Self-cooled high-speed gearbox
The self-cooled gearbox with integral air cooling addresses the inefficiencies of external cooling systems by using a centrifugal blower fan and airflow channels to manage thermal loads, enhancing reliability and reducing costs and environmental impact.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-30
AI Technical Summary
Traditional gearboxes for high-speed centrifugal pumps and compressors rely on external cooling systems, which increase cost, complexity, environmental impact, and maintenance requirements, and are susceptible to leakage and contamination.
A self-cooled gearbox with integral air cooling, featuring a centrifugal blower fan, fins, and airflow channels to dissipate heat without external cooling components.
Reduces complexity, utility consumption, and increases reliability by effectively managing thermal loads within the gearbox, eliminating the need for external cooling systems.
Smart Images

Figure EP2025080538_30042026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
SELF-COOLED HIGH-SPEED GEARBOXBACKGROUND1. Field of the Disclosure
[0001] The present disclosure is directed to self-cooled high-speed gearboxes and gearbox systems for centrifugal pumps and compressors. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to such gearboxes with integral air cooling.2. Description of Related Art
[0002] Gearboxes are devices that are commonly used to transfer mechanical power from an input shaft to an output shaft through a set of gears. The gears can alter the speed, torque, or direction of the output shaft relative to the input shaft.
[0003] Industrial centrifugal pump and compressor systems are widely used in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, pulp and paper, power generation, and sanitary processing. Such systems can efficiently move liquids and gases. Because these systems can operate at high speeds, it is often necessary to use a gearbox to control the rotational speed of the impeller to translate input power from a motor to the desired speed and torque required by the pump or compressor.
[0004] In high-speed applications, gearboxes are subjected to significant thermal loads due to friction and mechanical losses. These thermal loads can lead to overheating, reducing the efficiency and lifespan of the equipment.
[0005] Traditional gearboxes used with these high-speed centrifugal pumps and compressor systems typically rely on external cooling systems to manage the heat generated during operation.
[0006] For example, the cooling systems often require external oil coolers, pumps, and associated piping to maintain lubricating oil in an acceptable range. This external cooling is usually done using an external heat exchanger to the gearbox, either water-cooled or forced air-cooled. This external cooling system adds cost and complexity to the centrifugal high-speed pump packages. It increases the environmental impact of the pump by requiring additional cooling water and power consumption. Cooling water, for example, is not always available or requires expensive piping to supply. The multitude of components not only reduces reliability but also increases maintenance requirements. Furthermore, external cooling systems are susceptible to leakage and contamination, potentially leading to operational failures and increased downtime.
[0007] Accordingly, it has been determined by the present application that there is a need for gearboxes and gearbox systems that overcome, alleviate, and / or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned and other deleterious effects of the prior art.SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure provides a self-cooled high-speed gearbox with integral air cooling that does not require any external cooling.
[0009] The present disclosure provides a self-cooled gearbox. The gearbox has a housing defining an inner volume. The housing has an outer surface, a top opening, and a bottom opening. The gearbox also has an input shaft disposed through the top opening, which is configured to receive rotational input from a driver, and an output shaft disposed through the bottom opening operatively connected to the input shaft. The output shaft is configured to transmit rotational energy to a fluid mover. The gearbox also has a centrifugal blower fan disposed on top of the housing that is driven by the input shaft. There are a plurality of fins integrally formed with the housing, projecting from the outer surface. The fins of the plurality of fins are spaced apart and extend radially around the top opening. A deflector is disposed over an upper portion of the housing. There are a plurality of airflow channels defined between the outer surface, the deflector, and adjacent fins of the plurality of fins so that upon rotation of the input shaft, the centrifugal blower fan directs air through the plurality of airflow channels to cool the gearbox.
[0010] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or togetherwith any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the gearbox also has a gear assembly disposed within the inner volume of the housing that operatively couples the input shaft to the output shaft. The gear assembly has at least one driving gear mounted on the input shaft and at least one driven gear mounted on the output shaft. The gear assembly is configured to adjust a rotational speed of the output shaft relative to the input shaft.
[0011] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the centrifugal blower fan has radial blades that extend outwards from a center hub of the fan in a radial direction, perpendicular to a rotation axis.
[0012] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the centrifugal blower fan has swept blades relative to a rotation axis.
[0013] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the airflow channels of the plurality of airflow channels extend in a horizontal direction from the centrifugal blower fan and follow a contour of the outer surface extending in a vertical downward direction along a side of the housing.
[0014] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the deflector has a contoured surface to redirect horizontal airflow from the centrifugal blower fan to vertical airflow along the outer surface of the housing.
[0015] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the deflector has an inner surface and the plurality of fins have a height coinciding with a distance between the outer surface of the housing and the inner surface of the deflector.
[0016] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, thehousing is cylindrical.
[0017] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the housing comprises an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion that are fastened together to form the housing.
[0018] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the housing has a central axis, and wherein the input shaft is coincident with the central axis.
[0019] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the housing has a central axis, and the input shaft is in parallel offset with the central axis.
[0020] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the gearbox has a lubrication system configured to provide lubrication to the gear assembly.
[0021] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, a sealing mechanism is disposed between the housing and the output shaft to prevent fluid leakage.
[0022] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the fins of the plurality of fins are sized and arranged to maximize heat dissipation from the gearbox.
[0023] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the input shaft is driven at a speed range from 1500 rpm to 3600 rpm.
[0024] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or togetherwith any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the fluid mover is a centrifugal pump or a compressor.
[0025] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the driver is at least one driver selected from the group consisting of a gas motor, an electric motor, and a turbine.
[0026] The present disclosure provides a gearbox housing. The housing has an outer surface of the housing, a top opening of the housing, a bottom opening of the housing, a centrifugal blower fan disposed on top of the housing coupled to an input shaft rotationally driven by a driver, a plurality of fins integrally formed with the housing projecting from the outer surface, a deflector disposed over an upper portion of the housing, and a plurality of airflow channels defined between the outer surface, the deflector, and adjacent fins of the plurality of fins so that upon rotation of the input shaft, the centrifugal blower fan directs air through the plurality of airflow channels to cool the gearbox. The fins of the plurality of fins are spaced apart and extend radially around the top opening.
[0027] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the airflow channels of the plurality of airflow channels extend in a horizontal direction from the centrifugal blower fan and follow a contour of the outer surface extending in a vertical downward direction along a side of the housing.
[0028] In some embodiments according to the disclosure, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the deflector has a contoured surface to redirect horizontal airflow from the centrifugal blower fan to vertical airflow along the outer surface of the housing.
[0029] In some embodiments, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the gearbox is operable up to 300kW (400HP) and up to a 5:1 speed ratio. Advantageously, such a gearbox removescomplexity from the high-speed pump packages, reduces utility consumption, both cooling water and power consumption, and increases reliability.
[0030] In some embodiments, either alone or together with any one or more of the aforementioned and / or after-mentioned embodiments, the gearbox is a 1-step speed increaser. The input shaft is connected to a driver, running at a speed up to 3,600rpm. The output shaft is connected to a centrifugal pump or a centrifugal compressor, running at a speed up to 35,000 rpm.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0031] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system having a gearbox according to the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 2A shows a cross-section of a perspective view of the gearbox of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 2B shows a cross-section of the gearbox of FIG. 1 , but with additional components.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows another cross-section of a perspective view of the gearbox of FIG. 1 with arrows indicating airflow paths.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an upper housing of the gearbox of FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a lower housing of the gearbox of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a deflector of the gearbox of FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a fan of the gearbox of FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 7B shows a top-down view of the fan of FIG. 7A.
[0040] FIG. 8 shows another exemplary gearbox according to the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of a perspective view of the gearbox of FIG. 8.
[0042] It should be noted that when the same reference number is used in different figures of the drawings, the reference number refers to the same or a similar part.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Referring to the drawings and, in particular, to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a self-cooled high-speed gearbox system with integral air cooling according to the present disclosure is shown and is generally referred to by reference numeral 100.
[0044] System 100 includes a driver 110 that is operatively coupled via a gearbox 120 to a fluid mover 130.
[0045] Driver 110 is a mechanical or electromechanical device that converts energy into mechanical motion to serve as an input power source. Examples of driver 110 include, but are not limited to, a gas / combustion or electric motor and a turbine. Driver 110 provides a rotational movement of a shaft operatively connected to the driver, referred to herein as input shaft 112 and shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0046] Gearbox 120 changes the speed and torque of the input power source to a desired output speed and torque to operate a fluid mover 130.
[0047] Fluid mover 130 is a device that imparts energy to a fluid or fluid-like media, thereby causing the fluid to move or increasing its pressure.
[0048] Fluids can be liquid mediums. Liquid mediums can include liquids with no added solids, gases, or other liquids. Examples include water, alcohol, or oil in their pure forms. Liquid mediums can include homogenous liquids or solutions. Liquid mediums can also include slurries, suspensions, or colloidal suspensions. Fluids can also be gaseous mediums.
[0049] Examples of fluid mover 130 include, but are not limited to, a pump for liquids and a compressor for gases. A pump moves fluids by creating a pressure differential. A compressor increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume.
[0050] Advantageously, gearbox 120 is cooled by forced air cooling integral to the gearbox.
[0051] Gearbox 120 includes a housing 122 that contains the components of the gearbox, including a fan 140 that is operatively connected to input shaft 112, shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0052] The components of the gearbox include a gear assembly 134 disposed within an inner volume 150 of housing 122 that operatively couples the input shaft 112 to an output shaft 114. Gear assembly 134 has at least one driving gear 116 mounted on input shaft 112 and at least one driven gear mounted on output shaft 114. Gear assembly 134 is configured to adjust a rotational speed of output shaft 114 relative to input shaft 112 to operate fluid mover 130.
[0053] An outer surface 124 of housing 122 has a plurality of fins 126 projecting therefrom. Fan 140 directs airflow across outer surface 124 between fins 126 and, as a result, provides cooling to gearbox 120.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a cross-section of a perspective view of gearbox 120 is shown. In the example shown, gearbox 120 has a shape that is generally cylindrical about a central vertical axis z.
[0055] In the example shown, housing 122 is made of an upper housing 400 and lower housing 500 that connect to define an inner volume 150 therebetween. A deflector 600 is disposed over upper housing 400, thus forming airflow channels with a volume bounded by outer surface 124, an inner surface 610 of deflector 600, and fins 126.
[0056] Input shaft 112 is driven by driver 110 and is coaxial with vertical axis z’ that is offset from central vertical axis z. Fan 140 is coupled to input shaft 112 and disposed in a horizontal plane. The rotation of input shaft 112 causes a rotation of fan 140. Input shaft 112 can be driven at a speed of up to 3,600rpm. In certain applications, speeds of up to 3600 rpm are possible. Typical ranges include 1500 to 3600 rpm, preferably 2950 to 3600 rpm.
[0057] Output shaft 114 is coaxial with vertical axis z” that is offset from central vertical axis z and vertical axis z’.
[0058] The present disclosure has found that rotation of fan 140 at these speeds, in combination with the fin structure of housing 122, maximizes heat dissipation from gearbox 120.
[0059] Referring now also to FIG. 3, another cross-section of a perspective view of gearbox 120 is shown. Airflow is generated by fan 140, and the arrows indicate the path of the airflow. As input shaft 112 and fan 140 rotate, air is drawn into the center of the fan and pushed radially outward along outer surface 124 and guided by fins 126 and inner surface 610 of deflector 600. A peripheral contour 612 of deflector 600 redirects airflow from horizontal flow along outer surface 124 of upper housing 400 between fins 126 to vertical flow along outer surface 124 of lower housing 500 between fins 126.
