Patent Publication Number: US-2015083649-A1

Title: Submersible pumping apparatus with integrated filter and sealed circuitry

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/880,702, entitled “FILTER INTEGRATION TO SUBMERSIBLE MOTOR DRIVEN PUMP,” filed on Sep. 20, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/880,693, entitled “SEALED PCB HOUSING WITH BEARING FOR ELECTRICAL MOTOR DRIVEN PUMP,” filed on Sep. 20, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a pumping apparatus that may be submersed in a fluid compartment, such as a transmission fluid reservoir, and more particularly to a pumping apparatus that has an integrated filter for filtering the displaced transmission fluid and a fluidly sealed circuit board for operating the pumping apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many factors drive vehicle design, including increasing gas mileage standards and a desire to maintain or increase performance capability. As engine space for vehicles becomes more constricted, many challenges are presented to improve engine performance while adhering to the space constraints in vehicle engine compartments. For instance, auxiliary pumps can be difficult to find adequate mounting space in an engine compartment, along with the typically separately housed filters for such pumps and the circuitry for operating the pumps. Along with space constraints, circuitry is usually mounted away from the pumps and the fluid reservoirs to prevent liquid contamination. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a submersible pumping apparatus for displacing transmission fluid includes a pump operably coupled with a motor. A filter housing is attached to the pump and has a cavity with an inlet aperture extending to an exhaust port of the pump. A fluid filter is engaged with the cavity and has a filter cover with a relief valve disposed within an outlet aperture that extends from the cavity to an exit port on the filter cover. A rotor cover is attached to the motor and has a circuit board for operating the motor. The rotor cover is configured to prevent the circuit board from being exposed to liquid. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a pumping apparatus for displacing fluid includes a pump adapted to operably couple with a motor. A filter housing is coupled with the pump and has a cavity with an inlet aperture extending to an exhaust port of the pump. A fluid filter is engaged with the cavity and has a filter cover sealed around a periphery of the cavity. A relief valve is disposed in the filter cover between the cavity and an exit port, such that the relief valve is configured to open when a fluid pressure from the exit port reaches a threshold and close when the fluid pressure is below the threshold. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a filter module for a pump within a fluid reservoir of a vehicle includes a filter housing that is adapted to couple with the pump and has a filter cavity with an inlet aperture for extending to the pump. A filter cover is sealably coupled with a periphery of the filter cavity. A filter element for filtering fluid displaced by the pump is coupled with an inside surface of the filter cover. A relief valve is disposed in the filter cover between the filter element and an exit port on the filter cover. The relief valve is configured to open when a fluid pressure from the exit port reaches a threshold and close when the fluid pressure is below the threshold. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a submersible pumping apparatus for displacing fluid includes a motor housing having a drive coil. A rotor shaft is rotatably engaged within the motor housing and configured to operably couple with a positive displacement pump. A rotor cover is attached to the motor and includes a bearing integrally coupled with an interior side of the rotor cover and rotatably coupled with an end of the rotor shaft. The rotor cover also includes a circuit board for operating the drive coil to control rotation of the rotor shaft, wherein the rotor cover is configured to prevent the circuit board from being exposed to liquid. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is top perspective view of a pumping apparatus mounted within a fluid compartment of a vehicle transmission, according to one aspect of the present innovation; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the pumping apparatus and the fluid compartment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional top plan view of the pumping apparatus, schematically showing fluid circulation within the pumping apparatus; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional top plan view of the pumping apparatus as shown in  FIG. 3 , schematically showing fluid circulation with a relief valve open; 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the pumping apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 , taken from an end having a rotor cover attached to a motor of the pumping apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the pumping apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 , taken from an end having a filter module attached to a pump of the pumping apparatus; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the pumping apparatus as shown in  FIG. 5 , having portions shown in phantom lines to expose a filter element and a release valve of the filter module, fasteners extending between the filter module and the rotor cover, and other components of the pump and the motor; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded top perspective view of the pumping apparatus as shown in  FIG. 4 , taken from the end having the rotor cover attached to the motor; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded top perspective view of the pumping apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 , taken from the end having the filter module attached to the pump; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded top perspective view of the filter module of the pumping apparatus; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded top perspective view of a filter element of the filter module; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded top perspective view of a cover and the filter element of the filter module; 
         FIG. 12  is an end elevation view of the pumping apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 , showing the filter module; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the filter module, taken at line XIII-XIII of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 13A  is a cross-sectional view of the filter module as shown in  FIG. 13  with the relief value in an open position; 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of the pumping apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the release valve of the filter module, taken at line XV-XV of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of the cross section the release valve of the filter module shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded top perspective view of the pump and the motor of the pumping apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded top perspective view of components the motor shown in  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of the end of the pumping apparatus having the motor, which is shown without the rotor cover; 
         FIG. 20  is a top perspective view of the end of the pumping apparatus shown in  FIG. 19 , illustrating a portion of the rotor cover; 
         FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of the end of the pumping apparatus shown in  FIG. 19 , illustrating a circuit board attached to a portion of the rotor cover; 
         FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of the end of the pumping apparatus shown in  FIG. 19 , illustrating a protective cover concealing the circuit board; 
         FIG. 23  is a top perspective view of the rotor cover, taken from an end having a bearing integrally coupled with the rotor cover; 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded top perspective view of the rotor cover, taken from an end having the bearing integrally coupled with the rotor cover; 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded top perspective view of the rotor cover, taken from an end having the protective cover; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the motor and the rotor cover, taken at line XXVI-XXVI of  FIG. 22 ; and 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the motor and the rotor cover, taken at line XXVII-XXVII of  FIG. 22 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, it is to be understood that the disclosed invention may assume various alternative embodiments and orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. While various aspects of the disclosed invention and the related methods are described with reference to a particular illustrative embodiment, the disclosed invention is not limited to such embodiments, and additional modifications, applications, and embodiments may be implemented without departing from the disclosed invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-27 , reference numeral  10  generally designates a submersible pumping apparatus for displacing fluid, such as transmission fluid, coolant, or other conscionable liquids, that may be circulated to associated components of a vehicle. The pumping apparatus  10  includes a pump  12  operably coupled with a motor  14 . In one embodiment, the pumping apparatus  10  also includes a filter housing  16  attached to the pump  12 . The filter housing  16  has a cavity  18  with an inlet aperture  20  that extends to an exhaust port  22  of the pump  12 . A fluid filter  24  engages the cavity and has a filter cover  26  with a relief valve  28  that is disposed within an outlet aperture  30 , which extends from the cavity  18  to an exit port  32  on the filter cover  26 . The fluid filter  24  may include a filter element  34  between the inlet aperture  20  on the filter housing  16  and the outlet aperture  30  for filtering the displaced fluid to prevent particles within the fluid from deteriorating or otherwise damaging associated vehicle components. Also, an embodiment of the pumping apparatus  10  includes a rotor cover  36  that is attached to the motor  14  and that has a circuit board  38  for operating the motor  14 . The rotor cover  36  is configured to prevent the circuit board  38  from being exposed to liquid. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the pumping apparatus  10 , to efficiently pump transmission fluid and to optimize the use of space within an engine compartment, may be mounted within a lower cavity of a transmission, such that the pumping apparatus  10  may be partially, and at times, completely submerged within transmission fluid. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the submersible pumping apparatus  10  is shown positioned in a lower portion  40  of a vehicle transmission  42 . The pumping apparatus  10  of the illustrated embodiment is mounted slightly above a pan that defines a lower surface  44  of an interior volume of the transmission  42 . The interior volume of the lower portion  40  of the vehicle transmission  42  is configured to contain transmission fluid for cooling and lubricating the vehicle transmission, along with other associated vehicle components. Accordingly, the pumping apparatus  10 , when mounted in such a position as illustrated, is adapted to operate when partially and completely submerged within the transmission fluid. In one embodiment, the motor  14  of the pumping apparatus  10  may be configured to allow the surrounding fluid, such as the transmission fluid, to enter the motor housing and utilize the lubrication and cooling attributes of the fluid. It is contemplated that the pumping apparatus  10 , in additional embodiments, may be positioned at alternative locations within the vehicle transmission  42 , transmission fluid compartments, and other locations within the vehicle. Further, it is conceivable that an additional embodiment of the pumping apparatus  10  may be configured to displace other liquids, and accordingly may be located within an associated liquid compartment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the illustrated embodiment of the pumping apparatus  10  includes three mounting apertures  46  for securing the pumping apparatus  10  to the lower portion  40  of the vehicle transmission  42 . The mounting apertures  46  in the illustrated embodiment are formed through the filter housing  16 , such that the filter housing  16  is directly attached to the lower surface  44  of the transmission  42  with fasteners, such as bolts. As illustrated, the filter housing  16  is also attached with fluid conduits  48 , namely flexible hoses, which carry the circulating transmission fluid to the various vehicle components. More specifically, the filter housing  16  has a first hose  50  that attaches to an intake aperture  51  on the filter housing  16  and a second hose  52  that attaches to the outlet aperture  30 . It is contemplated that the fluid conduits  48 , in additional embodiments, may include rigid pipes or other means as generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to carry the circulating fluid. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the transmission fluid that is circulated through one embodiment of the pumping apparatus  10  is illustrated with arrows entering the intake aperture  51  and exiting the outlet aperture  30 . During operation of the pumping apparatus  10 , the motor  14  rotates a geroter unit  54  of the pump  12  to displace the fluid from the intake aperture  51  of the filter housing  16 , displace the fluid through the pump  12  and the filter element  34  of the fluid filter  24 , and displace the fluid out the outlet aperture  30 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet aperture  30  extends from an intake port  56  on the filter cover  26 , through the filter cover  26 , to the exit port  32  on the filter cover  26  and into the filter housing  16  proximate the connection with the second hose  52 . In one embodiment, the outlet aperture  30  also extends in an opposing direction within the filter cover  26  to a relief port  58 , as described in more detail below. It is contemplated that the outlet aperture  30  may terminate at the exit port  32  and exit though the filter cover  26 , whereby the second hose  52  may alternatively attach to the filter cover  26  in an additional embodiment of the pumping apparatus  10 . Also, the pump  12  in the illustrated embodiment comprises a positive displacement pump, namely the geroter unit  54 , however, in additional embodiments, the pump  12  may be a screw pump, a rotary vain pump, a piston pump, or other conceivable types of positive displacement pumps or other varieties of fluid pumps. 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 3A , the circulation of transmission fluid may be altered by the relief valve  28  disposed within the filter cover  26 . More specifically, in one embodiment, the exit port  32  may be referred to as a hydraulic fluid flow port, whereby fluid pressure proximate the exit port  32  from the second hose  52  is indicative of whether an associated vehicle engine is running. As such, the relief valve  28  is configured to open when a fluid pressure from the exit port  32  reaches a threshold and closes when the fluid pressure from the exit port  32  is below the threshold. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the relief valve  28  is closed and transmission fluid is circulating from the intake port  56  on the filter cover  26 , through the outlet aperture  30 , the exit port  32 , and to the second hose  52 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the relief valve  28  is open due to increased fluid pressure proximate the exit port  32 , such that transmission fluid is displaced, at least in part, from the intake port  56  on the filter cover  26  to the relief port  58  beyond the relief valve  28 . In one embodiment, the relief port  58  dispenses to a sump basin of the transmission  42  for further circulation. It is understood that the relief valve  28  may open to effectively prevent the motor from overheating, which may be caused when fluid is expelled to the exit port  32  that dead heads against a higher pressure fluid. It is also contemplated that the flow of transmission fluid may be reversed through the illustrated embodiment, while still achieving advantages of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , one embodiment of the pumping apparatus  10  is illustrated removed from a mounting location, such as the vehicle transmission  42  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The motor  14 , as illustrated, is encased with a motor housing  60  that is separated into two sections, a first section  62  and a second sections  64 , that each surrounds a rotational axis of a rotor shaft  66  ( FIG. 7 ) of the motor  14 . The first section  62  of the motor housing  60  is directly attached to the rotor cover  36 . The rotor cover  36  includes a terminal element  68  within an electrical receptacle  70  that is configured to electrically connect the circuit board  38  ( FIG. 3 ) contained therein with an electric connection that transmits power and carries communication signals for operating the motor  14  and the pump  12 . To secure the rotor cover  36 , four elongated fasteners  72  extend through the rotor cover  36  at corner locations on an end surface  74  of the rotor cover  36 , which has a generally rectangular shape, although various shapes and attachment locations are contemplated. The elongated fasteners  72  also extend through the first and second sections  62 ,  64  of the motor housing  60  and engage the filter housing  16  to attach the rotor cover  36  to the motor housing  60  and compressively retain the first and second sections  62 ,  64  of the motor housing  60  together with outer surfaces thereof in alignment. It is contemplated that more or fewer elongated fasteners  72  may be used to provide such a compressive connection. Also, it is generally understood that the motor housing  60  may include more or fewer sections divided along the rotational axis of the rotor shaft  66 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the elongated fasteners  72  include a head portion  76  that abuts the end surface  74  of the rotor cover  36  and a threaded portion  78  that threadably engages with fastener apertures  80  on the filter housing  16 . As also shown, the filter cover  26  is mounted to an end of the filter housing  16  opposite the connection between the filter housing  16  and the motor housing  60 . The filter cover  26  is attached to the filter housing  16  with threaded fasteners  82  to similarly provide a compressive connection between the filter cover  26  and the filter housing  16 . As such, it is also contemplated that more or fewer fasteners or an alternative type of fastener may be used to attach the filter cover  26  to the filer housing  16 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 6-8 , the pump  12  is substantially contained within the second section  64  of the motor housing  60  and is thereby operably coupled with the motor  14  and directly engaged with the filer housing  16 . More specifically, an internal component  84  of the gerotor unit  54  is rigidly coupled with the rotor shaft  66  of the motor  14  and an external component  86  of the gerotor unit  54  is rotatably coupled with the second section  64  of the motor housing  60 . As generally understood, the interface between the internal and external components  84 ,  86  of the gerotor unit  54  defines an intake port  88  and an exhaust port  22  of the pump  12  ( FIG. 3 ). As such, the filter housing  16 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , is provided with an intake opening  90  having an arcuate shape that conforms to the intake port  88  of the gerotor unit  54 . Likewise, the filter housing  16  includes an outlet opening  91  that similarly has an arcuate cross sectional shape proximate the interface between the pump  12  and the second section  64  of the motor housing  60  to conform to the exhaust port  22  of the gerotor unit  54 . For the pump  12  to efficiently circulate the transmission fluid through the filter housing  16 , a fluid seal is provided between the filter housing  16  and the second section  64  of the motor housing  60 , surrounding the gerotor unit  54 . However, it is understood that the second section  64  of the motor housing  60  may also be integrally formed with the filter housing  16  in additional embodiments of the pumping apparatus  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the fluid filter  24  is disengaged and exploded away from the filter housing  16 , exposing the cavity  18  for receiving the filter element  34 . The cavity  18  has a cylindrical shape sized to receive the filter element  34 , although other shapes and sizes are conceivable to alternatively house the filter element  34 . As such, a diameter of the illustrated cylindrical cavity  18  is slightly greater than a diameter of the filter element  34  to allow fluid to circulate around the circumference of the filter element  34  within the cavity  18 , and thereby pass through a side wall of the filter element  34  before exiting to the filter cover  26 . 
