Abstract: A motor resolver assembly includes a resolver stator and a resolver rotor positioned radially inward of and rotatable with respect to the resolver stator. First and second relatively rotatable shield components generally surround the resolver stator and rotor to shield them from electromagnetic energy from a radially outward motor rotor and motor stator. A method of measuring speed and position of the motor rotor relative to the motor stator is also employed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently cooling and lubricating rotating components in a hybrid transmission is provided. By efficiently managing cooling flow to and between the rotating elements, flow requirements and associated pumping requirements within the drive unit are minimized. In addition, by providing a method for placing the fluid directly on the required components, spin losses associated with component contact with stray oil are reduced. Combined, the reduction in pumping and spin losses create a more efficient drive unit and an overall more efficient hybrid drive system which directly leads to higher fuel economy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsional damper for an electrically-variable transmission. The torsional damper is equipped with a lock-out clutch to directly couple the engine to the input shaft of the transmission. The electric motors provided with the electrically-variable transmission can serve to effectively cancel out engine compression pulses when the springs of the torsional damper are locked out. The present invention also includes damper springs of variable rates to effectively attenuate distinctive or inconsistent torque fluctuations when the engine is operating in displacement-on-demand mode.

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. An access cover and seal for the access opening in the end cover portion is also provided. The access opening is designed to be small enough so that the end cover portion can also provides structural support to a main housing portion during operation of the transmission. A method of selectively providing access to a park pawl system located in the end cover portion of a transmission housing is also provided.

Abstract: An improved hybrid electro-mechanical vehicular transmission includes motor/generator modules assembled from like components. This is accomplished by providing “punch-out” tabs on the motor/generator module housing enabling the housing to be used on either the first or second motor/generator module within a hybrid electro-mechanical vehicular transmission, thus enabling like components to be used within both the first and second motor/generator module.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting mechanism has a plurality of friction plates, which are forced into engagement by a fluid-operated piston and reacted in engagement by a backing plate. The backing plate is assembled on a rotatable shaft to be aligned with splines on the shaft to prevent axial removal of the backing plate without rotation thereof which is restricted due to a spline engagement between the backing plate and the shaft.

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 torque-transmitting mechanism has a plurality of friction plates, which are forced into engagement by a fluid-operated piston and reacted in engagement by a backing plate. The backing plate is assembled on a rotatable shaft to be aligned with splines on the shaft to prevent axial removal of the backing plate without rotation thereof which is restricted due to a spline engagement between the backing plate and the shaft.

Abstract: A clutch assembly of the present invention includes a clutch housing having a plurality of housing splines. A plurality of clutch plates are disposed within the housing splines. The clutch assembly further includes a clutch hub having a plurality of hub splines. A plurality of friction plates are disposed within the hub splines and are interposed between the plurality of clutch plates. An apply piston is adapted to engage the clutch plates and the friction plates. The clutch assembly also includes a balance piston having a shoulder portion. A retaining ring is disposed in a retainer groove defined by a rotating shaft. The retaining ring is adapted to engage the balance piston such that the retaining ring is radially retained by the shoulder portion and the retaining ring therefore cannot expand and slip out of the retainer groove. A return spring is preferably disposed between the apply piston and the balance piston.

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: The present invention relates to a torsional damper for an electrically-variable transmission. The torsional damper is equipped with a lock-out clutch to directly couple the engine to the input shaft of the transmission. The electric motors provided with the electrically-variable transmission can serve to effectively cancel out engine compression pulses when the springs of the torsional damper are locked out. The present invention also includes damper springs of variable rates to effectively attenuate distinctive or inconsistent torque fluctuations when the engine is operating in displacement-on-demand mode.

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 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 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: 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. An access cover and seal for the access opening in the end cover portion is also provided. The access opening is designed to be small enough so that the end cover portion can also provides structural support to a main housing portion during operation of the transmission. A method of selectively providing access to a park pawl system located in the end cover portion of a 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: 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: A motor resolver assembly includes a resolver stator and a resolver rotor positioned radially inward of and rotatable with respect to the resolver stator. First and second relatively rotatable shield components generally surround the resolver stator and rotor to shield them from electromagnetic energy from a radially outward motor rotor and motor stator. A method of measuring speed and position of the motor rotor relative to the motor stator is also employed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently cooling and lubricating rotating components in a hybrid transmission is provided. By efficiently managing cooling flow to and between the rotating elements, flow requirements and associated pumping requirements within the drive unit are minimized. In addition, by providing a method for placing the fluid directly on the required components, spin losses associated with component contact with stray oil are reduced. Combined, the reduction in pumping and spin losses create a more efficient drive unit and an overall more efficient hybrid drive system which directly leads to higher fuel economy.