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 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 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: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission, such as front wheel drive (FWD) automatic transmissions, for volume production applications are provided.

Abstract: A transmission includes provisions to mount two accessory drive units and to transmit power to the accessory drive units from an engine. The accessories are driven by an accessory drive gear that is coupled to a torque converter impeller as opposed to a turbine such that power is provided to the accessories regardless of the selected gear state or vehicle speed. The accessory drive gear also transmits power to an off-axis transmission pump. In one embodiment, power is transferred to the accessories via idler gears that is supported by the transmission housing and is present even when no accessory is installed. In another embodiment, the idler gear is supported by the accessory drive unit and is only present when the accessory is installed.

Abstract: A transfer case and transmission are designed to permit the transmission hydraulic control system to control a range selection coupler and a torque on demand clutch in the transfer case. Two pressure circuits are transmitted from the transmission to the transfer case: a high range circuit and a low range circuit. The low range circuit is pressurized to engage low range while the range circuit is pressurized to engage high range. The torque on demand clutch is controlled by whichever of these circuits has the higher pressure. Lubrication is provided to a front section of the transfer case via the transmission output shaft, with the fluid returning to the transmission sump through a drainback passageway. The rear portion of the transfer case has a segregated sump. A control strategy is employed to partially fill front section of the transfer case with fluid in preparation for vehicle towing.

Abstract: A transmission includes provisions to mount two accessory drive units and to transmit power to the accessory drive units from an engine. The accessories are driven by an accessory drive gear that is coupled to a torque converter impeller as opposed to a turbine such that power is provided to the accessories regardless of the selected gear state or vehicle speed. The accessory drive gear also transmits power to an off-axis transmission pump. In one embodiment, power is transferred to the accessories via idler gears that is supported by the transmission housing and is present even when no accessory is installed. In another embodiment, the idler gear is supported by the accessory drive unit and is only present when the accessory is installed.

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 multiple clutch module for an automatic transmission integrates at least two multi-plate wet clutches into a single module. Each of the clutches includes a set of separator plates interleaved with at least one friction plate and a piston configured to compress the separators plates and friction plates. The separator plates of the first clutch are splined to a housing along their inner diameter whereas the separator plates of the second clutch are splined to the housing along their outer diameter. Each piston is associated with an apply chamber and a balance chamber radially inside the respective separator plates and friction plates. The housing rotates about a central shaft. Pressurized fluid is supplied to the clutches from the shaft. The first and second balance chambers are connected by a passageway within the housing such that they can be supplied with fluid from a common orifice in the housing.

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 gearing arrangement includes four simple planetary gear sets arranged in two planes to reduce axial length. Six shift elements, including two input clutches, two output clutches, and two brakes, are engaged in combinations of three to establish nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The two output clutches may be assembled into a module suitable for testing before installation.

Abstract: A transmission includes a simple planetary gear set and several clutches. A first clutch selectively couples the carrier of the planetary gear set to a first shell. The housing of the first clutch is integrated with the planetary carrier. A piston return spring extends axially to occupy space between the planet gears. A second and third clutch share a common housing that is fixedly coupled to the ring gear. The second clutch selectively couples the ring gear to the sun gear. The third clutch selectively couples the ring gear to a second shell. The planetary gear set is axially located between the two clutch housings.

Abstract: A multiple clutch module for an automatic transmission integrates at least two multi-plate wet clutches into a single module. Each of the clutches includes a set of separator plates interleaved with at least one friction plate and a piston configured to compress the separators plates and friction plates. The separator plates of the first clutch are splined to a housing along their inner diameter whereas the separator plates of the second clutch are splined to the housing along their outer diameter. Each piston is associated with an apply chamber and a balance chamber radially inside the respective separator plates and friction plates. The housing rotates about a central shaft. Pressurized fluid is supplied to the clutches from the shaft. The first and second balance chambers are connected by a passageway within the housing such that they can be supplied with fluid from a common orifice in the housing.

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.

Abstract: A transmission gearing arrangement includes four simple planetary gear sets arranged in two planes to reduce axial length. Six shift elements, including two input clutches, two output clutches, and two brakes, are engaged in combinations of three to establish nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The two output clutches may be assembled into a module suitable for testing before installation.

Abstract: A transmission utilizes a three clutch module. The clutch module may be pre-assembled before it is assembled into the transmission. All three clutch packs are splined to a common shell at their outer diameter. One of the clutch pistons passes through openings in the clutch pack of one of the other clutches. The common shell is fixedly coupled to a hollow shaft through which the transmission input shaft protrudes. Pressurized fluid to engage the three clutches is routed through axial passageways in the input shaft.

Abstract: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission, such as front wheel drive (FWD) automatic transmissions, for volume production applications are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle transmission having a clutch assembly with a plurality of corrugations formed with respect to a hydraulic feed path for an apply piston.