Input-split hybrid architecture with independent gear guidance

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an input-split hybrid architecture with independent gear guidance. An assembly includes a planetary gear train within a housing. The planetary gear train includes a sun gear configured to be driven by a first motor / generator unit and to rotate about a first axis, and planet gears in meshing engagement with the sun gear. The planetary gear train further includes a carrier supporting each of the planet gears, and a ring gear surrounding the planet gears. The ring gear includes a first portion having a first spline connection and a set of radially inner teeth in meshing engagement with the planet gears, and a second portion having a set of radially outer teeth and a second spline connection in engagement with the first spline connection. The planetary gear train further includes a first bearing and a second bearing, each having an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to the second portion of the ring gear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to hybrid electric vehicles. More specifically, aspects of this disclosure relate to an input-split hybrid architecture with independently geared guidance. Background Technology

[0002] Currently manufactured motor vehicles (such as modern cars) are initially equipped with a drivetrain that operates to propel the vehicle and power its onboard electronics. For example, in automotive applications, the vehicle drivetrain is typically represented by a prime mover that delivers driving force to the vehicle's final drive system (such as differentials, half-shafts, road wheels, etc.) via a multi-speed transmission with manual or automatic shifting. Automobiles can be powered by reciprocating piston internal combustion engines (ICE). On the other hand, hybrid and all-electric vehicles utilize alternative power sources to propel the vehicle, thus providing an alternative to fossil fuel-based engines for traction. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document discloses an assembly. The assembly includes a housing and a planetary gear train located within the housing. The planetary gear train includes: a sun gear configured to be driven by a first motor / generator unit and rotate about a first axis of rotation; and planetary gears surrounding and meshing with the sun gear. The planetary gear train also includes a planet carrier supporting each of the planetary gears to rotate about its respective axis in addition to the first axis of rotation, and a ring gear surrounding the planetary gears. The ring gear includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first spline connection and a radially internal set of teeth meshing with the planetary gears, and the second portion having a radially external set of teeth and a second spline connection engaging with the first spline connection to allow axial movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The planetary gear train also includes at least one bearing having an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to the second portion of the ring gear.

[0004] In one aspect of this disclosure, the second portion of the gear ring includes a shoulder adjacent to the end of the second spline connection portion for engaging the first portion of the gear ring.

[0005] In one aspect of this disclosure, the component includes a second bearing having an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to a second portion of the gear ring, wherein at least one bearing is a first bearing, and both the first and second bearings are ball bearings.

[0006] In one aspect of this disclosure, the second portion of the gear ring includes a thrust protrusion extending radially inward relative to the first axis of rotation.

[0007] In one aspect of this disclosure, the thrust protrusion includes a first axial surface that engages with an outer race on a first bearing and a second axial surface that engages with an outer race on a second bearing.

[0008] In one aspect of this disclosure, an axial surface on the inner race of the first bearing facing, facing a first axial direction, engages with a retainer, and an axial surface on the inner race of the second bearing, facing a second axial direction, engages with either a pad or a housing.

[0009] In one aspect of this disclosure, the first portion of the gear ring includes a parking engagement tooth on the radially outer side relative to a first axis of rotation.

[0010] In one aspect of this disclosure, the component includes an annular guide hub having a radially outer portion that engages with a first portion of the gear ring.

[0011] In one aspect of this disclosure, the axial surface of the annular guide hub facing a first axial direction is configured to engage a bearing assembly located adjacent to the housing.

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, the radially inner portion of the annular guide hub includes an axially extending flange defining a radially inner surface and a bushing engaging the radially inner surface.

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, the radial inner surface of the bushing surrounds a protrusion on the housing, and the bushing is a high-clearance bushing.

[0014] In one aspect of this disclosure, the radially outer portion of the annular guide hub forms a spline connection with the radially inner surface of the first portion of the gear ring.

[0015] In one aspect of this disclosure, the component includes a gear train having a transmission gear that meshes with a radially external set of teeth on a second portion of a gear ring.

[0016] This disclosure discloses a hybrid power drive. The hybrid power drive includes: an engine configured to drive an engine input / output member along a first axis of rotation; a first motor / generator unit configured to drive the first input / output member along the first axis of rotation; and a second motor / generator unit configured to drive a second input / output member along a second axis parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis. The hybrid power drive also includes a planetary gear train at least partially located within a housing, the planetary gear train including a sun gear configured to be driven by the first input / output member, and planetary gears surrounding and meshing with the sun gear. The planetary gear train also includes a planet carrier supporting each of the planetary gears to rotate about its respective axis in addition to the first axis of rotation, wherein the planet carrier is configured to be driven by the engine input / output member. The planetary gear train also includes a ring gear surrounding the planetary gears, the ring gear including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including a first spline connection and a radially internal gear set meshing with the planetary gear, and the second portion including a radially external gear set and a second spline connection engaging with the first spline connection to allow axial movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The hybrid drive also includes at least one bearing, which comprises an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to a second portion of the gear ring.

[0017] This document discloses a vehicle. The vehicle includes a wheel-supported passenger compartment and a hybrid drive assembly configured to drive at least one of the wheels. The hybrid drive includes an engine configured to drive an engine input / output member along a first axis of rotation, a first motor / generator unit configured to drive the first input / output member along the first axis of rotation, and a second motor / generator unit configured to drive a second input / output member along a second axis parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis. The hybrid drive also includes a planetary gear train at least partially located within a housing, the planetary gear train including a sun gear configured to be driven by the first input / output member, and planetary gears surrounding and meshing with the sun gear. The planetary gear train also includes a planet carrier supporting each of the planetary gears to rotate about its respective axis in addition to the first axis of rotation, wherein the planet carrier is configured to be driven by the engine input / output member. The planetary gear train also includes a gear ring surrounding the planetary gears, the gear ring comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first spline connection and a radially internal gear set that meshes with the planetary gears. The second portion includes a radially external gear set and a second spline connection that meshes with the first spline connection, allowing axial movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The hybrid drive also includes at least one bearing comprising an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to the second portion of the gear ring.

[0018] This invention includes the following technical solutions:

[0019] 1. A component comprising:

[0020] case;

[0021] A planetary gear train, located within the housing, wherein the planetary gear train comprises:

[0022] The sun gear is configured to be driven by the first motor / generator unit and rotate about the first axis of rotation;

[0023] Multiple planetary gears surround and mesh with the sun gear;

[0024] A planetary carrier that supports each of the plurality of planetary gears to rotate about its respective axis in addition to the first axis of rotation;

[0025] A gear ring surrounding the plurality of planetary gears, wherein the gear ring comprises:

[0026] The first part includes a first spline connection and a radial internal gear set that meshes with the plurality of planetary gears; and

[0027] The second part includes a radially external toothed assembly and a second splined connection that engages with the first splined connection to allow axial movement of the first part relative to the second part; and

[0028] At least one bearing having an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to a second portion of the gear ring.

[0029] 2. The component according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the gear ring includes a shoulder adjacent to the end of the second spline connection portion for engaging the first portion of the gear ring.

[0030] 3. The component according to claim 1, comprising a second bearing having an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to a second portion of the gear ring, wherein the at least one bearing is a first bearing, and wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are each ball bearings.

[0031] 4. The component according to embodiment 3, wherein the second portion of the gear ring includes a thrust protrusion extending radially inward relative to the first axis of rotation.

[0032] 5. The component according to embodiment 4, wherein the thrust protrusion includes a first axial surface engaging with an outer race on the first bearing and a second axial surface engaging with an outer race on the second bearing.

[0033] 6. The component according to claim 4, wherein the axial surface of the inner race of the first bearing facing the first axial direction engages with the retainer, and the axial surface of the inner race of the second bearing facing the second axial direction engages with either the pad or the housing.

[0034] 7. The component according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the gear ring includes a parking engagement tooth on the radially outer side relative to the first axis of rotation.

[0035] 8. The component according to claim 1, comprising an annular guide hub having a radially outer portion engaging with a first portion of the gear ring.

[0036] 9. The component according to claim 8, wherein the axial surface of the annular guide hub facing the first axial direction is configured to engage a bearing assembly located adjacent to the housing.

[0037] 10. The component according to claim 9, wherein the radially inner portion of the annular guide hub includes an axially extending flange defining a radially inner surface and a bushing engaging the radially inner surface.

[0038] 11. The component according to claim 10, wherein the radial inner surface of the bushing surrounds the protrusion on the housing, and the bushing is a high-clearance bushing.

[0039] 12. The component according to Scheme 9, wherein the radially outer portion of the annular guide hub forms a spline connection with the radially inner surface of the first portion of the gear ring.

[0040] 13. The component according to claim 1, comprising a gear train having a transmission gear that meshes with a radially external set of teeth of a second portion of the gear ring.

[0041] 14. A hybrid drive comprising:

[0042] An engine configured to drive engine input / output components along a first axis of rotation;

[0043] A first motor / generator unit is configured to drive a first input / output component along the first rotation axis;

[0044] A second motor / generator unit is configured to drive a second input / output member along a second axis that is parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis.

[0045] A planetary gear train, at least partially located within a housing, wherein the planetary gear train comprises;

[0046] A sun gear configured to be driven by the first input / output component;

[0047] Multiple planetary gears surround and mesh with the sun gear;

[0048] A planetary carrier that supports each of the plurality of planetary gears to rotate about its respective axis in addition to the first axis of rotation, wherein the planetary carrier is configured to be driven by the engine input / output component;

[0049] A gear ring surrounding the plurality of planetary gears, wherein the gear ring comprises:

[0050] The first part includes a first spline connection and a radial internal gear set that meshes with the plurality of planetary gears; and

[0051] The second part includes a radially external toothed assembly and a second splined connection that engages with the first splined connection to allow axial movement of the first part relative to the second part; and

[0052] At least one bearing having an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to a second portion of the gear ring.

[0053] 15. The hybrid drive according to claim 14, wherein the second portion of the gear ring includes a shoulder adjacent to the end of the second spline connection portion for engaging the first portion of the gear ring.

[0054] 16. The hybrid drive according to claim 14, comprising a second bearing having an inner race and an outer race, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a first bearing, a second portion of the gear ring comprising a thrust protrusion extending radially inward relative to the first axis of rotation, and the thrust protrusion comprising a first axial surface engaging with the outer race on the first bearing and a second axial surface engaging with the outer race on the second bearing.

[0055] 17. The hybrid drive according to claim 14, comprising an annular guide hub having a radially outer portion engaging a first portion of the gear ring, wherein an axial surface of the annular guide hub facing a first axial direction is configured to engage a bearing assembly located adjacent to the housing, and the radially inner portion of the annular guide hub includes an axially extending flange defining a radially inner surface and a bushing engaging the radially inner surface.

[0056] 18. The hybrid drive according to claim 17, comprising a gear train having a transmission gear that meshes with a radially external set of teeth on a second portion of the gear ring.

[0057] 19. A vehicle comprising:

[0058] The passenger cabin is supported by multiple wheels;

[0059] A hybrid drive assembly configured to drive at least one of the plurality of wheels, wherein the hybrid drive assembly includes:

[0060] case;

[0061] A planetary gear train, located within the housing, wherein the planetary gear train comprises:

[0062] The sun gear is configured to be driven by the first motor / generator unit and rotate about the first axis of rotation;

[0063] Multiple planetary gears surround and mesh with the sun gear;

[0064] A planetary carrier that supports each of the plurality of planetary gears to rotate about its respective axis in addition to the first axis of rotation;

[0065] A gear ring surrounding the plurality of planetary gears, wherein the gear ring comprises:

[0066] The first part includes a first spline connection and a radial internal gear set that meshes with the plurality of planetary gears; and

[0067] The second part includes a radially external toothed assembly and a second splined connection that engages with the first splined connection to allow axial movement of the first part relative to the second part; and

[0068] At least one bearing includes an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to a second portion of the gear ring.

[0069] 20. The vehicle according to claim 19, comprising a second bearing having an inner race and an outer race, wherein the at least one bearing comprises a first bearing, a second portion of the gear ring comprising a thrust protrusion extending radially inward relative to the first axis of rotation, and the thrust protrusion comprising a first axial surface engaging with the outer race on the first bearing and a second axial surface engaging with the outer race on the second bearing. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a representative input-split hybrid power architecture according to aspects of this disclosure.

[0071] Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the gear ring of the input split hybrid architecture.

[0072] This disclosure can be modified in various ways and alternatives, and some representative embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the novel aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the specific forms illustrated in the drawings listed above. Instead, this disclosure will cover modifications, equivalents, combinations, sub-combinations, arrangements, groups, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure as covered by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0073] This disclosure allows for various embodiments. Representative embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein, wherein it should be understood that these embodiments are provided only as illustrations of the disclosed principles and not as limitations on the broad aspects of this disclosure. In this regard, elements and limitations described, for example, in the sections on abstract, background, summary of the invention, and detailed description, but not expressly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated individually or collectively into the claims by implication, reasoning, or otherwise.

[0074] For the purposes of this detailed description, unless explicitly denied, the singular includes the plural, and vice versa; the words “and” and “or” should be both conjunction and disjunctive; the words “any” and “all” should both mean “any and all”; and the words “including,” “containing,” “comprising,” “having,” etc., should each mean “including but not limited to.” Furthermore, approximate words such as “about,” “almost,” “approximately,” “nearly,” etc., may be used herein to mean “in,” “close to,” or “within 0-5%” or “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or any logical combination thereof. Finally, directional adjectives and adverbs (such as before, after, inside, outside, starboard, port, vertical, horizontal, up, down, forward, rear, left, right, etc.) may refer to the forward driving direction of a motor vehicle, such as when the vehicle is operatively oriented on a normal driving surface.

[0075] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals in several views refer to the same features. Figure 1A schematic illustration of a representative vehicle (generally designated 10) is shown herein, and for the purposes of discussion, it is depicted herein as a hybrid electric passenger vehicle with a passenger compartment. According to a more specific, non-limiting example, the hybrid powertrain 11 or architecture is a single-mode, power-split hybrid electric powertrain having an engine 12 and two multiphase brushless permanent magnet (PM) motors 14 and 16 mounted to an electric transmission (EVT) 18. The illustrated vehicle 10 (also referred to herein as a “motor vehicle” or simply a “vehicle”) is merely an exemplary application of the novel aspects and features of this disclosure that can be practiced. Similarly, implementing the concept as a dual-mode, power-split hybrid electric powertrain should also be considered an exemplary application of the novel concepts disclosed herein. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of this disclosure can be applied to other electric drivetrain configurations (such as dual-mode power-split hybrid electric powertrains) and utilized in logically related types of motor vehicles. Finally, optional components have been shown and will be described in more detail herein. Nevertheless, the vehicle and battery systems discussed below may include many additional and alternative features, as well as other commercially available peripheral components, for example, to implement the various methods and functions disclosed herein.

[0076] Figure 1 The hybrid powertrain 11 is designed to start and propel the vehicle 10, operate the vehicle in a speed range between low and high road speeds, and power the onboard vehicle electronics. As shown, the "electric transmission" includes a planetary gear system operatively connected to each of the engine 12, the first motor / generator unit (MGU) 14, and the second MGU 16. The respective torques of the engine 12 and the two motor / generator units 14, 16 (interchangeably referred to as "traction motors") are transmitted to different components of the planetary gear system, allowing one power source to either assist or balance the operation of the other two. Therefore, the combination of the engine 12 and the multiple motor / generator units 14, 16 operatively connected to the EVT 18 allows for independent control and selection of the engine and motor / generator speeds and torques to more efficiently power the target vehicle 10.

[0077] Vehicle 10 is equipped with a vehicle battery system 15, which may include, for example, multiple battery cells arranged as battery modules, which are stacked into multiple traction battery packs 21A and 21B. These battery cells may utilize suitable battery technologies, including, for example, lead-acid, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (“Li-Ion”), lithium-ion polymer, zinc-air, lithium-air, nickel-cadmium (NiCad), valve-regulated lead-acid (“VRLA”), including absorbent glass fiber pad (“AGM”), nickel-zinc (NiZn), molten salt (e.g., Na-NiCl2 battery), or combinations thereof. Each of the battery packs or each of the battery cells may be associated with one or more sensors to measure one or more battery characteristics (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, SOC, capacity, etc.) associated with each of the battery packs / cells. Vehicle battery system 15 is operatively connected to a first motor / generator unit 14 and a second motor / generator unit 16 to deliver current to and receive current from these MGUs. The stationary vehicle controller 23 is communicatively connected to the engine 12, traction motor 14, traction motor 16, vehicle battery system 15, and EVT 18 to control their operation. Controllers, control modules, modules, control units, processors, and their arrangements may be defined to mean one or more of the following, or various combinations thereof: logic circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, central processing units (e.g., microprocessors), and associated storage and memory (e.g., read-only, programmable read-only, random access, hard disk drives, tangible, etc.), combinational logic circuits, input / output circuits, and devices, whether stationary, remote, or a combination of both.

[0078] The vehicle controller 23 may be integrated circuit (IC) hardware programmed to execute one or more software or firmware programs or routines, such as using appropriate signal conditioning and buffering circuitry, and other components to provide the described functionality. Software, firmware, programs, instructions, routines, code, algorithms, and similar terms may be defined to refer to an executable set of controller instructions (including calibration and lookup tables). The controller may be designed to execute a set of control routines to provide one or more desired functions. Control routines may be executed, for example, by a central processing unit, and may be operable to monitor inputs from sensing devices and other networked control modules, and to execute control and diagnostic routines to control the operation of devices and actuators. During continuous use of the vehicle, routines may be executed in real time, continuously, systematically, occasionally, and / or periodically (e.g., every 100 microseconds, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 100 milliseconds). Alternatively, routines may be executed in response to events occurring during vehicle 10 operation.

[0079] It can be selectively operated as a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Figure 1The EVT 18 includes a planetary gear train (PGS) 22 and a gear train 26, and helps define the architecture of the input-disconnect hybrid powertrain 11. In this regard, the PGS 22 includes a ring gear 34, a planet carrier 36, and a sun gear 38. Planet gears 35 mesh with the ring gear 34 and are mounted on the planet carrier 36, while the sun gear 38 meshes with the planet gears 35 and is concentrically aligned with the ring gear 34, such that the ring gear 34, as well as the planet gears 35 and the planet carrier 36, rotate about the axis of rotation of the sun gear 38. In the illustrated example, the ring gear 34 of the PGS 22 includes a radial internal gear set meshing with the planet gears 35 located on a first portion 50 of the ring gear 34, and a radial external gear set engaging with the drive gear train 26 located on a second portion 52 of the ring gear 34.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, engine 12 and first motor / generator unit 14, or at least their respective torque transmission output shafts, may be configured to rotate on a common first axis of rotation A1. Conversely, second motor / generator unit 16 (or at least its torque transmission output shaft) may be configured to rotate on a second axis of rotation A2. According to the illustrated example, the first axis A1 is generally parallel to and offset from the second axis A2. Figure 1 The gear train 26 is configured to operatively connect the second motor / generator unit 16 to the PGS22 at the corresponding connection point.

[0081] Engine 12, first MGU 14, and second MGU 16 are operatively connected to EVT 18 via an input member arrangement that transmits torque between the traction power source and PGS 22. By way of a non-limiting example, this input member arrangement includes: an engine output shaft of engine 12, which serves as an engine input / output member 46; a rotor of first MGU 14, which serves as a first motor input / output member 48; and a rotor of second MGU 16, which serves as a second motor input / output member 56. Engine input / output member 46 provides engine torque to EVT 18, while motor input / output members 48, 56 provide torque to EVT 18 from their respective motor / generator units 14, 16. A damper assembly 65 is operatively connected to the input / output shaft 46 of engine 12, and is configured to absorb torsional vibrations generated by engine 12 before they are transmitted to PGS 22 of EVT 18. The input / output shaft 46 can be attached to the planetary carrier 36 via a spline connection. Figure 1-2 ).

[0082] Gear train 26 includes a motor B pinion (MBP) 28 configured to rotate together with the second motor input / output member 56, and the MBP 28 meshes with a drive gear 30. The drive gear 30 is supported for rotation on a final drive pinion (FDP) 32. Figure 2 As shown, the transmission gear 30 includes teeth 31 that mesh with radially external teeth 37 on the gear ring 34.

[0083] EVT 18 also includes a final drive ring (FDR) 59, which, for clarity, is shown in dashed lines as directly mechanically engaged with FDP 32. To propel vehicle 10, FDP 32 and FDR 59 transmit torque to final drivetrain 13, represented here by differential 17, drive wheels 19, and axles 25. When operating in generator mode, regenerative braking can be achieved by transmitting torque from final drivetrain 13 to MGUs 14, 16.

[0084] exist Figure 1 In the example illustrated, engine 12 can be a readily available engine or a later-developed engine (such as a two-stroke or four-stroke compression-ignition diesel engine or a four-stroke spark-ignition gasoline or flexible fuel engine), which is readily adaptable to typically provide its available power output in revolutions per minute (RPM). Although Figure 1 Although not explicitly described, it should be understood that the final drive system 13 may employ available configurations, including front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), four-wheel drive (4WD), all-wheel drive (AWD), and so on.

[0085] Figure 2 The figure shows an unfolded view of the intersection of gear train 26 and PGS22. The gear ring 34 includes a first portion 50 axially spaced from the second portion 52 along the axis of rotation A1. The first portion 50 includes a spline connection 54A on its radially outer surface that engages with a corresponding spline connection 54B on the radially inner surface of the second portion 52, allowing axial movement of the first portion 50 relative to the second portion 52. Furthermore, the second portion 52 includes a shoulder 57 that restricts axial movement of the first portion 50 toward the second portion 52. In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, axial or axially and radially or radially relative to the gear ring 34 are used relative to the axis of rotation A1, because the gear ring 34 rotates concentrically about the axis of rotation A1.

[0086] The first portion 50 of the gear ring 34 includes a radially inner surface having teeth 58 (such as helical teeth) that mesh with teeth 60 (such as corresponding helical teeth) on each of the planetary gears 35 of the PGS22. An annular guide hub 62 is used to restrict axial movement of the first portion 50 in a first axial direction and radial movement during parking. The annular guide hub 62 forms a circumferential ring about a rotation axis A1. The radially outer end of the annular guide hub 62 includes a splined surface 64 that engages with a corresponding splined surface 66 adjacent to the axial end of the first portion 50 of the gear ring 34. A pair of retainers 68 (such as bayonet rings) are located within recesses in the first portion 50 to prevent axial movement of the annular guide hub 62 relative to the first portion 50. Alternatively, a shoulder may be formed in the first portion 50 to replace one of the retainers 68.

[0087] The annular guide hub 62 includes a radially extending portion 63 having an axially finished surface 70 that engages with a bearing 72 (such as a Torrington bearing), which receives axial loads to limit axial movement of the first portion 50 in a first axial direction. Helical teeth associated with the gear ring 34 are configured to bias the first portion 50 into a shoulder 57 when the hybrid powertrain 11 is driven by the engine 12, or to bias the first portion 50 into the bearing 72 during regeneration via the first MGU 14.

[0088] The annular guide hub 62 also includes an axially extending flange 74 having a radially inner surface 76 relative to the axis of rotation A1. A bushing 78 is press-fitted into an opening defined by the radially inner surface 76 such that the bushing 78 does not rotate relative to the annular guide hub 62. In one example, the bushing 78 is a high-clearance bushing having a clearance two to three times that of a low-clearance bushing relative to the protrusion on the static structure 80.

[0089] A characteristic of bushing 78 as a high-clearance bushing is that the resistance between bushing 78 and static structure 80 decreases as gear ring 34 rotates. In the illustrated example, static structure 80 may comprise part of the housing or enclosure structure of hybrid powertrain 11. Additionally, bushing 78 may be a high-clearance bushing because the first portion 50 of gear ring 34 is isolated from radial loads from gear train 26, as explained in more detail below. However, the first portion 50 may withstand radial loads due to the first portion 50 including parking engagement teeth 82, which surround the radially outer side of the first portion 50 at the axial end opposite spline connection 54A. When vehicle 10 is parked in a parked state, one or more parking engagement teeth 82 may engage with parking pawl 84. However, radial loads are only experienced when hybrid powertrain 11 is parked and gear ring 34 is not rotating.

