Abstract: A system for monitoring a battery module having a plurality of cells includes a sensor adapted to obtain respective cell voltages of the plurality of cells. The controller is adapted to receive data from the sensor, the controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The controller is configured to sort the respective cell voltages to create a voltage ranking. The voltage ranking is repeated with at least one new set of cell voltage readings obtained at a predefined checking frequency. Differences in the voltage ranking of the plurality of cells are analyzed. The controller is adapted to control operation of the battery module based in part on differences in the voltage ranking. The controller may be adapted to predict likelihood of a thermal runway event based in part on the differences in the voltage ranking.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes a casing defining a first cavity and a second cavity inside the casing, with the first cavity selectively open to outside of the casing. The transmission also includes a platform at least partially disposed inside the casing to separate the first and second cavities. Furthermore, the transmission includes a power inverter module selectively disposed in the first cavity. The power inverter module includes a cooling system for cooling the power inverter module. The transmission also includes a guide attached to the platform and the casing within the second cavity such that the guide provides fluid communication between the cooling system of the power inverter module within the first cavity and outside of the casing while bypassing the second cavity.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed which includes a casing defining a first cavity and a second cavity inside the casing. A platform is at least partially disposed inside the casing to separate the first and second cavities. The platform defines a plurality of first apertures arranged together to define a first group. An interface assembly includes a first support and a plurality of first connectors attached to the first support to define a first bundle. The first support is selectively attached to the platform to position the first bundle relative to the platform such that each of the first connectors are disposed in respective ones of the first apertures of the first group. The first connectors are coupled to a power inverter module and a first motor/generator through the first apertures of the platform to electrically connect the power inverter module and the first motor/generator to each other.

Abstract: An electrical system includes an alternating current (AC) connector rod assembly and a polyphase electric machine. The electric machine has a plurality of phase leads each electrically connected to the AC connector rod assembly. The assembly includes spaced AC connector rods each having a center axis. The assembly also includes insulating housings and a carrier plate defining through holes that receive and space the AC connector rods. The carrier plate defines features that engage mating features of the insulating housings while allowing each of the rods to rotate about its respective center axis within the carrier plate. A vehicle includes a direct current (DC) battery pack, a DC bus, an AC bus, a PIM that is electrically connected on a first side to the DC bus and on a second side to the AC bus, the AC connector rod assembly, a traction motor, and a transmission.

Abstract: An active/passive system for managing the temperature of fluid within an automatic transmission includes two heat exchangers, an active solenoid valve and a passive wax motor valve. A first heat exchanger provides transmission fluid heating and receives a flow of engine coolant. A second heat exchanger provides transmission fluid cooling and is exposed to ambient air. The solenoid valve which is preferably driven by a signal from a transmission control module (TCM) and the wax motor valve cooperate to provide three states of operation: transmission fluid heating, that is, heat added, cooling, that is, heat removed and pass-through or bypass (without heating or cooling).

Abstract: A vehicle including a vehicle body is disclosed. A transmission casing includes a plurality of walls extending outwardly to a distal edge. One of the walls defines a first side and another one of the walls defines a second side. A power inverter module is coupled to the transmission casing to define a unit disposed in a first position when the unit is stationary relative to a first end of the vehicle body and a second position when the unit moves toward a second end of the vehicle body. The power inverter module slopes downwardly from the first side toward the second side to define a module angle relative to a longitudinal axis such that the power inverter module defines an angular position. The angular position of the power inverter module minimizes engagement of the power inverter module with a component when the unit is in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle including a vehicle body is disclosed. A transmission casing includes a plurality of walls extending outwardly to a distal edge. One of the walls defines a first side and another one of the walls defines a second side. A power inverter module is coupled to the transmission casing to define a unit disposed in a first position when the unit is stationary relative to a first end of the vehicle body and a second position when the unit moves toward a second end of the vehicle body. The power inverter module slopes downwardly from the first side toward the second side to define a module angle relative to a longitudinal axis such that the power inverter module defines an angular position. The angular position of the power inverter module minimizes engagement of the power inverter module with a component when the unit is in the second position.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes a casing. The casing includes a base and a plurality of walls extending outwardly away from the base to a distal edge. The casing defines a first cavity and a second cavity between the walls. The transmission also includes a platform disposed between the walls to separate the first and second cavities. The first cavity is disposed adjacent to the distal edge of each of the walls. The transmission further includes a power inverter module defining a self-contained unit selectively disposed in the first cavity. The self-contained unit is supported by the platform when in the first cavity.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission includes a casing defining a first cavity and a second cavity inside the casing, with the first cavity selectively open to outside of the casing. The transmission also includes a platform at least partially disposed inside the casing to separate the first and second cavities. Furthermore, the transmission includes a power inverter module selectively disposed in the first cavity. The power inverter module includes a cooling system for cooling the power inverter module. The transmission also includes a guide attached to the platform and the casing within the second cavity such that the guide provides fluid communication between the cooling system of the power inverter module within the first cavity and outside of the casing while bypassing the second cavity.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed which includes a casing defining a first cavity and a second cavity inside the casing. A platform is at least partially disposed inside the casing to separate the first and second cavities. The platform defines a plurality of first apertures arranged together to define a first group. An interface assembly includes a first support and a plurality of first connectors attached to the first support to define a first bundle. The first support is selectively attached to the platform to position the first bundle relative to the platform such that each of the first connectors are disposed in respective ones of the first apertures of the first group. The first connectors are coupled to a power inverter module and a first motor/generator through the first apertures of the platform to electrically connect the power inverter module and the first motor/generator to each other.

Abstract: An electrical system includes an alternating current (AC) connector rod assembly and a polyphase electric machine. The electric machine has a plurality of phase leads each electrically connected to the AC connector rod assembly. The assembly includes spaced AC connector rods each having a center axis. The assembly also includes insulating housings and a carrier plate defining through holes that receive and space the AC connector rods. The carrier plate defines features that engage mating features of the insulating housings while allowing each of the rods to rotate about its respective center axis within the carrier plate. A vehicle includes a direct current (DC) battery pack, a DC bus, an AC bus, a PIM that is electrically connected on a first side to the DC bus and on a second side to the AC bus, the AC connector rod assembly, a traction motor, and a transmission.

Abstract: An active/passive system for managing the temperature of fluid within an automatic transmission includes two heat exchangers, an active solenoid valve and a passive wax motor valve. A first heat exchanger provides transmission fluid heating and receives a flow of engine coolant. A second heat exchanger provides transmission fluid cooling and is exposed to ambient air. The solenoid valve which is preferably driven by a signal from a transmission control module (TCM) and the wax motor valve cooperate to provide three states of operation: transmission fluid heating, that is, heat added, cooling, that is, heat removed and pass-through or bypass (without heating or cooling).

Abstract: A pump-motor assembly includes a motor housing, a motor disposed substantially within the motor housing, and a pumping element driven by the motor. A pressurized region is filled with a fluid pressurized by the pumping element, and a fluid passage is in fluid communication with the pressurized region and the motor housing. Fluid flows from the pressurized region to the motor housing and at least partially submerges the motor.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission includes two electric motor modules and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motor modules and to an engine. The motor modules each include integral wire connections such that as the motor modules are physically inserted into the hybrid transmission during assembly, the electrical connections may be easily established.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission including two electric motors and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motors and to an engine is provided. Novel motor features are provided including structure adapted to improve reliability and to facilitate assembly. More precisely, a method is provided for locating and installing the components of a motor, including a rotor and a stator, within a covered housing to form a motor module. A plurality of rotor bearings and a position/speed sensor are also preferably added to the motor module. After the motor module is assembled, the motor may be tested and thereafter the motor module can be installed into a hybrid transmission as a single component utilizing conventional transmission assembly methods.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with an engine output member and a transmission with two motor/generators and a transmission input member operatively connected to the engine output member. A control unit is configured to selectively cause a device to resist or prevent rotation of the input member in response to the existence of certain conditions, such as the engine not supplying torque to the transmission and the transmission being in reverse operating mode. Resisting or preventing rotation of the input member improves transmission performance when only the motor/generators are supplying torque to propel the vehicle. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method and apparatus for cooling a hybrid transmission electric motor. More precisely, an annular chamber is formed between a housing for the electric motor and a transmission housing. Coolant is disposed in the annular chamber and is applied to the electric motor through a plurality of coolant apertures in the motor housing to cool the motor.

Abstract: A shift control assembly and method includes a shift linkage, a shift control rod, and a retainer member. The retainer member is secured to the shift control linkage in a manner such that a fastener integral with the linkage extends through a portion of the retainer clip. The shift control rod is secured to the retainer by clip portions formed thereon in a manner such that a final assembly threaded member can be secured on the fastener member of the shift linkage to complete the shift control assembly. The assembly method involves providing a shift link with a fastener secured thereto, assembling a retainer on the shift link, assembling a control rod on the retainer, and securing the assembly together with a fastener member securely engaging the fastener secured to the shift link.

Abstract: A shift control assembly and method includes a shift linkage, a shift control rod, and a retainer member. The retainer member is secured to the shift control linkage in a manner such that a fastener integral with the linkage extends through a portion of the retainer clip. The shift control rod is secured to the retainer by clip portions formed thereon in a manner such that a final assembly threaded member can be secured on the fastener member of the shift linkage to complete the shift control assembly. The assembly method involves providing a shift link with a fastener secured thereto, assembling a retainer on the shift link, assembling a control rod on the retainer, and securing the assembly together with a fastener member securely engaging the fastener secured to the shift link.