External hydraulic pump for motor vehicle transmission

Abstract

This invention pertains to a motor vehicle having a standard drive train including an engine, a torque converter and a transmission, in which the hydraulic fluid required for proper operation of the torque converter and transmission is supplied by an externally mounted, electrically operated pump, with associated fluid storage tank and heat exchanger and requisite fluid circuitry. The torque converter may be offset from the central axis of the engine and transmission, and driven in the offset position by mechanical means, such as a chain or gearing.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The provisional patent application entitled “EXTERNAL HYDRAULIC PUMP FOR MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSMISSION” which was filed on May 8, 2007, and granted Ser. No. 60 / 924,293, is hereby incorporated by reference in the present application.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates to a motor vehicle with a transmission and torque converter, and to an external electric pump for supplying of high pressure hydraulic fluid to the torque converter for proper operation, and low pressure hydraulic fluid to the transmission for lubrication. This pump may be used with both a standard transmission with clutch and torque converter as well as an automatic transmission with torque converter and no clutch.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]With ever-increasing oil prices, improving the efficiency of the engine and transmission is a high priority for all motor vehicle manufacturers. Most engines now utilize fuel injection for improved efficiency over previously use...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In the preferred embodiment, the electric pump is mounted wherever space permits near the transmission within the vehicle engine compartment. Optimal locations may vary depending upon vehicle design. Front wheel drive automotive designs may dictate that the pump location be in the area of the firewall ahead of the windshield, for example. Rear wheel drive automotive designs may dictate that the pump be located along the inner fender skirt near a front wheel or wherever space permits. A real advantage of the invention is that the pump may be located where space permits alongside the engine or transmission. The pump draws transmission fluid from a storage tank holding a few quarts of fluid and send it through the torque converter and transmission. Fluid leaving the torque converter is directed through a heat exchanger for cooling and returned to the storage tank. Any excess fluid in the transmission is directed back to the pump and then to the storage tank for recirculation. Removing excess fluid from the transmission housing also improves transmission efficiency, eliminating power loss due to the drag on mechanical parts caused by excess fluid normally contained in a wet sump transmission.

[0011]The external pump design will make a significant improvement in operating efficiency and operating economy. Fuel mileage increases in the range of 20% to 50% may be expected depending on application, vehicle weight, engine displacement and other variables.

[0012]Any type of electric pump will work for this invention, including, but not limited to, vane, spur gear, gerotor, piston, centrifugal or turbine pumps.

[0013]Any type of prime mover can be used with this invention, whether it is a gasoline engine, diesel engine, hydrogen engine or power plant, electric motor or a hybrid powered vehicle.

Problems solved by technology

Disadvantages of mechanical pumps include the fact that they will not function unless the engine is running, and as engine-driven accessories, they rob power from the engine during use.

Additionally, the internal pump can be damaged if the pump ingests metal particles resulting from normal wear inside the transmission, or particles resulting from a small part partially disintegrating within the transmission, as frequently happens in high mileage transmissions.

This repair is labor-intensive, and therefore expensive for the vehicle owner.

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