Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain for a vehicle including a transmission configured to move the vehicle with a surface engaging traction member and a final drive assembly configured to drive the surface engaging traction member. The final drive assembly includes a drive assembly coupler. A transmission coupler is operatively connected to the transmission and disposed between the transmission and the drive assembly coupler. The transmission coupler includes a first position engaged with the drive assembly coupler and a second position disengaged from the drive assembly coupler. An actuator is operatively connected to the transmission coupler and is configured to move the transmission coupler between the first position and the second position. The actuator, in one embodiment, includes a worm drive having a worm gear configured to move the transmission coupler along a longitudinal direction of the transmission. The worm gear rotates about an axis inclined with the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A switch assembly configured to determine when input received from a switch is caused by proper actuation of the switch and should be accepted, or is caused instead by a fault in the switch or in the intervening circuitry and should be ignored and/or reported. The switch assembly optionally includes a logic circuit that is electrically connected to the switch. The logic circuit may provide power to the switch, for example, as a time varying signal, which may then be presented to the logic circuit as input when the switch is properly actuated. The logic circuit may then compare the input from the switch with the signal sent to the switch to determine if a fault is present, or if the switch is operating properly.

Abstract: A switching assembly configured to use different sensing technologies to detect a button press and to thereby determine when the switch is malfunctioning. The switch assembly may include an actuator that is configured to selectively open or close an electric circuit, and may also include a sensor responsive to the position of the actuator. A logic circuit may be included that is configured to compare input from the sensor with input from the circuit the switch is electrically connected to so as to determine whether the switch assembly is operating properly. The logic circuit may generate a signal indicating the operational status of the switch and may optionally provide this signal to a fault detection circuit. The actuator, sensor, and logic circuit may also be mounted within a common housing thus providing a single installation package.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reporting on vehicle characteristics determined by the control system of a multi-speed automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. The control system may output a vehicle mass alert based on a relationship between a vehicle mass threshold and a determined vehicle mass satisfying a condition. The control system may output a vehicle road grade alert based on a relationship between a vehicle road grade threshold and a determined vehicle road grade satisfying a condition.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement having a first coupler mounted for rotation with a first input gear, a second coupler mounted for rotation with a second input gear, and an input-gear selector mounted for rotation with an input shaft and positioned between the first and second couplers. The input-gear selector is movable on the input shaft relative to the first and second couplers. Engagement of the input-gear selector with the first coupler drives rotation of the first input gear with rotation of the input shaft, and engagement of the input-gear selector with the second coupler drives rotation of the second input gear with rotation of the input shaft.

Abstract: An electric powertrain includes a first electric motor that has an uninterrupted connection with a drive shaft of a vehicle. The electric powertrain further includes a first gear train that has an interruptible connection with the drive shaft. In one form, this interruptible connection includes a second carrier and a clutch engagement member. The electric powertrain further includes a sun gear in the form of a ring gear and planet gears in the form of a first output shaft. To provide a compact configuration, the first electric motor and the first gear train are sandwiched between the sun gear and the planet gears.

Abstract: A hydraulic system of a transmission having a controller and a variable displacement pump. The pump includes an inlet and outlet and is adapted to be driven by a torque-generating mechanism. The system also includes a lube circuit fluidly coupled to the pump. A lube regulator valve is disposed in the lube circuit, such that the lube regulator valve is configured to move between at least a regulated position and an unregulated position. The regulated position corresponds to a regulated pressure in the lube circuit. A pressure switch is fluidly coupled to the lube regulator valve and configured to move between a first position and a second position, where the switch is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. A solenoid is disposed in electrical communication with the controller and is controllably coupled to the pump to alter the displacement of the pump.

Abstract: Transmission systems, control systems for vehicles, and methods of operating vehicles are disclosed herein. A transmission system for a vehicle includes a transmission and a heat exchanger. The transmission is configured to receive rotational power supplied by a drive unit and provide the rotational power to a load in use of the transmission system. The heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to the transmission and configured to cool a sump of the transmission to manage transmission oil temperature in use of the transmission system. The transmission includes a control system having a plurality of sensors and a controller coupled to the plurality of sensors that has a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a transmission spool valve/valve body arrangement facilitating the manufacturing of the valve body chambers accommodating the spool valves. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure provides a valve body having a common datum from which machining for each valve cavity formed through a particular face of a valve body can be referenced. In particular embodiments of the disclosure, a spring biases a solenoid assembly for each valve against a datum (common or otherwise). In more particular embodiments of the disclosure, the spring biases the solenoid assembly in a direction opposite to the direction of actuation of the spool valve upon actuation of the solenoid assembly. The spring bias positively displaces the solenoid assembly to the datum for precision location of the solenoid relative to the various hydraulic ports of the respective valve chamber. A variety of spring clip arrangements are provided to index the solenoid to the valve body.

Abstract: A profiled wheel assembly for coupling to a shaft includes a profiled wheel having a first guide slot extending radially outwardly from a central aperture of the profiled wheel and a first assembly slot spaced apart from and parallel to the first guide slot. A retainer is supported on the profiled wheel for movement between a lock position wherein the retainer axially locks the profiled wheel relative to the shaft and a release position wherein the retainer axially unlocks the profiled wheel relative to the shaft.

