five percent of the range unless otherwise noted. Features described as axial may be approximately parallel to a datum axis unless otherwise noted. Features described as reverse may be approximately perpendicular to the datum axis unless otherwise noted. Features described as radial may circumferentially surround or extend outwardly from an axis, such as the datum axis, or a component or feature previously described as radial to a datum axis, unless otherwise noted.

[0010] Features described as longitudinal can be approximately parallel to a long axis. A lateral axis can be perpendicular to a long axis and a vertical axis. Features described as lateral can be approximately parallel to the lateral axis. A vertical axis can be perpendicular to a transverse axis and a long axis. Features described as vertical can be approximately parallel to a vertical axis.

[0011] It should also be understood that the specific arrangements and systems illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. For purposes of explanation, the drawings will be described together. Thus, like elements may be referred to by like reference numerals and need not be repeated.

[0012] In Fig. 1, a vehicle 100 is illustrated that includes a powertrain 101 and a transmission train 103. The vehicle 100 may have a front end 132 and a rear end 134 located on opposite sides of the vehicle 100. Objects, components, and features of the vehicle 100 referred to as being near the front may be closest to the front end 132 compared to the rear end 134. Objects, components, and features of the vehicle 100 referred to as being near the rear may be closest to the rear end 134 compared to the front end 132. The powertrain 101 includes a prime mover 106 and a transmission 108. The prime mover 106 may be, for example, an internal combustion engine (ICE) or an electric motor and operates to provide rotational power to the transmission 108. The transmission 108 may be any type of transmission, such asa manual transmission, an automatic transmission, or a continuously variable transmission. Furthermore, the transmission 108 may be a gear box, an axle, or a transaxle. The transmission 108 may be part of a forced lubrication transmission system, in which the lubricant is pumped under pressure for lubrication and the lubricant is applied, for example, by spraying, misting, or dripping. The transmission 108 receives the torque generated by the prime mover 106 as input and outputs the torque to the gear train 103 according to a selected gear ratio or setting. Furthermore, the vehicle may have additional drives besides the prime mover 106. If the prime mover 106 is an internal combustion engine, there may be at least one second drive with an input to the transmission 108, wherein the second drive may be an electric machine such as an electric motor.

[0013] The prime mover 106 may be powered by energy from an energy storage device 105. In one example, the energy storage device 105 is a battery configured to store electrical energy. An inverter 107 may be disposed between the energy storage device 105 and the prime mover 106 and configured to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The inverter 107 may include a variety of components and circuits with thermal requirements that affect the efficiency of the inverter.

[0014] The vehicle 100 may be a light, medium, or heavy-duty vehicle. The vehicle 100 may be an on-road vehicle, a passenger vehicle, including a car, a commercial vehicle that is an on-road vehicle, a semi-trailer truck, and / or a sports car. The vehicle may be an off-road vehicle or a vehicle that can be used both on-road and off-road, such as a construction vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, a sport utility vehicle, and / or a commercial vehicle that is an off-road vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be a wheeled vehicle, such as an automobile. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 100 and / or one or more of its components, such as components of the powertrain 101 and / or the drivetrain 103, may be used in industrial, locomotive, military, agricultural, and / or aerospace applications.Additionally or alternatively, vehicle 100 may be an aircraft, a boat, or other vehicle system that utilizes lubricants. In one example, vehicle 100 is a fully electric vehicle or a vehicle with an all-electric mode of operation, such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Thus, prime mover 106 may be an electric machine. In one example, prime mover 106 may be an electric motor / generator.

[0015] In some examples, such as Fig. 1, the drivetrain 103 includes a first axle assembly 102 and a second axle assembly 112. The first axle assembly 102 may be configured to drive a first set of wheels 104, and the second axle assembly 112 may be configured to drive a second set of wheels 114. The drivetrain 103 is illustrated in a four-wheel drive configuration, although the drivetrain 103 may have other configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and the Fig. The configuration shown in Figure 1 is for illustrative purposes only, not for limitation.

[0016] In some configurations, such as Fig. 1, the powertrain 103 includes a transfer case 110 configured to receive the rotational power output from the transmission 108. A first input shaft 113 is drivingly connected to a first output 111 of the transfer case 110, while a second input shaft 122 is drivingly coupled to a second output 121 of the transfer case 110. The first input shaft 113 (e.g., a front input shaft) transfers the rotational power from the transfer case 110 to a first differential 116 of the first axle assembly 102 to drive the first set of wheels 104, while the second input shaft 122 (e.g., a rear input shaft) transfers the rotational power from the transfer case 110 to a second differential 126 of the second axle assembly 112 to drive the second set of wheels 114.

[0017] The adjustment of the transmission 103 between the various modes, as well as the control of operation within each mode, may be performed based on a vehicle control system 154, including a controller 156. The controller 156 may be a microcomputer, including components such as a microprocessor unit, input / output ports, an electronic storage medium for executable programs and calibration values, e.g., a read-only memory chip, random access memory, diagnostic memory, and a data bus. The storage medium may be programmed with computer-readable data representing instructions that can be executed by a processor. In one example, the controller 156 may be a powertrain control module (PCM).

[0018] The controller 156 may receive various signals from sensors 158 coupled to various areas of the vehicle 100. The sensors 158 may include, for example, sensors on the prime mover 106 or another prime mover to measure the speed and temperature of the prime mover. After receiving the signals from the various sensors 158, the controller 156 processes the received signals and deploys various actuators 160 of the vehicle 100 to adjust powertrain operation based on the received signals and the instructions stored in the memory of the controller 156. The controller 156 may command operations such as adjusting the angular velocity of one or more shafts of the transmission 108, e.g., by adjusting the speed of the drive.

[0019] In some examples, the vehicle 100 may additionally or alternatively be a hybrid vehicle that includes both a motor and an electric machine, each configured to power one or more of the first axle assembly 102 and the second axle assembly 112. For example, one or both of the first axle assembly 102 and the second axle assembly 112 may be powered by power from the electric machine in a first operating mode in which the electric machine is not operating to provide power (e.g., a motor-only mode), by power from the electric machine in a second operating mode in which the motor is not operating to provide power (e.g., a pure electric mode), and by power from both the motor and the electric machine in a third operating mode (e.g., an electric-assist mode).In another example, one or both of the first axle assembly 102 and the second axle assembly 112 may be an electric axle assembly configured to be driven by an integrated electric machine.

[0020] In some embodiments, the transmission 108 may additionally or alternatively be a first transmission, with the vehicle 100 further including a second transmission disposed on the second set of axle shafts 128.

[0021] In Fig. 2 is a schematic representation 200 of the Fig. 1. The transmission 108 includes a volume that may be referred to as a gear box 203. In one example configuration, the transmission housing 203 may house a gear assembly 202. The transmission housing 203 may house portions of a plurality of shafts that support rotating elements of the transmission assembly 202. The transmission 108 may be a multi-stage reduction transmission, where the gear assembly 202 functions as a system of multiple reduction sets. Alternatively, the transmission 108 may be another form of multi-stage transmission, such as a multi-stage axle drive or a multi-stage transaxle, where the transmission functions as a system of multiple reduction sets. The gear assembly 202 may be formed of at least two reduction sets, which can decrease the speed (e.g., revolutions per minute (RPM)) and increase the torque.The reduction sets may be referred to herein as stages. The stages may be gear sets. However, the stages may also be another type of reduction gear or other power transmission gear, such as a belt and pulley system. There may be at least one first stage 204. The first stage 204 may include gears, e.g., fixed gears. It should be understood that the gear assembly 202 may also be used for another gear system that is not a transmission, for example, in a gear box that is not a transmission.

[0022] For example, the gear housing 203 of the gear assembly 202 may include at least two shafts. The two shafts include a first shaft 208 and a second shaft 210. The first stage 204 may be supported by the first shaft 208 and the second shaft 210. The first shaft 208 may be an input to the first stage 204. The second shaft 210 may be an output for the first stage 204. The first stage 204 may drivingly connect the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210. The first shaft 208 may be centered about a first axis 216. The second shaft 210 may be centered about a second axis 218. The first axis 216 and the second axis 218 may be parallel to each other. The first stage 204 may traverse the first axis 216 to the second axis 218.

[0023] The first and second shafts 208, 210 may be hollow. The first shaft 208 may have at least one first passage 211. The second shaft 210 may have at least one second passage 213. The first passage 211 may have a length parallel to the first axis 216 when the first shaft 208 is parallel to and / or centered about the first axis 216. The second passage 213 may have a length parallel to the second axis 218 when the second shaft 210 is parallel to and / or centered about the second axis 218. The first and second axes 216, 218 may be horizontal and perpendicular to a vertical axis and the direction of gravity. A plurality of additional passages, channels, and openings of the first shaft 208 may fluidly couple the first passage 211. A plurality of additional passages, channels, and openings of the second shaft 210 may fluidly couple the second passage 213.

[0024] The first shaft 208 may drivingly couple a first input shaft to the gear assembly 202. The first shaft is an input that transmits rotational power to the gear assembly 202. The first shaft may also be a first input to the transmission 108. For example, the first input shaft of the transmission assembly 202 may be an output shaft 214 of the prime mover 106. The output shaft 214 may be referred to herein as the prime mover output shaft 214. In this example, the prime mover 106 may be an electric machine. In another example, e.g., where the prime mover 106 is not an electric machine, there may be another prime mover that is an electric machine with an input to the transmission 108, with the other prime mover drivingly coupling the first shaft 208. Shafts and other components that are drivingly coupled and do not directly contact are represented by dashed lines 220.

[0025] However, other gear box configurations are possible. For example, the first input shaft may be a shaft drivingly connected to the output shaft 214 or the output of another gear reduction set. In other configurations, there may be additional stages that selectively and drivingly couple the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210. For example, there may be a second stage separate from the first stage 204 that drivingly and selectively couples the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210. The second stage may have a different ratio and effective diameter than the first stage 204. In this or other examples, there may be a third stage separate from the second stage and the first stage 204 that can drivingly and selectively couple the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210.The third stage may have a different ratio and effective diameter than the second stage and the first stage 204. In these or other examples, there may be a fourth stage separate from the third stage, the second stage, and the first stage 204, which may drivingly and selectively couple the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210. The fourth stage may have a different ratio and effective diameter than the third stage, the second stage, and the first stage 204. In these or other examples, there may be an n-stage separate from an n-1 stage, the fourth stage, the third stage, the second stage, and the first stage 204. The n-stage may have a different ratio and effective diameter than the n-1 stage, the fourth stage, the third stage, the second stage, and the first stage 204.

[0026] The transmission 108 may be a configuration with at least one gear, where the transmission 108 outputs rotational speed to an output shaft of the transmission. The second shaft 210 may be drivingly coupled to at least a first output shaft. For example, the first output shaft may be a drive shaft, such as the second drive shaft 122. The rotational energy of the first shaft 208 may be transferred to the second shaft 210 and an output shaft, such as the second drive shaft 122, when it is selectively and drivingly coupled via the first stage 204. When it is not selectively and drivingly coupled to the second shaft 210 via the first stage 204, the first shaft 208 may be driven and not output to another shaft. However, other configurations of the transmission assembly 202 and the transmission housing 203 are possible.As another example, the transmission 108 may be a two-speed transmission that allows for a second gear. In this example, the first shaft 208 and the second shaft 210 may lead to different output shafts, with the first shaft 208 leading to a second output shaft separate from the first output shaft, such as the first input shaft 113 of FIG. Fig. 1, and may be drivingly connected thereto. In this or other examples, the first shaft 208 and / or the second shaft 210 may also be output shafts. Furthermore, in this or other examples, the first shaft 208 and the second shaft 210 may be drivingly and selectively coupled via one or more additional sets of the first stage 204, e.g., a second stage. The one or more additional sets may have a different gear ratio than the first stage 204 such that a different speed than that of the first set 204 is output to the second shaft 210 and the first output shaft when the first shaft 208 is selectively and drivingly coupled to the second shaft 210 via the additional set.

[0027] It should be understood that the number of shafts, the number of sets, and the number of gears output by the transmission 108 may not be limited. In other examples, the transmission unit 202 may include more than two shafts. In these examples, the additional shafts of the transmission assembly 202 may be hollow, such as the first and second shafts 208, 210, with each shaft having a passageway extending between the opposite ends of the respective shaft, such as the first and second passageways 211, 213. Each additional shaft may be drivingly and selectively coupled to either the first shaft 208 or the second shaft 210. In other examples, the transmission 108 may have additional sets from the first stage 204, where the additional sets may drivingly and selectively couple the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210, each of the sets having a different gear ratio enabling a different speed.For example, an alternative configuration of the transmission assembly 202 may include two sets, such as gear sets, with different gear ratios that can driveably and selectively couple the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210. For example, an alternative configuration of the transmission assembly 202 may include three sets with different gear ratios that can driveably and selectively couple the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210. Another example is an alternative configuration of the transmission assembly 202 with four sets of different gear ratios that can driveably and selectively couple the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210. Another example is an alternative configuration of the transmission assembly 202 with five sets of different gear ratios that can driveably and selectively couple the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210.Another example is an alternative configuration of the transmission assembly 202 having six sets of different gear ratios that can driveably and selectively couple the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210. Another example is an alternative configuration of the transmission assembly 202 having seven sets of different gear ratios that can driveably and selectively couple the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210. Another example is an alternative configuration of the transmission assembly 202 having eight sets of different gear ratios that can driveably and selectively couple the first shaft 208 to the second shaft 210. In such examples, each of the above configurations can provide a number of n selectable gears based on the number of sets of gear ratios of the transmission.

[0028] In other examples, alternative configurations of the transmission 108 and the transmission assembly 202 with more than two shafts and / or additional stages may enable more than two speeds at the output. For example, in an alternative configuration, the transmission 108 may be an eight-speed transmission, and the transmission assembly 202 may be an eight-speed assembly that enables eight gears, such as an assembly 302 in Fig. 3, as described further below. Another example: The transmission 108 and the transmission assembly 202 may enable three gears. Another example: In an alternative configuration, the transmission 108 and the transmission assembly 202 may enable four gears. Another example: In an alternative configuration, the transmission 108 and the transmission assembly 202 may enable five gears, such as the assembly 402 in Fig. 4. Another example: In an alternative configuration, the transmission 108 and the transmission unit 202 may enable six gears. Another example: In an alternative configuration, the transmission 108 and the transmission unit 202 may enable seven gears. Another example: In an alternative configuration, the transmission 108 and the transmission unit 202 may enable nine gears. Another example: In an alternative configuration, the transmission 108 and the transmission unit 202 may enable n gears.

[0029] An actuator 222 may selectively and drivingly couple the first stage 204 to the first shaft 208. The actuator 222 may be slidably coupled to a shift rod 224, wherein the actuator 222 may shift the shift rod 224 in one direction. The actuator 222 may be one of the actuators 160 of Fig. 1. The actuator 222 can move the shift rod 224 along the third axis 226. Upon movement in a first direction, e.g., toward the front end 132, the shift rod 224 can driveably couple the first stage 204 to the first shaft 208. Upon movement in a second direction, e.g., toward the rear end 134, the shift rod can decouple the first stage 204 from the first shaft 208.

[0030] The first stage 204 may include at least a first gear 232 and a second gear 234. The first gear 232 may be rotatably connected to the first shaft 208, and the second gear 234 may be rotatably connected to the second shaft 210. When the first gear 232 and the second gear 234 are rotatably connected to a shaft, they may rotate with their respective shafts. At least one of the first gear 232 or the second gear 234 may be supported by bearings, races, and / or bushings so that the first gear 232 and / or the second gear 234 can rotate freely from the first shaft 208 or the second shaft 210, respectively. The first gear 232 can rotate freely about the first shaft 208 when the first engagement element 240 and the first engagement component 244 are not selectively coupled.

[0031] To select reduction sets, at least one arm and one mesh may be drivingly coupled to the shift rail 224. The number of arms and meshes drivingly coupled to the shift rail 224 may depend on the number of sets to be engaged. The first stage 204 may be drivingly coupled to the first shaft 208 via a first engaging component 240 and a first engaging component 244. The first engaging component 240 may be slidably connected to the shift rail 224 via a first arm 248. The shift rail 224 may translate the first engaging component 240 to engage and lock it with the first engaging component 244. The first engaging component 244 may be drivingly coupled to the first gear 232. The first engaging component 240 and the first engaging component 244 may form a clutch, such as a clutch. B. a synchronization clutch or a dog clutch.

[0032] The gear housing 203 may include a sump 228 in which a working fluid 230 is collected. The working fluid 230 may be a lubricant, such as oil. The sump 228 may be located below the gear assembly 202 so that the working fluid 230 can be returned to the sump 228 by gravity 260. After lubricating the first-stage gears 204, the working fluid 230 may be returned to the sump 228 by splashing and dripping.

[0033] The schematic 200 shows that a first flow path 262 can receive the working fluid 230 from the sump 228. The flow of the working fluid 230 on the first flow path 262 can be driven by suction from a first pump 266. Likewise, the schematic 200 shows that a second flow path 264 can receive the working fluid 230 from the sump 228. The flow of the working fluid 230 on the second flow path 264 can be driven by suction from a second pump 268. Both the first flow path 262 and the second flow path 264 are routed to at least the first and second shafts 208 and 210, respectively, via a forced lubrication system.

[0034] For example, components of the transmission 108 and the gear assembly 202 may be lubricated in one process via the first flow path 262. The first flow path 262 may begin at the sump 228. The working fluid 230 may be supplied to the first pump 266. The first pump 266 may increase the pressure of the working fluid 230 and direct it to the first shaft 208. A pressure gradient created by the first pump 266 may drive the working fluid 230 to the first shaft 208. The first shaft 208 may receive the working fluid 230 via an inlet into the first passage 211. The working fluid 230 in the first flow path 262 may flow through the first passage 211. The working fluid 230 can travel along the first flow path 262 to other fluid passages, openings, and other cavities of the first shaft 208 that are in fluid communication with the first passage 211.It should be understood that the working fluid 230 in the first shaft 208 on the first flow path 262 must not be driven by a pressure gradient or other means of forced lubrication. In the first passage 211 and other volumes of the first shaft 208, the working fluid may flow in an open channel. The working fluid on the first flow path 262 in the first shaft 208 may have a fluid-free surface and be driven under the action of an applied force, e.g., the forces from the rotation of the first shaft 208. By rotating the first shaft 208, working fluid may be driven radially outward from the first passage 211 and the first shaft 208 through a plurality of channels and openings. The lubricant driven radially outward by the first shaft 208 may lubricate the components arranged about the first shaft 208, such as the B. the first gear 232, the first engagement component 244 and the first engagement component 240.The lubricant in the first flow path 262 can also be used to lubricate other components of the first stage 204. For example, the lubricant in the first flow path 262 can be carried by the first gear 232 to lubricate the second gear 234 and the meshing between the first gear 232 and the second gear 234. The working fluid in the first flow path 262 can be returned to the sump 228 after lubricating components arranged around the first shaft 208 or a portion of the first stage 204. The working fluid 230 in the first flow path 262 can also exit the first passage 211 via an outlet and return to the sump 228.

[0035] Components of the transmission 108 and the gear assembly 202 may be lubricated in a second method via the second flow path 264. In one example, the second method may be similar to the first method, but the lubricant is driven and distributed via the second shaft 210 to other components of the transmission assembly 202. For example, the second flow path 264 may begin at the sump 228. The working fluid 230 may be drawn to the second pump 268 and directed to the second shaft 210. By rotating the second shaft 210, working fluid may be driven radially outward from the second passage 213 and the first shaft 208 through a plurality of channels to lubricate the components arranged about the second shaft 210.The working fluid on the second flow path 264 can be returned to the sump 228 after lubricating the components arranged around the second shaft 210 and can leave the second passage 213 via an outlet.

[0036] It should be understood that the arrangement of the first flow path 262 and the second flow path 264 may be unlimited. For example, the first flow path 262 may be extended by additional channels and openings of the first shaft 208. The additional channels and openings may extend radially from and be fluidly coupled to the first passage 211. For example, the additional channels and openings may lubricate additional components of gear sets, such as additional gear sets. Likewise, the additional channels and openings may lubricate additional components of clutches to selectively connect the first shaft 208 to additional stages. The additional channels and openings may lubricate additional engaging components separate from the first engaging component 240 and the first engaging component 244.The first flow path 262 and additional channels and openings of the first shaft 208 can also direct the lubricant to lubricate other support elements, such as additional bearings, races, and bushings. Similarly, the second flow path 264 can be expanded by additional channels and openings of the second shaft 210. The additional channels and openings can extend radially from the second passage 213 and be fluidly connected thereto, thereby directing the lubricant to other elements, such as additional gears, bearings, races, and bushings.

[0037] Likewise, the additional channels and openings may lubricate additional components of clutches to selectively connect the first shaft 208 to additional stages. The additional channels and openings may lubricate additional engagement components separate from the first engagement component 240 and the first engagement component 244.

[0038] Likewise, the additional channels and openings may lubricate additional components of clutches, such as additional engagement and engagement components separate from the first engagement component 240 and the first engagement component 244.

[0039] In an alternative example, the first and second flow paths 262, 264 may be driven and supplied with fluid by a common pump.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a first view 300 of the arrangement 302. A set of reference axes 301 is provided for comparison between the views in Fig. 3-10. The reference axes 301 indicate a y-axis, an x-axis, and a z-axis. The z-axis may be parallel to a direction of gravity. When indicating direction, "positive" may refer to the arrow direction of the y-axis, x-axis, and z-axis, and "negative" may refer to the opposite arrow direction of the y-axis, x-axis, and z-axis. A circle may represent an axis of the reference axes 301 that is perpendicular to a view. A filled circle may represent an arrow and axis that are directed toward, or positively toward, a view. An open circle may represent an arrow and axis that is directed away from, or negative toward, a view.

[0041] The first view 300 is a sectional view of the assembly 302, wherein the first view 300 may be taken on a plane parallel to a plane formed by the yz-axis. The assembly 302 has a first side 304 and a second side 306, wherein the first side 304 is opposite the second side 306. The assembly 302 includes a housing 303. The assembly 302 may include a plurality of shafts, for example, at least two shafts. The housing 303 may accommodate a plurality of rotating elements, including shafts and gears of the assembly 302. The at least two shafts include a first shaft 312 and a second shaft 314. The assembly 302 is a first embodiment of a transmission and / or a manual transmission that can provide and output multiple gears at the same input speed.The assembly 302 is an eight-speed assembly, and the two-shaft scheme may enable at least eight speeds to be output through the assembly.

[0042] The first shaft 312 may have a first passage 316 and the second shaft 314 may have a second passage 318. The first passage 316 may extend through a first material 315 of the first shaft 312. The second passage 318 may extend through a second material 317 of the second shaft 314. The first passage 316 and the second passage 318 may be made from their respective materials and shafts. For example, the first passage 316 and the second passage 318 may be drilled through the first material 315 and the second material 317, respectively, e.g., with a drill. The first passage 316 may be a blind passage, such as a pocket hole. The first passage 316 may extend from an opening at a first end and toward a second end of the first shaft 312. The first end of the first shaft 312 may be opposite the second end of the first shaft 312. Likewise, the second passage 318 can be a blind hole.The second passage 318 may extend from an opening at a first end to and toward a second end of the second shaft 314. The first end of the second shaft 314 may be opposite the second end of the second shaft 314. The first passage 316 and the second passage 318 may be fluid passages, such as lubrication lines, for their respective shafts. The first passage 316 and the second passage 318 may have lengths that are parallel to the centerlines of the first shaft 312 and the second shaft 314, respectively. The first passage 316 and the second passage 318 may be central passages for the first shaft 312 and the second shaft 314, respectively. As central passages, the first passage 316 and the second passage 318 may be arranged approximately radially about and coaxial with the centerline of the first shaft 312 and the second shaft 314, respectively.

[0043] The first passage 316 may run parallel to the first axis 308 when the first shaft 312 is centered about the first axis 308. The first passage 316 may be coaxial with the first axis 308 when the first shaft 312 is centered about the first axis 308, such that the first passage 316 is arranged approximately radially about the first axis 308. The second passage 318 may run parallel to the second axis when the second shaft 314 is centered about the second axis 310. A working fluid, e.g., a lubricant, can be transported through the first passage 316 and the second passage 318.

[0044] The first passage 316 can receive fluid through at least one first opening, such as a port 321. The opening 321 can be closest to the second side 306 of the assembly 302. The opening 321 can selectively admit lubricant and other fluids into the first passage 316. When engaged or open, the opening 321 can connect a lubricant supply. In the disengaged / closed state, the opening 321 can seal the first passage 316 from the lubricant supply. The lubricant can enter the first passage 316 from the second side 306 via the opening 321. The lubricant can flow from the second side 306 to the first side 304 via a first flow path 320 when entering the first passage 316. The fluid can flow on a flow path through the second shaft 314 via the second passage 318.Similar to the first passage 316, the second passage 318 may also be supplied with fluid via a second opening. For example, the second flow path through the second passage 318 may be parallel and in the same direction as the first flow path 320, with the second flow path running from the second side 306 to the first side 304. As another example, a second flow path through the second passage 318 may be parallel and opposite to the direction of the first flow path 320, with the second flow path running from the first side 304 to the second side 306.

[0045] The first shaft 312 and / or the second shaft 314 may, for example, be integrated into a lubrication system of the assembly 302. As part of a method for lubricating the assembly 302, the lubrication system may transport lubricant to the openings of the first shaft 312 and / or the second shaft 314 via a forced lubrication method, for example via pressure differentials, such as specific pressure differentials for the first shaft 312 and / or the second shaft 314. Each pressure differential may, as a first example, be created by a pump or by pressure head, e.g., by gravity. The lubricant may, for example, be transported to the port 321 via a pressure differential. Upon entering the first passage 316 or the second passage 318, the fluid may flow in the open channel and not via pressure differentials or other forced lubrication methods, as discussed above with reference to Fig. 2 described.

[0046] The first shaft 312 may have a plurality of first channels extending radially outward from the first passage 316 to the outer surfaces of the first shaft 312. Each channel may include a first outer shaft opening and a first inner shaft opening, each radially disposed around, adjacent to, and flush with the outer surface and the inner surface of the first shaft 312. The inner surface of the first shaft may be the surface of the first passage 316. Lubricant may be expelled radially outward from the first passage 316 and the first shaft 312 via the first shaft channels through a plurality of inlets of the first flow path 320. Lubricant in the first flow path 320 that is not expelled via the first shaft channels through the inlets may exit the first passage 316 and the first shaft 312 via the second opening.

[0047] Likewise, the second shaft 314 may include a plurality of second shaft passages extending radially outward from the second passage 318 to the outer surfaces of the second shaft 314 and may be arranged similarly to the first shaft passages of the first shaft 312. Each passage may include a second outer shaft opening and a second inner shaft opening, each radially disposed around, adjacent to, and flush with the outer surface and the inner surface of the second shaft 314. The inner surface of the second shaft 314 may be the surface of the second passage 318. Lubricant may be expelled radially outward from the second passage 318 and the second shaft 314 via the second shaft passages via a plurality of second inlets. Lubricant not expelled from the second shaft passages through the second inlets may exit the second passage 318 and the second shaft 314 via the fourth opening.

[0048] The first shaft and second shaft passages can supply lubricant to a variety of consumers located around the first shaft 312 and the second shaft 314, respectively, including bearings, races, bushings, gears, gear meshes, clutches, and mechanical systems with moving / rotating / rolling / sliding components.

[0049] The assembly 302 may include one or more gear sets, such as gear sets, that can rotatably and drivingly couple the first shaft 312 to the second shaft 314. In one embodiment, the assembly may include eight sets, each set having a different gear ratio that allows for a different output speed when the first shaft 312 is drivingly coupled to the second shaft 314. The eight sets may include a first gear set 322, a second gear set 324, a third gear set 326, a fourth gear set 328, a fifth gear set 332, a sixth gear set 334, a seventh gear set 336, and an eighth gear set 338.Each gear set or any other set of the gear sets may be complementary to a clutch assembly, the complementary clutch assembly including a complementary clutch that selectively couples the set to either the first shaft 312 or the second shaft 314. When selectively coupled to the first shaft 312 or the second shaft 314 via a complementary clutch, a set may drivingly couple the first shaft 312 to the second shaft 314. The first gear set 322 and the second gear set 324 may be complementary to a first clutch assembly 342. The third gear set 326 and the fourth gear set 328 may be complementary to a second clutch assembly 344. The fifth gear set 332 and the sixth gear set 334 may be complementary to a third clutch assembly 346. The seventh gear set 336 and the eighth gear set 338 may be complementary to a fourth clutch arrangement 348.The first clutch assembly 342 can selectively connect the first gear set 322 or the second gear set 324 to the second shaft 314. The second clutch assembly 344 can selectively connect the third gear set 326 or the fourth gear set 328 to the second shaft 314. The third clutch assembly 346 can selectively connect the fifth gear set 332 or the sixth gear set 334 to the first shaft 312. The fourth clutch assembly 348 can selectively connect the seventh gear set 336 or the eighth gear set 338 to the first shaft 312. The first clutch assembly 342, the second clutch assembly 344, the third clutch assembly 346, and the fourth clutch assembly 348 can be synchronizers. The fifth gear set 332, the sixth gear set 334, the seventh gear set 336 and the eighth gear set 338 may include idler gears.

[0050] A variety of bearings, bearing assemblies, and bushings may support components and features of assembly 302. A bushing 350 may be inserted near the opening 321 near the second side 306 (e.g., the right side). The bushing 350 may fit within the first passage 316. The bushing 350 may be disposed between the first side 304 and the opening 321 along the first axis 308. The bushing 350 may be disposed opposite the end of the opening 321 closest to the second side 306. The bushing 350 may prevent backflow of fluid toward the second side 306 through the opening 321.

[0051] A first bearing assembly 352 may support and be positioned around the first shaft 312. The first bearing assembly 352 may be positioned around the first shaft 312, e.g., radially around it, and in surface contact with it. A second bearing assembly 354 may support and be positioned around the second shaft 314. The second bearing assembly 354 may be arranged around the second shaft 314, e.g., radially, and in surface contact with it. The first and second bearing assemblies 352, 354 may include an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of bearings. For example, the first and second bearing assemblies 352, 354 may include ball bearings. Alternatively, the first and second bearing assemblies 352, 354 may also include needle bearings or roller bearings.

[0052] In addition to the bearings of the first and second bearing assemblies 352, 354, the assembly 302 may include a plurality of third bearings 356, a plurality of fourth bearings 358, a sixth bearing 362, a seventh bearing 364, a plurality of eighth bearings 366, a plurality of ninth bearings 368, a plurality of tenth bearings 370, a plurality of eleventh bearings 372, and a plurality of twelfth bearings 374. The third bearings 356, the fourth bearings 358, the fifth bearings 360, the eighth bearings 366, the ninth bearings 368, the tenth bearings 370, the eleventh bearings 372, and the twelfth bearings 374 may be roller bearings and / or needle bearings, such as needle bearings. The sixth bearings 362 and the seventh bearings 364 may be cylindrical roller bearings.

[0053] The third bearings 356, fourth bearing 358, fifth bearing 360, sixth bearing 362, and twelfth bearing 374 may be arranged radially around the second shaft 314. The third bearings 356 may be arranged radially between the second shaft 314 and a complementary gear of the first gear set 322. The third bearings 356 may support the complementary gear and allow it to rotate about the second shaft 314. The fourth bearings 358 may be arranged radially between the second shaft 314 and a complementary gear of the second gear set 324. The fourth bearings 358 may support the complementary gear and allow it to rotate about the second shaft 314. The fifth bearings 360 may be arranged radially between the second shaft 314 and a complementary gear of the third gear set 326. The fifth bearings 360 can support the complementary gear and allow it to rotate around the second shaft 314.The twelfth bearings 374 may be arranged radially between the second shaft 314 and a complementary gear of the fourth gear set 328. The twelfth bearings 374 may support the complementary gear and allow it to rotate about the second shaft 314.

[0054] The seventh bearing 364, the eighth bearing 366, the ninth bearing 368, the tenth bearing 370, and the eleventh bearing 372 may be arranged radially around the first shaft 312. The eighth bearing 366 may be arranged radially between the first shaft 312 and a complementary gear of the fifth gear set 332. The eighth bearing 366 may support the complementary gear and allow it to rotate about the first shaft 312. The ninth bearing 368 may be arranged radially between the first shaft 312 and a complementary gear of the sixth gear set 334. The ninth bearing 368 may support the complementary gear and allow it to rotate about the first shaft 312. The tenth bearing 370 may be arranged radially between the first shaft 312 and a complementary gear of the seventh gear set 336. The tenth bearings 370 can support the complementary gear and allow it to rotate around the first shaft 312.The eleventh bearings 372 may be radially disposed between the first shaft 312 and a complementary gear of the eighth gear set 338. The eleventh bearings 372 may support the complementary gear and allow it to rotate about the first shaft 312. The seventh bearing 364, the eighth bearing 366, the ninth bearing 368, the tenth bearing 370, and the eleventh bearing 372 may support and complement the idler gears of the respective gear sets.

[0055] The described first shaft channels for the first shaft 312 and the first passage 316 comprise a first channel 375, a second channel 376, a third channel 378, and a fourth channel 380. The first channel 375, the second channel 376, the third channel 378, and the fourth channel 380 can each be supply channels, such as supply openings, that can transport the lubricant to the consumers. The first channel 375 can supply the consumer with lubricant via a first branch 382 of the first flow path 320. The second channel 376 can supply the consumer with lubricant via a second branch 384 of the first flow path 320. The third channel 378 can supply the consumer with lubricant via a third branch 386 of the first flow path 320. The fourth channel 380 can supply the consumer with lubricant via a fourth branch 388 of the first flow path 320.The consumers supplied with lubricant via the first channel 375 can include the eighth bearing 366, the gears of the fifth gear set 332, and the third clutch unit 346. The consumers supplied with lubricant via the second channel 376 can include the ninth bearing 368, the gears of the sixth gear set 334, and the third clutch unit 346. The consumers supplied with lubricant via the third channel 378 can include the tenth bearing 370, the gears of the seventh gear set 336, and the fourth clutch unit 348. The consumers supplied with lubricant via the fourth channel 380 can include the eleventh bearing 372, the gears of the eighth gear set 338, and the fourth clutch unit 348. There may be a plurality of first channels 375, second channels 376, third channels 378 and fourth channels 380.

[0056] It should be understood that the configuration of the assembly 302 is not limited, and the structure may include a multi-shaft scheme with more than two shafts that may be rotationally coupled via the assembly's gear sets. The assembly 302 may also be configured to output fewer than eight or more than eight speeds. Similar to the Fig. 2, alternative configurations of the assembly 302 may allow for two and up to n speeds.

[0057] In Fig. 4 shows a sectional view 400 of an assembly 402, wherein the sectional view 400 can be taken on a plane parallel to a plane formed by the yz-axis. The assembly 402 has a first side 404 and a second side 406, wherein the first side 404 is opposite the second side 406. The assembly 402 can include a shaft 412 and a plurality of rotating elements 407, including gears, bearings, and the like, arranged around the shaft 412 with a common rotational axis 408. The rotational axis 408 can be perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Similar to the assembly 302 in Fig. 3, the assembly 402 is a second embodiment of a transmission and / or manual transmission capable of enabling and outputting multiple gears at the same input speed. The assembly 402 may be a five-gear assembly configured to enable at least five gears to be output via the assembly 402.

[0058] The shaft 412 may have a passage 416, so that the shaft 412 is hollow. The passage 416 may be a blind passage, e.g., a blind hole. Fluid (e.g., oil, working fluid 230 of Fig. 2) can be received through the passage 416 via a nozzle 452 at an inlet 414 on the second side 406. The passage 416 can be used to receive a fluid distribution device, such as the fluid distribution device 502 of the Fig. 5-10, as described below. The assembly 402 may include a bushing 450 positioned within the shaft 412 proximate the inlet 414, wherein the bushing 450 prevents reverse flow (e.g., out of the inlet 414 rather than into the inlet 414).

[0059] Additionally, the shaft 412 may include channels 420 that connect the passage 416 to the outside of the shaft 412. In this way, the channels may fluidly connect the passage 416 to the outside of the shaft 412. Each of the channels 420 may have an outer and an inner opening radially disposed around, adjacent to, or flush with the outer surface and inner surface of the shaft 412, respectively. The inner surface of the shaft 412 may be a cylindrical surface defining the passage 416. The outer surface of the shaft 412 may be a cylindrical surface facing outward toward the plurality of rotating elements 407.

[0060] The channels 420 may include a first channel 421 located at a first axial position along the shaft 412, a second channel 422 located at a second axial position along the shaft 412, a third channel 423 located at a third axial position along the shaft 412, and a fourth channel 424 located at a fourth axial position along the shaft 412. The channels 420 may include additional channels, including some channels not visible in the sectional view 400. The first channel 421, the second channel 422, the third channel 423, and the fourth channel 424 may extend axially along and be centered about a first axis 431, a second axis 432, a third axis 433, and a fourth axis 434, respectively. In this way, the first channel 421, the second channel 422 and the third channel 423 can be arranged radially around the respective axes.The first axis 431, the second axis 432, the third axis 433, and the fourth axis 434 may intersect the rotation axis 408. Thus, the channels 420 may be radially aligned with respect to the rotation axis 408, such that the first channel 421, the second channel 422, and the third channel 423 are perpendicular to the passage 416.

[0061] The channels 420 can be axially spaced from one another with respect to the rotation axis 408. For example, the channels 420 can be arranged equidistant from one another in the y-direction along the rotation axis 408, such that a first distance between the first axial position and the second axial position is approximately equal to a second distance between the second axial position and the third axial position and a third distance between the third axial position and the fourth axial position. Additionally or alternatively, the channels 420 can be positioned with respect to the rotation axis 408 according to the y-position of the intended consumers, such as the plurality of rotating elements 407, which include a first bearing 441, a second bearing 442, a third bearing 443, and a fourth bearing 444. The channels 420 can, for example, each be assigned to a bearing.The first channel 421 can supply fluid to the first bearing 441, the second channel 422 can supply fluid to the second bearing 442, the third channel 423 can supply fluid to the third bearing 443, and the fourth channel 424 can supply fluid to the fourth bearing 444.

[0062] Additionally, the channels 420 may be oriented at different angles. For example, the channels 420 may be oriented in parallel xz-planes at different angles to the z-axis. For example, the first channel 421 may extend along the first axis 431 in the negative z-direction from the rotation axis 408, the second channel 422 may extend along the second axis 432 in the negative x-direction from the rotation axis 408, and the third channel 423 may extend along the third axis 433 in the positive z-direction from the rotation axis 408. As previously mentioned, additional channels 420 may be present that are not visible in the cross-sectional view 400. For example, there may be a fifth channel at the second axial position, with the fifth channel centered on a fifth axis extending perpendicular to the rotation axis 408 (e.g., in the positive x-direction).In this way, there may be a plurality of channels 420 centered on axes aligned in parallel xz planes and having different angles with the z axis.

[0063] Furthermore, there may be a different number of channels 420 at each axial position along the shaft 412. For example, the shaft 412 may be configured to receive a fluid distribution device according to the present disclosure, as described further below, such that four channels 420 may be arranged axially along the shaft 412 to supply fluid to the first bearing 441, three channels 420 may be arranged axially along the shaft 412 to supply fluid to the second bearing 442, two channels 420 may be arranged axially along the shaft 412 to supply fluid to the third bearing 443, and one channel 420 may be arranged axially along the shaft 412 to supply fluid to the fourth bearing 444. The channels 420 at each axial position (e.g., the first axial position, the second axial position, the third axial position, or the fourth axial position) may be angularly evenly spaced from one another.For example, with four channels at a given axial position, the four channels may be spaced 90 degrees apart. In another example with three channels at a given axial position, the three channels may be spaced 120 degrees apart. In another example with two channels at a given axial position, the two channels may be 180 degrees apart.

[0064] In other examples, the number of channels in the shaft may vary. The number of channels in the shaft may depend on the number of consumers. For example, in a gearbox with six bearings to be lubricated, there may be six or more channels. Furthermore, in at least some examples, two or more of the channels 420 may have the same angle with a plane including the z-axis and the rotation axis 408, such as the third channel 423 and the fourth channel 424.

[0065] The assembly 402 can be used to supply fluid to each of the first bearing 441, the second bearing 442, the third bearing 443, and the fourth bearing 444 to provide adequate lubrication and cooling. Fig. However, in the configuration shown in Figure 4, more fluid may be drawn through the first bearing 441 via the first passage 421 than through the other bearings via the other passages because the first passage 421 is closer to the inlet 414. Therefore, a desired flow rate to each of the bearings (e.g., above a threshold at which adequate lubrication and cooling are observed) may not be delivered by the assembly 402 alone without increasing the volume requirement. For example, if four times the desired flow rate is pumped into the passage 416, the desired flow rate may not reach all four bearings, particularly the fourth bearing 444.As described above, the centrifugal force from the rotational motion of the shaft 412 can cause more fluid to exit the shaft through the first port 421 than through the second port 422, more from the second port 422 than from the third port 423, and so on in increasing order of port distance from the inlet 414. Delivering a larger total flow rate can compensate for the uneven distribution of fluid so that at least the desired flow rate is delivered to each of the four bearings. However, excessive flow can lead to undesirable fluid buildup. For example, excess fluid may collect in a transmission sump (e.g., sump 228 in . Fig. 2) may accumulate, and the gears may suffer frictional loss due to rotation by the fluid in the sump, thereby reducing the efficiency of the assembly 402 and the efficiency of a system (e.g., a vehicle) in which the assembly 402 is incorporated.

[0066] A fluid distribution device may be added to the assembly 402 to distribute the fluid in more even amounts through each of the channels 420. Thus, a smaller fluid volume may be sufficient to deliver the desired flow rate to each of the bearings utilizing the fluid distribution device. By reducing the fluid volume, there may be less fluid accumulation in undesirable locations in the assembly, thereby increasing efficiency (e.g., lower power losses of the assembly) and reducing resource requirements. Thus, a fluid distribution device integrated into the assembly 402 may result in a lower fluid volume requirement and higher efficiency. An example of such a fluid distribution device is shown in Fig. 5-9.

[0067] In Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid distribution system 500 including a fluid distribution device 502 and a hollow shaft 512. The fluid distribution system 500 may be incorporated into a forced lubrication system in a mechanical system, such as the assembly 302 and the assembly 402 in Fig. 3 and 4, respectively. The fluid distribution system 500 may be incorporated into a mechanical system having moving / rotating / rolling / sliding components (e.g., gears and / or bearings) arranged around one or more shafts, such as the arrangement 302 of Fig. 3 or order 402 of Fig. 4. A forced lubrication system of a transmission in a vehicle (e.g., the transmission 108 of the vehicle 100 of Fig. 1) may, for example, include the fluid distribution system 500. The vehicle may include a controller (e.g., the controller 156 of Fig. 1) having instructions stored therein (e.g., in non-transferable memory) that, when executed, cause the transmission to rotate the hollow shaft 512 and the fluid distribution device 502 beyond a threshold angular velocity, as described below.

[0068] Such components that receive fluid for cooling and / or lubrication from a fluid distribution system, such as the fluid distribution system 500, may be referred to herein as consumers. For example, two or more consumers (e.g., components such as needle bearings located outside the hollow shaft 512) may be arranged around each shaft (e.g., the hollow shaft 512). Fluid may be supplied to an inlet 514 of the hollow shaft 512, for example, via a pressure differential. The pressure differential may be generated by a pump, such as the first pump 266 or the second pump 268 in Fig. 2, which is configured to convey fluid into the inlet 514. In addition, the fluid (e.g., ambient temperature) can be introduced into the hollow shaft 512, so that no pressure gradient is created along the hollow shaft 512. Upon entering the shaft 512, the fluid can be lubricated in the open channel and not via pressure differences or other forced lubrication methods, as described above with reference to Fig. 2. In this way, the fluid can flow through the fluid distribution system 500 according to the open channel principle with a free fluid surface. Furthermore, the fluid distribution system 500 can be designed to direct the fluid to the individual components in approximately equal amounts (e.g., volumetric flow rate). In this way, sufficient amounts of fluid can be supplied to each of the two or more consumers arranged around the hollow shaft 512, reducing the fluid volume requirement.

[0069] The fluid distribution device 502 may be inserted into the hollow shaft 512 such that the fluid distribution device 502 and the hollow shaft 512 are coaxial. The fluid distribution device 502 may be axially secured to the hollow shaft 512 via a shoulder 532. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid distribution device may be axially fixed within the hollow shaft 512 with a retaining ring 534. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid distribution device may be axially fixed to the hollow shaft 512 by a snap ring, a retaining ring, and / or other fastening means. The fluid distribution device 502 may include a cartridge 550 and two or more tubes 560 attached to the cartridge (e.g., by adhesive, fittings, or the like). The fluid distribution device 502 may be configured to collect fluid in an annular volume within the cartridge 550 and distribute approximately equal amounts of fluid through each of the tubes 560.

[0070] The hollow shaft 512 may be an embodiment of the shaft 412 of Fig. 4. Thus, the hollow shaft 512 can have a passage 516, which can be a bore made coaxially in the hollow shaft 512, so that the hollow shaft 512 is hollow and centered around an axis 508. The axis 508 can be an axis of rotation. Furthermore, the axis 508 can run horizontally, so that it lies in a plane that is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The hollow shaft 512 can therefore lie horizontally with respect to the gravitational field. The fluid distribution device 502 can be positioned within the hollow shaft 512. In particular, the fluid distribution device 502 can be positioned in the passage 516 such that the fluid distribution device 502 is circumferentially surrounded by the hollow shaft 512.

[0071] The hollow shaft 512 may further include two or more radial channels 520, which may be arranged as through-holes radially of the axis 508 and distributed axially along the hollow shaft 512. In at least some examples, the radial channels 520 may all have approximately the same geometry and dimensions. The radial channels 520 may each be defined by an outer opening, an inner opening, and an intermediate cylindrical inner surface. For example, a third channel 523 may be defined by an outer opening 524 of an outer surface 505 of the hollow shaft 512, an inner opening 528 of an inner surface of the hollow shaft 512 (e.g., the surface defining the passage 516), and a cylindrical inner surface 529 connecting the outer opening 524 and the inner opening 528. The radial channels 520 may extend through the thickness of the shaft and fluidly connect the passage 516 to the outside of the shaft.In this way, the fluid can be supplied to the consumers after it has flowed into the inlet 514, through the fluid distribution device 502 and through the radial channels 520 into areas outside the hollow shaft 512.

[0072] A passage diameter 506 of the passage 516 may be significantly larger than a channel diameter 526 of the radial channels 520. For example, the passage diameter 506 may be approximately 30 mm and the channel diameter 526 may be approximately 2 mm. Furthermore, the diameter of the inlet opening 554 may be approximately 15 mm. In this way, the passage diameter 506 may be large enough to fit into the fluid distribution device 502. Furthermore, a channel diameter of 2 mm 526 may be suitable to deliver a desired flow rate at a pressure differential of 0.2-0.3 bar between the passage 516 and the outside of the hollow shaft 512. In other examples, the passage diameter 506 may also be between 15 mm and 40 mm. In addition, the cartridge diameter 556 of the cartridge 550 may approximately correspond to the diameter of the passageway 506 so that the cartridge 550 fits exactly into the passageway 516.For example, the clearance between the fluid distribution device 502 and the hollow shaft 512 (e.g., the difference between the cartridge diameter 556 and the passage diameter 506) may be between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm. In this way, no fluid can flow in the clearance between the fluid distribution device 502 and the hollow shaft 512. In at least some examples, the inner tube diameter 566 of the tubes 560 may be smaller than the diameter of the cartridge 556 and larger than the passage diameter 526. The tubes 560 may also have an outer diameter 569. The outer diameter 569 is so small that the tubes 560 are spaced from the inner surface of the passage 516.

[0073] There can be at least one channel 520 per consumer. The radial channels 520 can fluidly connect the passage 516 and the consumers arranged around the hollow shaft 512. Furthermore, the radial channels 520 can be arranged along the hollow shaft 512 at distances from the inlet 514, depending on the axial position of the consumers relative to the hollow shaft 512. For example, the outer opening 524 can be located near a consumer or sufficiently close to it. In this way, the fluid can be delivered to the consumer in a targeted manner. In this way, the hollow shaft 512 can direct the fluid to the consumers in a targeted manner, but the hollow shaft 512 alone may not be able to equalize the flow rates to each of the radial channels 520. The fluid distribution device 502 can be inserted into and / or integrated with the hollow shaft 512 to form the fluid distribution system 500.The fluid distribution device 502 can supply fluid to each consumer arranged around the hollow shaft 512 at more uniform volumetric flows. The fluid distribution device 502 can fluidly connect the inlet 514 and the passage 516 so that the fluid flows into the inlet 514, through the fluid distribution device 502, into the passage 516, through the radial channels 520, and to the consumers. Alternatively, the fluid distribution device 502 can be housed by, e.g., by being inserted into, another hollow shaft that includes a coaxial passage and a plurality of radial channels connecting the passage to the consumers arranged around the hollow shaft.

