Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.

Abstract: An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.

Abstract: A low inertia clutch and gear assembly for disposition on a countershaft of a dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT) includes a gear which is in constant mesh with a gear secured to the input shaft of the transmission and which is freely rotatably disposed on one of the countershafts or lay shafts. The lower inertia components of the clutch, i.e., the clutch hub and the smaller diameter friction plates are secured to the countershaft whereas the higher inertia components, i.e., the clutch housing, the larger diameter friction plates, the reaction plate, the piston and the return springs, rotate with the gear.

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: An assembly and method is provided for reducing clutch wear due to centrifugal apply pressure within a clutch-apply cavity. The assembly comprises a rotatable clutch housing, a clutch-apply piston disposed within a clutch-apply cavity, and a balance piston. The balance and apply pistons define a balance cavity including a liquid fill channel and a dedicated air exhaust channel having a control radius configured to at least partially offset or compensate for the centrifugal apply force generated within the clutch-apply cavity when the clutch assembly rotates. The method includes configuring the balance cavity with an exhaust channel for exhausting fluid, and providing the exhaust channel with a control radius determined by the innermost radius of rotating fluid within the balance cavity as measured with respect to the centerline of rotation of the clutch assembly, the control radius being suitable for exhausting any excess of centrifugal balance force over centrifugal apply force.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, a first component supported on the shaft, a second component supported on the shaft, and an isolator positioned between the first component and the second component. The second component configured such that the second component induces a force having a component parallel to the axis of the shaft. The force component parallel to the axis of the shaft induced by the second component is transferred directly to the shaft by the isolator and is isolated from the first component.

Abstract: An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: A sliding clutch assembly for selectively rotatingly coupling a first shaft or member to a second shaft or member includes a piston housed within the first member. The piston is rotatingly coupled to the first member. The piston is moveable between two positions. In the first position, the piston does not engage the second member. In the second position, a feature on the piston engages a feature on the second member such that the piston is rotatingly coupled to both the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and an intermediate member coaxially aligned with the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes at least one countershaft substantially parallel with the input member, output member and the intermediate member, and at least one gear associated with each of the input member, the output member, intermediate member, at least one countershaft. The transmission also includes a planetary gear set to operatively couple a gear of the at least one gear associated with the intermediate shaft with the output shaft, and a plurality of clutches to selectively define a torque transfer path from the input member to the output member via one or more of the intermediate member, first countershaft, second countershaft, and the at least one associated gears therewith. The plurality of clutches include a direct drive clutch to selectively couple the input member directly to the intermediate member.

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: This invention relates to the housing of a hybrid electro-mechanical transmission consisting of park pawl system located in the end cover portion of the transmission housing. The end cover portion is configured to cover the park pawl system and allow access to the components of the park pawl system for assembly or service even as the end cover portion remains attached to the main housing of the transmission. Beyond providing coverage to the park pawl system, the end cover portion also provides structural support to a main housing portion during operation of the transmission. A method of assembling a park pawl system between main and end cover portions of a transmission housing is also provided.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low inertia clutch and gear assembly for disposition on a countershaft of a dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The assembly includes a gear which is in constant mesh with a gear secured to the input shaft of the transmission and which is freely rotatably disposed on one of the countershafts or lay shafts. The lower inertia components of the clutch, i.e., the clutch hub and the smaller diameter friction plates are secured to the countershaft whereas the higher inertia components, i.e., the clutch housing, the larger diameter friction plates, the reaction plate, the piston and the return springs, rotate with the gear.

Abstract: An assembly and method is provided for reducing clutch wear due to centrifugal apply pressure within a clutch-apply cavity. The assembly comprises a rotatable clutch housing, a clutch-apply piston disposed within a clutch-apply cavity, and a balance piston. The balance and apply pistons define a balance cavity including a liquid fill channel and a dedicated air exhaust channel having a control radius configured to at least partially offset or compensate for the centrifugal apply force generated within the clutch-apply cavity when the clutch assembly rotates. The method includes configuring the balance cavity with an exhaust channel for exhausting fluid, and providing the exhaust channel with a control radius determined by the innermost radius of rotating fluid within the balance cavity as measured with respect to the centerline of rotation of the clutch assembly, the control radius being suitable for exhausting any excess of centrifugal balance force over centrifugal apply force.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to grounding the mechanical loads of an electrically variable transmission with a park pawl system located in the end cover portion of the transmission housing. The end cover portion is configured to cover the park pawl system and engagement gear. A support hub is interfittable with the end cover portion of the transmission and sufficiently secured thereto so as to ground the park pawl loads. The hub also functions to guide oil to the cavity of a piston-clutch assembly. A method of securing a hub to an electrically variable transmission housing is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and structure for minimizing noise output of the electric motors of an electrically variable transmission by placing springs between the ball bearings of the motors and a housing part of the motor assembly. The springs are preferably disc or wave springs configured to consistently force the balls against the race of the ball bearings, thereby minimizing the noise output of the electrically variable transmission when in operation.

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: This invention relates to an actuable park pawl system for a hybrid electro-mechanical transmission located in the end cover portion of the transmission housing. The end cover portion is configured to cover the park pawl system and ancillary components such as the actuator guide. This enables the actuator guide to be an open-ended structure. A method of securing a park engagement system with an open-ended actuator guide in a vehicle transmission is further provided.