U.S. patent application number 14/875745 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-28 for external lube system for a transmission.
The applicant listed for this patent is Allison Transmission, Inc.. Invention is credited to CHARLES F. LONG, Richard H. Price.
Application Number | 20160023622 14/875745 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50384206 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160023622 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LONG; CHARLES F. ; et
al. |
January 28, 2016 |
EXTERNAL LUBE SYSTEM FOR A TRANSMISSION
Abstract
The present disclosure is related to a transmission for a
powered vehicle. The transmission includes a housing defining an
interior of the transmission and a fluid supply portion disposed in
the housing. The fluid supply portion is configured to supply fluid
throughout the transmission. The transmission also includes a first
fluid circuit disposed within the housing and defining a first
fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid supply portion. A
second fluid circuit fluidly defines a second fluid path in fluid
communication with the fluid supply portion. The transmission
further includes a coupling mechanism for fluidly coupling the
first fluid circuit and second fluid circuit, wherein the second
fluid circuit is disposed outside the housing of the
transmission.
Inventors: |
LONG; CHARLES F.;
(Zionsville, IN) ; Price; Richard H.; (Greenwood,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Allison Transmission, Inc. |
Indianapolis |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50384206 |
Appl. No.: |
14/875745 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13632198 |
Oct 1, 2012 |
|
|
|
14875745 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
184/6.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 57/0404 20130101;
F16N 9/00 20130101; F16H 57/0436 20130101; F16N 39/06 20130101;
F16H 57/0441 20130101; F16N 7/36 20130101; F16H 57/042 20130101;
F16N 7/40 20130101; F16H 57/0442 20130101; F16H 57/0484 20130101;
B60R 17/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 17/02 20060101
B60R017/02; F16H 57/04 20060101 F16H057/04 |
Claims
1. An external lube circuit kit for mounting to an exterior portion
of a transmission, the transmission having an outer housing, a
fluid supply disposed in the housing, an internal pump fluidly
coupled to the fluid supply, and an internal lube circuit defined
in the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid supply and
internal pump, comprising: a drive unit; a pump operably coupled to
the drive unit, the pump including an inlet and an outlet; a first
flow tube coupled to the pump inlet, the first flow tube adapted to
fluidly couple the pump to the fluid supply; and a second flow tube
coupled to the pump outlet, the second flow tube adapted to fluidly
couple the pump to the internal lube circuit.
2. The kit of claim 1, further comprising a coupling mechanism for
fluidly coupling the second flow tube to the internal lube
circuit.
3. The kit of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a
manifold coupled to the housing, a pressure tap defined in the
housing, or an orifice defined in a filter cover.
4. The kit of claim 1, further comprising a bracket for coupling
the pump to the exterior portion of the transmission.
5. The kit of claim 1, further comprising a filter disposed in the
first flow tube between the fluid supply and pump.
6. The kit of claim 1, further comprising a valve disposed in the
second flow tube between the pump and internal lube circuit.
7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first flow tube couples to a
channel plate or dipstick tube of the transmission.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/632,198, filed Oct. 1, 2012, entitled "External Lube
System For A Transmission," the disclosure of which is expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a transmission, and in
particular to a lube circuit for a transmission.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A conventional powered vehicle may include a drive mechanism
coupled to a transmission system to form the vehicle's powertrain.
The drive mechanism can be an electric motor, an internal
combustion engine, or other power-generating device. A conventional
transmission system can incorporate an internal lube system for
providing oil or other fluid throughout the interior of the
transmission. The lube system is important to achieve hydraulic
pressures for lubricating, and cooling different components (e.g.,
shafts, clutch plates, etc.) during transmission operation. In some
conventional systems, the internal lube system can include a pump
disposed within an outer housing of the transmission. The pump can
be driven, for example, to build pressure within the transmission.
In one instance, the internal pump provides oil to a torque
converter, cooler circuit, lube circuit, and a main oil pressure
circuit within the transmission.
[0004] When the internal pump is not working or being driven by the
drive mechanism, there is no means for lubricating the internal
components of the transmission. Therefore, the transmission is
typically disconnected from the vehicle's rear axle when towing the
vehicle. Similarly, in train applications, two or more train
locomotives can be coupled to one another such that only one of the
locomotives drives the train. The powertrain of the other
locomotive(s) is disconnected to avoid possible damage to the
internal components of the transmission as it is towed.
[0005] It would be desirable, however, to be able to lubricate the
transmission even when the drive mechanism is not driving the
internal pump. It would be further desirable to provide an external
lube circuit to lubricate the internal components of the
transmission when the internal lube circuit is not functional.
SUMMARY
[0006] In a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
transmission is provided for a powered vehicle. The transmission
includes a housing defining an interior of the transmission and a
fluid supply portion disposed in the housing. The fluid supply
portion is configured to supply fluid throughout the transmission.
The transmission also includes a first fluid circuit disposed
within the housing and defining a first fluid path in fluid
communication with the fluid supply portion. A second fluid circuit
fluidly defines a second fluid path in fluid communication with the
fluid supply portion. The transmission further includes a coupling
mechanism for fluidly coupling the first fluid circuit and second
fluid circuit, wherein the second fluid circuit is disposed outside
the housing of the transmission.
[0007] In one aspect of this embodiment, the coupling mechanism
comprises a manifold coupled to the housing. In a different aspect,
the coupling mechanism comprises a pressure tap. In a further
aspect, the second fluid circuit comprises a power device disposed
outside the housing, a pump operably coupled to the power device,
the pump having an inlet and an outlet, a first flow tube coupled
to the pump inlet, the first flow tube fluidly coupling the fluid
supply portion to the inlet, a second flow tube coupled to the pump
outlet, the second flow tube fluidly coupling the coupling
mechanism to the pump outlet, wherein the pump is adapted to pump
fluid from the fluid supply portion through the second fluid path
to the coupling mechanism. In yet a further aspect, the power
device is an electric motor and hydraulic pump.
[0008] In a more detailed aspect, the transmission can include a
bracket for mounting the pump to the housing. Also, a valve can be
disposed between the pump and coupling mechanism, the valve
configured to prevent a reverse flow of fluid in the second flow
tube. Moreover, the transmission can include a filter disposed
between the fluid supply portion and the pump. In yet a further
detailed aspect, the transmission can include a second pump
disposed in the housing, where the second pump is inoperable when
the first pump is operable. Related thereto, the first pump and
second pump are operable at the same time.
[0009] In an alternative aspect, the transmission includes a cooler
filter disposed in the housing and in fluid communication with the
first fluid circuit, wherein the second fluid circuit is fluidly
coupled to the first fluid circuit before the filter. In a
different aspect, the transmission can include a cooler filter
disposed in the housing and in fluid communication with the first
fluid circuit, wherein the second fluid circuit is fluidly coupled
to the first fluid circuit after the filter. The transmission can
further include a lube regulator valve disposed in the housing and
being in fluid communication with the first and second fluid
circuits, where the lube regulator valve is configured to regulate
lube pressure in the transmission.
[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, an external lube circuit
kit is provided for mounting to an exterior portion of a
transmission. The transmission can have an outer housing, a fluid
supply disposed in the housing, an internal pump fluidly coupled to
the fluid supply, and an internal lube circuit defined in the
housing and in fluid communication with the fluid supply and
internal pump. The kit can include a drive unit and a pump operably
coupled to the drive unit. The pump includes an inlet and an
outlet. The kit also can include a first flow tube coupled to the
pump inlet, where the first flow tube is adapted to fluidly couple
the pump to the fluid supply and a second flow tube coupled to the
pump outlet, where the second flow tube adapted to fluidly couple
the pump to the internal lube circuit.
[0011] In one aspect, the kit can include a coupling mechanism for
fluidly coupling the second flow tube to the internal lube circuit.
In a related aspect, the coupling mechanism can include a manifold
coupled to the housing, a pressure tap defined in the housing, or
an orifice defined in a filter cover. In another aspect, the kit
can include a bracket for coupling the pump to the exterior portion
of the transmission. The kit can further include a filter disposed
in the first flow tube between the fluid supply and pump or a valve
disposed in the second flow tube between the pump and internal lube
circuit. In a different aspect, the first flow tube couples to a
channel plate or dipstick tube of the transmission.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and
the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the
disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the
following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram and schematic view of
one illustrative embodiment of a powered vehicular system;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of an external lube
circuit for a transmission;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a first exemplary block diagram and schematic view
of a lube circuit for a transmission; and
[0016] FIG. 4 is a second exemplary block diagram and schematic
view of a lube circuit for a transmission.
[0017] Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The embodiments of the present disclosure described below
are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the
precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description.
Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others
skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and
practices of the present disclosure.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram and schematic view
of one illustrative embodiment of a vehicular system 100 having a
drive unit 102 and transmission 118 is shown. In the illustrated
embodiment, the drive unit 102 may include an internal combustion
engine, diesel engine, electric motor, or other power-generating
device. The drive unit 102 is configured to rotatably drive an
output shaft 104 that is coupled to an input or pump shaft 106 of a
conventional torque converter 108. The input or pump shaft 106 is
coupled to an impeller or pump 110 that is rotatably driven by the
output shaft 104 of the drive unit 102. The torque converter 108
further includes a turbine 112 that is coupled to a turbine shaft
114, and the turbine shaft 114 is coupled to, or integral with, a
rotatable input shaft 124 of the transmission 118. The transmission
118 can also include an internal pump 120 for building pressure
within different flow circuits (e.g., main circuit, lube circuit,
etc.) of the transmission 118. The pump 120 can be driven by a
shaft 116 that is coupled to the output shaft 104 of the drive unit
102. In this arrangement, the drive unit 102 can deliver torque to
the shaft 116 for driving the pump 120 and building pressure within
the different circuits of the transmission 118.
[0020] The transmission 118 can include a planetary gear system 122
having a number of automatically selected gears. An output shaft
126 of the transmission 118 is coupled to or integral with, and
rotatably drives, a propeller shaft 128 that is coupled to a
conventional universal joint 130. The universal joint 130 is
coupled to, and rotatably drives, an axle 132 having wheels 134A
and 134B mounted thereto at each end. The output shaft 126 of the
transmission 118 drives the wheels 134A and 134B in a conventional
manner via the propeller shaft 128, universal joint 130 and axle
132.
[0021] A conventional lockup clutch 136 is connected between the
pump 110 and the turbine 112 of the torque converter 108. The
operation of the torque converter 108 is conventional in that the
torque converter 108 is operable in a so-called "torque converter"
mode during certain operating conditions such as vehicle launch,
low speed and certain gear shifting conditions. In the torque
converter mode, the lockup clutch 136 is disengaged and the pump
110 rotates at the rotational speed of the drive unit output shaft
104 while the turbine 112 is rotatably actuated by the pump 110
through a fluid (not shown) interposed between the pump 110 and the
turbine 112. In this operational mode, torque multiplication occurs
through the fluid coupling such that the turbine shaft 114 is
exposed to drive more torque than is being supplied by the drive
unit 102, as is known in the art. The torque converter 108 is
alternatively operable in a so-called "lockup" mode during other
operating conditions, such as when certain gears of the planetary
gear system 122 of the transmission 118 are engaged. In the lockup
mode, the lockup clutch 136 is engaged and the pump 110 is thereby
secured directly to the turbine 112 so that the drive unit output
shaft 104 is directly coupled to the input shaft 124 of the
transmission 118, as is also known in the art.
[0022] The transmission 118 further includes an electro-hydraulic
system 138 that is fluidly coupled to the planetary gear system 122
via a number, J, of fluid paths, 140.sub.1-140.sub.J, where J may
be any positive integer. The electro-hydraulic system 138 is
responsive to control signals to selectively cause fluid to flow
through one or more of the fluid paths, 140.sub.1-140.sub.J, to
thereby control operation, i.e., engagement and disengagement, of a
plurality of corresponding friction devices in the planetary gear
system 122. The plurality of friction devices may include, but are
not limited to, one or more conventional brake devices, one or more
torque transmitting devices, and the like. Generally, the
operation, i.e., engagement and disengagement, of the plurality of
friction devices is controlled by selectively controlling the
friction applied by each of the plurality of friction devices, such
as by controlling fluid pressure to each of the friction devices.
In one example embodiment, which is not intended to be limiting in
any way, the plurality of friction devices include a plurality of
brake and torque transmitting devices in the form of conventional
clutches that may each be controllably engaged and disengaged via
fluid pressure supplied by the electro-hydraulic system 138. In any
case, changing or shifting between the various gears of the
transmission 118 is accomplished in a conventional manner by
selectively controlling the plurality of friction devices via
control of fluid pressure within the number of fluid paths
140.sub.1-140.sub.J.
[0023] The system 100 further includes a transmission control
circuit 142 that can include a memory unit 144. The transmission
control circuit 142 is illustratively microprocessor-based, and the
memory unit 144 generally includes instructions stored therein that
are executable by the transmission control circuit 142 to control
operation of the torque converter 108 and operation of the
transmission 118, i.e., shifting between the various gears of the
planetary gear system 122. It will be understood, however, that
this disclosure contemplates other embodiments in which the
transmission control circuit 142 is not microprocessor-based, but
is configured to control operation of the torque converter 108
and/or transmission 118 based on one or more sets of hardwired
instructions and/or software instructions stored in the memory unit
144.
[0024] In the system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the torque
converter 108 and the transmission 118 include a number of sensors
configured to produce sensor signals that are indicative of one or
more operating states of the torque converter 108 and transmission
118, respectively. For example, the torque converter 108
illustratively includes a conventional speed sensor 146 that is
positioned and configured to produce a speed signal corresponding
to the rotational speed of the pump shaft 106, which is the same
rotational speed of the output shaft 104 of the drive unit 102. The
speed sensor 146 is electrically connected to a pump speed input,
PS, of the transmission control circuit 142 via a signal path 152,
and the transmission control circuit 142 is operable to process the
speed signal produced by the speed sensor 146 in a conventional
manner to determine the rotational speed of the turbine shaft
106/drive unit output shaft 104.
