With Two Or More Gear Sets (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/911)
  • Publication number: 20100317476
    Abstract: A hybrid module is configured to interconnect an engine and a transmission. The hybrid module includes an electric motor and a first and second carrier. The first carrier is operatively connected to the transmission and is rotatable about the central axis at a first rotational velocity with the electric motor. The first carrier transfers the first rotational velocity to the transmission. The second carrier is operatively connected to the engine and is rotatable about the central axis at a second rotational velocity. A first sun gear rotatably surrounds the central axis and is connected to the second carrier. A first pinion gear is rotatably supported by the first carrier and is in meshing engagement with the first sun gear such that the first pinion gear rotates about the first pinion axis as the first pinion gear and the first carrier rotate in unison about the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Norman Schoenek
  • Publication number: 20100273594
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power train for a hybrid vehicle that allows for multiple mode driving, which is combined with a way of driving at a fixed gear ratio such as the shift stages of a common transmission, and high-efficiency driving, thereby improving fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Duckhwan Sung
  • Publication number: 20100273595
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power train for a hybrid vehicle that allows for multiple mode driving, which is combined with a way of driving at a fixed gear ratio such as the shift stages of a common transmission, and high-efficiency driving, thereby improving fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Kangsoo Seo, Hyutae Shim
  • Publication number: 20100273596
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power train for a hybrid vehicle that can achieve a fixed gear ratio mode where a vehicle is driven at a fixed gear ratio, such as shift stages of common transmission, only by the driving force of an engine without driving a motor generator, as well as an electric vehicle mode and a hybrid mode that are basic driving modes of a hybrid vehicle, such that it is possible to drive the vehicle with high efficiency in accordance with traveling conditions of the vehicle and improve fuel efficiency. Further, according to the power train for a hybrid vehicle, the number of teeth of a sun gear and a pinion of a planetary gear set, which is a component, can be changed in various ways, such that it is possible to more freely select the capacity of a clutch or a motor generator. Therefore, it is possible to design a compact transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Kangsoo Seo, Hyutae Shim
  • Publication number: 20100273593
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power train for a hybrid vehicle that can achieve a fixed gear ratio mode where a vehicle is driven at a fixed gear ratio, such as shift stages of common transmission, only by the driving force of an engine without driving a motor generator, as well as an electric vehicle mode and a hybrid mode that are basic driving modes of a hybrid vehicle, such that it is possible to drive the vehicle with high efficiency in accordance with traveling conditions of the vehicle and improve fuel efficiency. Further, according to the power train for a hybrid vehicle, the number of gear teeth of a sun gear and a pinion of a planetary gear set, which is a component, can be changed in various ways, such that it is possible to more freely select the capacity of a clutch or a motor generator. Therefore, it is possible to design a compact transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Kangsoo Seo, Hyutae Shim
  • Publication number: 20100248882
    Abstract: The hybrid transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The hybrid transmission includes a motor/generator, three planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, three external gear sets and a final drive gear set. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with the final drive gear set. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various planetary and external gear members, the input shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson
  • Publication number: 20100234159
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission device for a hybrid powertrain system having an integrated torque machine to transfer power among an input member, the torque machine and an output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear and continuously variable states is operative in a plurality of fixed gear states, a continuously variable state, and a torque machine state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Norman K. Bucknor, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Anthony L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100227723
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power train for a hybrid vehicle that allows for multiple mode driving, which is combined with a way of driving at a fixed gear ratio such as the shift stages of a common transmission, and high-efficiency driving, thereby improving fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Kangsoo Seo, Hyutae Shim
  • Publication number: 20100204002
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission includes an input member, an output member, a stationary member, and first and second planetary gearsets having a plurality of planetary gearset members. A first one-way clutch is operatively connected to the input member and at least one of the planetary gearset members. A second one-way clutch is operatively connected to at least one of the planetary gearset members and the stationary member. A first torque transmitting mechanism is selectively engageable to couple at least one of the planetary gearset members to the stationary member. A second torque transmitting mechanism being selectively engageable to operatively connect the input member to at least one of the planetary gearset members for unitary rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: James B. Borgerson
  • Patent number: 7766778
    Abstract: A vehicular drive system which includes a first electric motor, a power distributing mechanism (first gear device), a second electric motor, and a step-variable automatic transmission (second gear device), and in which the first electric motor and the power distributing mechanism constitute a first unit, while the second electric motor and the automatic transmission constitute a second unit, and wherein the power distributing mechanism has an output shaft, and the automatic transmission has an input shaft which is connected to the output shaft, whereby a drive force can be transmitted between the first unit and the second unit. The individually prepared first unit and the second unit are assembled together into the vehicular drive system such that the output shaft of the power distributing mechanism and the input shaft of the automatic transmission are connected to each other. Accordingly, the drive system has an improved efficiency of assembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga, Terufumi Miyazaki, Ryuji Ibaraki
  • Patent number: 7753816
    Abstract: A transmission system comprising two degrees-of-freedom compound planetary gear train with two conjoined planetary gear trains and four torque-transfer devices. The different combinations of states of various torque-transfer devices yield multiple modes of operation. The planetary gear train allows the addition of power of two prime-movers to drive the load. Additionally, the transmission system can split the power from one prime-mover into requirements of the energy storage system while catering to the output needs. This limits the re-circulating power to a fraction of the input power. Other advantage of the transmission is that it provides a high overdrive ratio, which permits regeneration even at moderate speeds. The transmission obviates the need for a torque converter. The transmission can operate as multi-speed, fully automatic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: India Institute of Technology Bombay
    Inventors: Deepak Chachra, Bhartendu Seth
  • Publication number: 20100160108
    Abstract: A gear train includes a first planetary gear set including a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a first carrier and a second planetary gear set including a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and second carrier. The gear train also includes a first clutch configured to selectively connect the first carrier with the second carrier and a second clutch configured to selectively connect the first sun gear with the second sun gear. The gear train also includes a first brake configured to selectively fix the first sun gear, a second brake configured to selectively fix the second sun gear, and a third brake configured to selectively fix the first carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Baojun Si, Barry Mei, William H. Lane, James Stephen Rice
  • Publication number: 20100137091
    Abstract: The present invention provide a power train of a hybrid vehicle that can be mounted in plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as environment-friendly vehicles, while reducing the cost and weight with less parts and a simple structure, ensuring good mounting characteristics in a vehicle, and improving fuel efficiency and power performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jongsool Park, Changwook Lee
  • Publication number: 20100130321
    Abstract: A vehicle hybrid driving apparatus that has an engine and an electric motor as drive power sources includes: a hydraulic pressure generation mechanism that generates hydraulic pressure using drive force from the engine; and a planetary gear ratio shift device that has three rotating elements: a first rotating element, a second rotating element, and a third rotating element. The first rotating element is linked to the electric motor so that power transmission therebetween is possible, and is also linked to the engine via a clutch so that power transmission therebetween is possible. The second rotating element is selectively linked to a stationary member via a brake. The third rotating element is linked to an output shaft so that power transmission therebetween is possible. The brake connects the second rotating element and the stationary member when the hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pressure generation mechanism is not supplied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shingo Eto, Koichi Miyamoto, Toshihiko Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20100121512
    Abstract: The invention provides a hybrid vehicle and a control method thereof with which, in a case where a vehicle speed V obtained by a vehicle speed sensor equals or exceeds a first determination vehicle speed V1 at a time of occurrence of an internal combustion engine-related abnormality, which is when an abnormality relating to motors MG1 and MG2 is determined not to have occurred but an abnormality relating to an engine is determined to have occurred while the engine is operative, the motors MG1 and MG2 are controlled such that traveling torque is output to a ring gear shaft serving as a drive shaft from the motor MG2 while the engine is motored by the motor MG1 such that a crankshaft rotates at a target rotation speed until the vehicle speed V subsequently falls to or below a second determination vehicle speed V2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigenori Takahashi, Mitsuhiro Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7699736
    Abstract: A multi-speed automatic planetary transmission for a motor vehicle having an input shaft (AN), an output shaft (AB), four planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4), at least eight rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), and five shifting elements (A, B, C, D, E), the selective engagement of which produces different transmission ratios between the input shaft (AN) and the output shaft (AB), such that eight forward gears and at least one reverse gear are possible. Further, it is possible to connect an electric machine (12) as generator and/or drive, to the fifth shaft (5) by means a drive connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt, Peter Ziemer, Pedro Casals, Martin Brehmer
  • Publication number: 20100081533
    Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to implement various stepped gear modes and a compound split type hybrid mode in a relatively simple structure using two planetary gear sets and two motor generators, reduce fuel consumption of a vehicle in a relatively large section, minimize fuel consumption at a high speed by implementing an overdrive stepped gear mode, and improve acceleration performance and gradient performance of the vehicle by implementing an underdrive stepped gear mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyungshin Lee, Buhmjoo Suh, Hyunsoo Kim, Jeongmin Kim
  • Publication number: 20100069191
    Abstract: The hybrid powertrain has a plurality of members that can be utilized to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in a hybrid transmission architecture. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices and four fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine, a damper, a pump, an engine disconnect clutch, and a drive motor, all operatively connected with the transmission to provide strong hybrid operating capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Joel M. Maguire, Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, James B. Borgerson, Donald L. Dusenberry, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Publication number: 20100048338
    Abstract: An improved dual mode EPPV transmission hybrid electric drive system uses a combination of power sources including an internal combustion engine, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor, and provides more efficient operation and compact installation. The improved dual mode EPPV transmission hybrid electric drive system includes a first planetary gear set including a first sun gear linked to a first ring gear via a pinion on a first carrier, and a second planetary gear set including a second sun gear linked to a second ring gear via a pinion on a second carrier, wherein the various elements of the planetary gear sets are configured to allow a dual mode synchronous shift operation. The system includes a first clutch and a second clutch, both of which may be dry clutches, for changing the mode of the transmission from a high mode to a low mode and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Baojun Si
  • Patent number: 7661495
    Abstract: A drive unit for motor vehicles with hybrid drive and a drive train in a longitudinal arrangement, between the internal combustion engine and the first axle, comprising a housing piece, a through driveshaft, an electric motor, surrounding the through driveshaft with a first clutch before the electric motor and a second clutch thereafter, whereby a second axle is also to be driven with minimal space requirement. A first electric motor is thus physically combined with the first clutch, surrounding a second electric motor and the through driveshaft and is connected to the second axle by means of a third clutch, an offset gear and a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Zöhrer, Konstantin Erjawetz, Peter Pichler
  • Publication number: 20100029429
    Abstract: A gear train unit with a motor-generator having a first planetary gear mechanism, a second planetary gear mechanism, an input shaft, an output shaft, a first clutch, and a second clutch is disclosed. The first planetary gear mechanism includes a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a first carrier. The second planetary gear mechanism has a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a second carrier. The second sun gear is connected to the first sun gear. The input shaft is connected to the second ring gear. The output shaft is connected to both the first ring gear and the second carrier. The first clutch selectively connects and disconnects the first carrier to and from the motor-generator. The second clutch selectively connects and disconnects the first sun gear and the second sun gear to and from the motor-generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirofumi Ota
  • Publication number: 20090312130
    Abstract: A power train of a hybrid vehicle according to the invention has a simple configuration, high power performance, and reduced weight and fuel consumption, while being easily equipped in the vehicle. In particular, it is possible to reduce a significant amount of fuel consumption especially when a vehicle is traveling at a constant high-velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Talchol KIM, Jongsool PARK, Byungsoon MIN, Changwook LEE
  • Publication number: 20090312129
    Abstract: A power train according to an embodiment of the invention includes two sets of planetary gear set, one clutch, and two brakes, such that it provides one electric vehicle mode, two hybrid modes, and one engine mode of overdrive shift ratio. Further, the power train of a hybrid vehicle has a simple configuration, high power performance, and reduced weight and fuel consumption, while being easily equipped in the vehicle. In particular, since an engine mode that makes it possible to reduce a significant amount of fuel consumption especially when a vehicle is traveling at a constant high-velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jongsool Park, Changwook Lee
  • Publication number: 20090298634
    Abstract: A hybrid power driving system includes a planetary gear mechanism having a first rotating component, a second rotating component, and a third rotating component. The system also includes an electric motor operatively coupled to the first rotating component, a clutch, an internal-combustion engine operatively coupled to the first rotating component by the clutch, and a brake operatively coupled to the second rotating component and configured to control the second rotating component in a locked position or in an unlocked position. The third rotating component is operatively coupled to an output end to provide rotational power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: BYD Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Ren, Ruru Niu, Xiaojun Liu
  • Publication number: 20090280941
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes an internal combustion engine, at least one electric machine and a multi-speed transmission. The electric machine is connected to a shaft between the internal combustion engine and the multi-speed transmission. The transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald L. Dusenberry, James B. Borgerson, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20090275437
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power split transmission with two Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) modes and four fixed gears for use in hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV). The present disclosure utilizes two electric motors (“E-motors”), an engine, three planetary gear sets, and four selectively engageable clutches. The clutches are engaged in different combinations to engage the different gears and EVT modes. In the four fixed gears, power is transmitted only on the mechanical path for the highest transmission efficiency. In the two EVT modes, a part of the power is transmitted electrically. Alternatively, the E-motors can be located in the middle integrated with the transmission design. Advantageously, the present invention works with lower component speeds than existing two-mode hybrid transmissions. This can be achieved with a front E-motor design enabling modularity and also with a center E-motor design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Klaus Kersting
  • Publication number: 20090275436
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power split transmission with four Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) modes and six fixed gears for use in hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV). The present disclosure utilizes two electric motors (“E-motors”), an engine, three planetary gear sets, and five selectively engageable clutches. The clutches are engaged in different combinations to engage the different gears and EVT modes. In the six fixed gears, power is transmitted only on the mechanical path for the highest transmission efficiency. In the four EVT modes, a part of the power is transmitted electrically. The EVT modes are designed for the lowest power split ratios, allowing the use of low powered E-motors. Additionally, the present disclosure can include a front E-motor design allowing scalable E-motors and a modular transmission design, and a middle E-motor design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Klaus Kersting
  • Publication number: 20090275438
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power split transmission with three forward Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) modes, one reverse EVT mode, and five fixed gears for use in hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV). The present disclosure utilizes two electric motors (“E-motors”), an engine, three planetary gear sets, three selectively engageable clutches, and two selectively engageable brakes. The clutches and brakes are engaged in different combinations to engage the different gears and EVT modes. In the five fixed gears, power is transmitted only on the mechanical path for the highest transmission efficiency. In the EVT modes, a part of the power is transmitted electrically. Additionally, the present disclosure includes a front E-motor designed allowing scalable E-motors and a modular transmission design and a center E-motor design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Klaus Kersting
  • Patent number: 7591747
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, six selectable torque-transfer devices and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and at least four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transmitting devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 7572201
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having an engine and an electric motor and generator sub-system, which establish mechanical and electric power flow paths. Multiple-ratio gearing in a power flow path for forward drive enhances vehicle traction torque for heavy-duty vehicle applications. Reverse drive performance is enhanced by torque multiplying gearing in a reverse drive power delivery path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Supina, Shailesh Kozarekar
  • Publication number: 20090188732
    Abstract: A drive unit for a hybrid electric motor vehicle includes a bevel pinion driveably connected to a power source, a bevel gear meshing with the bevel pinion and aligned with an axis, first and second drive shafts, a differential mechanism including an input secured to the bevel gear for transmitting power between the input and the first and the second drive shafts, an electric motor/generator including a rotor, and a planetary gear set driveably connected to the input and the rotor for transmitting power between the rotor and the input such that a speed of the rotor is greater than a speed of the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Publication number: 20090186735
    Abstract: A hybrid drive unit includes an input member connected to an engine; an output member connected to wheels; a rotary electric machine; and a pair of planetary gear units that each have at least three rotation elements. The hybrid drive unit is capable of realizing a plurality of shift speeds, one planetary gear unit of the pair of planetary gear units comprises at least one fixed rotation element that serves as a rotation element whose rotation is stopped by a non-rotating member, the one planetary gear unit serving as a decelerating planetary gear unit that decelerates a rotation of the rotary electric machine and transmits a decelerated rotation to the output member at all of the shift speeds, and the other planetary gear unit of the pair of planetary gear units serves as a shifting planetary gear unit that transmits a rotation of the input member to the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Iwanaka, Shigeki Takami
  • Publication number: 20090093330
    Abstract: A drive system of a hybrid vehicle, including an engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor operatively connected to a drive wheel of the hybrid vehicle, and two planetary gear mechanisms, and wherein the two planetary gear mechanisms have at least four rotary elements arranged to permit the drive system to be placed in a selected one of a first operation mode in which the rotary element connected to the engine and the rotary element connected to the first electric motor are disposed on opposite sides of the rotary element connected to the drive wheel and the second electric motor, as seen in a collinear chart in which the four rotary elements are located at respective four different positions along a base line, and a second operation mode in which the rotary element connected to the first electric motor and the rotary element connected to the drive wheel and the second electric motor are disposed on opposite sides of the rotary element connected to the engine, as seen in said collinear chart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Keita Imai, Masakazu Kaifuku, Masaki Yoshida, Tatsuya Imamura, Yuji Iwase
  • Patent number: 7507173
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery and three electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators. The three motor/generators are operable in a coordinated fashion to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7503865
    Abstract: An infinitely-variable power-branching transmission with two operating modes. The transmission components are distributed between two power paths connecting in parallel a heat engine to vehicle wheels, including at least first planetary trains, two electrical machines, and a reduction stage. A third planetary train co-operates with control members to establish the two transmission operating modes and to switch there between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Yves Pichon
  • Patent number: 7497797
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third (and possibly fourth) differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, five, six or seven selectable torque-transfer devices and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to six mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transmitting devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan, Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20090011887
    Abstract: In a hybrid driving apparatus, a gear mechanism (3) having a first rotating element (7), a second rotating element (4) and a third rotating element (5) is provided, and a first driving power source (2), a second driving power source MG1 and a third driving power source MG2 are linked to the elements of the gear mechanism (3). The speed change ratio of the gear mechanism (3) can be altered. A driven member (18) to which the power output from an output element of the gear mechanism (3) is transmitted is provided. A first power transmission path (9) that connects the second driving power source MG1 to the driven member (18) is provided. A second power transmission path (17) that connects the third driving power source MG2 to the driven member (18) is provided. In this hybrid driving apparatus, at least one of the first power transmission path (9) and the second power transmission path (17) is provided with a transmission (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Hideaki Komada, Yukihiko Ideshio, Tooru Matsubara, Takashi Ohta, Hiroyuki Shibata, Hidehiro Oba
  • Patent number: 7468014
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery and three electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators. The three motor/generators are operable in a coordinated fashion to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick B. Usoro
  • Publication number: 20080297073
    Abstract: An electric force transmission device employs a differential device, having at least three rotating members and having two degrees of freedom that, when rotating states of two of the rotating members are determined, a rotating state of the other is determined, and in which differential device an output to a drive system is connected to the rotating member located on an inside on an alignment chart among the rotating members, two motor generators are coupled to the rotating members located on both sides of the rotating member related to the output on the alignment chart, and the drive system is driven by only a power from the motor generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Kazuo Yatabe, Yuusuke Minagawa, Tomoya Imazu
