Lubrication device for an automatic transmission

Abstract

A lubrication device for an automatic transmission adapted to change the lubrication of both taper roller bearings rotatably supporting the output shaft of the automatic transmission between the automatic transmission case and torque converter housing. The disclosed device promotes a smooth lubrication in relation to both taper roller bearings even when the operation oil temperature is low and thus improves the durability of the taper roller bearings.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A lubrication device for an automatic transmission, comprising: 
 a first lubrication oil passage formed inside a torque converter housing;    a second lubrication oil passage disposed within an output shaft and communicating with the first lubrication oil passage, wherein the output shaft rotatably supported via first and second taper roller bearings between the torque converter housing and a case of the automatic transmission;    a first cap seal member equipped with an orifice at an inlet of said first lubrication oil passage; and    a second cap seal member equipped with a plurality of through holes at an inlet of the second lubrication oil passage, wherein the operational oil ejected under high pressure from the orifice of the first cap seal member is dispersed through the plurality of through holes of the second cap seal member, thereby promoting the lubrication of the first and second taper roller bearings.    
     
     
         2 . The device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the torque converter housing defining said first lubrication oil passage is integrally formed with a boss expanded in thickness thereof for installation of said first cap seal member.  
     
     
         3 . The device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of through holes of said second cap seal member are concentrically and radially arranged, each being spaced apart from each other in varying distances.  
     
     
         4 . A lubrication device for taper roller bearings supporting an output shaft extending between a torque converter housing and automatic transmission case, said device comprising: 
 a first lubrication passage defined in the torque converter housing, said first passage having an inlet;    a second lubrication passage defined in the output shaft and communicating with said first passage, said second passage having an inlet;    a first cap seal member disposed over said first passage inlet and defining an orifice therethrough; and    a second cap seal member disposed over said second passage inlet and defining a plurality of holes therethrough;    wherein said first cap seal member orifice is configured to eject oil at high pressure and said second cap seal member is configured to disperse said oil through said plural holes to a second of said taper roller bearings.