Input split hybrid architecture with independent gear piloting

A hybrid drive comprising:

• an engine configured to drive an engine input/output member along a first axis of rotation;
• a first motor/generator unit configured to drive a first input/output member along the first axis of rotation;
• a second motor/generator unit configured to drive a second input/output member along a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis;
• a planetary gear set located at least partially within a housing, wherein the planetary gear set includes;
• a sun gear configured to be driven by the first input/output member;
• a plurality of planet gears surrounding the sun gear and are in meshing engagement with the sun gear;
• a carrier supporting each of the plurality of planet gears to rotate around their respective axes in addition to the first axis of rotation, wherein the carrier is configured to be driven by the engine input/output member;
• a ring gear surrounding the plurality of planet gears, wherein the ring gear includes:
• a first portion includes a first splined connection and a radially inner set of teeth in meshing engagement with the plurality of planet gears;
• and
• a second portion includes a radially outer set of teeth and a second splined connection in engagement with the first splined connection to allow for axial movement of the first portion relative to the second portion;
• and
• 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;
• and
• a second bearing having an inner race and an outer race, wherein the at least one bearing includes a first bearing, the second portion of the ring gear includes a thrust projection extending radially inward relative to the first axis of rotation, and the thrust projection includes a first axial surface in engagement with the outer race on the first bearing and a second axial surface in engagement with the outer race on the second bearing.

A vehicle comprising:

• a passenger compartment supported by a plurality of wheels;
• a hybrid drive assembly configured to drive at least one of the plurality of wheels, wherein the hybrid drive assembly includes:
• a housing;
• a planetary gear set located within the housing, wherein the planetary gear set includes:
• a sun gear configured to be driven by a first motor/generator unit and rotate about a first axis of rotation;
• a plurality of planet gears surrounding the sun gear and are in meshing engagement with the sun gear;
• a carrier supporting each of the plurality of planet gears to rotate around their respective axes in addition to the first axis of rotation;
• a ring gear surrounding the plurality of planet gears, wherein the ring gear includes:
• a first portion includes a first splined connection and a radially inner set of teeth in meshing engagement with the plurality of planet gears;
• and
• a second portion includes a radially outer set of teeth and a second splined connection in engagement with the first splined connection to allow for axial movement the first portion relative to the second portion;
• and
• at least one bearing includes an inner race fixed relative to the housing and an outer race fixed to the second portion of the ring gear;
• and
• a second bearing having an inner race and an outer race, wherein the at least one bearing includes a first bearing, the second portion of the ring gear includes a thrust projection extending radially inward relative to the first axis of rotation and the thrust projection includes a first axial surface in engagement with the outer race on the first bearing and a second axial surface in engagement with the outer race on the second bearing.