Abstract: A procedure to assemble a vehicular transmission from modular components. One determines the type of transmission to be assembled within a prefabricated housing sub-assembly, and then selects a central shaft sub-assembly from a family of modular shaft assemblies. A modular shaft sub-assembly appropriate to the transmission to be assembled is selected and then operatively connected to the housing sub-assembly to provide a housing assembly. An input sub-assembly is selected and operatively connected to the housing assembly. An output sub-assembly is selected from a family of modular output sub-assemblies, the selected output sub-assembly to be appropriate to the transmission to be assembled. The selected output subassembly is operatively connected to the housing assembly to provide a transmission of the type desired.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a fuel cell power source, an electronic control unit, and an electrical energy storage and retrieval assembly, which are interconnected to communicate electrical power. The powertrain also includes a multi-range electro-mechanical transmission, which supplies driving power to the transmission output shaft and from there to the vehicle drive wheels and also supplies power to a power take-off drive unit, such that cooling airflow and hydraulic power is supplied to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a fuel cell power source, an electronic control unit, and an electrical energy storage and retrieval assembly, which are interconnected to communicate electrical power. The powertrain also includes a multi-range electromechanical transmission, which supplies driving power to the transmission output shaft and from there to the vehicle drive wheels and also supplies power to a power take-off drive unit, such that cooling airflow and hydraulic power is supplied to the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission has three modes of operation. The power in each of the modes of operation is split by differential gearing into a mechanical path and an electrical path between the input shaft of the transmission and the output shaft of the transmission. This is accomplished with three planetary gearsets and four torque-transmitting mechanisms that are judiciously engaged to provide the three modes of operation, which are an input-split mode and two compound-split modes. The transmission can be part of a system with electrical storage devices, which will supplement the engine power during some periods of operation.

Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission has three modes of operation. The power in each of the modes of operation is split by differential gearing into a mechanical path and an electrical path between the input shaft of the transmission and the output shaft of the transmission. This is accomplished with three planetary gearsets and four torque-transmitting mechanisms that are judiciously engaged to provide the three modes of operation, which are an input-split mode and two compound-split modes. The transmission can be part of a system with electrical storage devices, which will supplement the engine power during some periods of operation.

Abstract: A procedure to assemble a vehicular transmission from modular components. One determines the type of transmission to be assembled within a prefabricated housing sub-assembly, and then selects a central shaft sub-assembly from a family of modular shaft assemblies. A modular shaft sub-assembly appropriate to the transmission to be assembled is selected and then operatively connected to the housing sub-assembly to provide a housing assembly. An input sub-assembly is selected and operatively connected to the housing assembly. An output sub-assembly is selected from a family of modular output sub-assemblies, the selected output sub-assembly to be appropriate to the transmission to be assembled. The selected output subassembly is operatively connected to the housing assembly to provide a transmission of the type desired.

Abstract: Electrically variable transmissions embodying the concepts the present invention utilize two planetary gear subsets, two motor/generators and two clutches in the nature of torque transfer devices to effect input split, compound split, neutral and reverse modes of operation. Both planetary gear subsets may be simple, or one may be individually compounded. An electrical control member regulates power flow among an energy storage device and the two motor/generators. In either of two preferred embodiments the neutral mode of operation may be effected by releasing the two torque transfer devices, and the reverse mode of operation may be effected by reversing the magnetic polarity of one motor/generator. In addition, the two preferred embodiments allow a geared neutral as well as reverse to be effected by means of the differential gearing arrangement of the planetary gear subsets and other members of the transmission.

Abstract: An input-compound split electromechanical drive configuration includes a two-mode planetary gearset arrangement coupled to an internal combustion engine and first and second electric machines. The drive configuration includes a transverse output for driving a hybrid front wheel drive vehicle, and the electric machines are disposed on opposite axial ends of the planetary gearset arrangement. A first mode provides reverse, neutral and low forward ranges, and a second mode provides a high efficiency forward range. Shifting between the first and second modes occurs synchronously, and at a zero speed of the second machine, contributing to an exceptionally smooth shift, and the machines are independently operated in motoring or generating modes to control drivetrain power flows while satisfying the vehicle power requirements.

Abstract: A series electric drivetrain includes a multiple speed, mechanically-shifted transmission driven by a pair of electric motors. Input power is provided by both electric motors during operation in any given speed ratio, and by only one of the electric motors during shifting between speed ratios. During shifting, the motor not providing input power is released from the output, and accelerated or decelerated to a post-shift speed. When the released motor reaches the post-shift speed, a clutch is synchronously engaged to complete the shift, and the motors resume a shared supply of the transmission input power.

Abstract: A series electric drivetrain includes a multiple speed, mechanically-shifted transmission driven by a pair of electric motors. Input power is provided by both electric motors during operation in any given speed ratio, and by only one of the electric motors during shifting between speed ratios. During shifting, the motor not providing input power is released from the output, and accelerated or decelerated to a post-shift speed. When the released motor reaches the post-shift speed, a clutch is synchronously engaged to complete the shift, and the motors resume a shared supply of the transmission input power.

Abstract: A two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission that selectively receives power from an internal combustion engine as well as a source of electrical energy. Three power receiving planetary gear subsets, first and reverse mode selecting planetary gear subsets, a steering planetary gear subset and left and right output planetary gear subsets are employed. A steering mechanism operates a steering motor. Torque transfer devices selectively ground components of the first and second mode selecting planetary gear subsets. The left and right output planetary gear subsets present corresponding out shafts. The left and right output planetary gear subsets are connected to each other by a shaft which assures simultaneous rotation of one component in the left and right output planetary gear subsets. Another component of the left and right output planetary gear subsets are connected to each other by a retro-rational gear shaft assembly.