     With further reference to the fluid filter, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the filter element  34  has a structural component  92  with a tubular portion  94  that has apertures disposed about the circumference and a flange portion  96  protruding radially from an end of the tubular portion  94  with a substantially impermeable construction that covers the end of the tubular portion  94 , thereby concealing one end of the interior volume of the tubular portion  94 . The flange portion  96  may be integrally formed with the tubular portion  94  in one embodiment or separately attached thereto in another embodiment, and further the flange portion  96  may also be referred to as a filter cap. The filter element  34  also includes a filter substrate  98  disposed around the tubular portion  94  for filtering fluids displaced through the cavity  18 . In the illustrated embodiment, the filter substrate  98  is arranged around the tubular portion  94  of the structural component  92  in a manner that provides folds having longitudinal creases to define a sidewall of the filter element  34 . A first end  100  of the filter substrate  98  is adhered to the flange portion  96  of the structural component  92  to prevent fluid from bypassing the filter substrate  98  when flowing from the cavity  18  into the interior volume of the tubular portion  94  of the structural component  92  and thereby through the filter element  34 . The second end  102  of the filter substrate  98  is similarly adhered to an inside surface  104  of the filter cover  26 . It is contemplated that the filter substrate  98  may include various filtering materials, although in the illustrated embodiment the material is configured specifically for filtering transmission fluid. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 11 , the inside surface  104  of the filter cover  26  has a connection feature  106  protruding into the cavity  18  to engage a central volume of the filter element  34 , defined in the illustrated embodiment by an interior volume of the tubular portion  94  of the structural component  92 . Accordingly, the central volume of the filter element  34  transmits filtered transmission fluid to the outlet aperture  30  extending within the filter cover  26 . It is contemplated that the filter element  34  may be alternatively arranged on the filter cover  26  to be similarly suspended within the cavity  18  of the filter housing  16 , such as having a conical shape and/or molding the filter substrate  98  with the filter cover  26  and/or the structural component  92 , among other conceivable configurations. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the filter cover  26  is further illustrated to show the relief valve  28  disposed within and integrated with the outlet aperture  30  that extends through the filter cover 26 . The filter cover  26  has a cylindrical protrusion  108  with an axis oriented orthogonal with respect to the central access of the filter element  34  to define an outside surface of the filter cover  26 . With this configuration, the intake port  56  on the filter cover  26  is coaxial with the filter element  34  and forms a T-shape with the section of the outlet aperture  30  that extends within the cylindrical protrusion  108  of the filter cover  26 . It is contemplated that the intersection between the intake port  56  and the outlet aperture  30  may have alternatively shaped configurations to similarly provide a passageway for the transmission fluid to be displaced from the fluid filter  24  to the exit port  32  that leads to the associated vehicle components and a passageway that leads to the relief port  58  that transmits transmission fluid from the relief valve  28  to the sump basin. The relief valve  28  in the illustrated embodiment includes a spring  110  coupled between an impermeable sphere  112  and a porous plug  114 , thereby defining a spring loaded ball valve. The relief valve  28  in the illustrated embodiment is configured with the spring  110  biasing the sphere  112 , which is also referred to as a blocking member, against a narrowed portion of the outlet aperture  30  in the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 13 . In an open position, shown in  FIG. 13A , the fluid pressure from the exit port  32  displaces the sphere  112  away from the narrowed portion of the outlet aperture  30  against the spring&#39;s biasing force and creates an opening  116  between the sphere  112  and the narrowed portion of the outlet aperture  30  to allow fluid to flow beyond the sphere  112 , through the porous plug  114 , and out the relief port  58 . It is contemplated that the relief valve  28  may include an alternatively shaped blocking member that is otherwise biased in a closed position that is adapted to be overcome to open such a relief valve  28 . 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 , the section of the outlet aperture  30  that extends through the filter cover  26  has the exit port  32  formed at an end of the cylindrical protrusion  108  opposite the end containing the relief valve  28 . The exit port  32 , which may also be referred to as a section of the outlet aperture  30 , extends through a cylindrical channel with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter to the section of the outlet aperture  30  contained in the cylindrical protrusion  108  on the filter cover  26 . Further, the exit port  32  extends back to the filter housing  16 , whereby the exit port  32  may connect with the second hose  52  ( FIG. 3 ). It is generally understood that the apertures, ports, and channels that extend through the filter housing  16  and the filter cover  26  may be alternatively shaped from the illustrated embodiment to direct the flow of transmission fluid. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , various components of one embodiment of the pump  12  and one embodiment of the motor  14  are exploded to illustrate additional details. As previously mentioned, the internal component  84  of the gerotor unit  54  is configured with the external component  86  of the gerotor unit  54  to provide intake and exhaust ports  88 ,  22  of the pump  12 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The internal component  84 , more specifically, has radially extending protrusions  118  that interface with depressions  120  formed about an interior circumference of the external component  86 . An exterior circumference of the external component  86  has a generally smooth surface for slidably and rotatably engaging with an opening disposed in the second section  64  of the motor housing  60  at a location offset from the rotational axis of the rotor shaft  66  to provide the pumping function of the gerotor unit. A second seal  122  engages around the opening in the second section  64  of the motor housing  60  to provide a fluid seal between the first and second sections in  62 ,  64  and the motor housing  60 . The first section  62  of the motor housing similarly includes a first seal  124  that is positioned to engage the rotor cover  36  ( FIG. 22 ) on a side of the first section  62  opposite the second section  64  of the motor housing  60 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 18 , the motor  14  includes a rotor shaft  66  that has a number of conductive elements  126  fixed to a carrier  128  that attaches about the circumference of the rotor shaft  66 . The conductive elements  126  are configured to interface with a magnetic field generated the stator, which in the illustrated embodiment is done by currents transmitted through wire coils  130  arranged circumferentially around the rotor shaft  66  and around the conductive elements  126  fixed thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive elements  126  are also positioned at a spaced distance from the wire coils  130 , which are wound around fixed winding brackets  132 . It is contemplated that the motor may be differently configured in alternative embodiments, such as alternative arrangements of the stator and/or rotor shaft  66 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-22 , sequential assembly steps are illustrated to show the motor  14  being operably coupled with rotor cover  36 , and partial assembly thereof. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the fixed winding brackets  132  are secured to the first section  62  of the motor housing  60 . Upon completion of winding the wire coils  130  around the winding brackets  132 , an end wire  134  is laid across a slot formed in a connection socket  136 . The connection socket  136  receives a metal plate  138  that has a post  140  protruding away from the connection socket  136  in parallel alignment with the rotational axis of the rotor shaft  66  ( FIG. 17 ). The metal plate  138  may also be referred to as a coil element for making an electrical connection between the wire coils  130  and the circuit board  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , upon attachment of a body portion  142  of the rotor cover  36  to the first section  62  of the motor housing  60 , the posts  140  extends into a circuitry cavity  144  formed in an outer surface  146  of the body portion  142  of the rotor cover  36 . The posts  140  are also surrounded with well features  148  that are configured to receive and contain a liquid sealing agent, such as silicone, that is adhered in the well features  148 . The posts  140  and well features  148 , together with the sealing agent, are adapted to prevent transmission fluid that may be present within the motor  14  from entering the circuitry cavity  144  through the body portion  142  of the rotor cover  36 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the circuit board  38  is placed into the circuitry cavity  144  and engages at least one of the posts  140  to form an electrical connection with the stator of the motor  14 . More specifically, the circuit board  38  electrically connects with the wire coils  130  of the motor  14  via the fluidly sealed posts  140 . The circuit board  38  includes a controller for operating the electric motor  14 , specifically operating the wire coils  130  to control the magnetic field generated, thereby controlling rotation of the rotor shaft  66 . The circuit board  38  includes addition circuitry components, including resisters, transducers, and capacitors to effectuate accurate control of the electric motor  14 . 
     A protective cover  150 , as shown in  FIG. 22 , is sealably attached to a periphery of the circuitry cavity  144  formed in the outer surface  146  of the body portion  142  of the rotor cover  36 . The protective cover  150  conceals and protects the circuit board  38  from being exposed to transmission fluid or other fluid circulating within the pump  12 , motor  14 , and/or other fluid in which the pumping apparatus  10  may be submerged. The fluid seal between the protective cover  150  and the body portion  142  may be a formed in place gasket or other seal, such as a silicone seal, that is applied between the body portion  142  and the protective cover  150  to provide a liquid tight seal. This seal may be compressed with the elongated fasteners  72  that extend through the protective cover  150  and the body portion  142  of the rotor cover  36  to attach with the motor housing  60  and the filter housing  16 . In one embodiment, a portion or the entire the rotor cover  36  and a portion or the entire circuit board  38  may be constructed of PPA or PBT material to withstand high temperatures generated proximate rotor shaft  66  of the motor  14 . Additional components of the pump  12  and the motor  14  may also be constructed and configured to withstand these high temperatures, which can range between 80° and 100° Celsius. 
