Pump drive structure for an automatic transmission

Abstract

A drive system has a housing that includes a wall and a gear support extending from the wall. The gear support has an outer surface and an inner surface that define a passage. The outer surface includes a seal receiving portion and a seal support axially spaced from the seal receiving portion. A seal is positioned around the gear support at the seal receiving portion. A sleeve is disposed on the outer surface of the gear support between the wall and the seal, and a pump drive gear is mounted on the gear support and supported by the sleeve. The pump drive gear includes an outer tooth surface, an inner surface, and a bushing disposed on the inner surface that extends around the sleeve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to a pump drive structure for an automatic transmission. Background Art

[0002] In an automatic transmission, a pump is used to pressurize and direct a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid can be used to activate a clutch, which in turn stops or releases gears to provide power to various parts of the vehicle driveline. Typically, the pump is driven by a torque converter mounted on and driven by a vehicle engine. In most cases, the torque converter includes a hub having one or more tangs. The pump includes a drive gear having a tang receiver. The torque converter is coupled to the automatic transmission such that the tang engages the tang receiver. Rotation of the hub is transmitted to the drive gear, which in turn rotates a driven pump gear.

[0003] When connecting the automatic transmission to the vehicle engine, the torque converter hub is guided into an opening in the pump. The hub can be maneuvered to ensure that the tang extends into the tang receiver. Any misalignment between the hub and the drive gear can result in unwanted noise and wear. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system for ensuring proper alignment of the torque converter and the pump drive gear in order to maintain a selected noise output and improve the overall operating life of the automatic transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A driveline having a housing is disclosed. The housing includes a wall and a gear support extending from the wall. The gear support has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a passage. The outer surface includes a seal receiving portion and a seal support axially spaced from the seal receiving portion. A seal is positioned around the gear support at the seal receiving portion. A sleeve is disposed on the outer surface of the gear support between the wall and the seal, and a pump drive gear is mounted on the gear support and supported by the sleeve. The pump drive gear includes an outer tooth surface, an inner surface, and a bushing disposed on the inner surface and extending around the sleeve.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, a further embodiment may include wherein the pump drive gear includes a surface extending between the inner surface and the toothed surface, the surface including at least two drive slots.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, a further embodiment may include a torque converter including a drive shaft connectable to the pump drive gear, the drive shaft including at least two drive tangs extending into at least two drive slots.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or as an alternative, a further embodiment may include a sleeve bushing disposed in the drive shaft, the sleeve bushing sealingly engaging the seal.

[0008] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include a first sleeve axially inward of the seal mounted on the gear bracket and a second sleeve axially outward of the seal mounted on the drive shaft, the first sleeve engaging a bushing on the drive gear and the second sleeve engaging a sleeve bushing in the drive shaft of the torque converter.

[0009] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include a cover mounted to the housing above the drive gear and a seal element mounted to the cover, the seal element engaging the drive shaft of the torque converter.

[0010] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include a seal support that includes at least one gap, and the seal includes at least one protrusion received in the at least one gap.

[0011] A drive system is also disclosed that includes a motor and a transmission system connected to the motor. The transmission system has a housing that includes a wall and a gear bracket extending from the wall. The gear bracket has an outer surface and an inner surface that define a passage. The outer surface includes a seal receiving portion and a seal support axially spaced from the seal receiving portion. The seal is positioned around the gear bracket at the seal receiving portion. A sleeve is disposed on the outer surface of the gear bracket between the wall and the seal, and a pump drive gear is mounted on the gear bracket and supported by the sleeve. The pump drive gear includes an outer tooth surface, an inner surface, and a bushing disposed on the inner surface that extends around the sleeve.

[0012] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include where the pump drive gear includes a surface extending between the inner surface and the toothed surface, the surface including at least two drive slots.

[0013] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include a torque converter mechanically connected to the motor, the torque converter including a drive shaft connected to the pump drive gear, the drive shaft including at least two drive tangs extending into at least two of the drive slots.

[0014] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include a sleeve bushing disposed in the drive shaft, the sleeve bushing sealingly engaging the seal.

[0015] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include a first sleeve axially inward of the seal mounted on the gear support and a second sleeve axially outward of the seal mounted on the drive shaft, the first sleeve engaging a bushing on the drive gear and the second sleeve engaging a sleeve bushing in the torque converter drive shaft.

[0016] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include a cover mounted to the housing above the drive gear and a seal element mounted to the cover, the seal element engaging the drive shaft of the torque converter.

[0017] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include a seal support including at least one gap, and the seal including at least one protrusion received in the at least one gap.

