Patent ID: 6021868
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A mechanical change gear transmission having a geartrain with at least one shaft coupleable to an internal combustion engine having an engine cooling system and an engine lubrication system, the engine lubrication system having a pump for circulating lubricating fluid from an engine sump having a first engine port for providing access to lubricating fluid in the sump and a second engine port for providing access to pressurized lubricating fluid, the transmission comprising:a transmission housing defining a transmission sump for collecting a volume of lubricating fluid sufficient to provide splash lubrication to at least a portion of the geartrain, the housing having first and second transmission ports adapted for fluid coupling to the engine lubrication system, the second transmission port being positioned higher than the first engine port to facilitate gravity-forced return of lubricating fluid from the transmission sump to the engine sump;a first conduit for providing pressurized lubricating fluid from the second engine port directly to the transmission sump via the first transmission port to provide lubrication for the transmission; anda second conduit for returning lubricating fluid from the transmission via the second transmission port to the engine sump via the first engine port to allow cooling of the lubricating fluid by the engine cooling system.