     As shown in the embodiment of the rotor cover  36  illustrated in  FIG. 23 , a bearing  152  is integrally coupled with an inner surface  154  of the body portion  142  of the rotor cover  36  for rotatably engaging an end of the rotor shaft  66  ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) of the motor  14 . The bearing  152 , as shown, is centrally located on the inner surface  154  and protrudes axially therefrom, such that the rotor shaft  66  and heat generated therefrom does not impede on the circuitry cavity  144  ( FIG. 20 ) on the opposing side of the body portion  142 . Also, the bearing  152  protrudes axially away from the body portion  142  to provide a depressed area around the rotor shaft  66  proximate the body portion  142  for the wire coils  130  of the stator ( FIG. 7 ). 
     As also illustrated in  FIGS. 24-25 , the rotor cover includes the terminal element  68  that extends integrally within the body portion  142  of the rotor cover  36  to connect between the electrical receptacle  70  protruding from the outer surface  146  of the rotor cover  36  and the circuit board  38  contained within the circuitry cavity  144  enclosed by the protective cover  150 . The terminal element  68  includes four rigid metal filaments that have a U-shape with the curved portion molded into the body portion  142  of the rotor cover  36 . It is contemplated that the terminal element  68  may have more or few metal filaments in additional embodiments, and further that the terminal element  68  may have other shapes to extend between the circuit board  38  and the electrical receptacle  70 . 
     The fluid sealing of the circuit board  38  within the rotor cover  36  is further illustrated in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , which shows the metal plates  138  that directly contact the end wires  134  of the wire coils  130  of the stator extending into the circuitry cavity  144  to electrically connect with the circuit board  38 . Also shown in the illustrated embodiment, the metal plates  138  have a sealing agent applied around the posts  140  within the well features  148  of the circuitry cavity  144  to prevent transmission fluid from entering the circuitry cavity  144  from the motor  14 . Also, the terminal element  68 , as shown in  FIG. 27 , is molded into the body portion  142  of the rotor cover  36  and fluidly sealed with a well feature  148  surrounding an end of the terminal element  68  that protrudes into the circuitry cavity  144 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . It is contemplated that additional electrical components may be fluidly sealed to provide the circuitry cavity  144  with a dry environment for operating the circuit board  38  that controls the motor  14  of the pumping apparatus  10 . 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of making a pumping apparatus  10  for circulating transmission fluid includes providing an electrical motor  14  and operably attaching a pump  12  with the electrical motor  14 . A filter housing  16  is attached to the pump  12 , such that a cylindrical cavity  18  of the filter housing  16  has an inlet aperture  20  extending to the pump  12 . A filter module  24  is attached to the filter housing  16  by inserting a filter element  34  within the cylindrical cavity  18  for filtering transmission fluid. Also, a filter cover  26  that is coupled with an end of the filter element  34  is attached with a periphery of the cylindrical cavity  18  to form a fluid seal. The filter cover  26  includes an outlet aperture  30  fluidly connecting the filter element  34  to a relief valve  28  and to a hydraulic port  32  that are both integrated with an outer side of the filter cover  26 . The relief valve  28  is configured to open when a fluid pressure from the hydraulic port  32  reaches a threshold and to close when the fluid pressure from the hydraulic port  32  is below the threshold. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of making an electrical motor  14  for a pumping apparatus  10  that circulates transmission fluid includes providing a motor housing  60  that has wire coils  130  and a rotor shaft  66  disposed within the motor housing  60 . A rotor cover  36  is attached to a first section  62  of the motor housing  60 . The rotor cover  36  has a bearing  152  integrally coupled with an interior side  154  of the rotor cover that rotatably couples with an end of the rotor shaft  66 . A circuit board  38  is attached to an exterior side  146  of the rotor cover  36 , and the circuit board  38  has a controller for operating the electrical motor  14 . A protective cover  150  is sealably attached to the exterior side of the rotor cover  36  to protect the circuit board  38  from being exposed to transmission fluid. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.