| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080207372 | THREE MODE ELECTRICALLY-VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - An electrically-variable transmission is provided with first and second motor/generators and three planetary gear sets. The planetary gear sets have continuous interconnections, and selective connections via a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms, that provide three forward electrically-variable modes. Preferably, the planetary gear sets are characterized by effective gear ratios such that a substantially equal maximum torque is required from each of the motor/generators during the three forward electrically-variable modes for a given torque on the input member. This allows the first and second motor/generators to be substantially equal in size. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080207373 | ELECTRICALLY-VARIABLE TRANSMISSION HAVING TWO FORWARD LOW RANGE ELECTRICALLY-VARIABLE MODES AND A REVERSE ELECTRICALLY-VARIABLE MODE - An electrically-variable transmission is provided with input member and output member, first and second motor/generators, a first planetary gear set and multiple additional planetary gear sets as well as at least four torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engagable alone or in different combinations to establish a reverse electrically-variable operating mode, at least three forward electrically-variable operating modes, including two low range forward electrically-variable modes and a high range forward electrically-variable mode | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080300743 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - 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. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20090082171 | Output Split Electrically-Variable Transmission with Electric Propulsion Using One or Two Motors - An electrically-variable transmission is provided with input member and output member, first and second motor/generators, a first planetary gear set and a final drive gearset. Two or three torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engagable alone or in different combinations to establish at least one forward electric-only operating mode including a series mode, an output split mode, and at least one neutral mode including a purely neutral mode and a neutral battery charge mode. The transmission optionally includes a one-way clutch selected from the group of friction clutch and dog clutch, or is a lockable one-way clutch, for enabling low loss forward operation, regenerative braking functionality, and/or reverse vehicle operation. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090111635 | Electrically-Variable Transmission with Compounded Output Gearing - An electrically-variable transmission is provided with first and second motor/generators and three planetary gear assemblies. At least one of the planetary gear assemblies is a planetary gear assembly having multiple planetary gear sets. As a result, the gears for the planetary gear assembly can be represented on multiple radial planes. Each of the planetary gear assemblies has continuous interconnections, and selective connections via a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms, that provide three forward electrically-variable modes. Preferably, the planetary gear assemblies are connected to one another in such a manner as to allow shifting between one of the electrically-variable modes to occur at a point offset from a mechanical power flow of the transmission. This decreases the maximum power output required from the motor/generators. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090176610 | Two-Mode Electrically Variable Transmission - An electrically variable transmission (EVT) is provided with input member and output member, first and second motor/generators, a first and a second planetary gear set, and a final drive gearset. Two torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engagable alone or in different combinations to establish an electric-only operating mode, an input split mode, a compound split mode, and a neutral mode. The first torque-transmitting mechanism may be configured as a one-way clutch in parallel with a friction clutch or a dog clutch, or configured as a lockable one-way clutch. A vehicle having the EVT may be driven electrically using one or both motor/generators, up to a maximum speed of the motor/generators. There are no slipping clutches when operated in an electric-only operating mode, and the engine provides most of the power for high-speed cruising. The EVT can transition from input split mode to compound split mode by synchronous shift. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090281694 | Method and Apparatus for Transitioning an Electrically Variable Transmission - A method is provided for transitioning from an initial to a final transmission mode in an electrically variable transmission (EVT), and includes transitioning to an intermediate mode having an additional speed degree of freedom (DOF), changing a transmission ratio, and engaging a clutch to shift to the final mode. The modes include input and compound split, fixed gear ratio, and electric torque converter (ETC), with and without input from an engine. Output torque is maintained by adjusting a charge on an energy storage device. A brake grounds an input member of the EVT. The EVT has the input member, an output member, a stationary member, and first and second motor/generators. An algorithm transitions between modes by releasing at least one clutch to transition to a mode having an extra speed degree of freedom (DOF), and utilizing the extra speed DOF to change the ratio of the EVT. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090288895 | Electric Torque Converter for a Powertrain and Method of Operating a Vehicle - 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. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20100207471 | POWERTRAIN WITH DUAL ROTOR MOTOR/GENERATOR - 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. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100227722 | OUTPUT-SPLIT ELECTRICALLY-VARIABLE TRANSMISSION WITH TWO PLANETARY GEAR SETS AND TWO MOTOR/GENERATORS - 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. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100227735 | MULTI-MODE HYBRID TRANSMISSION AND SHIFT CONTROL METHOD FOR A MULTI-MODE HYBRID TRANSMISSION - 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. | 09-09-2010 |