Abstract: Transmissions, filter assemblies for transmissions, and valve assemblies for transmissions are disclosed herein. A transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a hydraulic system. The input shaft is configured to receive rotational power supplied by a drive unit. The output shaft is coupled to the input shaft and configured to provide rotational power supplied to the input shaft to a load. The hydraulic system is configured to supply fluid to one or more fluid demand devices coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft in one or more operating modes of the transmission. The hydraulic system includes a filter assembly having a filter element and a valve assembly fluidly coupled to the filter element.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a low floor vehicle is described herein. The axle assembly includes an axle housing and a drive unit for driving a wheel assembly. The axle housing including a first gearbox, a second gearbox and a cradle assembly coupling the first gear box to the second gear box. The axle assembly includes first and second hub assemblies that form a first axis of rotation. The first gearbox includes an electric motor that is coupled to a transmission used to rotate an output shaft. The first gearbox also includes a differential mounted for rotation with the transmission and a first drop box mounted for rotation with the differential. The axle assembly also includes a portal axle mounted for rotation with the first drop box and extends from the first gearbox to the second gearbox wherein the portal axle forms a second axis of rotation that is offset from the first axis of rotation of the hub assemblies.

Abstract: An electric powertrain includes a first electric motor that has an uninterrupted connection with a drive shaft of a vehicle. The electric powertrain further includes a second electric motor that has an interruptible connection with the drive shaft. In one form, this interruptible connection includes a clutch. The electric powertrain further includes a first gear train in the form of a first planetary gear and a second gear train in the form of a second planetary gear. The first gear train, second gear train, and clutch are arranged downstream from the first electric motor and second electric motor.

Abstract: An electric powertrain includes a first electric motor that has an uninterrupted connection with a drive shaft of a vehicle. The electric powertrain further includes a second electric motor that has an interruptible connection with the drive shaft. In one form, this interruptible connection includes a clutch. The electric powertrain further includes a first gear train in the form of a first planetary gear and a second gear train in the form of a second planetary gear. To provide a compact configuration, the first electric motor and second electric motor are arranged in a centerline orientation with the drive shaft.

Abstract: Valve assemblies, clips adapted for use in valve assemblies, and methods of assembling valve assemblies are disclosed herein. A valve assembly includes a solenoid, a valve body, and a clip. The valve body is coupled to the solenoid and extends along a valve body axis. The valve body includes a first inner surface that defines an interior passage, a second inner surface that defines a groove in fluid communication with the interior passage, and a shoulder defined at an interface between the first inner surface and the second inner surface. The clip is coupled to the solenoid and the valve body.

Abstract: An electric powertrain includes a first electric motor that has an uninterrupted connection with a drive shaft of a vehicle. The electric powertrain further includes a second electric motor that has an interruptible connection with the drive shaft. In one form, this interruptible connection includes a clutch. The electric powertrain further includes a first gear train in the form of a first planetary gear and a second gear train in the form of a second planetary gear. The clutch in one variation includes a positive clutch in the form of a dog clutch. The dog clutch has a clutch suspension configured to deflect a clutch collar when gearing is misaligned during shifting.

Abstract: Vehicles that are relatively heavy and/or configured to transport heavy loads may utilize a powertrain comprising an electric machine capable of operating at high speeds and a multispeed transmission to propel the vehicle. An interface module is configured to modulate torque between the electric machine and the multispeed transmission allowing the electric machine to smoothly match speed as the multispeed transmission shifts between gears. The interface module facilitates efficient, predictable, and reliable modulation of torque between an input and an output of the powertrain of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wet clutch system includes fluid-flow apertures in the clutch piston which allow for reduction of oil shear forces between rotating clutch plates and a stationary piston. In particular the apertures pass through the piston in the area of the piston's engagement with the clutch plates. When the piston is in its deactivated position and spaced from the clutch plates, the radially-outward position of these apertures allows high-pressure, centrifugally-driven clutch fluid to migrate away from the clutch plates through the piston to a backfill cavity on the opposite side of the piston. An air-inlet aperture may be provided in or near the clutch hub to facilitate this oil migration.

Abstract: A rotatable transmission component rotatable about an axis of rotation includes a first mounting member spaced apart from a second mounting member and a spindle extending from the first mounting member to the second mounting member. An axial location of the spindle between the first and second mounting members is maintained by interference connections between the spindle and the first and second mounting members. An outer diameter of a first end of the spindle is larger than an outer diameter of a second end of the spindle. The rotatable transmission component may be a planet carrier, and a planet gear may be supported on the spindle.

Abstract: Transmissions, control systems for transmissions, and methods of operating transmissions are disclosed herein. A transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, one or more clutches, and a control system. The input shaft is configured to receive rotational power supplied by a drive unit. The output shaft is coupled to the input shaft and configured to provide rotational power supplied to the input shaft to a load. The one or more clutches are coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft to selectively transmit rotational power between the input shaft and the output shaft in one or more operating modes of the transmission. Each of the one or more clutches is selectively engageable in response to one or more fluid pressures applied thereto. The control system is configured to control operation of the one or more clutches to select the one or more operating modes of the transmission.