Working fluid filtration system for gearbox

Abstract

A working fluid filtration system for a transmission is provided. The system includes a tank filter disposed outside the gearbox housing, the tank filter fluidly coupled with the suction side of the pump and the reservoir, where the tank filter receives the working fluid directly from the reservoir through a pick-up tube without a thicker filter than the tank filter.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 499,414, filed on May 1, 2023, entitled "E-TRANSMISSION WITH SUCTION SIDE SCREW ON OIL FILTER". The entire contents of the above application are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a filter system for a working fluid in a transmission. The filter system includes a threaded filter that can be fluidly coupled to a suction side of a pump. The filter can be fluidly connected and mounted on the outside of a transmission housing. Background Art

[0004] Vehicles, including all-electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles, may use electric machines as electric motors to generate torque and drive the vehicle. A transmission driven by the output of an electric machine may be referred to as an electric transmission. An electric transmission may use a working fluid, such as oil, for various processes within the transmission. These processes include removing or adding heat to components as a coolant / lubricant, lubricating components as a lubricant, and actuating components hydraulically. The working fluid may be used continuously in a cycle, where the working fluid for each process may be fed to an oil sump and pumped from the oil sump by a pump for use in each process in the electronic transmission. An electronic transmission may be used in a vehicle configuration with a smaller volume (e.g., vertical space) than a transmission in a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. The working fluid is filtered before being sent to the process.

[0005] A variety of filter types and filter systems can be used to filter the working fluid. Generally, these filter types and systems can be divided into two major categories. Disc filter systems are located on the suction side of the pump (e.g., the inlet). Typically, the system includes cleaning the working fluid and collecting the filtered fluid in a disc before entering the pump. Spiral filter systems are located on the pressure side of the pump (e.g., the outlet). In some examples, the spiral filter system may include two filters, a spiral filter and a coarse filter or stone collector. The spiral filter cleans the working fluid after it leaves the pump. The coarse filter can be located on the suction side of the pump before the pick-up tube to prevent large pieces of debris from entering the pump. However, both the first and second types of systems may use a large amount of vertical packing compared to the volume of the electronic transmission. The disc filter can be installed vertically below the reduction assembly of the electronic transmission. Similarly, the coarse filter is also often installed vertically below the reduction assembly of the electronic transmission, surrounding the pick-up tube. In addition, the pick-up tube and coarse filter will be completely immersed in the lubricating oil, thereby increasing the vertical packing of the oil pan and the amount of working fluid stored in the oil pan. If the vertical packing of the filter system is reduced, the vertical volume of other components in the transmission can be increased, or an existing electronic transmission can be installed into a smaller volume in the vehicle. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to overcome at least some of the above problems, the inventors have developed a working fluid filtration system for a transmission. In one example, the working fluid filtration system includes a canister filter, which is arranged outside the transmission housing, and the canister filter is fluidly coupled to the suction side of the pump and the reservoir, wherein the canister filter directly receives the working fluid from the reservoir through a pickup tube without a filter coarser than the canister filter. In this way, the vertical packing space used to filter the working fluid of the transmission is reduced.

[0007] It should be understood that the above summary is intended to introduce in a simplified form the concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely determined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 An example schematic diagram of a vehicle that may include the disclosed transmission as part of the transmission is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 A first cross-sectional view of a transmission assembly incorporating the working fluid filtration system of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 3A Shows Figure 2A second cross-sectional view of a portion of a workflow filtration system.

[0011] Figure 3B Displays the working fluid flowing through Figure 3A Path of the fluid filter system.

[0012] Figure 4A A side view of the pump portion and bell housing is shown fixedly and fluidly connected to the gearbox assembly.

[0013] Figure 4B Displays the working fluid flowing through Figure 4A The path of the bell housing and pump section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following description relates to a working fluid filtration system and method, such as oil filtration, including a removable filter mounted external to a transmission housing. The removable filter may be coupled to a working fluid supply and a pump fluid and deliver the fluid to the suction side of the pump. The working fluid may be engine oil, and the filter may be an engine oil filter. The supply of the working fluid is a reservoir, which may serve as an oil sump, such as an engine oil pickup. Working fluid for lubrication, thermal mitigation, and / or hydraulic operation may be collected in the reservoir. The filter for filtering the working fluid may be a canister filter or a spiral structure. The filter may be accessed and replaced from the outside of the transmission housing. The working fluid may be delivered to the filter through a tube, such as a pickup tube. The inlet of the tube may lack a rock catcher or another form of coarse filter. The working fluid may be drawn from the reservoir, through the tube into a first passage, from the first passage into the filter, from the filter into a second passage, from the second passage into the bell housing, and into the pump through suction generated by the pump. The tubes, filters, and pumps may be fluidly coupled and in fluid communication through a plurality of channels formed from a housing portion of the transmission assembly, such as a bell housing. The first and second channels are formed by the transmission housing, and in one embodiment, by the bell housing. In this example, the bell is removable and fluidly seals the pump, filter, and components mounted in the transmission. The bell may be secured to the transmission housing to enclose components of the transmission assembly.

[0015] Figure 1 An example schematic diagram of a vehicle in which the transmission of the present disclosure may be used as a part of the transmission is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 A first cross-sectional view of a transmission assembly incorporating the working fluid filter system of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 3A Shows Figure 2 A second cross-sectional view of the working fluid filtration system portion. Figure 3B Displays the working fluid passing through Figure 3AThe flow path of the fluid filtration system. Figure 4A A side view of the pump portion and bell housing, which are fixedly and fluidly connected to the transmission assembly, is shown. Figure 4B Shows the working fluid flowing through the bell jar and Figure 4A Path of the pump section. Figure 4A-4B The pump portion of the device may enclose and fluidly couple a pump that may drive and pressurize the working fluid through the transmission assembly.

[0018] It should also be understood that the specific components and systems illustrated in the drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the utility model concepts defined herein. For ease of discussion, the drawings are collectively referred to. Therefore, like elements are generally represented by like reference numerals herein and will not be repeated.

[0019] Figure 1 A diagram of an example configuration showing the relative positioning of components. Figure 2-4B An example configuration showing approximate positioning. Figure 2-4B Approximately shown to scale, but other relative dimensions may be used. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "approximately" should be understood as a range of plus or minus five percent.

[0020] also, Figure 1-4BAn example configuration of relative positioning of various elements is shown. If the elements shown in the figure are in direct contact or directly coupled to each other, then at least in one example, these elements can be referred to as direct contact or direct coupling, respectively. Similarly, at least in one example, the elements shown as adjacent or adjacent to each other can be adjacent or adjacent to each other, respectively. For example, elements that are in face-to-face contact with each other can be referred to as face-to-face contact elements. Another example is that, at least in one example, the elements are placed separately from each other, with only space in the middle and no other elements, which can be referred to as being placed separately from each other. For example, relative to each other, the elements displayed above / below each other, relative to both sides of each other, or relative to the left / right side of each other can be referred to as such elements. In addition, as shown in the figure, in at least one example, the topmost element or element point can be referred to as the "top" of the element, and the bottommost element or element point can be referred to as the "bottom" of the element. The top / bottom, upper / lower, upper / lower used in this article can be relative to the vertical axis in the figure to describe the positioning of each element in the figure relative to each other. Therefore, in one example, the element displayed above other elements is vertically positioned above other elements. For another example, the shapes of elements depicted in the figures may be referred to as having these shapes (e.g., circular, linear, flat, curved, rounded, chamfered, beveled, or the like). In addition, in at least one example, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another. In addition, in one example, elements that are displayed within another element or displayed outside another element may be referred to as such elements. In addition, when describing each element, it may be associated with a reference axis in the drawings.

[0021] Unless otherwise stated, a feature described as axial may be approximately parallel to the axis. Unless otherwise stated, a feature referred to as anti-axial may be approximately perpendicular to the axis. Unless otherwise specified, a radial feature may surround the axis or extend outward from the axis.

[0022] Features referred to as longitudinal may be approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis. An axis that intersects the normal to the longitudinal axis may be referred to as a transverse axis. Transverse features may be approximately parallel to the transverse axis or to the normal to the longitudinal axis. Longitudinal features may be approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis. Longitudinal features may be approximately normal to both the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

[0023] Please see Figure 1 , an example vehicle 5 is shown. The vehicle 5 may have a front end 100 and a rear end 102 and may be divided into two generally symmetrical halves by a longitudinal axis 104 .

[0024] In some examples, the vehicle 5 can be a hybrid vehicle, with multiple torque sources available to one or more wheels 55. In other examples, the vehicle 5 can be a fully electric vehicle, configured to receive torque only from one or more electric machines 52. The electric machine 52 can be powered by an energy storage device such as a battery 58.

[0025] The electric machine 52 can be an electric motor, a motor / generator, or a motor / engine. In one example, the electric machine 52 can be a prime mover, such as in an all-electric vehicle (EV). In one example, as a prime mover, the electric machine 52 can be the only component configured to drive the vehicle 5. Or, as another example, the electric machine 52 can transmit torque with other prime movers, which can be other electric machines and / or engines, such as an internal combustion engine (ICE), which can act as additional torque sources. In other examples, the electric machine 52 can be an auxiliary transmission device, and the prime mover can be an engine, such as an internal combustion engine.

[0026] An electrical coupler 60 (e.g., a cable or wire) may be represented by a dashed line and electrically couples the battery 58 to the electric machine 52. The electric machine 52 may receive electrical energy from the battery 58, such as through the electrical coupler 60. The electric machine 52 may convert the electrical energy into rotational energy, such as torque. The torque from the electric machine 52 may be transmitted to the gearbox 56 and increased at the gearbox 56. The torque may be transmitted to the wheels 55. The wheels 55 include a set of front wheels near the front end 100 of the vehicle 5 and a set of rear wheels near the rear end 102 of the vehicle 5. The electric machine 52 may also operate as a generator, providing power to charge the battery 58, for example, during a braking operation.

[0027] The wheels 55 can be connected to the vehicle 5 by driving axles (such as the first axle 62 and the second axle 64). In this example, the first axle 62 of the vehicle 5 is close to the front end 100, and the second axle 64 is close to the rear end 102. It can be understood that the number of axles to which the vehicle wheels 55 can be connected may be more than the first axle 62 and the second axle 64. The wheels 55 connected to the first axle 62 can be driven by the torque transmitted by the first axle 62. Similarly, the wheels 55 connected to the second axle 64 can be driven by the torque transmitted by the second axle 64.

[0028] Figure 1 An embodiment of a motor 52 that can provide rotational energy to wheels 55 of a vehicle 5 through a gearbox 56 is shown. In this example, in the embodiment of the vehicle 5, the motor 52 and the gearbox 56 are closest to the front end 100 of the vehicle 5. The gearbox 70 is installed in the gearbox 56, and different gear selections are provided for the gearbox 56 through a clutch or multiple clutches.

[0029] In this example, the motor 52 and the gearbox 56 can provide rotational energy to the drive shaft 72, which transmits the rotational energy to the differential 68, so that the wheel 55 closest to the rear end 102 rotates. It can be understood that in other examples, the rotational energy can also be provided to the wheel 55 located near the front end 100 of the vehicle 5. In addition, in other examples, each of the wheels 55 near the front end 100 and the wheels 55 near the rear end 102 can be connected to a separate gearbox, such as when the vehicle 5 is configured as an all-wheel drive. In addition, in other embodiments, the gearbox 56 and / or the motor 52 can be arranged closer to the rear end 102 of the vehicle 5 rather than the front end 100.

[0030] In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the first electric motor and first gearbox may be configured to drive wheels 55 near vehicle front end 100 and the second electric motor and second gearbox may be configured to drive wheels 55 near vehicle rear end 102 .

[0031] The battery 58 may be located between the wheels 55, closer to the rear end 102 of the vehicle 5 than the front end 100. For example, the battery 58 may be located beneath the rear passenger seats of the vehicle. In another example, the battery 58 may be located in the floor of the rear compartment of the vehicle or may be integrated into the vehicle chassis. However, in other examples, the relative position of the battery 58 in the vehicle 5 may vary. Figure 1 The difference shown in .

[0032] Figure 2-4B A set of reference axes 201 is provided for comparison between the views shown. The reference axes 201 represent the y-axis, the x-axis, and the z-axis. In one example, the z-axis may be parallel to the direction of gravity, and the XY plane may be parallel to the horizontal plane in which the transmission assembly 202 is located. When referring to the direction, the positive direction may refer to the direction of the arrows of the y-axis, the x-axis, and the z-axis, and the negative direction may refer to the opposite direction of the arrows of the y-axis, the x-axis, and the z-axis. Filled circles may represent arrows and axes facing the view or facing the view. Unfilled circles may represent arrows and axes facing the opposite direction or negative direction of the view.

[0033] Go to Figure 2 , which shows a first view 200 of a gearbox assembly 202. The gearbox assembly 202 can have a first side 204 and a second side 206, and can be positioned about an axis 208. The axis 208 can serve as a longitudinal axis of the gearbox assembly 202. Likewise, the axis 208 can also serve as a rotational axis about which components of the gearbox assembly 202 (e.g., reduction components, shafts, input or output components) can rotate or turn.

[0034] The gearbox assembly 202 may be composed of a gearbox 209 and a motor assembly 210. The various components of the gearbox 209 may be mounted in a first housing 212. The various components of the motor assembly 210 may be mounted in a second housing 214. The first housing 212 may form a first side 204 of the gearbox assembly 202, and the second housing 214 may form a second side 206. The second housing 214 may be fixed to the first housing 212 by a plurality of first fasteners 215.

[0035] The assembly enclosed by the first housing 212 and the second housing 214 may be drivingly connected via a shaft 216. The shaft 216 may be composed of a first portion 218 and a second portion 220 that are drivingly connected together. The first portion 218 and the second portion 220 may be centered around the axis 208 when assembled into the gearbox assembly 202. The first portion 218 may be partially enclosed by the first housing 212 and have a coupling end 224. The coupling end 224 may be drivingly coupled to a shaft, input end, or rotating element external to the gearbox assembly 202 and extend from the first side 204. The coupling end 224 may not be enclosed by the first housing 212 or the second housing 214. The second portion 220 may extend axially through the first housing 212 and the second housing 214 and drivingly couple components enclosed by the first housing 212 and the second housing 214. The second portion 220 may extend into and be enclosed by a cavity 234 of the second housing 214.

[0036] In one example, the first housing 212 includes a cover in the form of a bell 226. The bell 226 surrounds and fluidically seals the components contained in the first housing 212 and is radially located at a portion of the first portion 218. The bell 226 can be fixed to the first housing 212 by a plurality of second fasteners 236. The first housing 212 can include an area 222 where the working fluid can be collected, absorbed, cleaned, and redistributed to the various components of the gearbox assembly 202. In the first view 200, the area 222 is surrounded by a plurality of dashed lines.

[0037] Region 222 includes a reservoir 228 of the first housing 212. The reservoir 228 can act as a working fluid collector (e.g., an oil collector) that can collect working fluid usage processes in the transmission assembly 202, such as working fluids used for hydraulics, lubrication, and thermal management. For example, the working fluid can drip or splash out from multiple components of the transmission arranged above the reservoir 228. The working fluid collected in the reservoir 228 can be sucked by the pump 280 of the pump section 410 shown in the schematic diagram. In one example, the pump 280 is mounted separately and fixed from the outside at the opening of the bell housing 226. The unfiltered working fluid from the reservoir 228 can be cleaned by the filter 230 before entering the suction side of the pump 280. The filtered working fluid flows out of the filter 230 through a fourth channel 430, which is fluidly connected to the suction side of the pump 280. Therefore, the filtered working fluid indicated by the arrow 290 can enter the pump 280. The pump portion 410 is described below Figure 4A-4B Filter 230 may be secured to bell 226. Similarly, filter 230 may also be fluidly coupled to reservoir 228 via tube 232 and at least one channel of bell 226. Tube 232 acts as a pick-up tube for reservoir 228, filter 230, and pump 280. The filtered working fluid may be pressurized by pump 280 as indicated by arrow 292 and distributed to various components of the transmission for processes such as hydraulic actuation, lubrication, and / or temperature mitigation.

[0038] The components connected to the shaft 216 in transmission may include components such as gears, carriers, output ends, input ends, and other rotating elements of the first reduction assembly 242, the second reduction assembly 244, the first clutch assembly 246, and the second clutch assembly 248. The first reduction assembly 242 and the second reduction assembly 244 may be gear assemblies each having a different effective distance ratio, and may output torques of different magnitudes. The first reduction assembly 242, the second reduction assembly 244, the first clutch assembly 246, and the second clutch assembly 248 may be surrounded by a plurality of dotted lines, respectively.

[0039] A plurality of bearings may support the shaft 216 and be distributed radially around the shaft 208. In one embodiment, the first bearing 252 and the second bearing 254 may be disposed radially of the first portion 218 relative to the shaft 208. In addition, the first reduction assembly 242, the second reduction assembly 244, the first clutch assembly 246 and the second clutch assembly 248 may include a plurality of bearings and bearing assemblies, which are composed of components such as raceways, sleeves and bearings, and support the first portion 218 and the second portion 220 and may radially surround the first portion 218 and the second portion 220. For example, a plurality of third bearings 255, a fourth bearing 256 and a sixth bearing 258 may radially surround the first portion 218 to mechanically support the first portion 218 and the first reduction assembly 242. Similarly, a plurality of seventh bearings 260 and an eighth bearing 262 may be distributed radially around the second portion 220 to mechanically support the second portion 220, the first reduction assembly 242 and the second reduction assembly 244. A plurality of ninth bearings 264 and tenth bearings 266 may be disposed radially around the second portion 220 to mechanically support the second portion 220 and the second reduction assembly 244. A plurality of eleventh bearings 268 and twelfth bearings 270 may be disposed radially around the second portion 220 to mechanically support the second portion 220 and the first clutch assembly 246. A plurality of thirteenth bearings 272 and fourteenth bearings 274 may be disposed radially around the second portion 220 to mechanically support the second portion 220 and the second clutch assembly 248. With the support of the above bearings, the first reduction assembly 242, the second reduction assembly 244, the first clutch assembly 246, and the second clutch assembly 248 may radially rotate or self-rotate relative to the shaft 208 about the shaft 216.

[0040] The working fluid can be delivered through a plurality of channels and volumes coupled to the pump 280 fluid to reduce heat and lubricate the first reduction assembly 242, the second reduction assembly 244, the first clutch assembly 246, the second clutch assembly 248, the shaft 216 and their respective bearings. Some of the volumes and channels can be formed by the first transmission housing and the second transmission housing. In addition, the shaft 216 can form a single or multiple channels for the working fluid to pass through. For example, the working fluid can pass through the shaft 216 through a central channel, and the central channel includes a first central channel 276 formed by the first portion 218 and a second central channel 278 formed by the second portion 220. When the first portion 218 and the second portion 220 are in driving connection, the first central channel 276 and the second central channel 278 can act as a continuous central channel. The first central channel 276 and the second central channel 278 can be substantially concentric with the first portion 218 and the second portion 220, respectively.

[0041] The first central passage 276 and the second central passage 278 may have a plurality of holes for delivering fluid or receiving working fluid from the first reduction assembly 242, the second reduction assembly 244, the first clutch assembly 246, the second clutch assembly 248 and their respective bearings. The centripetal force generated by the rotation of the shaft 216 may drive the working fluid from the first central passage 276 and the second central passage 278 radially from the shaft 208 through the holes. In one example, the first central passage 276 may have a first hole 282 for delivering working fluid between the first bearing 252 and the second bearing 254. Similarly, the first central passage 276 may have a second hole 284 for delivering working fluid to the first reduction assembly 242. For example, the first hole 282 and the second hole 284 may have center lines extending approximately radially relative to the shaft 208.

[0042] Working fluid may return from components of the transmission assembly 202 to the reservoir 228 through openings, such as the opening 286. For example, the opening 286 may allow working fluid to drip from the first clutch assembly 246 and the second clutch assembly 248 to the reservoir 228.

[0043] Figure 3A A second view 300 of area 222 is shown. Second view 300 is a view of area 222 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the transmission assembly 202 is shown with other components and features isolated.

[0044] The bell 226 may have an interface 308 where the filter 230 may be fluidly connected and mounted. The interface 308 may allow the filter 230 to be in fluid communication with the passageway of the bell 226. The bell 226 may be secured and sealed to the first housing 212 by a flange member 312 and a second fastener 236. The flange assembly 312 may be coupled and sealed to the surface 314. Each second fastener 236 may pass through a first complementary hole 316 of the flange assembly 312 and the surface 314 and a second complementary hole 318 of the first housing 212. There may be a plurality of first and second complementary holes 316, 318, which may extend axially relative to the central axis 310 and pass through the material of the flange assembly 312 and the first housing 212, respectively. There may be a plurality of first and second complementary holes 316, 318 extending through the material of the flange member 312 and the first housing 212, respectively. When the second fastener 236 passes through the first and second complementary holes 316, 318, the centerlines of the first and second complementary holes 316, 318 may substantially intersect.

[0045] When secured to the interface 308, the filter 230 can be fluidically coupled to at least three channels, such as the first channel 320, the second channel 322, and the fourth channel 430. In one example, the first channel 320 can be fluidically coupled to the reservoir 228 via the conduit 232. The second channel 322 can fluidically couple the filter 230 to the fourth channel 430. The fourth channel 430 can be a cast channel that couples the pump 280 ( Figure 2 The suction side of the filter 230 is connected to the filter 230. When the trumpet housing 226 is fixed to the first housing 212, the first channel 320 and the tube 232 can be fluidly coupled. Similarly, when the interface 308 is fluidly coupled, the filter 230 can be fluidly coupled with the first channel 320 and the second channel 322.

[0046] In one example, the filter 230 can be a canister filter of a threaded structure. In this example, the interface 308 can have a threaded extension 326. For example, the threaded extension 326 can have threads that are complementary to the threads of the first port 328 of the filter 230. For example, the filter 230 can be screwed onto the threaded extension 326 by a male and female arrangement, wherein the threaded extension 326 and the first port 328 serve as male and female components, respectively. In addition, the filter housing 330 of the filter 230 can be fluidly coupled and sealed with a sealing ring 332 (such as a sealing ring). The seal 332 can be positioned radially around the threaded extension 326 and the first port 328. The lip 333 of the seal 332 can be inserted into the groove 334 of the tongue and groove arrangement. The seal 332 can be pressed against the surface 338 of the interface 308. The filter 230 can have at least one second port 336, which can be radially surrounded by the seal 332 and maintained at a certain radial distance from the central axis 310. There may be a plurality of second ports distributed radially around the first port 328. Each second port 336 may be fluidly coupled to the first channel 320.

[0047] The filter 230 includes a carrier 340 and a filter paper 342, which can be enclosed by the filter housing 330. The carrier 340 can mechanically support and partially enclose the filter medium 342. The filter medium 342 can also be supported by a support tube 344 and arranged radially around the central axis 310. The support tube 344 can have a plurality of holes 346. The holes 346 can have a centerline that is approximately radial relative to the central axis 310. The support tube 344 can be centered on the central axis 310 and distributed radially around the central axis 310. The filter 230 can include a spring 348 between the support tube 344 and a surface 352 of the filter housing 330. The spring 348 can be arranged radially around the central axis 310. The spring 348 can cooperate with a groove 350 formed by the carrier 340 and the support tube 344. When inserted into the groove 350, the spring 348 can generate an elastic force in the axial direction relative to the central axis 310 on the carrier 340 and the support tube 344. The elastic force of the spring 348 may press the carrier 340 and the support tube 344 toward the filter housing 330 and / or the first port 328 .

[0048] Look again Figure 3B , a second view 300 of region 222 is shown, wherein a first flow path 362 is represented by a plurality of arrows. First flow path 362 may be a hypothetical flow path that the working fluid from reservoir 228 may follow when filter 230 is clean.

[0049] The first flow path 362 may begin at the reservoir 228, where suction from a pump fluidically coupled to the bell 226 may draw the working fluid into the tube 232 (eg, Figure 2 280 in the pump). The first flow path 362 can continue to deliver the working fluid to the first channel 320 through the tube 232. The working fluid can be delivered from the first channel 320 to the filter 230 through the second port 336. In one example, the working fluid enters the filter medium 342 axially from the first channel 320 relative to the central axis 310. The working fluid diffuses in the filter medium 342. The working fluid is pushed toward the central axis 310 in a radial direction by suction. The working fluid can flow out of the filter medium 342 through the hole 346 and collect in the volume of the support tube 344. The working fluid can flow out of the support tube 344 and reach the threaded extension portion 326 and the second channel 322. The second channel 322 can deliver the working fluid to other channels of the bell 226, see below for details Figure 4B .

[0050] Figure 4AA third view 400 of the transmission assembly 202 is shown. The third view 400 may be a side view of the bell housing 226. The third view 400 shows a pump portion 410 and a pump housing 412. The pump portion 410 may include a pump assembly for introducing a working fluid into the transmission assembly 202. In one example, the pump portion 410 may include Figure 2 4 and 5. In one example, the pump housing 412 is bolted to the opening 472 of the bell 226. For example, in the third view 400, the opening 472 is arranged behind the pump portion 410 and is configured to receive the pump. In one example, the shape of the opening 472 may be similar to the interface 308. For example, the interface 308 may include a first opening in the bell 226, and the opening 472 may include a second opening in the bell 226.

[0051] The third view 400 shows a plurality of channels formed in the bell 226. For example, the bell 226 can include a third channel 432 disposed between the pump housing 412 and the shaft 216, and a fourth channel 430 disposed between the filter 230 and the pump housing 412. The third view 400 further shows a plurality of ribs. For example, the plurality of ribs can include a plurality of first ribs 422, second ribs 424, and third ribs 426. The second ribs 424 can extend toward and merge with the interface 308. The third ribs 426 can extend toward and merge with the bell housing material forming the fourth channel 430.

