Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft, and a primary drive gear fixed to the input shaft. The primary gear has a first set of gear teeth. An idler gear is disposed in the transmission and has a second set of gear teeth in meshing engagement with the first set of gear teeth. The transmission also includes a transmission-pump drive gear having a third set of gear teeth in meshing engagement with the second set of gear teeth. The transmission-pump drive gear is configured to transmit power from the input shaft to a transmission pump. A power take-off unit is mounted to a case of the transmission and includes a first unit drive gear having a fourth set of gear teeth in meshing engagement with the second set of teeth. The a first unit drive gear is configured to transmit power from the idler gear to the power take-off.

Abstract: A family of transmission gearing arrangements produces nine forward and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of various combinations of three clutches or brakes. Each transmission gearing arrangement includes a front shiftable gearing arrangement configured to establish a variety of speed ratios between an intermediate shaft and an input shaft. These speed ratios include a reverse speed ratio, a zero speed ratio, two underdrive ratios, and a direct ratio. Each transmission also includes a rear shiftable gearing arrangement configured to selectively establish particular speed relationships. Engagement of a clutch in the rear shiftable gearing arrangement establishes an underdrive ratio between the output shaft and the intermediate shaft. Engagement of another clutch in the rear shiftable gearing arrangement constrains the speed of the input shaft to be a weighted average between the speed of the intermediate shaft and the output shaft.

Abstract: A transmission includes a case having a front support that defines a reservoir, and a first passageway in fluid communication with the reservoir. The transmission also includes a torque converter having a bypass clutch having a piston disposed between a balance chamber and an apply chamber. The clutch fixes the turbine to the impeller in response to fluid pressure in the apply chamber exceeding fluid pressure in the balance chamber. The transmission further includes a hollow stator shaft fixed to the front support and a turbine shaft driveably connected to the turbine. The turbine shaft extends through the stator shaft and defines a second passageway in fluid communication with the first passageway and the balance chamber. The reservoir, the first passageway, the second passageway, and the balance chamber are arranged such that fluid travels from the reservoir to the balance chamber when the piston is de-stroked.

Abstract: A hybrid rear axle provides a variety of functionality in addition to the functionality of a non-hybrid axle. The axle transmits power from an electric motor to the drive wheels at two selectable speed ratios to propel the vehicle. One of the two ratios is usable to propel the vehicle electrically with the engine stopped. With the drive wheels stationary, the axle transmits power from the driveshaft to the motor to charge a battery or from the motor to the driveshaft to start the engine.

Abstract: Various packaging designs for placement of a magnetic torque sensor at the output shaft of a front wheel drive transmission are provided. One design provides for mounting a sensor on a chain drive sprocket or integrating a sensor into a modified sprocket bearing mount. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the grounded ring gear of a final planetary drive. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the differential housing. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the output planetary carrier hub/park gear. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at a multi-piece transfer gear face.

Abstract: A transmission includes a case having a front support that defines a reservoir, and a first passageway in fluid communication with the reservoir. The transmission also includes a torque converter having a bypass clutch having a piston disposed between a balance chamber and an apply chamber. The clutch fixes the turbine to the impeller in response to fluid pressure in the apply chamber exceeding fluid pressure in the balance chamber. The transmission further includes a hollow stator shaft fixed to the front support and a turbine shaft driveably connected to the turbine. The turbine shaft extends through the stator shaft and defines a second passageway in fluid communication with the first passageway and the balance chamber. The reservoir, the first passageway, the second passageway, and the balance chamber are arranged such that fluid travels from the reservoir to the balance chamber when the piston is de-stroked.

Abstract: A family of transmission gearing arrangements produces nine forward and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of various combinations of three clutches or brakes. Each transmission gearing arrangement includes a front shiftable gearing arrangement configured to establish a variety of speed ratios between an intermediate shaft and an input shaft. These speed ratios include a reverse speed ratio, a zero speed ratio, two underdrive ratios, and a direct ratio. Each transmission also includes a rear shiftable gearing arrangement configured to selectively establish particular speed relationships among the input shaft, the intermediate shaft, and an output shaft.

Abstract: Two brakes of a transmission utilize the transmission front support as a clutch housing. One brake, which selectively holds a sun gear against rotation, is located on the inside of a cylindrical wall of the front support. A second brake, which selectively holds a ring gear against rotation, is located on the outside of the cylindrical wall. The clutch pack of the inner brake is splined to the inner surface of the cylindrical wall. The reaction plate of the first clutch pack includes radial fingers that extend between axial fingers of the cylindrical wall. The portion of the reaction plate that extends to the outer side of the cylindrical wall provides a reaction for a return spring of the outer brake.

Abstract: A powertrain incorporates a link shaft between the transmission output shaft and downstream components in order to facilitate use of a torque sensor. The link shaft includes an inner section splined to the output shaft and an outer section treated to produce a magnetic field that varies based on transmitted torque. The inner section and outer section are separated by a circumferential gap that directs the torque past the treated surface. Use of the link shaft eliminates the need to directly treat the transmission output shaft. Separating the spline and the treated surface radially reduces the axial length required for torque sensing and allows commonality among variants with and without torque sensors and between two wheel drive and four wheel drive variants.

Abstract: A torque converter utilizes four distinct fluid passageways. The torque converter hydrodynamic chamber is supplied with fluid via a passageway that includes a gap between a stator shaft insert and a turbine shaft. Fluid returns from the hydrodynamic chamber via a passageway that is formed between a hollow stator shaft and the stator shaft insert. The torque converter includes a bypass clutch with an apply chamber and a return chamber. Fluid is routed to the apply chamber via a passageway that includes a gap between a hollow portion of the turbine shaft and a turbine shaft insert. Fluid is routed between the balance chamber and an elevated exhaust via a passageway that runs through the turbine shaft insert.

Abstract: A family of hybrid electric transmissions operate in at least three modes based on selective engagement of shift elements. In a low mode, torque in a mechanical power flow path is multiplied for better low speed performance. At higher vehicle speeds, the transmission shifts into a high mode to improve efficiency. Some embodiments include a reverse mode. In other embodiments, a series mode may be used in reverse. The shift elements may include friction clutches, positive engagement clutches, and controllable one way clutches.

Abstract: A transmission gearing arrangement has four simple planetary gear sets and six shift elements. The six shift elements are engaged in combinations of three to establish ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. A four clutch module selectively couples an intermediate shaft to four different gearing elements. One shift element is a brake.

Abstract: A transmission includes a case, a torque sensor, and a two-piece output shaft. The torque sensor is attached to the case and defines an inner diameter. The two-piece output shaft assembly is partially disposed within the case and includes a planet carrier operably coupled to a shaft extending through the inner diameter. The carrier and the shaft are separate components that are directly connected together and the carrier defines a park gear.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft, and a primary drive gear fixed to the input shaft. The primary gear has a first set of gear teeth. An idler gear is disposed in the transmission and has a second set of gear teeth in meshing engagement with the first set of gear teeth. The transmission also includes a transmission-pump drive gear having a third set of gear teeth in meshing engagement with the second set of gear teeth. The transmission-pump drive gear is configured to transmit power from the input shaft to a transmission pump. A power take-off unit is mounted to a case of the transmission and includes a first unit drive gear having a fourth set of gear teeth in meshing engagement with the second set of teeth. The a first unit drive gear is configured to transmit power from the idler gear to the power take-off.

Abstract: A clutch hub is splined to a planetary ring gear and a second rotating element, coupling the two elements. The spline defines a number of axial fluid distribution channels that conduct fluid from an interior radial passageway beside the ring gear to exterior radial passageways over the ring gear. These axial passageways permit packaging the clutch pack directly over the ring gear without drilling holes in the hardened gear material. The axial channels may be defined by radial space between the splined components. Alternatively or additionally, some spline teeth may be omitted to define larger axial channels.

Abstract: A front wheel drive transmission is adapted for all-wheel drive by the addition of a selectively engageable power take-off shaft. When a disconnect clutch is engaged, power may be transferred to rear wheels via a power take-off unit and a rear drive unit to improve vehicle mobility. When the disconnect clutch is disengaged, various components of the all-wheel drive system do not rotate, reducing parasitic losses and improving fuel economy. To provide packaging space for the disconnect clutch, the differential is moved to the left (driver side) of the driven transfer gear. A planetary differential, such as a double pinion planetary differential, is suitable for this location.

Abstract: Two brakes of a transmission utilize the transmission front support as a clutch housing. One brake, which selectively holds a sun gear against rotation, is located on the inside of a cylindrical wall of the front support. A second brake, which selectively holds a ring gear against rotation, is located on the outside of the cylindrical wall. The clutch pack of the inner brake is splined to the inner surface of the cylindrical wall. The reaction plate of the first clutch pack includes radial fingers that extend between axial fingers of the cylindrical wall. The portion of the reaction plate that extends to the outer side of the cylindrical wall provides a reaction for a return spring of the outer brake.

Abstract: A family of hybrid electric transmissions operate in at least three modes based on selective engagement of shift elements. In a low mode, torque in a mechanical power flow path is multiplied for better low speed performance. At higher vehicle speeds, the transmission shifts into a high mode to improve efficiency. Some embodiments include a reverse mode. In other embodiments, a series mode may be used in reverse. The shift elements may include friction clutches, positive engagement clutches, and controllable one way clutches.

Abstract: A clutch hub is selectively held against rotation by a brake and selectively coupled to an input shaft by a clutch. The clutch pack for the brake is splined to the outside of the clutch hub while the clutch pack for the clutch is splined to the inside. To reduce axial length, the clutch packs are packaged radially outside of a gear set, increasing the diameter of the clutch hub. When the clutch hub is subjected to high rotational speeds, high centrifugal stresses result. These stresses are reduced by openings in the spline teeth and in the recesses between the spline teeth. Fluid flow to the outer clutch pack is controlled by openings in a clutch housing.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle axle includes two separate pinion gears meshing with a single beveled ring gear. One pinion gear conveys power from the internal combustion powertrain while the other pinion conveys power from an electric motor. Power from the electric motor is conditioned by a two-speed gearbox between the electric motor and the second pinion gear. The gearbox may utilize layshaft gearing or planetary gearing such as a Ravgneaux gear set.