A power-split hybrid transaxle uses a chain-only final drive. In addition to transferring power from the primary axis to the differential axis, the chain provides about a 2.5:1 torque multiplication. Eliminating the planetary final drive gear set traditionally associated with a chain axis transfer reduces that axial length of the transaxle and provides more space for a power take-off unit.

A torsionally compliant sprocket system includes a first sprocket (250); a second sprocket (230) mounted in side-by-side relation to the first sprocket (250); a resilient member (270) that resiliently couples the second sprocket (230) to the first sprocket (250) to allow limited angular rotation of the second sprocket (230) with respect to the first sprocket (250); and a locking structure (300, 600, 700) that is biased toward an engaged position in which angular motion of the second sprocket (230) with respect to the first sprocket (250) is restrained and moves in response to rotation of the first sprocket (250) to a disengaged position in which angular motion of the second sprocket (230) with respect to the first sprocket (250) is permitted.

A torsionally compliant sprocket system includes a first sprocket (250); a second sprocket (230) mounted in side-by-side relation to the first sprocket (250); a resilient member (270) that resiliently couples the second sprocket (230) to the first sprocket (250) to allow limited angular rotation of the second sprocket (230) with respect to the first sprocket (250); and a locking structure (300, 600, 700) that is biased toward an engaged position in which angular motion of the second sprocket (230) with respect to the first sprocket (250) is restrained and moves in response to rotation of the first sprocket (250) to a disengaged position in which angular motion of the second sprocket (230) with respect to the first sprocket (250) is permitted.

A drive coupling assembly includes a housing having a first wall, a second wall, a first end and a second end. A first aperture extends through the second wall adjacent to the first end and a second aperture extending through the second wall adjacent to the second end. The first aperture receives a motor drive shaft and the second aperture receives a sweep drive shaft. Each of the first and second apertures has one of a pair of sprocket hubs aligned therewith. A pair of drive hubs each has an opening extending therethrough and each opening engages one of the motor or sweep drive shafts. The drive hubs have a plurality of pins thereon extending into corresponding slots in the sprocket hubs. A continuous belt engages the sprocket hubs. The slots each have a length allowing limited rotation of the sprocket hubs with respect to the drive hubs.

A drive coupling assembly includes a housing having a first wall, a second wall, a first end and a second end. A first aperture extends through the second wall adjacent to the first end and a second aperture extending through the second wall adjacent to the second end. The first aperture receives a motor drive shaft and the second aperture receives a sweep drive shaft. Each of the first and second apertures has one of a pair of sprocket hubs aligned therewith. A pair of drive hubs each has an opening extending therethrough and each opening engages one of the motor or sweep drive shafts. The drive hubs have a plurality of pins thereon extending into corresponding slots in the sprocket hubs. A continuous belt engages the sprocket hubs. The slots each have a length allowing limited rotation of the sprocket hubs with respect to the drive hubs.

A laminated sprocket assembly is provided formed of a plurality of layers that are connected together. Each of the layers is a stamped sheet metal layer having a plurality of spaced apart teeth located around a periphery thereof. The teeth in the plurality of connected layers are aligned. At least one of voids, channels, openings, or recesses are located in or between at least some of the layers for receiving and holding lubricating oil. This reduces noise and wear.

The disclosure provides a vehicle drive system that includes a drive pedestal, a drive motor mounting plate connected to the drive pedestal, an electric drive motor assembly having an output shaft and being connected to the drive motor mounting plate, at least two bearings connected to the drive pedestal, an axle shaft rotatably connected to the at least two bearings, a drive wheel connected to the axle shaft, a chain drive assembly, and a controller that provides control signals to the electric drive motor assembly and is connected to the drive pedestal. The electric drive motor assembly also includes a first gear speed reduction, while the chain drive assembly includes a second gear speed reduction.

The disclosure provides a vehicle drive system that includes a drive pedestal, a drive motor mounting plate connected to the drive pedestal, an electric drive motor assembly having an output shaft and being connected to the drive motor mounting plate, at least two bearings connected to the drive pedestal, an axle shaft rotatably connected to the at least two bearings, a drive wheel connected to the axle shaft, a chain drive assembly, and a controller that provides control signals to the electric drive motor assembly and is connected to the drive pedestal. The electric drive motor assembly also includes a first gear speed reduction, while the chain drive assembly includes a second gear speed reduction.

An object of the present invention is to provide a tensioner lever that allows for reduction of the number of components and the weight, while being able to prevent vibration and noise during the running of the chain. The tensioner lever according to the present invention is configured such that a lever body rotatably supported on an attachment surface is urged to rotate toward the chain by the resilient force of a coil spring. The coil spring includes a pressing arm extending from one end of a helical part and contacting the lever body, and a support arm extending from another end of the helical part and supported by the attachment surface. The lever body includes an engagement portion configured to allow the support arm of the coil spring to be hooked thereon by resilient deformation, and to removably engage therewith by rebound resilience of the coil spring.

An object of the present invention is to provide a tensioner lever that allows for reduction of the number of components and the weight, while being able to prevent vibration and noise during the running of the chain. The tensioner lever according to the present invention is configured such that a lever body rotatably supported on an attachment surface is urged to rotate toward the chain by the resilient force of a coil spring. The coil spring includes a pressing arm extending from one end of a helical part and contacting the lever body, and a support arm extending from another end of the helical part and supported by the attachment surface. The lever body includes an engagement portion configured to allow the support arm of the coil spring to be hooked thereon by resilient deformation, and to removably engage therewith by rebound resilience of the coil spring.