Transmission Lubrication Structure Using Gutter-Guided Oil Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lubrication methods for power transmission devices, especially in hybrid vehicles, face challenges in efficiently supplying lubricating oil when the rotation speed of components like final gears is low, often requiring expensive and complex baffle plates, which hinder cost reduction, simplification, and weight reduction.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication structure that includes a case with a partition wall dividing it into two chambers, an oil storage part located on a wall not in contact with the partition wall, and a gutter member extending into the first chamber below a through hole, guiding oil from the second chamber to the storage part efficiently, eliminating the need for expensive baffle plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a baffle plate is used to guide oil in conventional lubrication methods, then oil can be supplied to bearings, but the structure becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into multiple chambers by partition walls, with each chamber serving specific functions (oil storage, oil guidance, bearing lubrication). This segmentation allows oil to be guided through controlled paths without requiring complex baffle plates, as each partition wall performs a specific guidance function.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls act as intermediary structures that guide oil from the oil pool chamber to the bearing chamber. The through-holes in the partition walls serve as controlled intermediaries for oil flow, replacing the need for complex baffle plate systems while maintaining reliable oil supply.
2Use of energy by moving object
If rotation speed is low, then energy consumption is reduced, but oil cannot be sufficiently scooped up for lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
Oil is pre-stored in the oil pool chamber before rotation begins or at low speeds. The partition wall structure ensures oil is already positioned and ready to flow through the through-holes to the bearing chamber, eliminating the need for high-speed scooping action to accumulate sufficient oil.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses gravitational flow and pressure differential through the through-holes in partition walls to move oil from the oil pool chamber to the bearing chamber. This hydraulic principle allows reliable oil supply at low rotation speeds without relying on centrifugal force from high-speed rotation.
3Reliability
If conventional baffle plates are used, then lubrication can be provided, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls serve multiple functions: they divide the case into functional chambers, guide oil flow through controlled paths, support the through-holes for oil passage, and provide structural integrity. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate baffle plates, reducing overall weight while maintaining lubrication reliability.
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 configuration ensures sufficient lubrication even at low rotation speeds, reduces the size and weight of the power transmission device, and improves energy efficiency by using a simpler and cheaper lubrication system.
Implementation Method 1
a gutter member which extends into the first chamber below the through hole and in which a tip end of the gutter member is disposed above the oil storage part
Data Source
AI summary
On a partition wall splitting the interior of a case into a gear chamber and a motor chamber, a through hole and a gutter member are provided. The through hole is provided for communication between the gear chamber and the motor chamber. The gutter member extends into the gear chamber below the through hole, and a tip end part thereof is provided above an oil storage part. Oil guided from the motor chamber into the gear chamber through the through hole of the partition wall is guided to the oil storage part through the gutter member, so that, for the oil storage part provided at a wall part not the partition wall of the case and not in contact with the partition wall, more oil can be stored.