Assembly for transmitting rotational torque and system comprising the same

Abstract

An assembly for transmitting rotational torque between an output of a drive engine and a transmission input of a transmission includes a torque converter and a clutch assembly. The torque converter includes a rotatable torque converter input member and a torque converter output member. The torque converter output member is configured to transmit rotational torque to the transmission input. The clutch assembly includes a decoupling clutch having an engaged position and a disengaged position. The clutch assembly further includes a clutch housing that rotatably couples the clutch input member to the torque converter input member when the decoupling clutch is in the engaged position. One of the clutch housing and the torque converter input member includes a retention slot and the other of the clutch housing and the torque converter input member includes a retention post that is disposable in the retention slot to axially retain the clutch assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority and all benefits to U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 067,087, filed February 28, 2025, which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The field of the present invention generally relates to components for transmitting rotational torque and systems including such components. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, the automotive industry has gradually moved away from combustion engine vehicles and towards electric vehicles. However, one drawback of the continued existence of pure electric vehicles (EVs) is the current limitations in battery technology and, consequently, in vehicle range. While drivers with only short-distance travel needs do not consider this an inconvenience, those who occasionally require ranges exceeding the typical range of a pure electric vehicle generally have to choose between prolonged parking to charge the battery or having a second vehicle for extended driving.

[0004] To overcome this concern, hybrid vehicles (HVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have been developed. PHEVs typically run on electricity first, but then utilize an internal combustion engine (alone or in combination with the battery) to extend the vehicle's range before the battery needs to be charged or gasoline or diesel added. In other words, hybrid vehicles alternate between the use of a combustion engine and an electric motor for greater range.

[0005] Various drivetrain architectures exist for hybrid vehicles, and are known as P1, P2, P3, and P4 configurations. In the P1 configuration, the electric motor is connected to and positioned after the combustion engine. The P2 configuration positions the electric motor between the combustion engine and the transmission, allowing the combustion engine to be disengaged from the transmission. The P3 configuration positions the electric motor between the transmission and the differential. In the P4 configuration, the electric motor directly drives the wheel axles.

[0006] Of these configurations, the P2 configuration is generally considered the most versatile of the four different configurations because it allows hybrid technology to be incorporated into existing combustion engine powertrains with minimal modifications to the existing powertrain.

[0007] In a typical P2 configuration of a drivetrain, a clutch assembly, including a disengagement clutch, is connected to the vehicle's torque converter. However, mounting the clutch assembly to the torque converter presents several challenges. For example, orienting the clutch assembly and torque converter relative to each other can be challenging, often requiring very specific angular orientations. Known solutions, such as retaining rings, can be considered to accommodate blind assembly of the clutch assembly and torque converter; however, the use of retaining rings introduces numerous design and integration challenges.

[0008] For this purpose, there is a need for a clutch assembly that can be blindly assembled to the torque converter, overcoming the design and integration challenges posed by current solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An assembly for transmitting rotational torque between the output of a drive engine and the input of a transmission includes a torque converter and a clutch assembly. The torque converter includes a torque converter input portion and a torque converter output portion, the input portion being disposed about an axis, and the output portion being disposed about an axis and rotatably coupled to the input portion to receive rotational torque from the input portion. The output portion is configured to transmit rotational torque to the transmission input. The clutch assembly includes a disengagement clutch including a clutch input portion configured to be rotatably coupled to the output of the drive engine. The disengagement clutch has an engaged position in which the clutch input portion is rotatably coupled to the torque converter input portion, and a disengagement position in which the clutch input portion is rotatably disengaged from the torque converter input portion. The clutch assembly also includes a clutch housing disposed about an axis. When the disengagement clutch is in the engaged position, the clutch housing rotatably engages the clutch input portion to the torque converter input portion. One of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a retaining groove, and the other of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a retaining rod that can be disposed in the retaining groove to axially retain the clutch assembly about the axis to the torque converter.

[0010] Having one of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component include a retaining groove and the other of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component include a retaining rod (which may be disposed in the retaining groove to axially hold the clutch assembly to the torque converter about the axis) allows for blind assembly of the clutch assembly to the torque converter. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Other advantages of this disclosure will readily be recognized, as they become more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and by referring to the following detailed description.