[0074] Each tube 560 can supply fluid within a threshold axial distance of at least one channel 520. The axis distance threshold can be a difference between the Y positions of the referenced components and must not consider angular distance, nor distance along the X or Z directions. The axis distance threshold can be greater than zero and non-zero. Therefore, the axis distance threshold may be referred to herein as a non-zero axis distance threshold.For example, a first portion of the fluid entering through inlet 514 may flow through a first tube 561 to within the threshold axial distance from first channel 521, a second portion of the fluid entering through inlet 514 may flow through a second tube 562 to within the threshold axial distance from second channel 522, and a third portion of the fluid entering through inlet 514 may flow through a third tube 563 to within the threshold axial distance from third channel 523. Thus, a length 564 of each tube 560 may correspond to an axial position of a corresponding channel 520 such that when fluid distribution device 502 is inserted into hollow shaft 512, a plurality of tube outlets 570 of tubes 560 are sufficiently close (e.g., within the threshold difference from) the corresponding radial channels 520.Additionally, the lengths 564 may be short enough that the tube outlets 570 are no farther from the inlet 514 than the corresponding radial channels 520. Each of the tube outlets 570 may be within the threshold axial distance of one or more radial channels 520 that are no closer to the inlet 514 than the tube outlet 570. In this way, the tubes 560 may not block the corresponding radial channels 520, thus preventing clogging. The threshold axial distance may be, for example, about 3 mm. In such an example, each tube 560 having a length 564 may extend such that its tube opening 570 is axially spaced from the corresponding radial channels 520 by less than or approximately equal to 3 mm, and the tube 560 does not extend axially beyond the corresponding radial channels 520.Thus, the lengths 564 of the tubes may correspond to the axial positions of the radial channels 520 distributed axially along the hollow shaft 512.

[0075] Additionally, a first number of radial channels 520 located at an axial position along the hollow shaft 512 may be greater than a second number of tubes 560 extending from the cartridge 550 beyond the axial position. Thus, the second number of tube outlets 570, which are farther from the inlet port 514 than the radial channels 520 at the axial position, may be less than the first number. For example, the first number may be one higher than the second number, at least in some examples.

[0076] As described above, at least one channel 520 directed toward each consumer may be arranged around the hollow shaft 512. In this way, a number of radial channels 520 may depend on a number of consumers. Furthermore, there may be at least one tube 560 for each consumer, and the number of radial channels 520 may depend on the number of tubes 560. In examples where more than one channel 520 has approximately the same axial distance from the inlet 514, a single tube 560 may correspond to each of the radial channels 520 that have approximately the same axial distance from the inlet 514. Thus, there may be fewer tubes 560 than radial channels 520. For example, a number of channels at an axial distance from the inlet 514 may be greater than a number of tubes 560 that extend axially farther from the inlet 514 than the axial distance.In such an example, there may be one or more channels at the same axial distance as (and including) the third channel 523 because no tubes extend beyond the third channel 523, two or more channels at the same axial distance as (and including) the second channel 522 because the third tube 563 extends beyond the second channel 522, and three or more channels at the same axial distance as (and including) the first channel 521 because the second tube 562 and the third tube 563 extend beyond the first channel 521. If two or more radial channels 520 have the same axial distance, the two or more radial channels 520 may be arranged radially with approximately equal angles therebetween. In this way, clogging of the radial channels 520 due to the arrangement of the radial tubes 560 may be prevented, regardless of the radial position of the fluid distribution device 502 relative to the hollow shaft 512.Therefore, radial misalignment of the tubes 560 and the corresponding radial channels 520 must not impair the ability of the fluid distribution system 500 to distribute fluid. The fluid distribution device 502 may be axially and rotatably coupled to the hollow shaft 512, with the angular position of the fluid distribution device 502 relative to the hollow shaft 512 being arbitrary with the channel arrangement described above.

[0077] Furthermore, the first fluid quantity, the second fluid quantity, and the third fluid quantity can be approximately equal (e.g., volume flow), as described further below. Approximately equal fluid quantities can flow through the first channel 521, the second channel 522, and the third channel 523. In this way, approximately equal fluid quantities can be delivered to each consumer to which the radial channels 520 are assigned. Due to the approximately uniform distribution of the fluid, the desired amount of fluid can be supplied to each consumer to achieve adequate cooling and lubrication, while reducing the fluid volume requirement compared to the operation of the hollow shaft 512 without the fluid distribution device 502. By reducing the fluid volume, the resource requirements of a system comprising the fluid distribution system 500 including the fluid distribution device 502 can be reduced, and efficiency can be increased.

[0078] In addition to Fig. 5 is in Fig. 6 shows an exploded view 600 of the fluid distribution device 502 with the cartridge 550 and the tubes 560. The number of tubes 560 and their lengths 564 may be related to (e.g., correspond to) the number and positions of the radial channels 520, as described above. Furthermore, the shape of the cartridge 550 may determine the maximum number of tubes 560 that may be connected to the cartridge 550.

[0079] The cartridge 550 may include a cylindrical base having a hollow interior 551 defined by a first circular side 555, a second circular side 553, and an intermediate cylindrical wall, wherein the first circular side 555 and the second circular side 553 are parallel. The cartridge 550 may further include a plurality of tubes 557 (e.g., two or more) formed integrally with and extending from the cylindrical base. The tubes 557 may be axially aligned with respect to the cylindrical base. The first circular side 555 may have a cartridge inlet opening 552 with an inlet diameter 554 that is smaller than the diameter of the cartridge 556. For example, the passage diameter 506 may be 30 mm, the diameter of the cartridge 556 may be approximately the same as the passage diameter 506, and the inlet diameter 554 may be 15 mm.The second circular side 553 may have two or more tube inlet openings 558 from which the tubes 557 protrude, with a tube opening diameter 559 for each of the tubes 557. In this way, the tube inlet openings 558 may be axially opposite the inlet opening 552 of the cartridge. The tube inlet openings 558 may each define an end of one of the tubes 557 such that the inner diameter of the tubes 557 approximately corresponds to the diameter of the tube opening 559. The tubes 557 may each extend from the tube inlet openings 558 parallel to the y-axis a distance 602 and terminate in tube outlet openings 606. In other examples, the tubes 557 may extend at different distances from one another. The outer diameter 604 of the tubes 557 may approximately correspond to the inner diameter of the tube 566.In this way, the tubes 560 can each be positioned over one of the tubes 557 such that a portion of the tube 560 circumferentially surrounds and is in surface contact with at least a portion of the tube 557. In particular, a second end 608 of each of the tubes 560 can fit over one of the tubes 557, with the second end 608 opposite the tube opening 570. For a particular tube 560, the second end 608 can be the length 564 that is remote from the tube opening 570 (e.g., along the y-axis).

[0080] There can be at least as many pipes 557 as pipes 560. In other words, there cannot be more pipes 560 than pipes 557. As in Fig. 6, there may be n tubes 557 and m tubes 560, where n may be greater than or equal to m. For example, n may be 5 and m may be 4, such that there are five tubes 557 and four tubes 560, as shown. Further, a first number of consumers, a second number of radial channels 520, and a third number of tubes 560 may be related to one another. For example, the second number and the third number may depend on the first number. In some examples, a fluid distribution system may include x consumers, x radial channels 520, x tubes 560, and at least x hoses 557. In other examples, a fluid distribution system may include x consumers, more than x radial channels 520, x tubes 560, and at least x hoses 557. In still other examples, a fluid distribution system may include x consumers, more than x radial channels 520, more than x tubes 560, and at least as many tubes 557 as tubes 560.

[0081] As described above, the tubes 560 may each have a length 564, although the length 564 need not be the same for each tube 560. For example, the length 564 of each tube may depend on the configuration of a shaft in which the fluid distribution device 502 is positioned (e.g., the hollow shaft 512). The lengths 564 may correspond to the axial positions of the radial channels 520. In this way, the tubes 560 may terminate near the corresponding radial channels 520 so that the fluid exiting the tube outlets 570 can subsequently flow through the corresponding radial channels 520.

[0082] In Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B, a side sectional view 710 and a front sectional view 720 of the fluid distribution device 502 are shown. The front sectional view 720 may be taken along segment "AA" of the side sectional view 710. The tubes 557 may be arranged radially with respect to the axis 508 such that the tubes 557 are equidistantly spaced from the axis 508. For example, the tubes 557 may each be axially centered with one of a plurality of tube axes 702 that is parallel to the axis 508. Additionally, each of the tube axes 702 may have a radial distance 704 from the axis 508. Thus, the tube axes 702 may be equidistantly spaced from the axis 508. In this manner, the tubes 557 may be radially arranged such that their centerlines (e.g., the tube axes 702) are aligned with a circle 706 (with a radius corresponding to the radial distance 704) that is concentric with the second circular side 553, as shown in the front sectional view 720.Each of the tubes 557 can be centered around one of a plurality of radial axes 708 such that the radial axes 708 coincide with the diameters of the tubes 557 and intersect the axis 508. The radial axes 708 can be perpendicular to the circle 706 and the axis 508. The points at which the radial axes 708 intersect the circle 706 can be equidistant along the circle 706. Furthermore, the tube axes 702 can intersect the points perpendicular to the circle 706. In this way, the tubes 557 can be arranged linearly equidistant from the axis 508 and angularly equidistant from adjacent tubes 557.

[0083] The inlet diameter 554 may be smaller than the diameter of a circle 712, where the circle 712 may be the smallest circle that encloses all of the tube inlet openings 558. The circle 712 may further be centered about the axis 508 and tangent to each of the circular tube inlet openings 558. Thus, the inlet diameter 554 may be smaller than the minimum diameter of the circle 712 that encloses the tube inlet openings 558. At least in some examples, the inlet diameter 554 may also be less than twice the radial distance 704. In this way, the cartridge 550 may be configured to collect fluid in an annular volume within the cylindrical base that is aligned with the tubes 557 so that fluid can flow axially from the annular volume into the tubes 557.

