Hybrid electric vehicle powertrain with an alternate operating mode without a high voltage system
First Claim
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1. A hybrid electric powertrain for an automotive vehicle comprising:
- an engine, an electric motor, a battery, a generator and transmission gearing;
the transmission gearing defining in part a first power flow path from the engine to a power output member;
the generator being mechanically coupled to the engine by the transmission gearing;
the motor, the battery and the generator being electrically coupled and defining in part an electro-mechanical power flow path to the power output member;
a generator torque reaction brake means for anchoring the generator when the electro-mechanical power flow path is disabled; and
a slipping clutch mechanically connecting a torque reaction element of the gearing to the generator whereby a mechanical power flow path from the engine to the power output member is maintained when the electro-mechanical power flow path is disabled.
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Abstract
A hybrid electric powertrain and control method for an automotive vehicle having mechanical and electro-mechanical power flow paths from an engine to a power output member. A mechanical power flow path is maintained when the electro-mechanical power flow path is disabled.
32 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A hybrid electric powertrain for an automotive vehicle comprising:
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an engine, an electric motor, a battery, a generator and transmission gearing; the transmission gearing defining in part a first power flow path from the engine to a power output member; the generator being mechanically coupled to the engine by the transmission gearing; the motor, the battery and the generator being electrically coupled and defining in part an electro-mechanical power flow path to the power output member; a generator torque reaction brake means for anchoring the generator when the electro-mechanical power flow path is disabled; and a slipping clutch mechanically connecting a torque reaction element of the gearing to the generator whereby a mechanical power flow path from the engine to the power output member is maintained when the electro-mechanical power flow path is disabled. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A hybrid electric powertrain for an automotive vehicle comprising:
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an engine, an electric motor, a battery, a generator and transmission gearing; the transmission gearing defining in part a first power flow path from the engine to a power output member; the generator being mechanically coupled to the engine by the transmission gearing; the motor, the battery and the generator being electrically coupled and defining in part an electro-mechanical power flow path to the power output member; means for controlling generator speed by regulating current transfer between the motor and the generator as the battery functions as an electrical storage medium; a generator torque reaction brake means for anchoring the generator to effect a mechanical power flow path from the engine to the power output member when the electro-mechanical power flow path to the power output member is disabled; and a slipping clutch in a mechanical connection between the engine and the generator whereby a mechanical power flow path is established between the engine and the power output member, reaction torque for the gearing being developed by the slipping clutch.
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7. A hybrid electric powertrain for an automotive vehicle comprising:
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an engine, an electric motor, a high voltage battery, a generator and transmission gearing; the transmission gearing defining in part a first power flow path from the engine to a power output member; the generator being mechanically coupled to the engine by the transmission gearing; the motor, the high voltage battery and the generator being electrically coupled and defining in part an electro-mechanical power flow path to the power output member; a generator torque reaction brake means for anchoring the generator when the electro-mechanical power flow path is disabled; a slipping clutch mechanically connecting a torque reaction element of the gearing to the generator whereby a mechanical power flow path from the engine to the power output member is maintained when the electro-mechanical power flow path is disabled; a low voltage battery and alternator forming a low voltage power source for the vehicle; and an alternator drive clutch means for connecting the alternator to the engine as the slipping clutch is activated. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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9. A method for controlling a hybrid electric powertrain for an automotive vehicle, the powertrain having an engine, an electric motor, a high voltage battery, a generator and transmission gearing defining in part a mechanical power flow path from the engine to a power output member, the motor, the high voltage battery and the generator being electrically coupled and defining in part an electro-mechanical power flow path to the power output member, the method comprising the steps of:
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establishing a driving connection between the generator and the engine; braking the generator to provide reaction torque for a reaction element of the gearing as a mechanical power flow path is established between the engine and the power output member; and establishing a variable speed connection between the reaction element of the gearing and the generator when the generator is braked, whereby the engine is allowed to operate at speeds above a stall speed when the mechanical power flow path is established. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification