External lube system for a transmission

Abstract

The present disclosure is related to a transmission for a powered vehicle. The transmission includes a housing defining an interior of the transmission and a fluid supply portion disposed in the housing. The fluid supply portion is configured to supply fluid throughout the transmission. The transmission also includes a first fluid circuit disposed within the housing and defining a first fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid supply portion. A second fluid circuit fluidly defines a second fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid supply portion. The transmission further includes a coupling mechanism for fluidly coupling the first fluid circuit and second fluid circuit, wherein the second fluid circuit is disposed outside the housing of the transmission.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An external lube circuit kit for mounting to an exterior portion of a transmission, the transmission having an outer housing, a fluid supply disposed in the housing, an internal pump fluidly coupled to the fluid supply, and an internal lube circuit defined in the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid supply and internal pump, comprising:
 a drive unit;   a pump operably coupled to the drive unit, the pump including an inlet and an outlet;   a first flow tube coupled to the pump inlet, the first flow tube adapted to fluidly couple the pump to the fluid supply; and   a second flow tube coupled to the pump outlet, the second flow tube adapted to fluidly couple the pump to the internal lube circuit.   
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising a coupling mechanism for fluidly coupling the second flow tube to the internal lube circuit. 
     
     
         3 . The kit of  claim 2 , wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a manifold coupled to the housing, a pressure tap defined in the housing, or an orifice defined in a filter cover. 
     
     
         4 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising a bracket for coupling the pump to the exterior portion of the transmission. 
     
     
         5 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising a filter disposed in the first flow tube between the fluid supply and pump. 
     
     
         6 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising a valve disposed in the second flow tube between the pump and internal lube circuit. 
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the first flow tube couples to a channel plate or dipstick tube of the transmission.