[0084] In Fig. 9, a sectional view 900 of the fluid distribution system 500 is shown. The hollow shaft 512 and the fluid distribution device 502 can rotate about the axis 508 at an angular velocity 902 that is above a threshold angular velocity and creates a centrifugal field that collects the fluid 904 in an annular volume along the cylindrical circumference defining the hollow interior 551. For example, a controller (e.g., the controller 156 of Fig. 1) that is communicatively coupled to a mechanical system in which the fluid distribution system 500 is incorporated, containing commands that, when executed, cause the fluid distribution system 500 to rotate about the axis 508 at at least the threshold angular velocity. The threshold angular velocity may be the angular velocity at which the centrifugal field dominates the fluid distribution and thus ensures the annular fluid volumes. The limiting speed may therefore be the square root of twice the ratio between the gravitational acceleration constant and the shaft diameter 906. In this way, and with reference to the Fig. 7A and Fig. The arrangement of the tubes 557 described in Figure 7B can be used in each tube (e.g., the tubes 560 of the Fig. 5-8 and 10) of the fluid distribution device 502. This allows fluid to flow into each of the tubes at approximately equal flow rates.

[0085] In Fig. 8 shows a perspective sectional view 800 of the fluid distribution device 502. An annular wall 802 of the fluid distribution device 502 may serve a similar purpose as the bushing 350 in Fig. 3. For example, the annular wall 802 may facilitate the collection of fluid in the annual volume and prevent backflow of fluid away from the tubes 560 (e.g., in a positive y-direction). Thus, the fluid distribution device 502 may be referred to as an integrated sleeve.

[0086] Since the angular velocity of the fluid distribution device 502 is at least Fig. 9, the tubes 560 and / or the hoses 557 may be bent radially outward from the axis 508 under the bending forces resulting from the centrifugal field. In some examples, e.g., when bending the tubes 560 is not desired, the tubes 560 may be formed from a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic or metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, or the like). In such an example, the tubes 557 may resist the bending forces generated by the centrifugal field. In other examples, the tubes 560 may be formed from a flexible material, such as rubber or the like. In such an example, the tubes 560 may absorb the bending forces, not the tubes 557. The tube thickness 804 of the tubes 560 may, at least in some examples, be greater than the tube thickness 806 of the tubes 557.However, the thickness of tubes 804 and 806 can be chosen to provide the desired resistance to bending. For example, if bending is to be prevented, tube thickness 804 and tube thickness 806 can be increased such that tubes 560 and 557 resist bending and remain approximately parallel to axis 508 while rotating above the limiting speed. The materials from which tubes 560 and hoses 557 are formed can also depend on the desired bending strength. In some examples, tubes 557 and tubes 560 can be made of the same material. If tubes 560 are to be bent, tubes 560 can be made of a flexible material and tubes 557 can be made of a rigid material.

[0087] If the tubes 560 are formed of a flexible material, the tubes 560 can be bent away from the axis 508 so that the ends of the tubes 560 adjacent to the tube outlets 570 rest on an inner surface of a shaft (e.g., the cylindrical surface defining the passage 516 of Fig. 5) in which the fluid distribution device 502 is positioned. In this way, the tubes 560, which are in surface contact with the inner surface, can form one or more channels (e.g., the radial channels 520 in Fig. 5) depending on the angular position of the fluid distribution device 502 relative to the shaft. A larger number of channels than can be covered by the tubes 560 may therefore be desirable to ensure that not all channels become blocked and thus prevent a reduction in the fluid volume reaching one of the consumers. For example, a larger number of channels (e.g., radial channels 520 in Fig. 5) at a given axial position of the shaft, the number of tubes 560 extending axially beyond the given axial position ensures that not all channels become blocked when the tubes 560 are bent radially outward. Additionally or alternatively, the stiffness of the tubes 560 can be increased so that the tubes 560 are not bent under centrifugal forces to prevent clogging.

[0088] As described above, the tubes 557 may be integrally formed with the cylindrical base of the cartridge 550, which may have a base thickness 808. In at least some examples, the base thickness 808 may be greater than the tube thickness 806 and the tube thickness 804. In other examples, the base thickness 808 may be approximately equal to the tube thickness 806 and / or the thickness of the tube 804. The tubes 560 may, in some examples, be adhesively attached to the tubes 557. Additionally or alternatively, the tubes may be attached to the hoses 557 using a fitting (e.g., snap fit, interference fit, or the like). The tubes 560 can be removably connected to the tubes 557, so that the tubes 560 can be exchanged to adjust the lengths 564 depending on the application (e.g., depending on the axial positions of the radial channels in a shaft). In this way, the fluid distribution device 502 can be adapted to a variety of shafts (e.g., the hollow shaft 512 of Fig. 5) and a variety of mechanical system configurations (e.g., the arrangement 302 of Fig. 3 or order 402 of Fig. 4). In other examples, the tubes 560 may be permanently connected to the corresponding tubes 557. In still other examples, the tubes 560 may be integrated with the hoses 557 so that the fluid distribution device 502 forms a single, continuous unit. The methods described herein for connecting the tubes 560 to the hoses 557 are exemplary and not limiting.

[0089] Furthermore, the fluid distribution device 502 may, at least in some examples, be removably connected to a shaft, e.g., the hollow shaft 512. In Fig. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective cut-away view 1000 of a portion of the fluid distribution system 500 including a retaining ring 1010. The retaining ring 1010 may include a plurality of fasteners 1002 that fit (e.g., by snapping) into a groove 1004 in the hollow shaft 512. The retaining ring 1010 may axially secure the fluid distribution device 502 to the hollow shaft 512. For example, the groove 1004 may be machined into the hollow shaft 512 along an inner circumference of the hollow shaft 512 near the inlet 514 of the hollow shaft 512. In such an example, the groove 1004 may be spaced 1006 from a circular opening defining the passageway 516. Furthermore, the groove 1004 may have a depth 1012 and a width 1014 corresponding to the shape of the plurality of fasteners 1002, wherein the depth 1012 is a radial dimension and the width 1014 is an axial dimension.The fasteners 1002 may be integrally molded with the cartridge 550 and adapted to be received in the groove 1004. For example, the fasteners 1002 are disposed radially around one end of the cartridge 550 and may extend radially beyond the outer cylindrical surface of the base of the cartridge 550 by a radial distance approximately equal to the depth 1012. Furthermore, the fasteners 1002 may extend axially beyond the first circular side 555 by an axial distance approximately equal to the width 1014. Thus, the fasteners 1002 may fit into the groove 1004 such that the fluid distribution device 502 is secured to the hollow shaft 512. In this manner, the fluid distribution device 502 may be secured (e.g., axially and rotatably) to the hollow shaft 512 via a snap-in connection between the fasteners 1002 and the groove 1004.The fluid distribution device 502 may additionally be axially fixed in the hollow shaft 512 by the shoulder 532 formed on the second circular side 553. In some examples, the fluid distribution device 502 may be removable from the hollow shaft 512. For example, the retaining ring 1010 may allow the fluid distribution device 502 to be attached and detached from the hollow shaft 512 at will. The fluid distribution device 502 may be removed for maintenance purposes, for example, to adjust the length or number of tubes 560. In another example, the fluid distribution device 502 may be transferred to another shaft of the same or a different mechanical system. In other examples, the fluid distribution device 502 may be permanently connected to the hollow shaft 512.

[0090] In other examples, a fluid distribution device 502 may be attached to a hollow shaft 512 by other methods in addition to or alternatively to the retaining ring 1010. The fluid distribution device 502 may be attached to the hollow shaft 512, for example, by adhesive bonding. In some examples, the fluid distribution device 502 may be integrally formed as a single continuous unit with the hollow shaft 512 such that there is no clearance between the cartridge 550 and the inner cylindrical wall defining the passage 516. Furthermore, other methods and / or combinations of methods for attaching a fluid distribution device (e.g., the fluid distribution device 502) to a shaft (e.g., the hollow shaft 512) may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0091] A fluid distribution device may also be positioned in another hollow shaft, e.g., in the shaft 412 of Fig. 4, in the first wave 312 or in the second wave 314 of Fig. 3. The dimensions of the fluid distribution device may depend on the dimensions of the hollow shaft. For example, the tubes 560 may be lengthened or shortened depending on the axial positions of the hollow shaft channels, and the diameter of the cartridge 556 may be increased or decreased depending on the passage diameter of the hollow shaft to ensure adequate clearance, as described above.

[0092] Furthermore, in some examples, there may be more than one shaft, such as hollow shaft 512, through which fluid is delivered to consumers in a mechanical system (e.g., a vehicle's transmission). In such an example, there may be one or more fluid distribution devices, such as fluid distribution device 502, each disposed within and coaxial with a respective hollow shaft. For example, there may be two or more fluid distribution devices. Each of the fluid distribution devices may have a similar geometry (e.g., number of tubes, length of tubes, etc.), e.g., radial channels such as radial channels 520 are axially similarly arranged in each respective shaft. The fluid distribution devices, in some examples, may each have a nearly identical cartridge (e.g., same size, number of tubes, etc.).In this way, resource requirements can be reduced because fewer different parts can be manufactured. In other examples, the cartridges can have a different shape and / or size. For example, a larger number of tubes may be required to accommodate a larger number of consumers arranged around a corresponding hollow shaft. Additionally or alternatively, a greater thickness of the tubes may be required to withstand greater centrifugal force at higher angular velocity. Additionally or alternatively, each of the one or more fluid distribution devices can have a different geometry based on the axial positioning of the radial channels of each shaft. For example, if a first hollow shaft has five axial positions at which radial channels are arranged, a first corresponding fluid distribution device can have five tubes with corresponding lengths as described above.If a second hollow shaft in the same mechanical system has four axial positions where radial channels are arranged, a second corresponding fluid distribution device may have four tubes of suitable lengths to be within the axial limit distance of the axial positions described above. Thus, the number and / or length of the tubes of each fluid distribution device may depend on the axial positions of the radial channels along the corresponding hollow shaft. The first corresponding fluid distribution device and the second corresponding fluid distribution device may both have approximately the same cartridge shape with five or more tubes.

