Abstract: A transmission includes a housing, an input shaft, a transfer shaft, a first and second transfer members, a continuous transfer member, a drive shaft, and a torque transmitting mechanism. The input shaft and transfer shaft are each rotatably supported by the housing and are parallel to each other. The first transfer member is connected for common rotation with the input shaft. The second transfer member is connected for common rotation with the transfer shaft. The continuous transfer member is engaged with each of the first and second transfer members. The drive shaft is disposed coaxially and partially covered by the transfer shaft. The torque transmitting mechanism selectively connects the transfer shaft with the drive shaft.

Abstract: A transmission includes a housing, an input shaft, a transfer shaft, a first and second transfer members, a continuous transfer member, a drive shaft, and a torque transmitting mechanism. The input shaft and transfer shaft are each rotatably supported by the housing and are parallel to each other. The first transfer member is connected for common rotation with the input shaft. The second transfer member is connected for common rotation with the transfer shaft. The continuous transfer member is engaged with each of the first and second transfer members. The drive shaft is disposed coaxially and partially covered by the transfer shaft. The torque transmitting mechanism selectively connects the transfer shaft with the drive shaft.

Abstract: A chain drive power take off assembly drives a hydraulic fluid pump from a torque converter input of a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a first, chain drive sprocket which is coupled to and driven by a engine output/torque converter input member such as an engine crankshaft or transmission input member, a chain and a second, driven chain sprocket which is coupled to a stub shaft and which, in turn, is coupled to an input shaft of the hydraulic pump. The driven sprocket resides in a housing secured to the side of the transmission and the pump is secured to the housing with its input shaft and axis of rotation disposed offset from and parallel to the axis of rotation of the transmission and torque converter input member.

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 chain drive power take off assembly drives a hydraulic fluid pump from a torque converter input of a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a first, chain drive sprocket which is coupled to and driven by a engine output/torque converter input member such as an engine crankshaft or transmission input member, a chain and a second, driven chain sprocket which is coupled to a stub shaft and which, in turn, is coupled to an input shaft of the hydraulic pump. The driven sprocket resides in a housing secured to the side of the transmission and the pump is secured to the housing with its input shaft and axis of rotation disposed offset from and parallel to the axis of rotation of the transmission and torque converter input member.

Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear, a carrier member supporting a plurality of planet pinion gears and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

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 transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear, a carrier member supporting a plurality of planet pinion gears and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: An assembly in a transmission of a motor vehicle for communicating lubrication oil to a bearing in a planetary gear set includes a planet carrier having a plate with an inner groove in communication with a slot of a bushing, a pinion hole, and a second passage that communicates between the inner groove and the pinion hole. The planet carrier further includes a pinion disposed within the pinion hole and a bearing disposed on the pinion for supporting a planetary gear. A groove is disposed in the pinion and is in communication with the second passage. A third passage extends from the groove into the pinion. A fourth passage extends from the third passage into the pinion along an axis of the pinion. A fifth passage extends from the fourth passage to the outer surface. Pressurized lubrication oil is communicated through the plate and pinion to the bearing.

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 input shaft for a hybrid transmission includes a cylindrical hollow shaft portion having internal and external surfaces. The internal surface defines an internal cavity coaxial with the hollow shaft portion and has a splined portion configured to allow power to be transferred to the hollow shaft portion. The input shaft may further include a freeze plug press-fit in the internal cavity, configured to fluidly seal the inner cavity in embodiments with a cavity extending throughout the input shaft. The splined portion may be a broached spline. A method of manufacturing a hybrid powertrain includes forming a hollow transmission input shaft and press-fitting a plug into it, such that the shaft is internally fluid sealed. The shaft is mated to the transmission which may then be filled with fluid and tested for operability. The shaft may be dry-mated to an engine output member for common rotation therewith.

Abstract: A seal for use between the housing of an automatic transmission and the housing (can) of a transmission drive motor is disposed at each end of the drive motor housing. The seal includes a preferably metal annulus having inner and outer elastomeric ribbed seals secured thereto. The annulus, which defines a non-hardened “S” shape in cross section, maintains the shape and strength of the seal and the ribbed inner seal provides a fluid tight seal with the motor housing while the ribbed outer seal provides a fluid tight seal with the transmission housing.

Abstract: A grounded clutch mechanism for a transmission includes a transmission housing and a backing plate fixedly secured to the transmission housing. The backing plate has a plurality of backing plate posts. A plurality of reaction plates have a plurality of radially-outward spline teeth configured to mate with the backing plate posts. Torque may be transferred between the backing plate and the reaction plates. The reaction plates do not transfer torque directly to the transmission housing. The backing plate may be radially symmetric with respect to an axis of rotation. A plurality of clutch plates may be configured to selectively transfer torque to the reaction plates. The clutch plates may be configured to be selectively rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation and the reaction plates are configured not to be rotatable with respect to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A transmission includes first and second clutch members rotatable about the same axis. An axial groove is formed in one of the members to distribute lubricating fluid to the other member. Preferably, clutch plates with radial grooves extend between the clutch members. Fluid flows from the axial groove through the radial groove and across faces of the clutch plates to separate the plates during disengagement in order to minimize spin losses.

Abstract: A motor module is configured for attachment to a transmission housing of a modular transmission assembly. The motor module includes a motor and a support structure. The motor is configured for rotation about a central axis and extends between a first end and a second end. The support structure is operatively connected to the motor such that the support structure at least partially supports the motor. The support structure at least partially extends across the second end of the motor. The support structure is configured for internal attachment to the housing.

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 seal for use between the housing of an automatic transmission and the housing (can) of a transmission drive motor is disposed at each end of the drive motor housing. The seal includes a preferably metal annulus having inner and outer elastomeric ribbed seals secured thereto. The annulus, which defines a non-hardened “S” shape in cross section, maintains the shape and strength of the seal and the ribbed inner seal provides a fluid tight seal with the motor housing while the ribbed outer seal provides a fluid tight seal with the transmission housing.

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: An input shaft for a hybrid transmission includes a cylindrical hollow shaft portion having internal and external surfaces. The internal surface defines an internal cavity coaxial with the hollow shaft portion and has a splined portion configured to allow power to be transferred to the hollow shaft portion. The input shaft may further include a freeze plug press-fit in the internal cavity, configured to fluidly seal the inner cavity in embodiments with a cavity extending throughout the input shaft. The splined portion may be a broached spline. A method of manufacturing a hybrid powertrain includes forming a hollow transmission input shaft and press-fitting a plug into it, such that the shaft is internally fluid sealed. The shaft is mated to the transmission which may then be filled with fluid and tested for operability. The shaft may be dry-mated to an engine output member for common rotation therewith.

Abstract: The present invention details a sleeve and bushing of an electromechanical automatic planetary transmission. The sleeve and bushing operate to confine the desired flow of transmission lubricant through the components of the planetary gear arrangement. Additionally, the sleeve and bushing assist in maintaining a sufficient pressure level in the cavity of the planetary carrier to enable the lubricant to reach the bearings of the pinion gear. Moreover, the radius or size of the bushing/sleeve arrangement can be adjusted to occupy the radial clearance or cavity between the sun gear and main shaft for an automatic transmission with axially separable splined sun gear and sun gear shaft.