[0060] A drive gear 116 mounted on input shaft 112 drives a pinion gear on an output shaft 114. Different gear ratios can be used to adjust the output speed of the gearbox. For example, the number of teeth on each gear can be varied. In example embodiments, the gearing can be a 5:1 speed ratio. The speed ratios range from 1.5:1 to 12:1.
[0061] Shaft bearings 118 are used to support each shaft and serve as an alignment mechanism for maintaining coaxial alignment of input shaft 112 and output shaft 114 during operation. These bearings can be, but are not limited to, rolling element bearings or hydrodynamic bearings. An internal lube oil pump 136, driven by the input shaft, provides lubrication to these bearings during operation. It takes the lubricating oil from a sump (not shown) to inject the lubricating oil into the shaft bearings after going through a filter 132 (shown in FIG. 1) mounted on the gearbox.
[0062] An input drive seal 138 seals a gap between the rotating input shaft 112 and gearbox housing 122. A lower gearbox seal 142 seals a gap between the rotating output shaft 114 and gearbox housing 122.
[0063] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4 and 5, which show upper housing 400 andlower housing 500 of housing 122, respectively.
[0064] Upper housing 400 has a horizontal surface 410, which is a seat onto which fan 140 is positioned. Upper housing 400 also has a sloped surface 412 contiguous with horizontal surface 410 that has a downward slope away from vertical axis z’. A plurality of adjacent spaced apart fins 126 extend along surfaces 410 and 412. Fins 126 have various lengths along the surfaces and curvatures configured for uniform airflow and heat removal, notwithstanding the location of fan 140 being offset from the central axis. Various curvatures are envisioned to achieve uniform airflow and heat removal. Fins 126 also have a thickness of 4 to 10 mm and a height of 15 to 40 mm.
[0065] Lower housing 500 has a vertical surface 510 along which a plurality of adjacent, spaced apart fins 126 form vertical channels between adjacent fins. In some example embodiments, fins 126 on lower housing 500 align with fins 126 on upper housing 400.
[0066] A bottom interface 416 of upper housing 400 mates with a top interface 516 of lower housing 500. Upper housing 400 and lower housing 500 can be joined together by a fastener or other means known in the art. Upper housing 400 and lower housing 500 can also be manufactured as a single component.
[0067] Upper housing 400 and lower housing 500 each have a plurality of scalloped shapes 417 and 517, respectively, on an external diameter of respective housing flanges. The scalloped shapes of the respective housings align when assembled and help to facilitate airflow from upper to lower housing surfaces. The scalloped shapes are repetitive convex curves (protruding outward) or concave curves (dipping inward) along the diameter. In examples of the present disclosure, scalloped shapes 417 and 517 are evenly spaced and / or have a uniform size.
[0068] Fins 126, together with deflector 600, are structured to maximize heat exchange between the airflow generated by fan 140 and the gearbox housing surface, outer surface 124.
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of deflector 600 is shown.Deflector 600 is a cover that is positioned over housing 122 to direct airflow. As discussed above, airflow is directed by inner surface 610 over housing 122. Peripheral contour 612 redirects the airflow from horizontal to a downward or vertical direction. An opening 620 enables driver 110 to pass through and connect to gearbox 120.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 7A, a perspective view of fan 140 is shown. Fan 140 has a central hub 144 having a rotational axis for mounting on input shaft 112. Fan 140 has a plurality of blades 146 that radially extend. Each of blades 146 is attached to the central hub and oriented substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of central hub 144 and structured to direct air radially outward from the central hub upon rotation.
[0071] Blades 146 are formed with a uniform thickness along their length and are spaced equidistantly from each other around central hub 144, providing uniform airflow distribution during operation. The present disclosure has found that it is advantageous to have laminar flow through the channels that are formed between the fins, housing surface, and deflector.
