Torque transmitting system

{
  "publication_number": "US2013196811A1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "A1",
  "title": "Torque transmitting system",
  "abstract": "A torque transmitting system includes a case, first and second clutch plates, and a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface. The system also includes an electric motor having a motor housing, wherein the case is rotatable relative to the housing about the axis. The motor is configured to selectively apply torque to rotate the ramp member. The system additionally includes a roller element mounted with respect to the case and contacting the ramp surface. The ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the clutch plates. A transmission assembly including the above described torque transmitting system is also disclosed.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A torque transmitting system comprising: a case; a first clutch plate and a second clutch plate mounted with respect to the case and configured to be engaged via an application of force; a ramp member mounted with respect to the case, being selectively rotatable about an axis, and defining a ramp surface; a drive member that is operatively connected to the ramp member for rotation therewith about the axis; an electric motor having a motor housing, wherein the case is rotatable relative to the motor housing about the axis, and the motor is operatively connected to the drive member and configured to selectively apply torque thereto; and a roller element mounted with respect to the case and contacting the ramp surface; wherein the ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the first and second clutch plates. 2. The torque transmitting system of claim 1, wherein the electric motor includes a stator that is configured to rotate relative to the motor housing. 3. The torque transmitting system of claim 2, wherein the stator is rotatably supported relative to the motor housing by a first bearing system. 4. The torque transmitting system of claim 3, wherein the electric motor includes a rotor that is configured to rotate relative to each of the motor housing and the stator, and is rotatably supported relative to each of the motor housing and the stator by a second bearing system. 5. The torque transmitting system of claim 1, wherein the electric motor includes a slip ring configured to transmit electrical power to the motor from a power source external to the torque transmitting system. 6. The torque transmitting system of claim 1, further comprising a spring biasing the ramp member in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction. 7. The torque transmitting system of claim 1, further comprising an apply member operatively connected to the ramp member to receive the reaction force, and being selectively axially movable to contact at least one of the clutch plates. 8. A torque transmitting system comprising: a case; a first plurality of clutch plates operatively connected to the case; a hub that is selectively rotatable about an axis; a second plurality of clutch plates operatively connected to the hub; a ramp member mounted with respect to the case, being selectively rotatable about an axis, and defining a ramp surface; an electric motor having a motor housing, wherein the case is rotatable relative to the motor housing about the axis and the motor is configured to selectively apply torque to rotate the ramp member; and a roller element mounted with respect to the case and contacting the ramp surface; wherein the ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the first and second plurality of clutch plates. 9. The torque transmitting system of claim 8, further comprising a drive member that is operatively connected to the ramp member for rotation therewith about the axis, wherein the electric motor is operatively connected to the drive member and configured to selectively apply torque thereto. 10. The torque transmitting system of claim 8, wherein the electric motor includes a stator that is configured to rotate relative to the motor housing. 11. The torque transmitting system of claim 10, wherein the stator is rotatably supported relative to the motor housing by a first bearing system. 12. The torque transmitting system of claim 11, wherein the electric motor includes a rotor that is configured to rotate relative to each of the motor housing and the stator, and is rotatably supported relative to each of the motor housing and the stator by a second bearing system. 13. The torque transmitting system of claim 8, wherein the electric motor includes a slip ring configured to transmit electrical power to the motor from a power source external to the torque transmitting system. 14. The torque transmitting system of claim 8, further comprising a spring biasing the ramp member in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction. 15. A transmission assembly comprising: an input member; an output member; a stationary member; gearing operatively connected to the input member and the output member and configured to selectively provide a plurality of speed ratios between the input member and the output member, wherein the gearing includes a planetary gearset having first, second, and third members; and a torque transmitting system configured to rotate relative to the stationary member, the system including: a case rotatably mounted with respect to the stationary member; a first plurality of clutch plates operatively connected to the case; a second plurality of clutch plates operatively connected to the first member of the planetary gearset; a ramp member being selectively rotatable about an axis and defining a ramp surface, a drive member that is operatively connected to the ramp member for rotation therewith about the axis; an electric motor having a motor housing, wherein the case is rotatable relative to the motor housing about the axis, and the motor is operatively connected to the drive member and configured to selectively apply torque thereto; and a roller element mounted with respect to the case and contacting the ramp surface; wherein the ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the clutch plates. 16. The transmission system of claim 15, wherein the motor housing is connected to the stationary member. 17. The transmission system of claim 15, wherein the electric motor includes a stator that is configured to rotate relative to the motor housing. 18. The transmission system of claim 17, wherein the stator is rotatably supported relative to the motor housing by a first bearing system. 19. The transmission system of claim 18, wherein the electric motor includes a rotor that is configured to rotate relative to each of the motor housing and the stator, and is rotatably supported relative to each of the motor housing and the stator by a second bearing system. 20. The transmission system of claim 15, wherein the electric motor includes a slip ring configured to transmit electrical power to the motor from a power source external to the torque transmitting system."
  ],
  "cpc": [
    "F16D 28/00",
    "F16D 2023/123",
    "F16D 23/12"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "CHEN LI",
    "YAO JIAN",
    "LEE CHUNHAO J",
    "KAO CHI-KUAN",
    "SAMIE FARZAD",
    "DONG YU",
    "YIN CHENGLIANG",
    "UNIV SHANGHAI JIAOTONG",
    "GM GLOBAL TECH OPERATIONS INC"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2012-01-26",
  "publication_date": "2013-08-01",
  "priority_date": "2012-01-26",
  "application_number": "US-201213358847-A",
  "family_id": "48783898",
  "citations": [
    "US1635068A",
    "US2002000356A1",
    "US2010263978A1",
    "US2011291503A1",
    "US5100368A",
    "US6851537B2"
  ]
}