Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first set of clutch plates and a second set of clutch plates interweaved with the first set of clutch plates. The second set of clutch plates is coupled to a rotatable inner hub, and a stationary backing plate is mounted about the inner hub. The first set of clutch plates is coupled to the backing plate such that the first set of clutch plates and the second set of clutch plates are compressed together with one of the first set or the second set of clutch plates abutting against the backing plate when the clutch assembly is engaged. The clutch assembly further includes a connecting hub coupled to the inner hub, such that the connecting hub supports the stationary backing plate with a bearing disposed between the connecting hub and the backing plate.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first set of clutch plates and a second set of clutch plates interweaved with the first set of clutch plates. The second set of clutch plates is coupled to a rotatable inner hub, and a stationary backing plate is mounted about the inner hub. The first set of clutch plates is coupled to the backing plate such that the first set of clutch plates and the second set of clutch plates are compressed together with one of the first set or the second set of clutch plates abutting against the backing plate when the clutch assembly is engaged. The clutch assembly further includes a connecting hub coupled to the inner hub, such that the connecting hub supports the stationary backing plate with a bearing disposed between the connecting hub and the backing plate.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch assembly including a first housing comprising a first clutch, a first clutch actuator and a second housing having the first clutch actuator at least partially disposed therein so that said first clutch actuator selectively engages the first clutch.

Abstract: An automotive drive assembly includes a housing configured to be installed in an automobile, a first electric motor component coupled to the housing, a second electric motor component rotatably coupled to the first electric motor component, the first and second electric motor components jointly including at least one magnet and at least one conductive coil configured such that when current flows through the at least one conductive coil, the second electric motor component rotates relative to the first electric motor component, and a transmission assembly including at least one gear coupled to the second electric motor component such that the rotation of the second electric motor component causes movement of the at least one gear. The second electric motor component and the transmission assembly are coupled to the housing such that the transmission assembly substantially supports the second electric motor component when the housing is installed in the automobile.

Abstract: A clutch assembly and method of operating the clutch assembly to start an engine of a hybrid vehicle includes a first clutch and a first clutch actuator for selectively engaging the first clutch. The first actuator has a first at-rest position engaging the clutch and a hydraulically charged position disengaged from the first clutch. The clutch assembly further includes a second clutch actuator having a second at-rest position away disengaged from the first clutch and a second hydraulically charged position engaged with the first clutch.

Abstract: A modular transmission assembly includes a transmission housing that defines a hollow interior. The transmission housing extends along a central axis between a front end and a rear end. A rear motor module is disposed in, and is operatively connected to, the transmission housing. An inner module is disposed in, and is operatively connected to, the transmission housing. A main shaft is disposed along the central axis such that each of the rear and inner modules radially surround the main shaft. A front motor is disposed in the transmission housing and radially surrounds the main shaft. The inner module is axially disposed between the rear motor module and the front motor. An input module is connected to the front end of the transmission housing. The front motor is axially disposed between the inner module and the input module.

Abstract: A clutch assembly and method of operating the clutch assembly to start an engine of a hybrid vehicle includes a first clutch and a first clutch actuator for selectively engaging the first clutch. The first actuator has a first at-rest position engaging the clutch and a hydraulically charged position disengaged from the first clutch. The clutch assembly further includes a second clutch actuator having a second at-rest position away disengaged from the first clutch and a second hydraulically charged position engaged with the first clutch.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch assembly including a first housing comprising a first clutch, a first clutch actuator and a second housing having the first clutch actuator at least partially disposed therein so that said first clutch actuator selectively engages the first clutch.

Abstract: A modular transmission assembly includes a transmission housing that defines a hollow interior. The transmission housing extends along a central axis between a front end and a rear end. A rear motor module is disposed in, and is operatively connected to, the transmission housing. An inner module is disposed in, and is operatively connected to, the transmission housing. A main shaft is disposed along the central axis such that each of the rear and inner modules radially surround the main shaft. A front motor is disposed in the transmission housing and radially surrounds the main shaft. The inner module is axially disposed between the rear motor module and the front motor. An input module is connected to the front end of the transmission housing. The front motor is axially disposed between the inner module and the input module.

Abstract: An automotive drive assembly includes a housing configured to be installed in an automobile, a first electric motor component coupled to the housing, a second electric motor component rotatably coupled to the first electric motor component, the first and second electric motor components jointly including at least one magnet and at least one conductive coil configured such that when current flows through the at least one conductive coil, the second electric motor component rotates relative to the first electric motor component, and a transmission assembly including at least one gear coupled to the second electric motor component such that the rotation of the second electric motor component causes movement of the at least one gear. The second electric motor component and the transmission assembly are coupled to the housing such that the transmission assembly substantially supports the second electric motor component when the housing is installed in the automobile.

Abstract: A motor/generator for a hybrid transmission includes a bearing support configured for attachment to the hybrid transmission. A stator can is bonded directly to the bearing support, possibly by welding. The motor/generator may further include a stator press-fit into said stator can. A method of assembling a hybrid transmission includes welding a stator can to a bearing support, forming a motor/generator housing. A stator is then pressed into the housing. A substantially-complete motor/generator is assembled by installing a rotor, a rotor hub, and a ball bearing into the housing, which are held in the motor/generator housing with a snap ring. The method may include rigidly attaching the substantially-complete motor/generator to a main case. The method may further include testing the substantially-complete motor/generator prior to transporting the motor/generator to a final place of assembly and rigidly attaching the motor/generator to the transmission main case.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsional damper for an electrically variable transmission. The torsional damper is equipped with a hydraulically actuable lock-out clutch to selectively directly couple the engine to the input shaft of the transmission. The electric motors provided with the electrically variable transmission can serve to effectively cancel out engine compression pulses when the springs of the torsional damper are locked out. During higher speeds the centrifugal loading placed on oil in the torsional damper increases, which may cause the lock-out clutch to inappropriately engage. The present invention hydraulically balances the hydraulic actuator (or piston) driving the lock-out clutch to appropriately regulate lock-out clutch engagement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for releasably retaining at least one coil spring. The present invention utilizes a circumferential castellation formed within a housing operable to receive within the notches formed by the castellation a complimentary number of fingers formed from a retainer plate. The retainer plate is operable to hold the coil springs in compression and is fixed in place by an internal snap ring disposed within an inwardly facing circumferential grove formed on the radial inner side of the protruding blocks or dentils formed by the castellation.