[0072] Fan 140 is a centrifugal blower fan that draws air into the center of the fan and then pushes the air out through a discharge duct, horizontally, at an angle alpha (a), for example, at 20 degrees relative to a radial direction 152. Airflow is indicated by arrow 156. In example embodiments, the angle can vary and be, for example, between 15 and 30 degrees relative to radial direction 152, as shown in FIG. 7B. Rotation about central hub 144 is indicated by arrows 154.
[0073] Fan 140 has radial blades, which are straight blades that extend outwards from the center hub of the fan or impeller in a radial direction, perpendicular to the rotation axis. They do not have any curvature or angle relative to the flow.Advantageously, radial blades produce high-pressure airflow and are durable and effective in handling heavier dust or particulate-laden air, which is often present in industrial settings.
[0074] In other embodiments that are not shown, fan 140 can have swept blades. Swept blades are curved or angled, often with a backward or forward sweep relative tothe rotation axis. The angle helps to streamline the flow of air, reducing resistance and turbulence. Advantageously, swept blades produce relatively smooth, quiet airflow at high efficiency, with larger air volumes at lower pressures. Swept blades are particularly suitable for clean environments or energy-saving applications.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, shown are a perspective view and a cross-section thereof, respectively, of another gearbox according to the present disclosure, gearbox 800. Gearbox 800 is similar to gearbox 120, but the primary difference is that gearbox 800 has an input shaft 812 and output shaft 814 that are coaxial with a central vertical axis z.
[0076] Gearbox 800 has a housing 801 that is formed from an upper housing 802 and a lower housing 804 fastened together. Housing 801 has an outer surface 824 that has a plurality of fins 826 projecting therefrom. Fan 140 directs airflow across outer surface 824 between fins 826 and, as a result, provides cooling to gearbox 800. A deflector 806 guides the airflow through channels formed between the fins.
[0077] Input shaft 812 is driven by driver 110. Fan 140 is operatively coupled to input shaft 812 and disposed in a horizontal plane. The rotation of input shaft 812 causes rotation of fan 140. Input shaft 812 can be driven at a speed of up to 3,600rpm. In certain applications, speeds of up to 3600 rpm are possible. Typical ranges include 1500 to 3600 rpm, preferably 2950 to 3600 rpm.
[0078] As input shaft 812 and fan 140 rotate, air is drawn into the center of the fan and pushed radially outward along outer surface 824 and guided by fins 826 and inner surface 816 of deflector 806. A peripheral contour 818 of deflector 806 redirects airflow from an initially horizontal flow along outer surface 824 of upper housing 802 between fins 826 to vertical flow along outer surface 824 of lower housing 804 between fins 826.
[0079] Also shown are a lube oil pump 827, a bearing plate 828, an input seal 829, an output seal 830, and an idler shaft 831.
[0080] Lube oil pump 827 circulates lubricating oil through gearbox 800 to reduce friction and wear between moving parts, such as the gears, bearings, and shafts. Lubeoil pump 827 can be driven by either gearbox 800 or a separate motor. Lube oil pump 827 is connected to an oil reservoir and channels, ensuring that the internal components, like the gears, shafts, and bearings, are constantly lubricated.
[0081] Bearing plate 828 is a structural component integral to the alignment and performance of gearbox 800. Bearing plate 828 provides a surface to mount and support the bearings, which house the rotating shafts in the gearbox. Bearing plate 828 helps maintain the alignment and stability of the shafts, ensuring smooth operation. The bearings reduce friction between rotating parts and the stationary housing. Bearing plate 828 is positioned within gearbox 800 and provides a mounting point for the bearings that support the main shafts, including input shaft 812, output shaft 814, and idler shaft 831. Here, bearing plate 828 includes a peripheral portion that is sandwiched between upper housing 802 and lower housing 804.