[0025] The transmission 118 illustratively includes another
conventional speed sensor 148 that is positioned and configured to
produce a speed signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the
transmission input shaft 124, which is the same rotational speed as
the turbine shaft 114. The input shaft 124 of the transmission 118
is directly coupled to, or integral with, the turbine shaft 114,
and the speed sensor 148 may alternatively be positioned and
configured to produce a speed signal corresponding to the
rotational speed of the turbine shaft 114. In any case, the speed
sensor 148 is electrically connected to a transmission input shaft
speed input, TIS, of the transmission control circuit 142 via a
signal path 154, and the transmission control circuit 142 is
operable to process the speed signal produced by the speed sensor
148 in a conventional manner to determine the rotational speed of
the turbine shaft 114/transmission input shaft 124.
[0026] The transmission 118 further includes yet another speed
sensor 150 that is positioned and configured to produce a speed
signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the output shaft
126 of the transmission 118. The speed sensor 150 may be
conventional, and is electrically connected to a transmission
output shaft speed input, TOS, of the transmission control circuit
142 via a signal path 156. The transmission control circuit 142 is
configured to process the speed signal produced by the speed sensor
150 in a conventional manner to determine the rotational speed of
the transmission output shaft 126.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission 118 further
includes one or more actuators configured to control various
operations within the transmission 118. For example, the
electro-hydraulic system 138 described herein illustratively
includes a number of actuators, e.g., conventional solenoids or
other conventional actuators, that are electrically connected to a
number, J, of control outputs, CP.sub.1-CP.sub.J, of the
transmission control circuit 142 via a corresponding number of
signal paths 72.sub.1-72.sub.J, where J may be any positive integer
as described above. The actuators within the electro-hydraulic
system 138 are each responsive to a corresponding one of the
control signals, CP.sub.1-CP.sub.J, produced by the transmission
control circuit 142 on one of the corresponding signal paths
72.sub.1-72.sub.J to control the friction applied by each of the
plurality of friction devices by controlling the pressure of fluid
within one or more corresponding fluid passageway
140.sub.1-140.sub.J, and thus control the operation, i.e., engaging
and disengaging, of one or more corresponding friction devices,
based on information provided by the various speed sensors 146,
148, and/or 150. The friction devices of the planetary gear system
122 are illustratively controlled by hydraulic fluid which is
distributed by the electro-hydraulic system in a conventional
manner. For example, the electro-hydraulic system 138
illustratively includes a conventional hydraulic positive
displacement pump (not, shown) which distributes fluid to the one
or more friction devices via control of the one or more actuators
within the electro-hydraulic system 138. In this embodiment, the
control signals, CP.sub.1-CP.sub.J, are illustratively analog
friction device pressure commands to which the one or more
actuators are responsive to control the hydraulic pressure to the
one or more frictions devices. It will be understood, however, that
the friction applied by each of the plurality of friction devices
may alternatively be controlled in accordance with other
conventional friction device control structures and techniques, and
such other conventional friction device control structures and
techniques are contemplated by this disclosure. In any case,
however, the analog operation of each of the friction devices is
controlled by the control circuit 142 in accordance with
instructions stored in the memory unit 144.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 further
includes a drive unit control circuit 160 having an input/output
port (I/O) that is electrically coupled to the drive unit 102 via a
number, K, of signal paths 162, wherein K may be any positive
integer. The drive unit control circuit 160 may be conventional,
and is operable to control and manage the overall operation of the
drive unit 102. The drive unit control circuit 160 further includes
a communication port, COM, which is electrically connected to a
similar communication port, COM, of the transmission control
circuit 142 via a number, L, of signal paths 164, wherein L may be
any positive integer. The one or more signal paths 164 are
typically referred to collectively as a data link. Generally, the
drive unit control circuit 160 and the transmission control circuit
142 are operable to share information via the one or more signal
paths 164 in a conventional manner. In one embodiment, for example,
the drive unit control circuit 160 and transmission control circuit
142 are operable to share information via the one or more signal
paths 164 in the form of one or more messages in accordance with a
society of automotive engineers (SAE) J-1939 communications
protocol, although this disclosure contemplates other embodiments
in which the drive unit control circuit 160 and the transmission
control circuit 142 are operable to share information via the one
or more signal paths 164 in accordance with one or more other
conventional communication protocols.
[0029] As previously described, the drive unit 102 drives the
internal pump 120 of the transmission 118. During operation, oil
inside the transmission can be supplied by the internal pump 120 to
a main oil circuit, the torque converter 108, a cooler, and an
internal lube circuit. The internal pump 120, however, requires the
drive unit 102 to be operating, and if the drive unit 102 is not
operating, oil cannot be supplied to the main oil circuit, torque
converter 108, cooler, or lube circuit. Without oil passing through
the lube circuit, the connection between the transmission output
shaft 126 and rear axle 132 must be disassembled if the vehicle 100
is towed. Otherwise, one or more components internal to the
transmission 118 can be damaged due to a lack of lubrication.
[0030] In FIG. 2, however, an exemplary embodiment of a solution to
the problem in the art is illustrated. In this embodiment, a
transmission 200 is shown having an outer housing 202 or case to
protect components internal thereto. The transmission 200 may be
substantially similar to the transmission 118 of FIG. 1. A
converter housing 204 is mounted to a front end of the transmission
housing 202 and has a cavity in which the torque converter 108
resides. The transmission 200 can include a manifold or body 206
which at least partially encloses a portion of the
electro-hydraulic system 138. A portion of the lube circuit can be
disposed within the electro-hydraulic system 138. For instance, one
or more flow channels or paths may be defined in the system 138.
The electro-hydraulic system 138 can also define one or more
channels that feed into the main circuit as well such that the lube
circuit and main circuit can be in fluid communication in one or
more configurations. For purposes of the present disclosure, a
configuration may be a particular arrangement of valves, solenoids,
and the like disposed within the transmission 200 for achieving a
desired transmission output.
[0031] The embodiment of FIG. 2 further illustrates a pump 208
external to the transmission 200. The pump 208 can be electric,
hydraulic, mechanical or other known type of pump. The pump 208 can
be driven by an electric motor, for example, or other known driving
mechanism. In addition, the pump 208 is fluidly coupled to the lube
circuit of the transmission 200 via an external circuit. The
external circuit can include a flow tube 218 that is fluidly
coupled between the pump 208 and transmission 200. For instance, a
fitting 220 can connect the flow tube 218 to the manifold or body
206 of the transmission in a location that is fluidly coupled to
the lube circuit. A first fitting 216 couples an outlet of the pump
directly to the flow tube 218 and a second fitting 214 couples an
inlet of the pump to a fluid supply of the transmission. In this
disclosure, the fluid supply can be referred to as a "sump". This
can be a reservoir, cavity or collection area in the transmission
where fluid collects. In some instances, due to gravity, the fluid
supply may be a fluid pan disposed near the bottom of the
transmission.
[0032] In any case, the pump 208 can be fluidly coupled to the
fluid supply via fitting 214. As such, the pump 208 can draw fluid
from the fluid supply through the pump inlet and pump the fluid
through its outlet and into the flow tube. In this embodiment, the
pump 208 can effectively pump a desired amount or flow rate of
fluid through the transmission lube circuit without requiring the
drive unit 102 or engine from operating. In a related embodiment,
the pump 208 may also be configured to drive fluid through the
transmission main circuit, lube circuit, torque converter, or
cooler. In one aspect, the pump 208 can be mounted directly to the
transmission 200. In FIG. 2, for example, the pump 208 is coupled
to the outer housing 202. Here, a bracket 210 can mechanically
couple the pump 208 to a mounting location 212 of the transmission
200. In other aspects, the pump 208 may be mounted to a vehicle
such as a train.
[0033] The pump 208 is externally mounted relative to the
transmission 200. In an exemplary aspect, the pump 208 can operate
at approximately 4 gallons per minute at 45 psi. The size and
performance of the pump 208, however, can vary based on the system
requirements. For instance, in one embodiment, both the internal
pump 120 and external pump 208 can operate simultaneously or at
least partially simultaneously with one another. Here, a smaller
external pump 208 may be effective for delivering fluid throughout
the transmission 208. Conversely, a smaller internal pump 120 may
be provided due to space limitations within the transmission or the
size of the transmission is smaller. In this instance, a larger
external pump 208 may be used to support the smaller internal pump
120. In a different embodiment, a transmission may not include an
internal pump and only utilize an external pump to supply fluid
throughout for desired performance. As such, the present disclosure
is not limited to any size or performance requirement of either an
internal or external pump to supply a fluid circuit of the
transmission.
[0034] The external pump 208 of FIG. 2 can be included as part of
an external lube circuit kit. As shown in FIG. 2, the kit can
include tubing, fittings, and a bracket for mounting the pump to
the transmission or alternative location. The kit can further
include an electric motor or other mechanism to provide power to
the pump. A channel plate (not shown) or tubing can also be
provided in the kit to establish a fluid path from the transmission
sump to the pump inlet. The tubing can be in the form of a dipstick
tube, for example, or other known tubing means. The kit can also
include a cast manifold that fluidly couples to the lube circuit of
the transmission. The manifold can include a filter cover, a
pressure tap, or other means for fluidly coupling the pump to the
lube circuit. The manifold can also include a bracket or mounting
location for coupling the external pump thereto. It can be
desirable for the kit to require minimal hardware for fluidly
coupling the external lube circuit to the internal lube circuit.
Other kit hardware can include a filter (i.e., screen filter),
check valve, etc. These features and other kit features will be
described with respect to the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3
and 4.
[0035] In FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a transmission lube
system is shown. The system 300 is provided with a lube circuit
that includes a first lube portion and a second lube portion. The
first lube portion is defined within an interior 334 of the
transmission 304. The interior 334 of the transmission 304 is
represented by a dash line. In some aspects, the first lube portion
can be any conventional lube system including a pump, valves,
solenoids, etc. The second lube portion is fluidly coupled to the
first lube portion, and the second lube portion is disposed outside
the transmission.
[0036] The transmission 304 can include a torque converter 306 that
receives power from an engine or other drive unit 302. The engine
302 can also operatively drive an internal pump 308 of the
transmission 304. The internal pump 308 can form part of the first
lube portion. As the internal pump 308 is driven, fluid from a
transmission sump 310 can be suctioned through a filter 312 and
into the pump 308. The internal pump 308 can then distribute the
fluid throughout the transmission 304 to a main circuit, lube
circuit, the converter 306 and external cooler 336. However, when
the engine or drive unit 302 is not operating, the internal pump is
not driven and therefore is unable to distribute fluid throughout
the lube circuit.
[0037] To overcome this limitation, the system 300 includes an
external pump 316 that forms part of the second lube portion. The
external pump 316 can be an electric pump driven by an electric
motor 318 as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the pump 316 can be
hydraulic, mechanical, or a combination thereof. As shown, the
external pump 316 is disposed outside of the transmission 304. In
one embodiment, the pump 316 can be mounted to a location on the
transmission 304. In another embodiment, the pump 316 can be
mounted to a structure other than the transmission 304. For
instance, if the transmission 304 is disposed in a train, the pump
316 may be mounted to a railing or mounting location on the
train.
[0038] Similar to the internal pump 308, the external pump 316 can
be fluidly coupled to the transmission sump 310. To do so, a flow
tube or dipstick tube opening in the transmission 304 can be used
to fluidly connect the sump 310 to the external pump 316. The
transmission sump 310 therefore serves as a fluid supply to both
pumps. A filter 320 may optionally be disposed between the external
pump 316 and sump 310 to remove debris and other contaminants that
might otherwise impact the performance of the pump 316. The filter
320 can be a 100 .mu.m screen filter disposed in the suction line
of the second portion of the lube circuit. The filter 320 is
disposed on the pump inlet side, whereas a check valve 322 is
disposed on the pump outlet side to prevent reverse flow of
fluid.
[0039] The first lube portion and second lube portion are fluidly
coupled to one another via a pressure tap 324 in the transmission
304. The pressure tap 324 is located such that a
conventionally-sized orifice may be machined into the transmission
housing and plumbing may coupled the pump outlet to the first lube
portion. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 3, fluid that is pumped
through the pressure tap 324 and into the transmission 304 flows to
a lube regulator valve 326. The lube regulator valve 326 is
operable to control fluid pressure in the lube circuit. Therefore,
depending on the fluid pressure and other factors, the lube
regulator valve 326 can open different fluid channels in the lube
circuit. For instance, one such path directs fluid through the lube
regulator valve 326 and returns fluid to the transmission sump
310.
[0040] Fluid flow through the lube circuit can also pass through
the lube regulator valve 326 and be directed to converter flow
valve 328. Here, fluid passing through the converter flow valve 328
can be directed into the torque converter 306. Fluid can collect in
the converter in a manner in which the converter 306 functions as
an accumulator. In this configuration, the torque converter 306 can
further stabilize the system 300 to reduce noise from the pump 316.
As fluid passes through the torque converter 306, it is redirected
back through the converter flow valve 328. Fluid that exits the
torque converter 306 and is directed through the converter flow
valve 328 can be directed to a main regulator valve 330 that
regulates the transmission main circuit. An alternative path
through the converter flow valve 328 can direct fluid through a
converter relief/regulator valve 332. Fluid can pass through the
converter relief/regulator valve 332 and exit the transmission 304
before passing through a cooler 336. As fluid passes through the
cooler 336, it returns into the transmission 304 and passes through
a cooler circuit filter 338. As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure tap
324 is configured such that fluid is pumped from the external pump
316 into the transmission 304 and enters the lube circuit after the
cooler circuit filter 338.