[0052] The fourth channel 430 can extend between the interface 308 and the pump portion 410 and be fluidically coupled. In one example, the fourth channel 430 is connected to the second channel 322 (at Figure 3A-3B As an example, the bell 226 can be cast with a core to form a channel 430 connecting the pump portion 410 and the second channel 322. The fourth channel 430 can be in fluid communication with the pump of the pump portion 410. Similarly, the third channel 432 can fluidly couple the pump portion 410 to a closed or partially closed component of the first housing 212, such as Figure 2 The shaft 216, the first reduction assembly 242, the second reduction assembly 244, the first clutch assembly 246 and the second clutch assembly 248. For example, the third passage 432 can directly connect the pump (such as enclosed by the pump housing 412) with the central passage of the shaft 216 (such as Figure 2 The pump of the pump portion 410 is configured to draw fluid from the channel 430 and force it through the channel 432. The speed sensor 434 can be installed in the bell housing 226.

[0053] The pump housing 412 includes an electrical connector 435. The electrical connector 435 can be connected to the eighth channel 436. The eighth channel 436 can be connected to a wiring harness, which includes a first wire 438, the first wire having a plurality of extensions, such as a second wire 440, a third wire 442, a fourth wire 444, and a fifth wire 446. The first wire 438 can be fixed to the bell 226 by a plurality of mounting seats 452 and a plurality of third fasteners 454. When connected to the mounting seats 452, the first wire 438 can be positioned around the bell 226 and the axis 208. The mounting seats 452 and the third fasteners 454 can be mounted to the bell 226 around the axis 208. Each third fastener 454 can extend in the axial direction of the axis 208 and pass through complementary holes in the mounting seats 452 and the bell 226. Similarly, a plurality of fourth fasteners 456 can pass through complementary holes in the pump housing 412. The fourth fasteners 456 can fasten the pump of the pump portion 410 to the pump housing 412.

[0054] Go to Figure 4B , which shows a third view 400 of the bell housing 226, wherein a flow path 470 is represented by a plurality of arrows. In one example, the working fluid from the filter 230 can pass through the bell housing 226 through the flow path 470 to the shaft 216 and other components of the gearbox assembly 202. The flow path 470 can be sucked by a pump of the pump section 410, for example Figure 2 Pump 280 in.

[0055] Flow path 470 may start at interface 308, where the working fluid flows from Figure 3A-3B The working fluid may be delivered from the second passage 322 in the bell 226 to the fourth passage 430. The working fluid may reach the pump section 410 through the fourth passage 430 on the flow path 470. The working fluid may enter the pump of the pump section 410 on the suction side and be pressurized. After being pressurized, the working fluid may exit the pump and the pump section 410 through the third passage 432. From the third passage 432, the working fluid may be delivered to multiple passages and volumes of the bell 226 and may be distributed to other components and functions of the transmission assembly 202. For example, the working fluid may enter the passage of the shaft 216 through the flow path 470.

[0056] Thus, the disclosed working fluid filtration system and method can utilize less vertical packing space to clean the working fluid of the transmission assembly compared to existing methods. The working fluid filtration system includes a canister filter, such as a threaded filter that can be fluidly coupled to the suction side of a pump. The filter can fluidly couple the suction side of the pump to the working fluid reservoir. The working fluid filtration system can use a tube, such as a pickup tube, to draw fluid from the reservoir into the filter when suction is applied by the pump. The working fluid filtration system can filter the working fluid without a filter that is coarser than the canister filter at the inlet of the tube, such as a rock catcher. Likewise, the filter of the working fluid filtration system is not a disc filter. The technical effect of the disclosed system and method is to increase the available vertical volume for other components of the transmission assembly. Likewise, existing electronic transmissions can also be installed in smaller vehicles.

[0057] In another formulation, a transmission includes a transmission housing including a plurality of passages, a pump fluidly coupled to the plurality of passages, and a canister filter mounted external to the transmission housing and fluidly coupling the pump to an oil reservoir, wherein the canister filter is disposed on a suction side of the pump.

[0058] The present disclosure also provides support for a working fluid filtration system for a transmission, the system comprising: a canister filter arranged outside the transmission housing, the canister filter being coupled to the suction side of the pump and the reservoir fluid, wherein the canister filter receives the working fluid directly from the reservoir through a pickup tube, without a filter coarser than the canister filter. In a first example of the system, the working fluid includes a flow path from the reservoir into the pickup tube, from the pickup tube into the canister filter, and from the canister filter to the pump, wherein the working fluid in the flow path is driven by the pump, and the working fluid is filtered by the canister filter before entering the pump. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the transmission housing includes a bell housing, the bell housing includes a plurality of channels in fluid communication with the canister filter. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the plurality of channels include a first channel directly connecting the reservoir and the canister filter, a second channel directly connecting the canister filter and the pump, and a third channel directly connecting the pump and the transmission shaft. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples, the bell includes an opening and is radially arranged around the shaft, wherein the pump is separately housed and fixed to the opening of the bell from the outside. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, the bell housing includes an interface with a threaded extension. In a sixth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fifth examples, the canister filter includes a first port, the first port includes a thread complementary to the threaded extension of the interface. In a seventh example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to sixth examples, the shaft includes a central channel, the central channel is fluidly coupled to the third channel, and is configured to direct the working fluid to multiple components coupled to the shaft. In an eighth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to seventh examples, the canister filter includes a filter medium, wherein the working fluid enters the filter medium in an axial direction relative to the central axis of the canister filter, the working fluid diffuses through the filter medium, and is pushed toward the central axis in a radial direction by suction. In a ninth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to eighth examples, the canister filter is a spiral canister filter.

