Electric hybrid four-wheel drive vehicle
First Claim
1. A continuously variable transmission comprising:
- a first planetary gear set;
a second planetary gear set operably coupled to said first planetary gear set;
an input shaft rotatably coupled to each of said first and second planetary gear sets for selectively providing a drive torque;
an output shaft rotatably coupled to said second planetary gear set;
a first electric motor operably coupled to said first planetary gear set for selectively functioning to one of either rotatably drive said first planetary gear set and retard rotation of said first planetary gear set; and
a second electric motor operably coupled to said second planetary gear set for selectively functioning to one of either rotatably drive said second planetary gear set and retard rotation of said second planetary gear set;
wherein said first and second electric motors function to selectively manipulate rotation of said first and second planetary gear sets for varying a drive ratio between said input shaft and said output shaft.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electric continuously variable transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets each having a corresponding electric motor/generator. Both planetary gear sets are integrally linked to an input shaft that transfers torque from an engine. The electric motor/generators switch between driving and retarding rotation of the corresponding planetary gear set to generate various ranges, providing variable transmission speed ratios. A brake may be selectively engaged producing an overdrive range for cruising speeds. The electric continuously variable transmission drives a first driveline for driving a first pair of wheels. A controller and battery are also provided for respectively controlling the various electric motor/generators and either storing or providing energy.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A continuously variable transmission comprising:
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a first planetary gear set;
a second planetary gear set operably coupled to said first planetary gear set;
an input shaft rotatably coupled to each of said first and second planetary gear sets for selectively providing a drive torque;
an output shaft rotatably coupled to said second planetary gear set;
a first electric motor operably coupled to said first planetary gear set for selectively functioning to one of either rotatably drive said first planetary gear set and retard rotation of said first planetary gear set; and
a second electric motor operably coupled to said second planetary gear set for selectively functioning to one of either rotatably drive said second planetary gear set and retard rotation of said second planetary gear set;
wherein said first and second electric motors function to selectively manipulate rotation of said first and second planetary gear sets for varying a drive ratio between said input shaft and said output shaft. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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15. A hybrid vehicle comprising:
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an engine;
a transmission operably attached to said engine, said transmission including;
a first planetary gear set;
a second planetary gear set operably coupled to said first planetary gear set;
an input shaft rotatably coupled to said engine and each of said first and second planetary gear sets for inputting a drive torque from said engine;
an output shaft rotatably coupled to said second planetary gear set;
a first electric motor operably coupled to said first planetary gear set for selectively functioning to one of either rotatably drive said first planetary gear set and retard rotation of said first planetary gear set; and
a second electric motor operably coupled to said second planetary gear set for selectively functioning to one of either rotatably drive said second planetary gear set and retard rotation of said second planetary gear set;
wherein said first and second electric motors function to selectively manipulate rotation of said first and second planetary gear sets for varying a drive ratio between said input shaft and said output shaft;
a first driveline operably interconnected with said output shaft for driving a first wheel.
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Specification