[0041] As also shown in FIG. 3, the lube regulator valve 326 can
also regulate fluid passing through an electro-hydraulic system 314
of the transmission 304. The electro-hydraulic system 314 forms
part of the lube circuit and includes shafts, clutches, bearings,
washers, and the like. Here, fluid can be spread or distributed
about the electro-hydraulic system 314 to provide adequate
lubrication to those parts of the transmission that can be damaged
without lubrication. As shown, fluid can be directed to the
electro-hydraulic system 314 and returned to the transmission sump
310. For instance, fluid may be thrown or sprayed to substantially
lubricate rotating shafts or clutches. As the fluid covers or coats
the components of the electro-hydraulic system 314, the fluid flows
or drips back towards the transmission sump 310 and recirculates
throughout the transmission 304. In particular, as the fluid
returns to the sump 310, it can then be suctioned back through the
second lube portion and pumped back into the transmission 304 by
the external pump 316.
[0042] As further shown in FIG. 3, fluid that exits the cooler 336
may also be directed to the electro-hydraulic system 314. In
alternative embodiments, fluid can be directed to and from the
electro-hydraulic system 314 through different paths not shown in
FIG. 3. In this way, FIG. 3 only represents one example of the
present disclosure. In addition, one or more of the flow paths
described above may not see sufficient flow pressure to open or
close a valve. For instance, fluid passing through the converter
relief/regulator valve 332 may not open so that fluid can flow
therethrough and to the cooler 336. In this configuration, the
valve 332 may be "dead-headed" to prevent flow through the valve.
In any case, if the fluid flow is blocked by the main regulator
valve 330 and converter relief/regulator valve 332, a substantial
amount of fluid passing through the lube regulator valve 326 will
be directed either to sump 310 or the electro-hydraulic system
314.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 4, another exemplary embodiment of a
transmission lube circuit is illustrated. Many of the features
illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 3 are also shown in FIG. 4. A
transmission lube system 400 includes a transmission 404 and an
engine or drive unit 402. The engine or drive unit 402 can transfer
power to a torque converter 406 as shown. In addition, the engine
or drive unit 402 can drive an internal pump 408. The internal pump
408 is disposed on an interior 434 of the transmission 404. The
boundary between the interior 434 and exterior of the transmission
404 is shown as a dash line.
[0044] The pump 408 includes an inlet side and outlet side. The
inlet side of the pump 408 is fluidly coupled with a transmission
sump 410, which as described above is a fluid source for the
internal pump 408. The transmission sump 410 can be configured as a
conventional oil pan disposed near the bottom of the transmission
404. In any case, the sump 410 is adapted to receive and collect
fluid as the fluid passes through the transmission 404. Fluid can
be suctioned from the sump 410 to the pump 408 by passing the fluid
through a filter 412 to remove any contaminants from the fluid. The
internal pump 408 can then pressurize the fluid and distribute it
to the transmission main circuit, lube circuit, torque converter
406, and cooler 436 as required.
[0045] Similar to FIG. 3, however, if the engine or drive unit 402
is not operating, the internal pump 408 cannot build fluid pressure
and provide fluid to any of the fluid circuits in the transmission
404. Therefore, an external pump 416 is provided that forms the
basis of an external portion of the transmission lube circuit.
Here, the external pump 416 can be fluidly coupled to the
transmission sump 410 as shown in FIG. 4. A filter 420, e.g., a 100
.mu.m screen filter, may be disposed in the suction line of the
circuit between the sump 410 and inlet side of the external pump
416.
[0046] The external pump 416 can be powered by an electric motor
418 as shown in FIG. 4. The external pump 416 can also be
hydraulic, mechanical or other known type of pump. The external
pump 416 and internal pump 408 can operate simultaneously or
independently, depending on the application. The needs of a
particular application can be tailored by using either the internal
pump 408 or external pump 416 as necessary.
[0047] A check valve 422 or other valving means can be disposed on
the outlet side of the external pump 416 to prevent fluid from
flowing in a reverse direction towards the pump outlet: Unlike the
embodiment of FIG. 3, the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 can
include a manifold 440 coupled to the transmission 404. The
manifold 440 can be coupled to either a front end or rear end of
the transmission 404 for different embodiments. Alternatively, the
manifold 440 may be coupled to a side portion of the transmission
404. Advantageously, the manifold 440 is configured to be disposed
near a flow channel in the lube circuit so the manifold 440 is in
fluid communication with the lube circuit.
[0048] The manifold 440 can be fluidly coupled to a vehicle cooler
or other cooling mechanism 436 as shown in FIG. 4 such that fluid
passing through the transmission 404 can be directed through the
cooler 436 to reduce the temperature thereof. A pressure tap or
fitting 424 may be defined or coupled to the manifold 440 to allow
fluid from either the cooler 436 or external pump 416 to be
directed into the lube circuit of the transmission 404.
[0049] Adjacent to the manifold 440, and fluidly coupled thereto,
is a cooler circuit filter 438 that screens fluid passing into the
transmission 404 from the cooler 436. Here, fluid being pumped by
the external pump 416 into the transmission 404 enters the lube
circuit before the cooler circuit filter 438 and thus contaminants
can be filtered a second time (i.e., the first filtering step done
by filter 420). As fluid passes through the filter 438, it is
directed to a lube regulator valve 426, which functions similar to
the lube regulator valve 326 of FIG. 3.
[0050] The lube regulator valve 426 can regulate fluid passing
through an electro-hydraulic system 414 of the transmission 404.
The electro-hydraulic system 414 forms part of the lube circuit and
includes shafts, clutches, bearings, washers, and the like. Here,
fluid can be spread or distributed about the electro-hydraulic
system 414 to provide adequate lubrication to those parts of the
transmission that can be damaged without lubrication. As shown,
fluid can be directed to the electro-hydraulic system 414 and
returned to the transmission sump 410. For instance, fluid may be
thrown or sprayed to substantially lubricate rotating shafts or
clutches. As the fluid covers or coats the components of the
electro-hydraulic system 414, the fluid flows back towards the
transmission sump 410 and recirculates throughout the transmission
404. In particular, as the fluid returns to the sump 410, it can
then be suctioned back through the external portion of the lube
circuit and pumped back into the transmission 404 by the external
pump 416.
[0051] Fluid can also be directed by the lube regulator valve 426
to a converter flow valve 428 which regulates fluid flow to and
from the torque converter 406. The torque converter 406 can serve
as an accumulator of fluid that stabilizes the overall system due
to noise from the external portion of the lube circuit (e.g., the
pump 416 and motor 418 may create pulsations throughout the system
400). Fluid can pass through the converter flow valve 428 and be
directed to the torque converter 404, a main regulator valve 430 or
converter relief/regulator valve 432. In the configuration of FIG.
4, the main regulator valve 430 blocks fluid flow therethrough, but
in other embodiments the main regulator valve 430 can regulator
fluid flow through the transmission's main pressure circuit.
[0052] The converter relief/regulator valve 432 can regulate fluid
flow to the cooler 436. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, fluid can pass
through the valve 432 and manifold 440 before reaching the cooler
436. Other embodiments may not require the fluid to flow through
the manifold 440, but rather a pressure tap may be disposed between
the valve 432 and cooler 436. Other means for fluidly coupling the
lube regulator valve 426 to the cooler 436 can be achieved as well,
including establishing a direct fluid path therebetween. In an
alternative embodiment, the converter relief/regulator valve 432
may block or prevent fluid flow from reaching the cooler 436. In
this instance, a different flow path may be provided so that fluid
can be directed through the cooler 436.
[0053] In some embodiments, the lube regulator valve 426 can direct
excess fluid to the transmission sump 410. This may be necessary if
the fluid pressure exceeds a threshold limit of the lube regulator
valve 426. In this manner, fluid is returned to the sump 410 so
that it can be recirculated through the transmission 404.
[0054] In an embodiment in which the transmission includes a
dipstick opening, it may be desirable to couple the external lube
circuit to the transmission closest to this opening. This assumes
the lube circuit can be fluidly coupled at an end closest to the
opening. In doing so, the least amount of plumbing hardware (i.e.,
fittings, tubing, etc.) may be required to make the fluid
connection. It may also be desirable to tap into the lube circuit
at a location where the external pump can be mounted or coupled to
the transmission. This too may reduce the overall length of tubing
and amount of hardware required to achieve the external lube
circuit. In the case where an external manifold is used, the size
and shape of the manifold may determine where the external lube
circuit fluidly couples with the internal lube circuit.
[0055] A benefit of the present disclosure is the ability to
utilize the preexisting internal lube circuit of the transmission
and add an external lube circuit thereto to achieve desired
functionality of the system. Additionally, the transmission may be
utilized in other applications that previously were not achievable,
undesirable, or unknown. For instance, with one of the embodiments
disclosed herein, a transmission can be towed without disconnecting
a driveline. With the external lube circuit driving lubrication of
the internal transmission components, potential damage that
otherwise would certainly occur is avoided. Moreover, locomotives
and other powered vehicles can include a transmission with the
external lube circuit for various applications that otherwise were
unknown. Other advantages and results are obtainable by operating
either or both the internal and external pumps simultaneously or
alternately.
[0056] While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of
the present disclosure have been disclosed hereinabove, the present
disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead,
this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or
adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles.
Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from
the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice
in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within
the limits of the appended claims.
* * * * *