[0059] The present disclosure also provides support for a method, which includes flowing a working fluid from a reservoir to a canister filter, the canister filter being fluidically coupled to the reservoir through a tube; filtering the working fluid through the canister filter into a plurality of channels arranged in a gearbox housing cover, the canister filter being coupled to the cover; flowing the working fluid through the plurality of channels to a pump, and pumping the working fluid to a plurality of components coupled to a gearbox shaft, wherein the canister filter directly receives the working fluid from the reservoir through a pipe without a filter coarser than the canister filter, and the canister filter is arranged on the suction side of the pump. In a first example of the method, the plurality of channels include a first channel directly connecting the reservoir and the canister filter, a second channel directly connecting the canister filter and the pump, and a third channel directly connecting the pump and the shaft. In a second example of the method, optionally including the first example, the shaft includes a central channel, the central channel is fluidically coupled to the third channel, and is configured to direct the working fluid to the plurality of components. In a third example of the method, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the cover includes an interface with a threaded extension. In a fourth example of the method, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples, the canister filter includes a first port including threads complementary to the threaded extension of the interface.

[0060] The present disclosure also provides support for a gearbox assembly, which includes: a gearbox housing, including a reservoir and an interface; a canister filter mounted on the interface, the canister filter being fluidically coupled to the reservoir through a tube; a gearbox, disposed inside the gearbox housing; and a pump, fluidly coupled to the canister filter and the gearbox, the pump distributing the filtered working fluid to multiple components of the gearbox, wherein the canister filter receives unfiltered working fluid directly from the reservoir. In a first example of the system, the system further includes: a motor assembly, wherein the gearbox is driven by the motor assembly. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the interface is arranged on a cover of the gearbox housing. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the interface includes a threaded extension. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples, the canister filter includes a first port, the first port including a thread complementary to the threaded extension of the interface.

[0061] It is understood that the configurations disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific examples are not limiting, as many variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, and other features, functions and / or properties disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A working fluid filtration system for a gearbox, characterized in that: include: a canister filter disposed externally of the transmission housing, the canister filter being fluidly connected to a suction side of the pump and to a reservoir, wherein the canister filter receives working fluid directly from the reservoir through a pick-up tube without passing through a filter coarser than the canister filter; The working fluid includes a flow path, the flow path includes entering the pickup tube from the reservoir, entering the canister filter from the pickup tube, and from the canister filter to the pump, wherein the working fluid in the flow path is driven by the pump, and the working fluid is filtered by the canister filter before entering the pump.

2. The working fluid filtration system of claim 1, wherein the transmission housing includes a bell housing including a plurality of channels in fluid communication with the canister filter.

3. The working fluid filtration system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of channels include a first channel directly connecting the reservoir and a canister filter, a second channel directly connecting the canister filter and a pump, and a third channel directly connecting the pump and a transmission shaft.

4. The working fluid filtration system of claim 3, wherein the bell housing includes an opening, the opening being radially arranged around the gearbox shaft, wherein the pump is separately arranged and fixed from the outside at the opening of the bell housing.

5. The working fluid filtration system of claim 2, wherein the bell housing includes a port with a threaded extension.

6. The working fluid filtration system of claim 5, wherein the canister filter includes a first port including threads complementary to the threaded extension of the interface.

7. The working fluid filtration system of claim 3, wherein the transmission shaft includes a central passage in fluid communication with the third passage and configured to direct the working fluid to a plurality of components coupled to the transmission shaft.

8. The working fluid filtration system of claim 1, wherein the canister filter includes a filter medium, the working fluid enters the filter medium in an axial direction relative to a central axis of the canister filter, the working fluid diffuses through the filter medium, and is pushed toward the central axis in a radial direction by suction.

9. The working fluid filtration system of claim 1, wherein the canister filter is a threaded connection type canister filter.

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