Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Fred D Lewis

Scott Heitzenrater

David Sturge Eddy

Caleb G Harmon

Christopher B Preston

Daniel Richard White

Robert Seungmo/S Lee

An automobile transmission hydraulic oil fill system includes a transmission oil pan and a two-piece standpipe system. The two-piece stand-pipe system includes a clinch nut connected to the oil pan and having a threaded bore opening through the oil pan. A stand-pipe is fixed to the clinch nut. The stand-pipe includes a longitudinal bore in fluid communication with the threaded bore. An end cap defining a free end of the stand-pipe prevents entrance of hydraulic oil into the longitudinal bore of the stand-pipe during hydraulic oil fill of the transmission. Multiple ports created in a side wall of the stand-pipe allow entrance of the hydraulic oil into the longitudinal bore and to flow out of the threaded bore of the clinch nut. Each of the ports include an edge. The edges of the ports define a hydraulic oil fill level of the transmission.

Two-piece stand-pipe

The present invention provides a stamped steel friction clutch hubs or housings for use in automatic motor vehicle transmissions having a sprayed on hard steel or ceramic coating on wear surfaces. The clutch hub or housing is fabricated of steel which is stamped and of unitary construction. The clutch hub or housing is complexly configured and includes a center through opening having an inner surface which is contacted by a pair of resilient, axially spaced apart seals. The housing also includes a larger diameter portion having female splines which engage male splines on the periphery of a portion of the clutch plates. The inner surface which is contacted by the resilient seals includes a thin layer of sprayed steel or ceramic material that is machined after application to a desired diameter and surface finish.

Steel clutch housing having sprayed on coating

A chip or debris trap or collector retains chips, fragments and other debris generated when a serrated or splined, press fit connection is assembled between a shaft and another component such as a housing, gear, pulley or bearing. The chip collector includes a circumferential channel or groove disposed about the shaft adjacent the ring of serrations or male splines and an adjacent circumferential flange. An optional second channel or groove resides in the other component. As the shaft and the component are assembled, chips, fragments or other debris generated by the interference fit and axial sliding assembly of the components are collected in the channel or channels and retained there as the shaft fully seats within the other component.

Growing community of inventors

Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Fred D Lewis