Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive unit connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle includes an output member, a stationary member, and a torque-transmitting device. The drive unit also includes a compound planetary gear arrangement having a first, second, third, and fourth junction point. The power sources include a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator. The first motor/generator and the second motor/generator are disposed on a common rotating axis. The second motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the first junction point and the output member is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the second junction point. Additionally, the first motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the fourth junction point. Furthermore, the torque-transmitting device is engageable to ground the third junction point to the stationary member.

Abstract: A hybrid control system for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes a hybrid control module. The hybrid control module includes a first motor control module that controls output torque of a first motor. A second motor control module controls output torque of a second motor based on a second motor torque request signal. The second motor torque request signal is generated based on a transmission output torque request signal prior to startup of an engine of the HEV. An override module generates a torque override request signal during the startup. The first motor control module controls output torque of the first motor to crank the engine during the startup. The second motor control module adjusts output torque of the second motor based on the torque override request signal and not the transmission output torque request signal during the startup to minimize vehicle jerk during the engine start.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a ferrite magnet motor and a rare earth magnet motor. When the vehicle is cruising at a steady speed, an electrically variable transmission mode of a transmission configures the rare earth magnet motor to provide a reaction force to the ferrite magnet motor so that the ferrite magnet motor operates at a high speed/low torque condition to minimize torque dependent losses in the ferrite magnet motor. When the vehicle is accelerating at higher speeds, a first torque transmitting mechanism provides a reaction torque to the ferrite magnet motor to eliminate the torque dependent losses in the ferrite magnet motor.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain has an electrically-variable transmission with a compound planetary gear set that may be only two planetary gear sets. Two members of the first planetary gear set are connected for common rotation with two members of the second planetary gear set. A first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with a member of the first planetary gear set and a member of the second planetary gear set. An input member is connected to another member of the first planetary gear set. A first set of intermeshing gears includes a first gear connected for common rotation with one of the gears of the second planetary gear set and a second gear driven by a second motor/generator. A second set of intermeshing gears includes another gear driving the output member. A first clutch is engageable to establish an input-split mode. A second clutch is engageable to establish a compound-split mode.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission having an input member, an output member, and a single motor/generator is characterized by a plurality of fixed-ratio modes of operation and at least one electrically variable mode of operation. In the fixed-ratio modes of operation, the speed ratio between the input member and the output member is independent of the speed of the motor/generator. In the electrically variable mode of operation, the speed ratio between the input member and the output member is dependent upon the speed of the motor/generator.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided with an electric transmission operatively connected to a first axle and an electric drive module operatively connected to a second axle. A transmission ratio of a differential gear set and a final drive of the electric transmission are selected so that a torque ratio of torque of the first axle over the torque of the engine is that at which any working chamber of the engine that is operated to expand the working fluid can operate without throttling, without torque of the engine torque exceeding a torque necessary to propel the vehicle at a steady vehicle speed, and with the second electric machine freewheeling.

Abstract: A method of executing an electric-only (EV) mode transition in a vehicle includes determining vehicle operating values using a control system, processing the values to identify the transition, and executing the transition to or from the first or second EV mode. The transition is executed by selectively engaging and disengaging the input brake to zero, and by using the first and/or second traction motor to synchronize slip across the input brake. When the transition is from the first to the second EV mode or vice versa, the control system may use multiple speed and torque control phases to enter multiple intermediate modes, e.g., a pair of engine-on electrically-variable transmission modes and a fixed gear mode. A vehicle includes an engine, an input brake, first and second traction motors, and a transmission driven via the motors in a first and second EV mode. The vehicle includes the control system noted above.

Abstract: A method minimizes driveline disturbances in a vehicle having a motor generator unit (MGU) and a controller, which may be a motor control processor or a hybrid control processor. The method includes determining a set of motor values of the MGU, including a change in motor speed, a derivative of the change in motor speed, and a motor jerk value; calculating a corrective final torque value for the MGU as a function of the set of motor values; and commanding the corrective final torque value from the MGU during a predetermined event, e.g., engine restart. Calculations and commanding the corrective final torque value are conducted by the controller within a calibrated minimum processing loop time. A vehicle includes first and second MGUs, and a controller electrically connected to the second MGU. The controller has the algorithm for minimizing driveline disturbances as noted above.

Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission for use with an engine includes an input member configured for operative interconnection with the engine, an output member, and a stationary member. First and second motor/generators, a first and a second planetary gear set each having respective first, second, and third members are included. A first, a second, and a third selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanism are included. The input member is connectable for common rotation with the first member of the first planetary gear set either continuously or selectively by engagement of the third torque-transmitting mechanism. The output member is connected for common rotation with the first member of the second planetary gear set. The motor/generators are controllable and the torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagable to establish at least one electric-only mode, a series mode, an output-split mode, and at least one neutral mode.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive unit connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle includes an output member, a stationary member, a gear-train, and a torque-transmitting device. The drive unit also includes a compound planetary gear arrangement having a first, second, third, and fourth junction points. The power sources include a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator. The second motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the first junction point via the gear-train and the output member is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the second junction point. Additionally, the first motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the fourth junction point. Furthermore, the torque-transmitting device is engageable to ground the third junction point to the stationary member.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive unit connectable with multiple power sources for launching and propelling a vehicle includes an output member, a stationary member, and a torque-transmitting device. The drive unit also includes a compound planetary gear arrangement having a first, second, third, and fourth junction point. The power sources include a first motor/generator and a second motor/generator. The first motor/generator and the second motor/generator are disposed on a common rotating axis. The second motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the first junction point and the output member is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the second junction point. Additionally, the first motor/generator is operatively connected to the compound planetary gear arrangement at the fourth junction point. Furthermore, the torque-transmitting device is engageable to ground the third junction point to the stationary member.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission includes an input member and an output member. The transmission includes a first and a second motor/generator, and a first, second, and third planetary gear set. The input member is continuously connected for common rotation with a member of the first planetary gear set. The output member is continuously connected for common rotation with a member of the third planetary gear set. An interconnecting member is continuously connected for common rotation with a member of each of the first, second, and third planetary gear sets. A plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms includes a torque-transmitting mechanism that is selectively engageable to connect the interconnecting member to another member of the third planetary gear set. The motor/generators and the torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in different combinations to provide four electric-only operating modes.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a first electric motor, a second electric motor and a transmission. The first electric motor includes an interchangeable winding set to provide the required power for the specific propulsion configuration utilized to propel the vehicle, i.e., a hybrid propulsion configuration or a full electric propulsion configuration. The transmission is operable in different powerflows to support operation of the powertrain in either of the hybrid propulsion configuration or the full electric propulsion configuration. The same powertrain may be used for either the hybrid propulsion configuration or the full electric propulsion configuration by switching the specific winding set installed into the first electric motor.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine and a transmission having an input member, an output member, and a neutral state in which torque is not transmitted from the input member to the output member. A first motor/generator is coupled to the engine. A second motor/generator is coupled with vehicle wheels directly or indirectly through the transmission. The first motor/generator acts as a generator when powered by the engine to provide electric power to the second motor/generator. The second motor/generator acts as a motor when receiving electric power from a battery or from the first motor/generator. A shift selector is moved by a vehicle operator to establish an electric propulsion mode in which the transmission is in the neutral state and the second motor/generator functions as a motor.

Abstract: A multi-mode, electrically variable, hybrid transmission and improved shift control methods for controlling the same are provided herein. The hybrid transmission configuration and shift control methodology presented herein allow for shifting between different EVT modes when the engine is off, while maintaining propulsion capability and minimum time delay for engine autostart. The shift control maneuver is able to maintain zero engine speed while producing continuous output torque throughout the shift by eliminating transition through a fixed gear mode or neutral state. Optional oncoming clutch pre-fill strategies and mid-point abort logic minimize the time to complete shift, and reduce the engine start delay if an intermittent autostart operation is initiated.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission that is operatively connected with an engine includes an input member operatively connected with the engine, at least one intermediate member, and an output member. A plurality of selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms enable the input member to be selectively operatively connected to the at least one intermediate member through the first gearing arrangement by engagement of different ones of a first set of the torque-transmitting mechanisms. A single motor/generator is operatively connectable to the at least one intermediate member and is selectively operatively connected to the output member in two alternative ways through the second gearing arrangement by selective engagement of two respective ones of a second set of the torque-transmitting mechanisms to establish two different torque ratios between the at least one intermediate member and the output member.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid powertrain determines operator demands, a powertrain operating state, and operating conditions based upon the inputs; selects an operating strategy based upon the operator demands, the powertrain operating state, and the operating conditions; determines a preferred powertrain operating state; and controls the powertrain to the preferred powertrain operating state based upon the selected operating strategy, the operator demands and the operating conditions.

Abstract: A powertrain is provided that includes an engine as well as a transmission having an input member and an output member. The powertrain also includes a motor/generator that has an energizable stator, a first rotor and a second rotor (i.e., a dual rotor motor). Both of the rotors are rotatable via energization of the stator. A first torque-transmitting mechanism, referred to as the engine clutch, is selectively engagable to connect the engine for common rotation with one of the first and the second rotors. A second torque-transmitting mechanism, referred to as the motor clutch, is selectively engagable to connect the first rotor for common rotation with the second rotor. The transmission input member is continuously connected for common rotation with the other of the first and second rotors.

Abstract: An electric torque converter has a torque converter input member connected to the first node of a differential gear set representable by a lever diagram having first, second, and third nodes. A motor/generator is connected to the second node. The third node is connected to an input member of a transmission gearing arrangement. A brake is selectively engagable to ground the first node to a stationary member. Engagement of the brake provides a regenerative braking mode and an electric-only driving mode, with the motor/generator connected to the transmission gearing arrangement through the differential gear set. Various clutches may be provided for lock-up or selective connection of the engine, including arrangements which reduce motor/generator torque required for engine starting while in electric-only driving. A method of operating a vehicle maintains the engine speed at an optimum level to the extent possible given battery charge levels and operator commands.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission having an input member, an output member, and a single motor/generator is characterized by a plurality of fixed-ratio modes of operation and at least one electrically variable mode of operation. In the fixed-ratio modes of operation, the speed ratio between the input member and the output member is independent of the speed of the motor/generator. In the electrically variable mode of operation, the speed ratio between the input member and the output member is dependent upon the speed of the motor/generator.