Speed Reduction Device Oil Injection Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing speed reduction devices face challenges in oil injection efficiency when mounted vertically, as air venting is hindered by the formation of an oil film between rolling bodies, leading to increased oil injection time and potential air leakage issues.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of communication passages that connect the receiving sections closer to the front and rear stage speed reduction mechanisms allows for smooth air movement and oil injection, reducing the oil injection time regardless of the mounting orientation, and does not obstruct operation when mounted horizontally.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If oil is injected through the oil supply port between bearings, then lubrication is provided to both speed reduction mechanisms, but air venting is hindered when mounted vertically due to oil film formation between rolling bodies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication efficiencyVSAvoidair venting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single oil supply function into two separate functions: oil supply and air venting. This is achieved by providing a dedicated air vent hole in the casing that is separate from the oil supply port between the bearings. The oil supply port continues to provide lubrication to both speed reduction mechanisms, while the separate air vent hole allows air to escape when the device is mounted vertically, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable lubrication and enabling easy air venting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If communication passages are added to enable air movement between receiving sections, then air venting is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair ventingVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication passages formed by the inner wall of the casing serve multiple functions: they provide air venting pathways when the device is mounted vertically, and they do not interfere with normal operation when mounted horizontally. These passages are integrated into the existing casing structure, allowing the same structural elements to serve both as containment and as air venting channels, thus improving air venting without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If oil supply port is positioned between bearings, then both speed reduction mechanisms receive lubrication, but oil injection time increases when mounted vertically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication coverageVSAvoidoil injection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The communication passages act as intermediary channels that facilitate air escape during oil injection. When oil is injected through the oil supply port between the bearings, air can escape through the communication passages in the casing inner wall, preventing air trapping and allowing faster, more efficient oil injection. This intermediary air escape pathway reduces the time required for complete oil injection while maintaining comprehensive lubrication coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution significantly reduces oil injection time when the device is used both vertically and horizontally, ensuring efficient lubrication without increasing manufacturing costs or introducing additional parts, and allows for versatile mounting modes.

Implementation Method 1

communication passages that make a receiving section, which is closer to the front stage speed reduction mechanism than the bearings in a casing of the speed reduction device, communicate with a receiving section, which is closer to the rear stage speed reduction mechanism than the bearings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir movement through communication passages:

Implementation Method 2

an oil supply port that is formed on one side of front and rear stage sides of the bearings... oil is injected from the oil supply port 18 to the planetary gear train 2 of the front stage over the front stage side bearing 14 and oil is injected to the bevel speed reduction mechanism 4 of the rear stage over the rear stage side bearing 16

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOil injection and lubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS8858380B2Speed reduction device and series of speed reduction devices

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

A speed reduction device includes front and rear stage speed reduction mechanisms. The speed reduction device includes a connecting shaft that connects the front stage speed reduction mechanism to the rear stage speed reduction mechanism; bearings that support the connecting shaft; an oil supply port that is formed on one side of front and rear stage sides of the bearings; and communication passages that make a receiving section, which is closer to the front stage speed reduction mechanism than the bearings in a casing of the speed reduction device, communicate with a receiving section, which is closer to the rear stage speed reduction mechanism than the bearings.