IP Library Granted Patent US 7,112,156
Granted Patent B2
US 7,112,156 · App. 10/786,638 · Granted Sep 26, 2006

Transmission with miniature motor for control to oil flow

Assignee: General Motors Corporation
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,112,156
App. No.
10/786,638
Granted
Sep 26, 2006
Kind
B2
Abstract

A transmission includes a plurality of fluid passages configured to transmit fluid through the transmission for operating the transmission. A miniature electric motor is operatively connected to a moveable blocker positioned in one of the passages for actuating movement of the blocker between an open position in which fluid is allowed to flow through the passage, and a closed position in which the passage is blocked.

Claims (17)

1. A transmission comprising:

a clutch;

a valve body;

a plurality of fluid passages configured to transmit fluid through the transmission for operating the transmission, wherein said plurality of fluid passages further comprises at least one additional passage located external to said valve body, and wherein said at least one additional passage is operatively connected between said valve body and said clutch to thereby direct oil flow between said valve body and said clutch; and

a miniature electric motor operatively connected to a moveable blocker positioned in said at least one additional passage for actuating movement of the blocker between an open position in which fluid is allowed to flow through the additional passage, and a closed position in which the additional passage is blocked.

2. The transmission of claim 1 , wherein the blocker is operatively positioned between an oil chamber and an oil sump to control the amount of fluid flowing from the oil chamber to the oil sump.

3. The transmission of claim 1 , wherein said miniature motor is operatively connected to a transmission controller.

4. The transmission of claim 1 , wherein the blocker is operatively positioned between a valve body channel and a clutch for controlling the amount of fluid flowing to the clutch.

5. The transmission of claim 1 , wherein the miniature motor is positioned in one of the passages and bathed in the fluid.

6. The transmission of claim 1 , wherein the miniature motor is less than 5 millimeters in width and less than 10 millimeters in length.

7. The transmission of claim 1 , wherein the miniature motor is characterized by the absence of an armature and windings.

8. A transmission comprising:

a plurality of fluid passages configured to transmit fluid through the transmission for operating the transmission;

a miniature electric motor operatively connected to a moveable blocker positioned in one of said passages for actuating movement of the blocker between an open position in which fluid is allowed to flow through the passage, and a closed position in which the passage is blocked;

wherein the miniature motor is positioned in said one of the passages and bathed in the fluid;

wherein the miniature motor is operatively connected to a transmission controller; and

wherein the miniature motor is less than 5 millimeters in width and less than 10 millimeters in length.

Assignments (12)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Feb 10, 2011
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 025780/0902 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 8, 2010
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
Reel/Frame 025327/0262 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 4, 2010
From: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 025245/0442 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 4, 2010
From: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 025311/0770 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 28, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UAW RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS TRUST
Reel/Frame 023162/0001 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 27, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Reel/Frame 023156/0052 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 21, 2009
From: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES; CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 023127/0468 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 20, 2009
From: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 023124/0429 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 16, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR BANK PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES; CITICORP USA, INC. AS AGENT FOR HEDGE PRIORITY SECURED PARTIES
Reel/Frame 022553/0446 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Feb 4, 2009
From: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
To: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Reel/Frame 022201/0610 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 14, 2009
From: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 022117/0022 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 24, 2004
From: MAGUIRE, JOEL M.
To: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 014775/0158 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20050183541A1 · Aug 25, 2005