  • Patent number: 7426972
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicular drive system including (a) a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine (8) to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, (b) a second electric motor disposed in a power transmitting path between the power transmitting member and a drive wheel of a vehicle, and (c) a differential-state switching device operable to place the differential mechanism selectively in one of a differential state in which the differential mechanism is operable to perform a differential function and a locked state in which the differential mechanism is not operable to perform the differential function, the control device including an engine-stop switching control portion operable to control the differential-state switching device to place the differential mechanism in the differential state, upon stopping of the engine, so that the engine speed can be rapidly lowered to zero by controlling the first electric motor in the differential state of the differential mech
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga
  • Patent number: 7393296
    Abstract: A hybrid driving unit (7) in which a second electric motor (23) is disposed on the side closer to the front of a vehicle (the side closer to an internal combustion engine (5)) than a first electric motor (20). A casing member (14) is formed such that an inner diameter of a part thereof, in which a stator (28) of the second electric motor (23) is fixed, is larger than that of a part in which a stator of the first electric motor (20) is fixed. This allows the second electric motor (23) to be constructed so as to have a large radial dimension and, to that extent, allows the length thereof in the longitudinal direction to be suppressed. Accordingly, this allows the length of the whole hybrid driving unit (7) to be shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seigo Kano, Kenji Omote, Satoru Wakuta, Tomochika Inagaki, Masatoshi Adachi, Masahiro Kojima
  • Patent number: 7341534
    Abstract: Provided for a vehicle is an electrically variable hybrid transmission and powertrain utilizing a flywheel for energy storage. The flywheel is connected to an output shaft of the transmission and a first electric power unit through two planetary gear sets. Also provided is a second electrical power unit selectively coupled to an input shaft of the transmission and continuously coupled to an output shaft of a mechanical power source. The transmission, first and second electrical power units, flywheel, and mechanical power source cooperate to provide a continuously variable rotational speed to a final drive to propel the hybrid powertrain equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7338401
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes a power source, three differential gear sets, first and second motor/generators each connected to at least one of the gear sets, and torque-transmitting mechanisms. An input member transfers power from the power source through the differential gear sets to an output member. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to provide an input-split first electrically variable mode having equal forward and reverse speed ratios for given input speeds and to provide substantially equal fixed forward and reverse speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Klemen, Michael R. Schmidt, Brendan M. Conlon
  • Patent number: 7288041
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and up to five selectable torque-transfer devices, and a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7261661
    Abstract: A reduced cost, compact parallel hybrid transmission having only a single motor/generator is provided. The transmission utilizes a reduced number of components, preferably only three interconnecting members and four torque-transmitting mechanisms, to provide a reverse speed mode and seven forward speed modes (i.e., operating states achieved by engagement of a particular torque-transmitting mechanism or torque-transmitting mechanisms, whether encompassing a continuous range of speed ratios or only a fixed speed ratio). At least five of the forward modes are fixed speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7252611
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, a fixed interconnection, and five selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged in combinations of two or three to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7174978
    Abstract: A hybrid drive unit including a first motor, a first planetary gear and a second motor, wherein the first planetary gear distributes and transmits a drive force transmitted from an input shaft to the first motor and an output shaft, a power output from the output shaft and the second motor are synthesized and the first motor and the first planetary gear are housed in a transmission case with the second motor spaced from the transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Taniguchi, Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Kozo Yamaguchi, Kazuhisa Ozaki, Takeshi Inuzuka, Satoru Wakuta
  • Patent number: 7059986
    Abstract: A powertrain having a fuel cell prime mover, an electronic control unit, two motor/generator units, two planetary gearsets, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms is operable to provide three ranges of operation. During one range of operation, the power take-off unit operates at a constant speed. During the second range of operation, the power take-off unit, one of the motor/generator units, and the output shaft operate at a same speed, and during the third range of operation, both motor/generator units, the output shaft, and the power take-off unit operate at a same speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt