Abstract: Induced currents in a multi-phase AC motor may be attenuated by operating the multi-phase AC motor with an AC choke surrounding an AC bus providing multi-phase AC voltage to multi-phase AC stator windings in a stator, wherein the AC choke may include an effective bandwidth at least covering resonant frequencies of a capacitance between the multi-phase AC stator windings and the stator or a frame of the AC motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved, real time sensing of pressure supplied to the hydraulic operator of a clutch for a motor vehicle driveline power take off. A proportional sensor in the hydraulic line to the power take off clutch actuator provides a data signal in real time of the actual pressure applied to the clutch actuator. This signal is provided to the power take off control module (PCM) and/or to the transmission control module (TCM). The power take off control module, having instantaneous data regarding the pressure applied to the hydraulic operator achieves two important operating functions: monitoring and feedback.

Abstract: Assembly tools or aides assist the installation of chains and sprockets for a power take off in a motor vehicle automatic transmission. A first tool is an assembly clip having a semi-circular channel that engages the periphery of a chain disposed about a socket. The clip facilitates installation of the chain and a first sprocket through a slot or other opening in the side of a transmission housing while a second sprocket is being secured to a transmission shaft and the chain is engaged thereabout. The clip also facilitates positioning of the first sprocket in a desired location, typically on a driven shaft while retaining the chain thereabout. A second tool includes a pair of elongate, parallel pins which cooperate with the clip and the first sprocket to hold it in place during assembly of certain components of the transmission such as a power take off shaft or bulkhead.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved, real time sensing of pressure supplied to the hydraulic operator of a clutch for a motor vehicle driveline power take off. A proportional sensor in the hydraulic line to the power take off clutch actuator provides a data signal in real time of the actual pressure applied to the clutch actuator. This signal is provided to the power take off control module (PCM) and/or to the transmission control module (TCM). The power take off control module, having instantaneous data regarding the pressure applied to the hydraulic operator achieves two important operating functions: monitoring and feedback.

Abstract: A power take-off (PTO) system for a motor vehicle includes a PTO housing. The PTO housing is mounted to a transmission case. A disconnect clutch assembly is positioned within the PTO housing acting when supplied with a first volume of a pressurized oil from the transmission case to engage an output shaft member. A controlled lube oil circuit is isolated from the first volume of the pressurized oil. The controlled lube oil circuit supplies a second volume of the pressurized oil directly to the disconnect clutch assembly to lubricate the disconnect clutch assembly. A lube oil drain return is connected to the PTO housing. The lube oil drain return receives oil that collects inside the PTO housing to be returned to the transmission case.

Abstract: A power take-off (PTO) system for a motor vehicle includes a PTO housing. The PTO housing is mounted to a transmission case. A disconnect clutch assembly is positioned within the PTO housing acting when supplied with a first volume of a pressurized oil from the transmission case to engage an output shaft member. A controlled lube oil circuit is isolated from the first volume of the pressurized oil. The controlled lube oil circuit supplies a second volume of the pressurized oil directly to the disconnect clutch assembly to lubricate the disconnect clutch assembly. A lube oil drain return is connected to the PTO housing. The lube oil drain return receives oil that collects inside the PTO housing to be returned to the transmission case.

Abstract: Assembly tools or aides assist the installation of chains and sprockets for a power take off in a motor vehicle automatic transmission. A first tool is an assembly clip having a semi-circular channel that engages the periphery of a chain disposed about a socket. The clip facilitates installation of the chain and a first sprocket through a slot or other opening in the side of a transmission housing while a second sprocket is being secured to a transmission shaft and the chain is engaged thereabout. The clip also facilitates positioning of the first sprocket in a desired location, typically on a driven shaft while retaining the chain thereabout. A second tool includes a pair of elongate, parallel pins which cooperate with the clip and the first sprocket to hold it in place during assembly of certain components of the transmission such as a power take off shaft or bulkhead.

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 shaft assembly comprising a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft has a plurality of first splines that each have an end portion and a chamfer disposed on the end portion. The second shaft is coaxial with the first shaft and has a plurality of second splines. The plurality of second splines each have a base portion and an end portion. The end portion defines an inverted chamfer having a base and a tip. The tip projects from the base radially away from the second shaft and axially away from the base portion of the plurality of second splines. The base of the inverted chamfer undercuts the tip of the inverted chamfer. The plurality of first splines engage with the plurality of second splines to couple the first shaft and the second shaft for common rotation.

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: The present invention provides a shaft assembly comprising a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft has a plurality of first splines that each have an end portion and a chamfer disposed on the end portion. The second shaft is coaxial with the first shaft and has a plurality of second splines. The plurality of second splines each have a base portion and an end portion. The end portion defines an inverted chamfer having a base and a tip. The tip projects from the base radially away from the second shaft and axially away from the base portion of the plurality of second splines. The base of the inverted chamfer undercuts the tip of the inverted chamfer. The plurality of first splines engage with the plurality of second splines to couple the first shaft and the second shaft for common rotation.

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: The powertrain includes an engine having a crankshaft, and a transmission having a transmission input member. A damper assembly is included that has an engine-side cover plate facing the engine, a transmission-side cover plate facing the transmission, and a retaining member between the cover plates. Resilient members are positioned between the engine-side cover plate and the transmission-side cover plate and supported by the retaining member. The engine-side cover plate is directly connected to the crankshaft for common rotation therewith.

Abstract: An electric motor comprises a rotor hub defining a first slot and a rotor stack defining a second slot. A rotor key has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the first slot such that the rotor key is removably retained within the first slot. The rotor key is inserted into the first slot on the rotor hub and the second slot on the rotor stack.

Abstract: An automotive drive assembly includes a housing configured to be installed in an automobile, a first electric motor component coupled to the housing, a second electric motor component rotatably coupled to the first electric motor component, the first and second electric motor components jointly including at least one magnet and at least one conductive coil configured such that when current flows through the at least one conductive coil, the second electric motor component rotates relative to the first electric motor component, and a transmission assembly including at least one gear coupled to the second electric motor component such that the rotation of the second electric motor component causes movement of the at least one gear. The second electric motor component and the transmission assembly are coupled to the housing such that the transmission assembly substantially supports the second electric motor component when the housing is installed in the automobile.

Abstract: A pump for a hybrid transmission includes an input shaft having a mating surface—which may include a flat portion—on an outer surface thereof, and a pump rotor coaxial with the input shaft. The pump rotor has an inner surface corresponding to the mating surface of the input shaft, and is directly and drivingly coupled to the input shaft for common rotation therewith. The hybrid transmission may further include an input housing and pump housing, and a pump pocket—in which the pump rotor operates—defined by the input housing, pump housing, and input shaft. The pump is configured to be testable prior to mating the hybrid transmission to an engine. The pump rotor is bounded axially by the input shaft, and a pump guide is configured to center the pump rotor, and to be installed prior to installation of the pump rotor.

Abstract: A cooling system for an electrically variable transmission includes an electric motor having a plurality of connectors. The plurality of connectors are each assembled within a plurality of connector openings in a terminal block. Fluid from within a passageway is supplied by a pressurized fluid source, and an orifice for the passageway is located adjacent to one of the plurality of connector opening. The fluid flowing from the passageway is directed onto one of the plurality of connectors.

Abstract: The powertrain includes an engine having a crankshaft, and a transmission having a transmission input member. A damper assembly is included that has an engine-side cover plate facing the engine, a transmission-side cover plate facing the transmission, and a retaining member between the cover plates. Resilient members are positioned between the engine-side cover plate and the transmission-side cover plate and supported by the retaining member. The engine-side cover plate is directly connected to the crankshaft for common rotation therewith.

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 vehicle assembly includes an engine having a damper assembly secured to the engine. The damper assembly includes a ring gear. A hybrid transmission having an input shaft is mounted on the mounting shaft of the damper assembly. The damper assembly includes an engine face plate and a transmission face plate secured to the engine face plate. The ring gear is secured to at least one of the transmission face plate and the engine face plate.