Spline lubrication system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A gearbox assembly for use in a gas turbine engine, the gearbox assembly comprising:
- a gearbox housing;
a first shaft rotatably mounted in the gearbox housing, having a first set of splines, and defining a central cavity;
a second shaft having a second set of splines engaged with the first set of splines;
a scupper positioned on an inner surface of the gearbox housing proximate the first shaft so as to direct liquid from the scupper through the central cavity of the first shaft to the first and second sets of splines, wherein the first shaft has a plurality of entry holes positioned with respect to the scupper for receiving liquid from the scupper; and
an oil catch pan mounted to the gearbox housing and positioned inside the first shaft and axially aligned with the entry holes.
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Abstract
A gearbox assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes a gearbox housing and first and second shafts. The first shaft is rotatably mounted in the gearbox housing. The first shaft has a first set of splines and defines a central cavity. The second shaft has a second set of splines engaged with the first set of splines. A scupper is positioned on an inner surface of the gearbox housing proximate the first shaft so as to direct liquid from the scupper through the central cavity of the first shaft to the first and second sets of splines.
32 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A gearbox assembly for use in a gas turbine engine, the gearbox assembly comprising:
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a gearbox housing; a first shaft rotatably mounted in the gearbox housing, having a first set of splines, and defining a central cavity; a second shaft having a second set of splines engaged with the first set of splines; a scupper positioned on an inner surface of the gearbox housing proximate the first shaft so as to direct liquid from the scupper through the central cavity of the first shaft to the first and second sets of splines, wherein the first shaft has a plurality of entry holes positioned with respect to the scupper for receiving liquid from the scupper; and an oil catch pan mounted to the gearbox housing and positioned inside the first shaft and axially aligned with the entry holes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method comprising:
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rotating first and second shafts interconnected by splines and mounted to a gearbox; collecting lubricating liquid in a scupper positioned on an inner surface of the gearbox; flowing lubricating liquid from the scupper through the first shaft to the splines when the first and second shafts stop rotating, wherein the lubricating liquid flows from the scupper through entry holes positioned circumferentially around the first shaft; and flowing lubricating liquid from the entry holes across an annular dam to the splines via an oil catch pan. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. A method comprising:
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rotating first and second shafts interconnected by splines and mounted to a gearbox; collecting lubricating liquid in a scupper positioned on an inner surface of the gearbox; flowing lubricating liquid from the scupper through entry holes in the first shaft to an oil catch pan when the first and second shafts stop rotating flowing lubricating liquid from the entry holes across an annular dam to the splines via the oil catch pan; and flowing no additional lubricating liquid to the splines when the first and second shafts start rotating again. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification