Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Other

Kent A Miller

John A Diemer

Pete R Garcia

Henryk Sowul

Anthony P Tata

Konstantinos Triantos

Heidi L Simmons

Edward L Kaiser

Boris Iosifovich Burgman

Douglas John Dwenger

Peter Bostwick

Robert Joseph Gonzales

Robert J Stefanick

A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes a casing defining a first cavity and a second cavity inside the casing, with the first cavity selectively open to outside of the casing. The transmission also includes a platform at least partially disposed inside the casing to separate the first and second cavities. Furthermore, the transmission includes a power inverter module selectively disposed in the first cavity. The power inverter module includes a cooling system for cooling the power inverter module. The transmission also includes a guide attached to the platform and the casing within the second cavity such that the guide provides fluid communication between the cooling system of the power inverter module within the first cavity and outside of the casing while bypassing the second cavity.

Transmission for a vehicle

A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed which includes a casing defining a first cavity and a second cavity inside the casing. A platform is at least partially disposed inside the casing to separate the first and second cavities. The platform defines a plurality of first apertures arranged together to define a first group. An interface assembly includes a first support and a plurality of first connectors attached to the first support to define a first bundle. The first support is selectively attached to the platform to position the first bundle relative to the platform such that each of the first connectors are disposed in respective ones of the first apertures of the first group. The first connectors are coupled to a power inverter module and a first motor/generator through the first apertures of the platform to electrically connect the power inverter module and the first motor/generator to each other.

A transmission for a vehicle and a method of assembling a modular motor assembly in the transmission are disclosed. The transmission includes a housing defining a cavity along a longitudinal axis. The transmission further includes a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator each disposed in the cavity. The transmission also includes a first support supporting the first motor/generator such that the first motor/generator is mounted to the first support to define a first modular unit. The first modular unit is attached to the housing within the cavity. The transmission further includes a second support supporting the second motor/generator such that the second motor/generator is mounted to the second support to define a second modular unit. The second modular unit is attached to the first modular unit such that the first and second modular units align with each other along the longitudinal axis within the cavity of the housing.

Transmission for a vehicle and a method of assembling a modular motor assembly in the transmission

An electrically-variable transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes an input member and an output member each rotatable about a first axis. The transmission includes a casing defining a cavity between a first end wall and a second end wall. The transmission includes a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator disposed in the cavity with a second planetary gear set disposed between the first and second motor/generators along the first axis. The transmission includes a first torque-transmitting mechanism disposed between the first and second motor/generators along the first axis. The transmission includes a second torque-transmitting mechanism disposed between the first end wall and the first motor/generator along the first axis. The first motor/generator is disposed between the first and second torque-transmitting mechanisms along the first axis. The transmission includes a damper mechanism disposed between the second end wall and a first planetary gear set along the first axis.

Electrically-variable transmission for a vehicle

A transmission is provided with a transmission case partially defining a cavity containing unpressurized fluid. The transmission case has a first feature configured to collect splashed fluid and a second feature configured to direct the collected fluid to a chamber at least partially formed by the transmission case. A cap connected to the transmission case has an opening and an orifice offset from the opening. Fluid flows from the chamber through the orifice to a component when fluid reaches a first level in the chamber and flows through the central opening through an axial passage in the shaft to other components when fluid reaches a second level in the chamber. Fluid flow is provided to components through an axial passage from both ends of a rotatable shaft, such as an input shaft. The axial passage may have a threaded end to pump oil away from the end and prevent backflow.

Transmission with splash lubrication system

An electric machine having a stator body and a machine housing is provided. The stator body includes a stator ring of generally annular shape and a plurality of stator teeth projecting radially inward. A first bolt hole is defined in either the stator ring or machine housing, and a first receptacle is defined in the other and is coaxial with the first bolt hole. A second bolt hole is defined in either the stator ring or machine housing, and a second receptacle is defined in the other and is coaxial with the second bolt hole. A first counter bore is coaxial with the first receptacle. A first hollow dowel is mated to the first counter bore and the first bolt hole, and defines a first dowel hole, which is coaxial with the first counter bore and the first bolt hole.

Electric machine

An electronic communication wire connecting an input speed sensor and a computer controller in a transmission system is provided. The electronic communication wire connects at one end to the input speed sensor through a first aperture in the transmission case and at the other end to the computer controller through a second aperture in the transmission case. Thus, the electronic communication wire is attached at both ends to internal devices but it partially exists external to the transmission case along the length of the electronic communication wire. The connection between the electronic communication wire and the input speed sensor is sealed with at least a single O-ring while the connection between the electronic communication wire and the computer controller is sealed with at least a pair of O-rings. A method of electronically connecting the input speed sensor and the computer controller externally of the transmission case is also provided.

Electronic communication wire connector

The present invention provides a hybrid transmission with two motor/generators, one being 'on-axis' and sharing an axis of rotation with an input and output shaft of the transmission, and another being 'off-axis' with a distinct axis of rotation from that of the first motor/generator. The transmission is adapted for cooling and lubricating the off-axis motor/generator, and includes a case at least partially defining a manifold. A transmission cover is mounted to the case such that the off-axis motor/generator is retained therebetween. The transmission cover at least partially defines an oil passage. The manifold is adapted to transfer oil onto a bearing device so that the bearing device is lubricated. Oil is also transferred through the oil passage and onto a torque transfer device such that the torque transfer device is lubricated.

Apparatus for cooling and lubricating an off-axis motor/generator in a transmission having two motor/generators

External speed sensor and method

A lubricating distribution apparatus for a rotating shaft assembly has a shaft member rotatably supported in a pair of spaced housings. Each housing has formed therein a pocket in which a dam member is secured. A tube member has ends thereof secured to each dam member and extends axially through a passage formed in the rotating shaft. Lubrication fluid is introduced into the system between at least one of the housings and one of the dam members for lubrication fluid flow through said tube member to the other dam member. Lubrication flow between the dam members and the housings is distributed to other portions of the mechanism as well as through restricted passages toward the rotating shaft member.

Lube oil distribution apparatus

A self-propelled combine includes a corn picker head having a cornstalk harvesting and windrow attachment on its underside which includes gathering guide fingers for each row for feeding stalks into a sickle cutter and either a paddle reel or rotary cutter forwardly of augers which optionally convey cut stalks to a centrally positioned discharge whereby the stalks are dropped onto the ground in a windrow or upon opening of a gate rearwardly of the augers the stalks are discharged directly onto the ground. A gathering chain is provided on one of the guide fingers for each row and includes upper and lower sections with the lower return section being displaced laterally outwardly away from the stalks engaged by the upper section. The sickle cutter is positioned rearwardly of the forward end of the snapping rollers and cutting of the stalks occurs after the stalks are engaged by the snapping rollers which rotate inwardly and downwardly.

Cornstalk harvesting and windrow attachment for a corn picker header

A self-propelled combine includes a corn picker head having a corn stalk harvesting and windrow attachment on its underside which includes gathering guide fingers for each row of feeding stalks into a sickle cutter and paddle reel forwardly of augers which convey cut stalks to a centrally positioned discharge, whereby the stalks are dropped onto the ground in a windrow.

Corn stalk harvester and windrow attachment for a corn picker header

A urine collection container carried by a person confined to a wheelchair includes a drain tube which is connected to a valve mounted on the person's wheelchair to permit the person, unattended, to empty the contents of the collection container onto the ground or into a floor drain beneath the wheelchair. The valve may be manually operated, as by a lever within reach of the wheelchair occupant, or may be operated using a solenoid. The latter construction permits remote operation of the valve utilizing a low current sensitive switch operable, for example, by a quadraplegic. In addition, the solenoid operated valve permits the use of a timing circuit which automatically closes the valve a predetermined period of time after the valve is open to prohibit the valve from accidentally being left open and additionally to permit handicapped persons to both open and close the valve with a single switch operation.

Growing community of inventors

Pinckney, MI, United States of America

Kent A Miller