[0012] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a component used to transmit rotational torque and a system including the component.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective on the components and system.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The front view of the components and system.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a component and system, wherein the system includes a transmission input that extends along a transmission axis and is configured to receive rotational torque from the output of a drive engine of the vehicle, and wherein the component includes a torque converter having a torque converter input component and a torque converter output component, and a clutch assembly including a release clutch and a clutch housing.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the clutch housing.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the input component of the torque converter.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a partial cross-sectional view of a clutch assembly including a retaining rod and a torque converter input component including a retaining groove, wherein the retaining rod is in a first retaining position.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly, with the retaining rod in the intermediate holding position.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly, with the retaining rod in a second retaining position to axially hold the clutch assembly to the torque converter. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals indicate similar parts in all the views, component 20 for transmitting rotational torque is shown in... Figures 1 to 4 Chinese. Special reference. Figure 4 Component 20 may be included in system 22, wherein system 22 includes a transmission 24, the transmission 24 including a transmission input 26, such as a transmission input shaft, extending along a transmission axis TA. The transmission input 26 is configured to receive rotational torque from an output 28 of a drive engine (such as an internal combustion engine) of the vehicle. Transmission 24 also includes a transmission output 30, the transmission output 30 being configured to transmit rotational torque, such as to the wheels of the vehicle.

[0022] Component 20 transmits rotational torque between the output end 28 of the drive engine and the transmission input end 26 of the transmission 24. Component 20 includes a torque converter 32 and a clutch assembly 34. The torque converter 32 includes a torque converter input component 36 (e.g., ...) disposed around axis A. Figure 6 (As shown in the perspective view) and torque converter output component 38, which is disposed about axis A and rotatably coupled to torque converter input component 36 to receive rotational torque from torque converter input component 36. Typically, the transmission axis TA is coaxial with the axis A of the torque converter 32.

[0023] The torque converter output component 38 is configured to transmit rotational torque to the transmission input 26. Now refer to Figure 4 The clutch assembly 34 includes a disengagement clutch 40, which includes a clutch input component 42 configured to be rotatably coupled to the output end 28 of the drive engine. The disengagement clutch 40 has an engaged position in which the clutch input component 42 is rotatably coupled to the torque converter input component 36, and a disengaged position in which the clutch input component 42 is rotatably disengaged from the torque converter input component 36.

[0024] Clutch assembly 34 also includes a clutch housing 43 disposed around axis A (e.g. Figure 5 (As shown in the perspective view). When the disengaged clutch 40 is in the engaged position, the clutch housing 43 rotatably connects the clutch input component 42 to the torque converter input component 36.

[0025] Please refer to again Figure 4One of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 includes a retaining groove 44, and the other of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 includes a retaining rod 46, which may be referred to as a cantilever rod, and may be disposed in the retaining groove 44 to axially retain the clutch assembly 34 about axis A to the torque converter 32. For example, in one embodiment, the clutch housing 43 includes a retaining rod 46, and the torque converter input component 36 includes a retaining groove 44. In another embodiment, the clutch housing 43 includes a retaining groove 44, and the torque converter input component 36 includes a retaining rod 46. It is contemplated that the description of the retaining rod 46 and the retaining groove 44 includes embodiments in which the clutch housing 43 includes a retaining rod 46 and the torque converter input component 36 includes a retaining groove 44, and embodiments in which the clutch housing 43 includes a retaining groove 44 and the torque converter input component 36 includes a retaining rod 46. The retaining groove 44 can be defined to be 360 ​​degrees around axis A, such that the retaining rod 46 can be positioned within the retaining groove 44 regardless of its angular orientation about axis A. The retaining groove 44 can be defined as a plurality of retaining grooves (such as...). Figure 6 (As shown in the figure), this facilitates the blind assembly of the clutch housing 47 to the torque converter input component 36.

[0026] Having one of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 include a retaining groove 44 and the other include a retaining rod 46 provides several advantages. First, as described above, the retaining rod 46 disposed in the retaining groove 44 axially holds the clutch assembly 34 to the torque converter 32. Second, having one of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 include a retaining groove 44 and the other include a retaining rod 46 allows for easier installation of the clutch assembly 34 to the torque converter 32. Specifically, when installing the clutch assembly 34 and the torque converter 32, the retaining rod 46 and the retaining groove 44 allow for blind assembly of the clutch assembly 34 to the torque converter 32. Furthermore, allowing blind assembly of the clutch assembly 34 to the torque converter 32 allows the architecture of the torque converter 32 and the transmission 24 to remain largely unchanged, because the clutch assembly 34 can be assembled into the system 22 after the torque converter 32 and the transmission 24 have been assembled to each other. This is particularly advantageous in embodiments where the clutch assembly 34 is further defined as P2 module 80, as described in more detail below. Third, having one of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 include a retaining groove 44 and the other of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 include a retaining rod 46 to axially hold the clutch assembly 34 to the torque converter 32 makes the interaction between the clutch assembly 34 and the torque converter 32 independent of the transmission input 26. Making the interaction between the clutch assembly 34 and the torque converter 32 independent of the transmission input 26 allows the transmission input 26, the engine output 28, and the torque converter input component 36 to selectively rotate synchronously with each other or at different speeds depending on the position of the disengaged clutch 40.

