Impeller lubrication system for transmission pocket bearing

#This invention relates to bearing lubrication, and more particularly to the lubrication of transmission pocket bearings.

#In a standard transmission, a mainshaft is journalled to an input shaft via a pocket bearing. The latter bearing has been traditionally difficult to lubricate because of its relatively concealed position within a bore in the end of the input shaft.

#Conventional devices for providing pocket bearing lubrication have included port holes, grease packs, oil slingers, and hydraulic pumps. Port holes generally are machined radially through transmission input shafts for ducting oil inwardly to pocket bearings. Grease packs are simply large masses of grease in which pocket bearings are packed during assembly of transmissions. Oil slingers and hydraulic pumps involve mechanical pumping actions for providing forced oil flow to pocket bearings.

#FIG. 1 is an elevation side view in section of a transmission having the pocket bearing lubrication system of this invention.

#FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line 2--2 of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a partial side view in section of an alternate embodiment of this invention as used in conjunction with a compound transmission.

#FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a preferred embodiment of the transmission pocket bearing lubrication system of this invention. A vehicular transmission 10 includes a housing 12 which contains a rotary input shaft 14. The input shaft is journalled in a support bearing 16, and contains a pocket bearing 18 at the bearing hub end 20 for supporting a splined rotary mainshaft 22 axially aligned therewith.

#Three pocket bearing lubrication ports 24 extend through the bearing hub end 20 of the input shaft 14. The ports 24 are spaced 120.degree. about the hub, and have entrances 26 proximal to the support bearing 16, and exits 28 proximal to the pocket bearing 18, as shown.

#A stationary oil baffle 30 is positioned against the support bearing 16. The baffle 30 diverts splash and spray oil around the bearing 16 to a collector region 34 along the shaft and inwardly of the bearing 16. The baffle is positioned between the bearing 16 and a bearing cap 36, the baffle and bearing cap forming a passageway 35 for lubrication oil to flow into the collector region 34. A splash and spray trough 37 acts as a reservoir for the collection of splash and spray oil thrown by the transmission gears and the ducting thereof into the passageway 35. An annular spacer 38 is positioned intermediate the baffle 30 and the outer race 40 of the bearing 16 to assure proper clearance between the baffle and the rotating inner race and cage, 42 and 44 respectively, of the bearing 16.