Lubrication system for a parallel-axis differential
AssigneesToyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Zexel Corporation
InventorsAkinori Homan, Kiyonari Ishikawa, Hirofumi Okuda
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In a parallel-axis differential, a pair of sun gears are received in a housing in a coaxial relation. Also, at least a pair of planetary gears are received in the housing in parallel relation with the sun gears. The planetary gears of the pair are in engagement with the pair of sun gears, respectively and also in engagement with each other. A window opening for introducing lubricating oil is formed in the housing. Also, a fin for guiding the lubricating oil toward the window opening is formed on the outer surface of the housing. The fin is situated on the rear side of the window opening with reference to one rotating direction of said housing.
Claims8
A parallel-axis differential, comprising:
- (a) a housing rotatable about a rotational axis upon receipt of a rotational torque, said housing having in a peripheral wall thereof a window opening for allowing the passage of lubricating oil;
- (b) a pair of sun gears rotatably received in said housing and coaxial with said housing, said pair of sun gears being connected with end portions of a pair of coaxial output shafts, respectively;
- (c) at least a pair of planetary gears rotatably received in said housing and being parallel with the rotational axis of said housing, said planetary gears of the pair being in engagement with said pair of sun gears, respectively and also in engagement with each other;
- and
- (d) a fin mounted on an outer surface of the peripheral wall of said housing, said fin including a primary portion and a secondary portion, said primary portion of said fin being disposed along a rear edge of said window opening with reference to one rotating direction of said housing, said secondary portion of said fin extending from said primary portion and away from said window opening toward an end of said housing in a direction of said rotational axis.
A parallel-axis differential, comprising:
- (a) a housing rotatable about a rotational axis upon receipt of a rotational torque, said housing having end walls on opposite ends in a direction of the rotational axis of said housing, and at least one of said end walls is formed with a window opening for allowing the passage of lubricating oil;
- (b) a pair of sun gears rotatably receiving said housing and coaxial with said housing, said pair of sun gears being connected with end portions of a pair of coaxial output shafts, respectively;
- (c) at least a pair of planetary gears rotatably received in said housing and being parallel with the rotational axis of said housing, said planetary gears of the pair being in engagement with said pair of sun gears, respectively and also in engagement with each other;
- and
- (d) a fin mounted on an outer surface of said at least one of said end walls of said housing, said fin including a primary portion and a secondary portion, said primary portion of said fin being disposed along a rear edge of said window opening with reference to said rotating direction of said housing, said secondary portion of said fin extending radially outwardly from said primary portion of said fin and away from said window opening.
A parallel axis differential, comprising:
- (a) a housing rotatable about a rotational axis upon receipt of a rotational torque, said housing having a window opening for allowing the passage of lubricating oil;
- (b) a pair of sun gears rotatably received in said housing and coaxial with said housing, said pair of sun gears being connected with end portions of a pair of coaxial output shafts, respectively;
- (c) at least a pair of planetary gears rotatably received in said housing and being parallel with the rotational axis of said housing, said planetary gears of the pair being in engagement with said pair of sun gears, respectively also in engagement with each other;
- and
- (d) a fin mounted on an outer surface of said housing;
- and said fin being disposed on the rear side of said window opening with reference to one rotating direction of said housing.
- (e) a plate member separately situated from said housing, said plate member including a fitting portion to be fitted in said window opening, and said fin formed on an external edge of said fitting portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.