[0018] A vehicle is further disclosed, which includes a body, a plurality of wheels supporting the body, and a drive system operatively connected to one or more of the plurality of wheels. The drive system includes a motor and a transmission system connected to the motor. The transmission system has a housing including a wall and a gear support extending from the wall. The gear support has an outer surface and an inner surface defining a passage. The outer surface includes a seal receiving portion and a seal support axially spaced from the seal receiving portion. The seal is positioned around the gear support at the seal receiving portion. A sleeve is disposed on the outer surface of the gear support between the wall and the seal, and a pump drive gear is mounted on the gear support and supported by the sleeve. The pump drive gear includes an outer tooth surface, an inner surface, and a bushing disposed on the inner surface, the bushing extending around the sleeve.

[0019] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include where the pump drive gear includes a surface extending between the inner surface and the toothed surface, the surface including at least two drive slots.

[0020] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include a torque converter mechanically connected to the motor, the torque converter including a drive shaft connectable to the pump drive gear, the drive shaft including at least two drive tangs extending into at least two of the drive slots.

[0021] In addition to, or alternatively to, one or more of the features described above or below, further embodiments may include a sleeve bushing disposed in the drive shaft, the sleeve bushing sealingly engaging the seal.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above or below, or alternatively, further embodiments may include a sealing support that includes at least one gap, and the seal includes at least one protrusion received in the at least one gap.

[0023] When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features, advantages, and details appear only by way of example in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A vehicle including a driveline is depicted according to a non - limiting example;

[0026] Figure 2 A vehicle drive system is depicted according to a non - limiting example Figure 1 of;

[0027] Figure 3 A torque converter of a transmission system is depicted according to a non - limiting example Figure 1 of;

[0028] Figure 4 A front perspective view of a transmission of a driveline is depicted according to a non - limiting example;

[0029] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a pump housing of a transmission according to a non - limiting example Figure 4 of;

[0030] Figure 6 A pump drive gear of a transmission is depicted according to a non - limiting example Figure 4 of;

[0031] Figure 7 is a partial cross - sectional view of a torque converter drive shaft engaging Figure 6 a pump drive gear according to a non - limiting example;

[0032] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of a pump housing of a transmission according to a non - limiting example Figure 4 of; and

[0033] Figure 9 is a detailed view of a gear support on a pump housing according to a non - limiting example Figure 8 of; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that in all the figures, corresponding reference numerals represent the same or corresponding components and features.

[0035] By way of non - limiting example, a vehicle is generally represented by 10 in Figure 1 . Vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported by a plurality of wheels 14. Body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 16 in which a driver may sit. In this regard, it should be understood that vehicle 10 may be autonomous, and thus there may be no driver in passenger compartment 16. Vehicle 10 includes a drive system 20 connected to one or more of the plurality of wheels 14. As Figure 2 shown, drive system 20 includes an engine or motor 22 operably connected to a transmission system 24 via a torque converter 28. Transmission system 24 includes a drive shaft 30 that transfers energy from motor 22 to one or more of the plurality of wheels. It should be understood that motor 22 may take various forms, including an internal combustion engine (IC), a hybrid motor, an electric motor, etc.

[0036] As Figure 3 shown, torque converter 28 includes a body 35 that includes a base 38 supporting a plurality of mounting lugs 40 that serve as an interface with motor 22. Mounting lugs 40 may be connected, for example, to the flywheel (not shown) of motor 22 with mechanical fasteners 42. Torque converter 28 also includes a drive shaft 43 connected to transmission system 24, which will be described in more detail herein. Drive shaft 43 includes a plurality of drive tangs 46 extending outwardly from body 35. Drive shaft 43 also includes an inner surface (not separately labeled) that supports a sleeve bushing 50.

[0037] Now, a portion of transmission system 24 will be described with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 . Transmission system 24 includes a pump housing 54 that partially defines a wall 56. A gear bracket 58 extends from wall 56. Gear bracket 58 includes an outer surface 60 ( Figure 7 ) and an inner surface 62. Pump housing 54 also includes an opening 64. As Figure 6 shown, a pump drive gear 66 is mounted on gear bracket 58. Pump drive gear 66 includes an outer tooth surface 68, an inner surface 70, and a face or surface 72 extending between outer tooth surface 68 and inner surface 70. A bushing 74 is mounted on inner surface 70. Surface 72 includes a plurality of drive slots 76 that receive corresponding drive tangs 46 on drive shaft 43. Pump drive gear 66 meshes with a driven gear 80, which in turn meshes with a transmission pump 82 through opening 64.

