Motor vehicles – Transmission mechanism – Transmission support
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-03
2001-05-01
Rice, Kenneth R. (Department: 3611)
Motor vehicles
Transmission mechanism
Transmission support
C180S382000, C180S312000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223850
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to four point mounting of a vehicle powertrain, and more particularly, to an engine mounted transmission having spaced mounting pads located on an inspection cover modified to form a structural member with extending ears carrying the spaced pads for receiving engine mount brackets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known in the art relating to so-called heavy duty engine-transmission combinations to provide a four point powertrain mounting. For example, two mounting pads may be located on the sides or front end of the engine and connected through brackets to a vehicle frame. A transmission connected with the rear end of the engine may include two additional mounting pads located on the sides of the bell housing and connected through brackets to spaced locations on the vehicle frame. Such heavy duty transmissions generally have a full 360 degree bell housing enclosing a fluid coupling or other components connecting the torque transmitting portions of the engine and transmission.
In contrast, lighter weight automobile and truck transmissions connected with engines to form a powerplant are generally supported by a three point suspension, including two side or front mounted engine mounts and a single rear mount supporting the rear end of the transmission. Commonly, such transmissions have only a partial bell housing for connecting the transmission to the engine, leaving an opening in the lower portion of the bell housing which is generally covered in assembly by an inspection cover.
In a case where a moderate duty powertrain includes an engine connected with a transmission of the type having an inspection opening in the lower portion of the transmission bell housing, it was desired to provide a four point powertrain mounting to better support the powertrain and reduce bending loads on the unit when applied in a truck application. However, the cost of modifying the high volume transmission case to accept dual mounting pads for the four point mounted appeared excessive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a solution to the problem by modifying the inspection cover to make it a structural member which closes the inspection opening as before and, in addition, includes outwardly extending ears on which engine mounting pads are provided. In assembly, the mounting pads are connected to brackets which extend upward for connecting the transmission to the vehicle frame in a desired manner. The cost of providing the modified cover is much lower than the cost of modifying the high volume transmission case and therefore provides a solution to the problem with a much lower cost factor.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from the following description of certain specific embodiments of the invention taken together with the accompanying drawings.
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Hamlin Bruce A.
Rajca Stanley H.
General Motors Corporation
Rice Kenneth R.
Sedlar Jeffrey A.
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