[0093] The technical effect of the fluid distribution system disclosed here is to supply two or more moving consumers in a mechanical system with approximately equal amounts of fluid. The fluid distribution system can, for example, be incorporated into a transmission, such as a multi-speed manual transmission, to supply lubricant to the gears and / or bearings in the system. By distributing the fluid more evenly to the individual consumers, an appropriate volume of fluid can be supplied to each consumer without excessive fluid being supplied to the mechanical system, thereby reducing the fluid volume requirement. In addition, the efficiency of the mechanical system can be increased due to the lower fluid requirement. With the fluid distribution system in a transmission, for example, less fluid can be stored in a sump (e.g., sump 228 in Fig.2) of the transmission, thereby reducing the drag losses of gears exposed to excessive fluid accumulation. In summary, fluid distribution in a mechanical system using the fluid distribution system disclosed herein can reduce resource requirements and increase the efficiency of the mechanical system in which the fluid distribution system is employed.

[0094] The disclosure also provides support for a fluid distribution system comprising: a fluid distribution device positioned within a hollow shaft having a coaxial passage and a plurality of radial channels, the fluid distribution device comprising: a cartridge coaxial with the hollow shaft, the cartridge having a first circular side with a coaxial inlet opening and a second circular side with a plurality of tube openings arranged equidistant from a rotational axis of the hollow shaft, and a plurality of tubes, each tube extending from one of the plurality of tube openings parallel to the rotational axis of the hollow shaft, a length of each tube corresponding to the axial positions of the plurality of radial channels spaced axially apart along the hollow shaft. In a first example of the system, the rotational axis is horizontal with respect to a direction of gravity.In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, a first number of the radial channels located at an axial position along the hollow shaft is greater than a second number of tubes extending beyond the axial position. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the tube outlets of the plurality of tubes are located within a non-zero axial threshold distance of at least one of the plurality of radial channels. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples, a passage diameter of the coaxial passage is 30 mm and an inlet diameter of the coaxial inlet opening is 15 mm.In a fifth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, the clearance between the fluid distribution device and the hollow shaft is between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm. In a sixth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more or each of the first to fifth examples, the fluid distribution device is axially secured to the hollow shaft by a retaining ring. In a seventh example of the system, optionally comprising one or more or each of the first to sixth examples, the cartridge is configured to collect fluid in an annular volume. In an eighth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more or each of the first to seventh examples, the plurality of tubes are centered about tube axes that are parallel to the axis of rotation, the tube axes being spaced a radial distance from the axis of rotation.In a ninth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more or each of the first to eighth examples, a diameter of the coaxial inlet opening is smaller than a minimum diameter of a circle enclosing the tube openings. In a tenth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more or each of the first to ninth examples, the fluid distribution device is adapted to distribute approximately equal amounts of fluid through each of the plurality of tubes.

[0095] The disclosure also provides a support for a transmission system comprising: a hollow shaft comprising a coaxial passage and two or more radial channels, two or more consumers arranged around the hollow shaft, a pump configured to convey fluid into an inlet of the hollow shaft, and a fluid distribution device arranged within and coaxial with the hollow shaft, the fluid distribution device comprising: a cartridge having a cylindrical base and a plurality of tubes, the plurality of tubes being axially aligned and radially arranged about a rotational axis of the fluid distribution device and the hollow shaft, and a plurality of tubes, each tube being attached to and circumferentially surrounding one of the plurality of tubes, the lengths of the plurality of tubes corresponding to the axial positions of the two or more radial channels along the hollow shaft.In a first example of the system, the two or more radial channels fluidly connect the coaxial passage and the two or more consumers, wherein the fluid distribution device fluidly connects the inlet to the coaxial passage. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the transmission system comprises two or more fluid distribution devices, wherein each fluid distribution device is arranged within and coaxial with a respective hollow shaft, and wherein the number and / or length of the plurality of tubes correspond to the axial positions of the two or more radial channels of the respective hollow shaft. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the plurality of tubes are curved and rest on a cylindrical surface defining the coaxial passage of the hollow shaft.In a fourth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more or each of the first to third examples, tube outlets of the plurality of tubes are located within a non-zero threshold axial distance of at least one of the two or more radial channels, and wherein a first number of the two or more radial channels located at an axial position along the hollow shaft is one greater than a second number of the plurality of tubes extending beyond the axial position. In a fifth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, the two or more radial channels are equidistantly spaced from each other at a given axial distance.

[0096] The disclosure also provides a mount for a vehicle comprising: a transmission including a forced lubrication system including a fluid distribution device positioned within a hollow shaft and configured to deliver approximately equal amounts of fluid to two or more consumers arranged around the hollow shaft, the hollow shaft and the fluid distribution device being coaxial; and a controller including instructions stored in a non-transitory memory that, when executed, cause the transmission to rotate the hollow shaft and the fluid distribution device about a rotational axis at at least a threshold angular velocity. In a first example of the system, the threshold angular velocity is an angular velocity at which fluid collects in an annular volume within the fluid distribution device.In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the fluid distribution device comprises a plurality of tube outlets equidistantly spaced from the axis of rotation, and each of the plurality of tube outlets is located within a non-zero axial threshold of one or more radial channels axially spaced along the hollow shaft.

[0097] It should be understood that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments are not intended to be limiting, as numerous variations are possible. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are not intended to denote any order, position, quantity, or importance, but are used merely to distinguish the individual elements. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, as well as other features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein.

[0098] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are considered novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "a" element or "a first" element, or the equivalent thereof. Such claims are to be construed as including the inclusion of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amending the present claims or by filing new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope than the original claims, are also to be considered included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Fluid distribution system (500) comprising: a fluid distribution device (502) disposed in a hollow shaft (512) comprising a coaxial passage (416, 516) and a plurality of radial channels (420, 520), the fluid distribution device (502) comprising: a cartridge (550) coaxial with the hollow shaft (412, 512) having a first circular side (555) with a coaxial inlet opening (514, 414) and a second circular side (553) with a plurality of tube openings (557) arranged equidistant from a rotational axis (408, 508) of the hollow shaft (412, 512); and a plurality of tubes (560), each tube (560) extending from one of the plurality of tube openings (557) parallel to the rotational axis (408, 508) of the hollow shaft (412, 512), a length (564) of each tube (560) corresponding to axial positions of the plurality of radial channels (420, 520) distributed axially along the hollow shaft (412, 512). [2] The fluid distribution system (500) of claim 1, wherein the axis of rotation (408, 508) is horizontal with respect to a direction of gravity (260). [3] A fluid distribution system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first number of the radial channels (420, 520) located at an axial position along the hollow shaft (412, 512) is greater than a second number of tubes (560) extending beyond the axial position. [4] The fluid distribution system (500) of any preceding claim, wherein tube outlets (570) of the plurality of tubes (560) are located within a non-zero axial threshold distance of at least one of the plurality of radial channels (420, 520). [5] Fluid distribution system (500) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a passage diameter (506) of the coaxial passage (416, 516) is 30 mm and an inlet diameter (554) of the coaxial inlet opening (514, 414) is 15 mm. [6] Fluid distribution system (500) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a clearance between the fluid distribution device (502) and the hollow shaft (412, 512) is between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm. [7] Fluid distribution system (500) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid distribution device (502) is axially secured to the hollow shaft (412, 512) by a retaining ring (534, 1010). [8] A fluid distribution system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge (550) is configured to collect fluid in an annular volume. [9] The fluid distribution system (500) of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of tubes (560) are centered about tube axes (702) parallel to the rotation axis (408, 508), the tube axes (702) being spaced a radial distance (704) from the rotation axis (408, 508). [10] The fluid distribution system (500) of claim 9, wherein a diameter (554) of the coaxial inlet opening is smaller than a minimum diameter of a circle (712) enclosing the tube openings (558). [11] A fluid distribution system (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid distribution device (502) is adapted to distribute approximately equal amounts of fluid through each of the plurality of tubes (560). [12] Transmission system (108) comprising: a hollow shaft (412, 512) having a coaxial passage (416, 516) and two or more radial channels (420, 520); two or more consumers arranged around the hollow shaft (412, 512); a pump configured to deliver fluid (904) into an inlet (514, 414) of the hollow shaft (412, 512); and a fluid distribution device (502) disposed within and coaxial with the hollow shaft (412, 512), the fluid distribution device (502) comprising: a cartridge (550) comprising a cylindrical base and a plurality of tubes (557), the plurality of tubes (557) being axially aligned and radially arranged about a rotational axis (408, 508) of the fluid distribution device (502) and the hollow shaft (412, 512); and a plurality of tubes (560), each tube (560) being attached to and circumferentially surrounding one of the plurality of tubes (557), the lengths (564) of the plurality of tubes (560) corresponding to the axial positions of the two or more radial channels (420, 520) along the hollow shaft (412, 512). [13] The transmission system (108) of claim 12, wherein the two or more radial channels (420, 520) fluidly connect the coaxial passage (416, 516) and the two or more consumers, and wherein the fluid distribution device (502) fluidly connects the inlet (514, 414) to the coaxial passage (416, 516). [14] The transmission system (108) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the transmission system (108) includes two or more fluid distribution devices, each fluid distribution device (502) being disposed within and coaxial with a respective hollow shaft (412, 512), and wherein the number and / or length (564) of the plurality of tubes (560) correspond to the axial positions of the two or more radial channels (420, 520) of the respective hollow shaft (412, 512). [15] The transmission system (108) of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the plurality of tubes (560) are bent and rest on a cylindrical surface defining the coaxial passage (416, 516) of the hollow shaft (412, 512).

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