[0027] To facilitate placement of the retaining rod 46 in the retaining groove 44, another component of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 includes a chamfered surface 48 configured to engage with the retaining rod 46 as the clutch housing 43 moves along axis A toward the torque converter 32. The retaining rod 46 may include a retaining protrusion 50 extending toward the retaining groove 44, wherein the retaining rod 46 is movable between a first retaining position and a second retaining position, in which the retaining rod 46 engages with the chamfered surface 48 (e.g., ...). Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, in this second holding position, the holding protrusion 50 is disposed in the holding groove 44 to axially hold the clutch assembly 34 about axis A to the torque converter 32 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 9 (As shown in the diagram). It should be understood that the retaining rod 46 may have an intermediate retaining position between the first retaining position and the second retaining position, such as... Figure 8 As shown in the figure.

[0028] To further facilitate placement of the retaining rod 46 in the retaining groove 44, the retaining rod 46 may include a first retaining portion 52 extending along a first axis RA1 and a second retaining portion 54 extending along a second axis RA2, wherein the second axis RA2 is obliquely oriented about the first axis RA1. In such an embodiment, the second axis RA2 may be oriented such that when the retaining rod 46 is in the second position, the second axis RA2 and therefore the second retaining portion 54 extend toward axis A and engage with the retaining groove 44, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown in the figure. In one embodiment, the retaining angle Rϴ is defined between the first axis RA1 and the second axis RA2 of the retaining rod. It should be understood that the retaining angle Rϴ can be any suitable angle for positioning the retaining rod 46 in the retaining groove 44, and the retaining angle Rϴ can be determined based on a number of factors, such as the length of the retaining rod 46, the thickness of the retaining rod 46, the length of the retaining protrusion 50, etc.

[0029] In another embodiment, one of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 includes a second retaining rod 56, which may be disposed in a retaining groove 44 to axially hold the P2 module 80 to the torque converter 32 about axis A. In such an embodiment, the retaining groove 44 defined by the other of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 may include a single retaining groove defined 360 degrees around axis A, or the other of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 may include multiple retaining grooves 44. When the second retaining groove 58 is present, the retaining rod 46 may be disposed in a first retaining groove among the multiple retaining grooves 44, and the second retaining rod 56 may be disposed in a second retaining groove among the multiple retaining grooves 44. When the retaining rod 46 and the second retaining rod 56 are present, the retaining rod 46 and the second retaining rod 56 may be angularly spaced apart from each other about axis A.

[0030] In another embodiment, one of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 may include a third retaining rod 60, which may be disposed in a retaining groove 44 to axially hold the clutch assembly 34 to the torque converter 32 about axis A. Similar to what has been described above, the retaining groove 44 defined by the other of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 may include a single retaining groove defined 360 degrees around axis A, or the other of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 may include multiple retaining grooves 44, including a second retaining groove and a third retaining groove. When the retaining groove 44 is a single retaining groove defined 360 degrees around axis A, the retaining rods 46, 56, and 60 may each be disposed in a retaining groove 44 regardless of their angular orientation, which allows for blind assembly of the clutch assembly 34 to the torque converter 32. When multiple retaining grooves 44 are present, a retaining rod 46 may be disposed in a first retaining groove among the multiple retaining grooves 44, a second retaining rod 56 may be disposed in a second retaining groove among the multiple retaining grooves 44, and a third retaining rod 60 may be disposed in a third retaining groove among the multiple retaining grooves 44. When retaining rods 46, 56, and 60 are present, they may be spaced apart from each other at equal angles around an axis.

[0031] In another embodiment, one of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 may include a fourth retaining rod 64, which may be disposed in a retaining groove 44 to axially hold the clutch assembly 34 to the torque converter 32 about axis A. Similar to what has been described above, the retaining groove 44 defined by the other of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 may include a single retaining groove defined 360 degrees around axis A, or the other of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 may include multiple retaining grooves 44, including a second retaining groove, a third retaining groove, and a fourth retaining groove. When the retaining groove 44 is a single retaining groove defined 360 degrees around axis A, the retaining rods 46, 56, 60, and 64 may each be disposed in a retaining groove 44 regardless of their angular orientation, which allows for blind assembly of the clutch assembly 34 to the torque converter 32. When there is a fourth retaining groove among the multiple retaining grooves 44, the retaining rod 46 can be disposed in the first retaining groove among the multiple retaining grooves 44, the second retaining rod 56 can be disposed in the second retaining groove among the multiple retaining grooves 44, the third retaining rod 60 can be disposed in the third retaining groove among the multiple retaining grooves 44, and the fourth retaining rod 64 can be disposed in the fourth retaining groove among the multiple retaining grooves 44. When the retaining rods 46, 56, 60, and 64 are present, they can be spaced apart from each other at equal angles around the axis.

[0032] While the retaining rod 46 and retaining groove 44 axially hold the clutch assembly 34 with respect to the torque converter 32, the torque converter input member 36 may include a first set of splines 68 and the clutch housing 43 may include a second set of splines 70, which engages with the first set of splines 68 to form a spline engagement. This allows the clutch housing 43 to transmit rotational torque to the torque converter input member 36. In one embodiment, the torque converter input member 36 has an input outer surface 72 facing away from axis A and containing the first set of splines 68, and the clutch housing 43 has a clutch housing inner surface 74 facing axis A and containing the second set of splines 70. It should be understood that the torque converter input member 36 may have an input inner surface 76 facing axis A and containing the first set of splines 68, and the clutch housing 43 may have a clutch housing outer surface 78 facing away from axis A and containing the second set of splines 70. It should be understood that the first set of splines 68 may include the retaining groove 44.

[0033] As described above, the clutch assembly 34 can be further described as a P2 module 80. In such an embodiment, the P2 module 80 includes a rotor 84 and a stator 82 disposed about axis A. In one embodiment, the clutch housing 43 is the rotor 84. In other words, in such an embodiment, the clutch housing 43 can be rotated by current supplied to the stator 82, and thus the clutch housing 43 provides rotational torque to the torque converter input component 36. In other embodiments, the rotor 84 can be a separate component from the clutch housing 43. In other words, the rotor 84 can be rotated by current supplied to the stator 82, and the clutch housing 43 is coupled to the rotor 84 such that as the rotor 84 rotates about axis A, the clutch housing 43 also rotates to provide rotational torque to the torque converter input component 36. For example, the rotor 84 can be disposed around the clutch housing 43, such as coupled to the outer surface 78 of the clutch housing, as... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. When the rotor 84 is disposed around the clutch housing 43 (such as coupled to the outer surface 78 of the clutch housing), the clutch housing 43 can be further defined as the hub of the rotor 84.

[0034] The clutch assembly 34 described herein provides further advantages. Specifically, having one of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 include a retaining groove 44 and the other of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 include a retaining rod 46 allows the clutch housing 43 to rotate synchronously with the torque converter input component 36. Additionally, the transmission input terminal 26 can be rotated synchronously with the torque converter input component 36 and also rotate differently from the torque converter input component 36. For example, when the clutch 40 is in the engaged position, the transmission input terminal 26 can be rotated synchronously with the torque converter input component 36, and when the clutch 40 is in the disengaged position, the transmission input terminal 26 can be rotated differently from the torque converter input component 36. This is possible because one of the clutch housing 43 and the torque converter input component 36 includes a retaining groove 44 and the other includes a retaining rod 46 to axially hold the clutch assembly 34 to the torque converter 32, rather than axially holding the clutch assembly 34 to the nose 86 of the torque converter 32. When the clutch 40 is disengaged in the engaged position, the transmission input 26 can rotate synchronously with the output 28 of the drive engine.

[0035] Example 1: A component for transmitting rotational torque between the output of a drive engine and the input of a transmission, the component comprising: Torque converter, comprising, The torque converter input component, which is arranged around the axis, and A torque converter output component, disposed about the axis and rotatably coupled to the torque converter input component to receive rotational torque from the torque converter input component, wherein the torque converter output component is configured to transmit the rotational torque to the transmission input; and Clutch assembly, comprising, A disengagement clutch includes a clutch input component configured to be rotatably coupled to the output of a drive engine. The disengagement clutch has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the clutch input component is rotatably coupled to the torque converter input component. In the disengaged position, the clutch input component is rotatably disengaged from the torque converter input component. A clutch housing disposed around the axis, wherein when the disengaged clutch is in the engaged position, the clutch housing rotatably connects the clutch input component to the torque converter input component; One of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a retaining groove, and the other of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a retaining rod, which may be disposed in the retaining groove to axially retain the clutch assembly to the torque converter about the axis.

[0036] Example 2: The assembly as described in Example 1, wherein the clutch assembly is further defined as a P2 module, wherein the P2 module includes a stator disposed around the axis, and wherein the clutch housing is further defined as a rotor.

[0037] Example 3: The assembly as described in Example 1, wherein the clutch assembly is further defined as a P2 module, wherein the P2 module includes a rotor and a stator disposed around the axis, and wherein the clutch housing is rotatably coupled to the rotor of the P2 module.

[0038] Example 4: The components described in any of the foregoing examples, wherein the clutch housing includes the retaining rod, and wherein the torque converter input component includes the retaining groove.

[0039] Example 5: The component as described in any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the clutch housing includes the retaining groove, and wherein the torque converter input component includes the retaining rod.

[0040] Example 6: The components described in any of the preceding examples, wherein the torque converter input component includes a first set of splines, and wherein the clutch housing includes a second set of splines, the second set of splines being coupled to the first set of splines to form a spline engagement.

[0041] Example 7: The assembly as described in Example 6, wherein the torque converter input component has an input outer surface facing away from the axis and containing the first set of splines, and wherein the clutch housing has a clutch housing inner surface facing the axis and containing the second set of splines.

[0042] Example 8: As described in any of the preceding examples, wherein one of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a second retaining rod, which may be disposed in the retaining groove to axially retain the clutch assembly about the axis to the torque converter.

[0043] Example 9: The assembly as described in Example 8, wherein the other of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a second retaining groove, and wherein the second retaining rod may be disposed in the second retaining groove.

[0044] Example 10: The component as described in any of Examples 8 and 9, wherein the retaining rod and the second retaining rod are spaced apart from each other at equal angles about the axis.

[0045] Example 11: The assembly as described in any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein one of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a third retaining rod, which may be disposed in the retaining groove to axially retain the clutch assembly about the axis to the torque converter.

[0046] Example 12: The assembly as described in Example 11, wherein the other of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a second retaining groove and a third retaining groove, wherein the second retaining rod may be disposed in the second retaining groove and the third retaining rod may be disposed in the third retaining groove.

[0047] Example 13: The assembly as described in any of Examples 11 and 12, wherein the retaining rod, the second retaining rod, and the third retaining rod are spaced apart from each other at equal angles around the axis.

[0048] Example 14: The component as described in Example 11, wherein the retaining groove is defined 360 degrees around the axis, such that the first retaining rod, the second retaining rod, and the third retaining rod can be disposed in the retaining groove regardless of the angular orientation of the first retaining rod, the second retaining rod, and the third retaining rod about the axis.

[0049] Example 15: The component as described in any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the retaining groove is defined 360 degrees around the axis, such that the retaining rod can be disposed in the retaining groove regardless of the angular orientation of the retaining rod about the axis.

[0050] Example 16: Components as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein the other of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a chamfered surface configured to be engaged by the retainer rod as the clutch housing moves along the axis toward the torque converter.

[0051] Example 17: The assembly as described in Example 16, wherein the retaining rod includes a retaining protrusion extending toward the retaining groove, and wherein the retaining rod is movable between a first retaining position and a second retaining position, in the first retaining position the retaining rod engages with the chamfered surface, and in the second retaining position the retaining protrusion is disposed in the retaining groove to axially retain the clutch assembly about the axis to the torque converter.

[0052] Example 18: A system includes: A transmission includes a transmission input end extending along a transmission axis and configured to receive rotational torque from the output of a drive engine of a vehicle, and a transmission output end configured to transmit rotational torque; and A component configured to transmit rotational torque between the output of a drive engine and the input of the transmission, the component comprising: Torque converter, comprising, The torque converter input component is arranged around the torque converter axis, and A torque converter output component, disposed around the torque converter axis and rotatably coupled to the torque converter input component to receive rotational torque from the torque converter input component, wherein the torque converter output component is configured to transmit rotational torque to the transmission input. Clutch assembly, comprising, A disengagement clutch includes a clutch input component configured to be rotatably coupled to the output of a drive engine. The disengagement clutch has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the clutch input component is rotatably coupled to the torque converter input component. In the disengaged position, the clutch input component is rotatably disengaged from the torque converter input component. A clutch housing, disposed around the axis, wherein when the clutch is disengaged in the engaged position, the clutch housing rotatably connects the clutch input component to the torque converter input component. One of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a retaining groove, and the other of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a retaining rod, which may be disposed in the retaining groove to axially retain the clutch assembly to the torque converter about the axis.

