US 12,460,715 B2
Lubrication system for a traction powertrain
Brian E. Lister, Edwards, IL (US); Michael D. Beyer, Chillicothe, IL (US); and Alex M. Fullenkamp, Peoria, IL (US)
Assigned to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed by Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US)
Filed on Oct. 14, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/966,056.
Prior Publication US 2024/0125381 A1, Apr. 18, 2024
Int. Cl. E02F 9/20 (2006.01); F16H 57/04 (2010.01); F16H 59/18 (2006.01); F16H 59/40 (2006.01); F16H 59/42 (2006.01); F16H 59/70 (2006.01); F16H 61/00 (2006.01)
CPC F16H 57/0439 (2013.01) [E02F 9/202 (2013.01); E02F 9/2095 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A mobile machine comprising a traction powertrain configured for electrical power and including a traction motor for converting electrical power to rotational motion, a transmission having a transmission input operatively coupled to the traction motor and a transmission output operatively coupled to a machine propulsion device;
a lubrication system including a lubrication pump configured to pressurize a liquid lubricant and operatively coupled to a pump motor;
a transmission input sensor operatively associated with the transmission input, the transmission input sensor configured to generate and send a first powertrain rotational signal upon monitoring rotational motion of the transmission input;
and an electronic controller operatively associated with the lubrication system and in electronic communication with the transmission input sensor and with the transmission output sensor;
whereupon the electronic controller is programmed to generate and communicate: a first lubricant supply command indicative of a first lubricant quantity to the lubrication system directing the lubricant pump to deliver the first lubricant quantity to the transmission, the first lubricant quantity varying in relation to the first powertrain rotational signal from the transmission input sensor;
a second lubricant supply command indicative of a second lubricant quantity to the lubricant system in response to the transmission output signal, wherein the second lubricant quantity is a fixed default quantity of lubricant when the transmission is in a neutral configuration and the mobile machine is coasting.