Abstract: A hybrid electric powertrain includes an electrically variable transmission having two differential gearsets coupled to an engine and first and second electrical machines, wherein the gearsets are configurable in input-split and compound-split modes, and wherein shifting between the input-split and compound-split modes occurs at a zero speed point of one of the electric machines for synchronous clutch engagement. The input-split mode provides reverse and low forward ranges, with the first machine operated as a motor and the second as a generator. The compound-split mode provides a high forward range, with the machines selectively operated in motoring or generating modes depending on the speed of the vehicle. Shifting between the input-split and compound-split modes occurs synchronously, and at a zero speed of the first machine, contributing to an exceptionally smooth shift.

Abstract: Electrically variable transmissions embodying the concepts of the present invention utilize two planetary gear subsets, two motor/generators and two clutches in the nature of torque transfer devices to effect input split, compound split, neutral and reverse modes of operation. Both planetary gear subsets may be simple, or one may be individually compounded. An electrical control member regulates power flow among an energy storage device and the two motor/generators. In either of two preferred embodiments the neutral mode of operation may be effected by releasing the two torque transfer devices, and the reverse mode of operation may be effected by reversing the magnetic polarity of one motor/generator. In addition, the two preferred embodiments allow a geared neutral as well as reverse to be effected by means of the differential gearing arrangement of the planetary gear subsets and other members of the transmission.

Abstract: A two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission utilizing an input member and an output member for delivering power to and from the transmission as well as a plurality of planetary gear subsets that circumscribe an axially-extending transmission main shaft. Selective of the aforesaid planetary gear subsets are, in turn, circumscribed by first and second motor/generators. Structural means are employed to ground the various rotating members against movement in other than their desired rotation. Selected planetary gear subsets may also employ uniquely configured carrier cage assemblies that assure the necessary meshing engagement of the planet gears supported therein with the outer ring gear and the inner sun gear of the planetary gear subsets within which the unique carrier cage assemblies are associated while precluding lateral movement of the planet gears as well as movement thereof in directions other than that of their respectively desired rotation.

Abstract: A two-mode, compound-split, hybrid transmission having an input member for receiving power from a prime mover power source and an output member for delivering power from the transmission. The transmission utilizes four planetary gear sub sets, three torque transfer devices as well as first and second supplemental power receiving/delivery units--either electric motor/generator units or hydrostatic pump/motor units. At least one of the gear members in the first and second planetary gear sub sets are connected to the first supplemental power receiving/delivery units, and at least one of said gear members in the second, third and fourth planetary gear sub sets are continuously connected to the second supplemental power receiving/delivery units. Torque transfer devices selectively connect the carriers associated with the first, second and fourth planetary gear sub sets to each other and to the output member.

Abstract: A powertrain has an engine, multi-range transmission and a final drive gearing. The transmission includes an input planetary gear set, the carrier of which is driven by the engine, for providing a power split between the sun gear and the ring gear. The sun gear and ring gear both are connected with respective transfer gear members. The gear members are connected to respective members of a continuously variable transmission unit (CVU) and to selectively engageable clutch mechanisms. The clutch mechanisms provide selective drive connections with an output transfer gear mechanism that is drivingly connected with the final drive gearing. The CVU is controlled to establish a variable drive ratio between the transfer gear members connected with the sun gear and the ring gear. Range changes in the powertrain occur at synchronous points of operation in the CVU in a manner to provide three forward ranges and a reverse range.

Abstract: A powertrain has an engine, a multi-range continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a final drive mechanism. The CVT has a continuously variable unit (CVU) and a planetary gear set. A plurality of friction devices that are selectively connectable to establish three forward ranges and one reverse range wherein the CVU is effective to provide infinitely variable ratios between the engine and the final drive mechanism. One friction device is engaged during a geared neutral condition, a first forward range and a reverse range. The neutral condition is established by setting the CVU at a predetermined ratio. The reverse range is operated by changing the CVU ratio toward a maximum underdrive ratio from the neutral condition and the first forward range is operated by changing the CVU ratio toward a maximum overdrive ratio. The second and third forward ranges are established by synchronously interchanging friction devices.

Abstract: A vehicular transmission embodying the concepts of the present invention permits facile construction by virtue of a modular construction. Such a transmission has an open ended central housing module. The annular stator of one motor/generator is supported interiorly of the annular central housing module, in such a manner as to circumscribe the longitudinal axis of the annular central housing module. A rotor is operatively positioned interiorly of the stator. The modular transmission incorporates a modular input closure subassembly and/or a modular output closure modular subassembly. A closure subassembly has an end cap and a retaining shroud demountably attached to the end cap, and the closure subassembly is demountably secured to an open end of the central housing module. An input shaft member is coaxially and rotatably supported by the input closure subassembly, if employed, and an output shaft member is coaxially and rotatably supported by the output closure subassembly, if employed.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical powertrain has two motor/generator (m/g) units disposed in concentric coaxial arrangement with a plurality of planetary gearsets and a pair of friction brakes. An input shaft is driven by a prime mover through a selectively engageable clutch. The motor/generator units are controlled in combination with the planetary gearset, the prime mover and an electrical source (batteries) to provide a two-mode, input split powertrain.

Abstract: A two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission utilizing an input member for receiving power from an engine, and an output member for delivering power from the transmission. First and second motor/generators are operatively connected to an energy storage device through a control for interchanging electrical power among the storage means, the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator. The transmission employs three planetary gear subsets which are coaxially aligned. Each planetary gear arrangement utilizes first and second gear members, and each first and second gear members meshingly engage a plurality of planet gears rotatably mounted on a carrier. The first and second motor/generators are coaxially aligned with each other as well as the three planetary gear subsets which are circumscribed by the first and second motor/generators. At least one of the gear members in the first or second planetary gear subsets is connected to the first motor/generator.