[0090] The second portion 52 of the gear ring 34 is supported by a first bearing 86 and a second bearing 86. In the illustrated example, the first bearing 86 and the second bearing 86 are ball bearings. However, other types of bearings, such as thrust bearings capable of carrying axial and radial loads, may also be used. The first bearing 86 and the second bearing 86 each include a radial inner race 87 and a radial outer race 89, the radial inner race 87 being fixed relative to the static structure 88 to prevent movement, and the radial outer race 89 being fixed to the second portion 52 and rotating therewith. The static structure 88 may include part of the housing or enclosure structure of the hybrid powertrain 11. The static structures 80 and 88 may also be part of the same structure or fixed relative to each other to prevent movement. The radial inner race 87 on the first bearing 86 includes an axial surface that engages with a retainer 91 or a bayonet ring, and the radial inner race 87 on the second bearing 86 includes an axial surface facing the opposite direction that engages with either the pad 93 or a part of the static structure 88. Although two bearings 86 are illustrated, only a single bearing 86 may be used in this disclosure.

[0091] The second portion 52 of the gear ring 34 includes a thrust protrusion 90 that extends axially inwardly radially between opposing axial finish surfaces on the outer races 89 of each of the bearings 86. The thrust protrusion 90 engages the opposing axial surfaces of the outer races 89 to manage axial or thrust loads borne by the second portion of the gear ring 34. Specifically, thrust may be generated in the second portion 52 as a result of the motor 12 or MGU 14 being used for drive or regeneration, respectively. A characteristic of the thrust protrusion 90 used in conjunction with the bearing 86 is that the bearing 86 allows the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 to be guided independently of each other by allowing the second portion 52 to bear thrust loads alone. The bearing 86 also bears radial loads on the second portion 52 such that radial loads from the gear train 26 are not transmitted between the first portion 50 and the second portion 52. Although the thrust protrusion 90 is illustrated as being integral with the second part 52, the thrust protrusion 90 can be a separate component from the second part 52 (e.g., by positioning the retainer in a recess in the second part 52).

[0092] The terms “a” and “an” do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather that at least one of the mentioned items is present. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term “or” means “and / or”. Throughout the specification, “aspect” means that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in connection with that aspect is contained in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. Furthermore, it will be understood that the described elements may be combined in suitable ways across various aspects.

[0093] While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A component comprising: case; A planetary gear train, located within the housing, wherein the planetary gear train comprises: The sun gear is configured to be driven by the first motor / generator unit and rotate about the first axis of rotation; Multiple planetary gears surround and mesh with the sun gear; A planetary carrier that supports each of the plurality of planetary gears to rotate about its respective axis in addition to the first axis of rotation; A gear ring surrounding the plurality of planetary gears, wherein the gear ring comprises: The first part includes a first spline connection and a radial internal gear set that meshes with the plurality of planetary gears; and The second part includes a radially external toothed assembly and a second splined connection that engages with the first splined connection to allow axial movement of the first part relative to the second part; and At least one bearing having an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to a second portion of the gear ring.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The second portion of the gear ring includes a shoulder adjacent to the end of the second spline connection portion, so as to engage the first portion of the gear ring.

3. The component of claim 1, comprising a second bearing having an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to a second portion of the gear ring, wherein the at least one bearing is a first bearing, and wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are each ball bearings.

4. The component according to claim 3, wherein, The second part of the gear ring includes a thrust protrusion that extends radially inward relative to the first axis of rotation.

5. The component according to claim 4, wherein, The thrust protrusion includes a first axial surface that engages with the outer race of the first bearing and a second axial surface that engages with the outer race of the second bearing.

6. The component according to claim 4, wherein, The axial surface of the inner race of the first bearing facing the first axial direction engages with the retainer, and the axial surface of the inner race of the second bearing facing the second axial direction engages with either the pad or the housing.

7. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The first portion of the gear ring includes a parking engagement tooth on the radially outer side relative to the first axis of rotation.

8. The component of claim 1, comprising an annular guide hub having a radially outer portion engaging with a first portion of the gear ring.

9. The component according to claim 8, wherein, The axial surface of the annular guide hub facing the first axial direction is configured to engage a bearing assembly located adjacent to the housing.

10. The component of claim 9, wherein, The radially inner portion of the annular guide hub includes an axially extending flange defining a radially inner surface, and a bushing engaging the radially inner surface.

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