Novel approach to integrating a starter-generator with an automatic transmission

• US 20020111239A1
• Filed: 12/14/2001
• Published: 08/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/09/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Inventors: Swales, Shawn Harold
• Granted Patent: US 6,599,214 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 475/35
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/48 Parallel type
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/003 said electric motor being also used as a drive for auxiliaries, e.g. for driving transmission pumps or fuel pumps during engine stop
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/04 the motors being associated with current generators
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/0814 comprising means for controlling automatic idle-start-stop
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 15/022 the starter comprising an intermediate clutch
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 5/04 of inertia type
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2312/14 Going to, or coming from standby operation, e.g. for engine start-stop operation at traffic lights
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 61/0021 Generation or control of line pressure
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 61/0025 Supply of control fluid; Pumps therefore
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/40 Engine management systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/62 Hybrid vehicles

Abstract

A transmission having a starter/generator that is not mounted on the engine crankshaft is provided. The starter/generator is drivingly or directly connected to a transmission pump, and can selectively engage a torque converter and/or an internal combustion engine. The invention allows for efficient disengagement of the engine when the vehicle is stopped, and reengagement upon subsequent torque demand.

Claims

1. A power train for a motor vehicle, comprising:

an internal combustion engine;

a starter/generator having a rotor;

a torque converter having an input impeller, an output turbine, and a stator having a housing;

a transmission pump having a cover and being directly connected to the rotor such that the pump can receive power directly from the rotor;

a selectively engageable clutch disposed between the starter/generator and the internal combustion engine; and

a transmission input directly connected to the output turbine of the torque converter.

2. A power train in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rotor is disposed between the transmission pump and the torque converter.

3. A power train in accordance with claim 2, wherein the rotor is disposed on bearings of the cover of the pump.

4. A power train in accordance with claim 2, wherein the rotor is further disposed on bearings of a shaft of the stator.

5. A power train in accordance with claim 2, wherein the cover of the transmission pump is integrally formed with the housing of the starter/generator.

6. A power train in accordance with claim 1, wherein the internal combustion engine is in direct connection with the impeller input of the torque converter and the clutch is disposed between the starter/generator and the impeller.

7. A power train in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rotor is in further direct connection with the input impeller of the torque converter.

8. A power train for a motor vehicle, comprising:

an internal combustion engine;

a torque converter having an input impeller, an output turbine, and a stator;

a transmission pump;

a starter/generator directly connected to both the transmission pump and the input impeller;

a clutch disposed between the starter/generator and the internal combustion engine; and

a transmission input directly connected to the output turbine of the torque converter.