not all, of the previously delineated drawbacks of such prior vehicle band brake drum assemblies, and which provides for reduced engagement variability.
A first non-limiting advantage of the invention is that it provides a band brake drum assembly which overcomes at least some of the previously delineated drawbacks of prior assemblies and which effectively controls the oil layer thickness inside the drum under all operating conditions, thereby providing a consistent oil flow into the band-drum interface and consistent engagement behavior.
A second non-limiting advantage of the invention is that it provides a band brake drum assembly having lubrication flow control attributes which are effective to reduce the variability in lubrication flow within the band interface.
A third non-limiting advantage of the invention is that it provides a band brake drum assemblythe lubricant, at least one lubricant hole formed within the lubricant retention area, the hole communicating with a band-drum interface exterior to the drum and allowing at least a portion of the lubricant to be communicated from the drum to the band-drum interface, and at least one lubricant draining hole which is formed outside of the lubricant retention area and which is effective to drain excess lubricant from the drum.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a band brake assembly is provided and includes a selectively actuatable brake band member; a selectively rotatable shaft having at least one channel which selectively distributes an amount of lubricant and an aperture which communicates with the channel and which selectively discharges the lubricant; and a generally cylindrical rotating drum