[0053] Example 19: The system as described in Example 18, wherein the clutch assembly is further defined as a P2 module, wherein the P2 module includes a stator disposed around the axis, and wherein the clutch housing is further defined as a rotor.

[0054] Example 20: The system as described in Example 18, wherein the clutch assembly is further defined as a P2 module, wherein the P2 module includes a stator disposed around the axis, and wherein the clutch housing is rotatably coupled to the rotor.

[0055] Example 21: A system as described in any of Examples 18 to 20, wherein the clutch housing can rotate synchronously with the torque converter input component.

[0056] Example 22: The system described in Example 21, wherein the transmission input can rotate synchronously with the torque converter input component and can rotate differently from the torque converter input component.

[0057] Example 23: The system as described in Example 22, wherein when the disengaged clutch is in the engaged position, the transmission input is configured to rotate synchronously with the output of the drive engine.

Claims

1. An assembly for transmitting rotational torque between an output of a drive engine and an input of a transmission, the assembly comprising: Torque converter, which includes, The torque converter input component, which is arranged around the axis, and A torque converter output component is disposed around the axis and rotatably coupled to the torque converter input component to receive rotational torque from the torque converter input component, wherein the torque converter output component is configured to transmit rotational torque to the transmission input. as well as Clutch assembly, comprising, A disengagement clutch includes a clutch input component configured to be rotatably coupled to the output end of the drive engine, wherein the disengagement clutch has an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the clutch input component is rotatably coupled to the torque converter input component, and in the disengaged position the clutch input component is rotatably disengaged from the torque converter input component. A clutch housing disposed around the axis, wherein when the disengaged clutch is in the engaged position, the clutch housing rotatably connects the clutch input component to the torque converter input component; One of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a retaining groove, and the other of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a retaining rod, which may be disposed in the retaining groove to axially retain the clutch assembly to the torque converter about the axis.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the clutch assembly is further defined as a P2 module, wherein the P2 module includes a stator disposed around the axis, and wherein the clutch housing is further defined as a rotor.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the clutch assembly is further defined as a P2 module, wherein the P2 module includes a rotor and a stator disposed around the axis, and wherein the clutch housing is rotatably coupled to the rotor of the P2 module.

4. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the other of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a chamfered surface configured to be engaged by the retaining rod as the clutch housing moves along the axis toward the torque converter.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the retaining rod includes a retaining protrusion extending toward the retaining groove, and wherein the retaining rod is movable between a first retaining position and a second retaining position, wherein in the first retaining position the retaining rod engages with the chamfered surface, and in the second retaining position the retaining protrusion is disposed in the retaining groove to axially retain the clutch assembly to the torque converter about the axis.

6. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the clutch housing includes the retaining rod, and wherein the torque converter input component includes the retaining groove.

7. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the clutch housing includes the retaining groove, and wherein the torque converter input component includes the retaining rod.

8. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the torque converter input component includes a first set of splines, and wherein the clutch housing includes a second set of splines, the second set of splines being coupled to the first set of splines to form a spline engagement.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the torque converter input component has an input outer surface facing away from the axis and containing the first set of splines, and wherein the clutch housing has a clutch housing inner surface facing the axis and containing the second set of splines.

10. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a second retaining rod disposed in the retaining groove to axially retain the clutch assembly to the torque converter about the axis.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the other of the clutch housing and the torque converter input component includes a second retaining groove, and wherein the second retaining rod may be disposed in the second retaining groove.

12. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining groove is defined 360 degrees around the axis such that the retaining rod can be disposed in the retaining groove regardless of the angular orientation of the retaining rod about the axis.

13. A system comprising the components according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and further comprising a transmission, the transmission including a transmission input and a transmission output, the transmission input extending along a transmission axis and configured to receive rotational torque from the output of a drive engine of a vehicle, the transmission output being configured to transmit rotational torque.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the clutch housing is rotatable synchronously with the torque converter input component.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the transmission input is rotatable synchronously with the torque converter input and rotatable differently from the torque converter input.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein when the disengaged clutch is in the engaged position, the transmission input is configured to rotate synchronously with the output of the drive engine.

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