Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, up to six selectable torque-transfer devices and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and at least four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transmitting devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.

Abstract: A support structure for a rotor within a transmission system is provided. The cantilevered support structure is umbrella-shaped to create an area of space between the rotor and the main shaft where other vehicle components, such as a gear set or system of clutches, may be packaged. The cantilevered support structure may be a true cantilever or a steady-rested cantilever. The support structure maintains the rotor at a distance from the transmission main shaft to maintain torque within the system while compacting packaging requirements. A second cantilevered support structure is wineglass-shaped to create a second area of packaging space between the rotor and the main shaft. The support structures may be telescoped to further compact the transmission.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission pump bearing assembly having an integral seal. The apparatus preferably includes an outer race retained by a pump body such that the outer race is fixed relative thereto. An inner race is disposed radially within the outer race, and is engaged by a damper hub such that the inner race rotates along with the damper hub. The inner race includes a radially recessed portion adapted to accommodate a seal and maintain tight clearance to control leakage. A plurality of bearing members are disposed radially between the inner race and the outer race. The seal disposed within the radially recessed portion of the inner race is configured to engage the pump body and thereby seal an interface between the inner race and the pump body such that leaked hydraulic fluid is restricted from passing therebetween. A bearing cage is configured to axially retain and/or to maintain circumferential spacing of the plurality of bearing members.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators and five or six selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to provide an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse), four or more mechanically fixed forward speed ratios and at least one mechanical reverse speed ratio. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide six operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, fixed forward mode and mechanical reverse mode.

Abstract: An improved hybrid transmission including two electric motor/generator modules and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motor/generators and to an engine is provided. Novel structural and packaging schemes enhance the function and efficiency of the transmission. More precisely, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for applying an adjustable load to internal rotating components of the hybrid transmission to maximize efficiency thereof.

Abstract: A pumping system for a transmission system having a single pump functionally connected to a mechanical power source and an electrical power source is provided. The connections between the pump and the mechanical power source and electrical power source include at least one roller clutch, which permits only one of the power sources to drive the pump at any given time. Additionally, the functional connections, which may be chains, provide that the pump and the electrical power source may be located non-coaxial with the center axis of the transmission system, as may be preferred for improved packaging. The dual-chain and roller clutch pumping system is appropriate for gasoline/ electric hybrid vehicles where pumping may be necessary when the engine is off and limited packaging space is available in the transmission housing.

Abstract: A support structure for a rotor within a transmission system is provided. The cantilevered support structure is umbrella-shaped to create an area of space between the rotor and the main shaft where other vehicle components, such as a gear set or system of clutches, may be packaged. The cantilevered support structure may be a true cantilever or a steady-rested cantilever. The support structure maintains the rotor at a distance from the transmission main shaft to maintain torque within the system while compacting packaging requirements. A second cantilevered support structure is wineglass-shaped to create a second area of packaging space between the rotor and the main shaft. The support structures may be telescoped to further compact the transmission.

Abstract: A dog clutch operable as an engine/motor disconnect clutch within a gasoline/electric transmission system is provided. The clutch is housed on the main shaft of the transmission. The main shaft is divided into a first main shaft portion releasably connected to a first electric motor/generator and a first gear set and a second main shaft portion connected to a second electric motor/generator and second gear set. The clutch includes a hydraulically actuatable piston slidably located coaxially with the first main shaft portion and second main shaft portion. The first main shaft portion is spring-biased and juxtaposed with the piston. A member of the first gear set is releasably engaged with the first main shaft portion which, through the second main shaft portion, is engaged with a member of the second gear set.

Abstract: An electromechanical transmission includes a motor/generator having a stator and a rotor and including a structural support member that supports the stator in fixed relation thereto and the rotor in rotational relation thereto. By supporting both the stator and the rotor, the structural support member substantially controls a spatial relationship (i.e., the gap in which a magnetic field is created) between the stator and rotor.

Abstract: A flow-sensing shutoff valve connectable between upstream and downstream portions of a hydraulic system comprises a valve body having pressure entrance and return exit ports connectable to the upstream portion of the system, and pressure exit and return entrance ports connectable to the downstream portion of the system. A valve element within the valve body is movable between a normally open position in which the pressure and return entrance and exit ports are connected by separate passages in the valve body, and a closed position in which the passages are blocked. Pressure and return flowmeters are adapted to sense fluid flow in the passages between the valve element and the pressure exit port and the return exit port, respectively.