Scavenge pump oil level control system and method

Abstract

A hybrid vehicle includes a hybrid module, a transmission and a torque converter. The lubrication system associated with the torque converter includes an oil sump within the torque converter housing which is intended to be managed as a "dry" sump oil lubrication system. There is an oil pump in communication with the sump in order to manage the sump oil level. By monitoring an operational parameter of the oil pump motor (pressure, torque, or current) oil aeration can be detected.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to US Patent Application 61 / 440878, filed February 9, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Background technique

[0003] With increasing concerns about global climate change and fuel supply, there has recently been a tendency to develop various hybrid systems for motor vehicles. While various hybrid systems have been proposed, such systems typically require significant modifications to the vehicle's driveline. These changes make it difficult to retrofit the systems of existing vehicles. Furthermore, some of these systems have a tendency to cause significant power loss, which in turn hurts the vehicle's fuel economy. Therefore, improvements are needed in this area.

[0004] One area of ​​improvement is the construction and setup of the hydraulic system. Hybrid vehicles, and particularly the hybrid modules associated with such vehicles, have various lubrication and cooling ...

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