[0038] Now, reference will be made to Figures 7 - 9 , and continuing to refer to Figures 3 - 6Describe the details of the gear support 58 and the interface between the torque converter 28, the pump housing 54, and the pump drive gear 66. The gear support (gear carrier) 58 includes a seal receiving portion 92 that extends into the outer surface 60 and a seal support 94 that extends outwardly from the outer surface 60 adjacent to the seal receiving portion 92. The seal receiving portion 92 extends completely around the outer surface 60, while the seal support 94 includes a gap 96. A seal 98 is disposed in the seal receiving portion 92. The seal 98 includes a tab 100 that nests within the gap 96. The tab 100 positions and restricts the rotational movement of the seal 98 to increase the overall sealing function and prevent the seal from rotating.

[0039] The gear support 58 further includes a first sleeve 104 disposed between the seal receiving portion 92 and the wall 56, and a second sleeve 106 disposed axially outside of the seal support 94. The first sleeve 104 supports a bushing 74 in the pump drive gear 66, and the second sleeve 106 supports a sleeve bushing 50 disposed within the drive shaft 43. The first and second sleeves 104 / 106 provide support for the drive shaft 43 and the pump drive gear 66. The increased support reduces the clearance that may allow any misalignment between the drive shaft 43 and the drive gear 66, which may result in excessive wear, undesirable noise, and / or assembly difficulties. A spacer 108 may be disposed between the sleeve bushing 50 and the second sleeve 106. The spacer 108 provides additional support to further reduce misalignment that may cause wear and unwanted noise. A cover 110 is disposed over the pump drive gear 66 and the driven gear 80. A seal 114 extends between the cover 110 and the outer surface of the drive shaft 43 of the torque converter 28 and is supported by a support member 120. The cover 110 forms an enclosed environment that holds a lubricant that can be directed to or soak the pump drive gear 66, the driven gear 80, and / or the transmission pump 82.

[0040] At this point, it should be understood that the non-limiting examples described herein provide support for the interface between the torque converter and the transmission system. Incorporating sleeves, bushings, and tabbed seals into the interface ensures that the drive gear does not tilt about the drive axis. Supporting the drive gear and the drive shaft with sleeves and bushings results in reduced wear and lower operating noise, thereby increasing operator satisfaction and further increasing maintenance intervals.

[0041] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A drive system, comprising: A housing including a wall and a gear bracket extending from the wall, the gear bracket having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a passage, the outer surface including a seal receiving portion and a seal support axially spaced from the seal receiving portion; A seal positioned around the gear bracket at the seal receiving portion; A sleeve disposed on the outer surface of the gear bracket between the wall and the seal; And A pump drive gear mounted on the gear bracket supported by the sleeve, the pump drive gear including an external toothed surface, an inner surface, and a bushing disposed on the inner surface, the bushing extending around the sleeve.

2. The drive system according to claim 1, wherein, The pump drive gear includes a surface extending between the inner surface and the toothed surface, the surface including at least two drive slots.

3. The drive system according to claim 2, further comprising a torque converter including a drive shaft connected to the pump drive gear, the drive shaft including at least two drive tangs extending into at least two of the drive slots.

4. The drive system according to claim 3, further comprising a sleeve bushing disposed in the drive shaft, the sleeve bushing sealingly engaging the seal.

5. The drive system according to claim 4, wherein, Also included are a first sleeve axially inside the seal and mounted on the gear bracket and a second sleeve axially outside the seal and mounted on the drive shaft of the torque converter, the first sleeve engaging the sleeve on the drive gear and the second sleeve engaging the sleeve bushing on the drive shaft of the torque converter to facilitate radial alignment of the drive shaft and the drive gear.

6. The drive system according to claim 3, further comprising: A cover mounted on the housing above the drive gear; and A seal element mounted to the cover, the seal element engaging the drive shaft of the torque converter.

7. The drive system according to claim 1, wherein, The seal support includes at least one gap, and the seal includes at least one protrusion received in the at least one gap.

8. A drive system, comprising: A motor; and A drive system connected to the motor, the drive system including: A housing including a wall and a gear bracket extending from the wall, the gear bracket having an inner surface and an outer surface defining a passage, the outer surface including a seal receiving portion and a seal support axially spaced from the seal receiving portion; A seal positioned around the gear bracket at the seal receiving portion; A sleeve disposed on the outer surface of the gear bracket between the wall and the seal; And A pump drive gear mounted on the gear bracket supported by the sleeve, the pump drive gear including an external toothed surface, an inner surface, and a bushing disposed on the inner surface, the bushing extending around the sleeve.

9. The drive system according to claim 8, wherein, The pump drive gear includes a surface extending between the inner surface and the toothed surface, the surface including at least two drive slots.

10. The drive system according to claim 8, wherein, The seal support includes at least one gap, and the seal includes at least one protrusion received in the at least one gap.

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