Patent ID: 7416504
Filing Date: 2008-08-26
Classification: B60K,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A lubrication plug for an off-highway vehicle having an electric propulsion system, wherein the electric propulsion system includes a motorized wheel, a traction motor for delivering power to the motorized wheel and a transmission for transmitting power from the traction motor to the motorized wheel, wherein the transmission comprises a reduction stage, a low speed sun pinion defining a sun pinion cavity, and a thrust washer, wherein the thrust washer includes a second surface portion movably associated with the low speed sun pinion via a thrust washer retainer and wherein the thrust washer is movably associated with the reduction stage via the lubrication plug, the lubrication plug comprising: a first plug portion, wherein said first plug portion includes a radially extending portion movably associated with a first surface portion of the thrust washer; and a second plug portion having a second plug portion structure, wherein said second plug portion structure defines a plug cavity having a plug cavity inlet and at least one plug cavity outlet disposed adjacent at least a portion of the thrust washer, wherein said plug cavity inlet is disposed to communicate the sun pinion cavity with said plug cavity and wherein said at least one plug cavity outlet is disposed along at least one radial plane of said second plug portion to communicate said plug cavity with the thrust washer, such that a lubricant flowing through the sun pinion cavity and into said plug cavity inlet is allowed to flow out of said at least one plug cavity outlet such that said lubricant and the thrust washer lubricatingly interact.