The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 14, 2014
Filed:
Aug. 01, 2012
Joseph M. Tolkacz, Novi, MI (US);
Shawn H. Swales, Canton, MI (US);
Min-joong Kim, Troy, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A transmission disconnect clutch assembly and method are provided. The clutch assembly operates to place the transmission in a low-loss state, by decoupling the base transmission from the differential gearing, thereby maximizing fuel economy and increasing efficiency. The transmission disconnect clutch assembly may be a dog clutch assembly, which may include a dog clutch hub, a clutch apply plate, and a synchronizer. When the dog clutch is disengaged the vehicle may operate in EV mode, propelled by an electric motor and rear e-axle. When the dog clutch is engaged the vehicle may operate in hybrid mode, propelled by torque transmitted to a front axle by an engine and the torque transmitted to the rear e-axle by the electric motor. A method for transitioning a vehicle between EV mode and hybrid mode, as well as a method for transitioning a vehicle between hybrid mode and EV mode are also provided.