[0082] Input seal 829 is located around input shaft 812 at the point where the input shaft enters gearbox 800 from the driver 110. Input seal 829 seals the gap between the rotating input shaft 812 and the gearbox housing. Input seal 829 prevents oil leakage and contamination where input shaft 812 enters gearbox 800.
[0083] Output seal 830 functions similarly to input seal 829, but on the output end of gearbox 800. Output seal 830 is located around output shaft 814 at the point where the output shaft exits gearbox 800 to connect with the driven equipment, i.e. , centrifugal pump, compressor, or fluid mover 130. Output seal 830 seals the gap between the rotating output shaft 814 and the gearbox housing.
[0084] Idler shaft 831 is mounted within gearbox 800 on bearings and interacts with the gears on the input and output shafts 812, 814. Idler shaft 831 is supported by bearing plate 828 and can have its own lubrication channels fed by lube oil pump 827 to reduce friction and wear. Idler shaft 831 functions to distribute power between input shaft 812 and output shaft 814 in gearbox 800, for example.
[0085] It should also be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do notimply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.
[0086] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness can, in some cases, depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.
[0087] As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint. Further, where a numerical range is provided, the range is intended to include any and all numbers within the numerical range, including the endpoints of the range.
[0088] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure will not be limited to the particular examples disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all examples falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A self-cooled gearbox, the gearbox comprising:a housing defining an inner volume, the housing having an outer surface, a top opening, and a bottom opening;an input shaft disposed through the top opening and configured to receive rotational input from a driver;an output shaft disposed through the bottom opening operatively connected to the input shaft,wherein the output shaft is configured to transmit rotational energy to a fluid mover;a centrifugal blower fan disposed on top of the housing and driven by the input shaft;a plurality of fins integrally formed with the housing projecting from the outer surface,wherein the plurality of fins are spaced apart and extend radially around the top opening;a deflector disposed over an upper portion of the housing; anda plurality of airflow channels defined between the outer surface, the deflector, and adjacent fins of the plurality of fins so that upon rotation of the input shaft, the centrifugal blower fan directs air through the plurality of airflow channels to cool the gearbox.
2. The gearbox of claim 1 , further comprising:a gear assembly disposed within the inner volume of the housing and operatively coupling the input shaft to the output shaft, the gear assembly having at least one driving gear mounted on the input shaft and at least one driven gear mounted on the output shaft;wherein the gear assembly is configured to adjust a rotational speed of the output shaft relative to the input shaft;3. The gearbox of claim 1 , wherein the centrifugal blower fan comprises radial blades that extend outwards from a center hub of the centrifugal blower fan in a radial direction, perpendicular to a rotation axis.
4. The gearbox of claim 1 , wherein the centrifugal blower fan comprises swept blades relative to a rotation axis.
5. The gearbox of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of airflow channels extend in a horizontal direction from the centrifugal blower fan and follow a contour of the outer surface to extend in a vertical downward direction along a side of the housing.
6. The gearbox of claim 1 , wherein the deflector comprises a contoured surface to redirect horizontal airflow from the centrifugal blower fan to vertical airflow along the outer surface of the housing.
7. The gearbox of claim 1 , wherein the deflector has an inner surface and the plurality of fins have a height coinciding with a distance between the outer surface of the housing and the inner surface of the deflector.
8. The gearbox of claim 1 , wherein the housing is cylindrical.
9. The gearbox of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion that are fastened together to form the housing.
10. A gearbox housing, the housing comprising:an outer surface of the housing;a top opening of the housing;a bottom opening of the housing;a centrifugal blower fan disposed on top of the housing coupled to an input shaft rotationally driven by a driver;a plurality of fins integrally formed with the housing projecting from the outer surface,wherein the plurality of fins are spaced apart and extend radially around the top opening;a deflector disposed over an upper portion of the housing; anda plurality of airflow channels defined between the outer surface, the deflector, and adjacent fins of the plurality of fins so that upon rotation of the input shaft, the centrifugal blower fan directs air through the plurality of airflow channels to cool the gearbox.
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