Hybrid powertrain with single electric motor integrated within automatic transmission
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A hybrid transmission operatively connectable with an engine, comprising:
- an input member;
an output member;
a stationary member;
multiple planetary gear sets, each with a first, a second, and a third member; and
selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms interconnecting the planetary gear sets, the input member, the output member, and the stationary member and engagable in different combinations to establish various operating modes between the input member and the output member;
wherein the input member is operatively connected for rotation with the engine and is selectively connectable for rotation with the first member of one of the planetary gear sets by engagement of one of the torque-transmitting mechanisms;
an electric motor connected for rotation with the second member of another of the planetary gear sets;
wherein the transmission is characterized by an absence of any additional electric motors used to add power to the input member, output member, stationary member, or multiple planetary gear sets;
a clutch connecting the input member for rotation with the electric motor;
wherein the transmission is operable in an electric-only operating mode when the engine is off and the electric motor powers the second member to which the electric motor is connected for rotation and other ones of the torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged; and
wherein the transmission is operable in an engine-only operating mode when the electric motor is off and the clutch is engaged such that the engine powers the second member.
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Abstract
A hybrid transmission is provided that is operatively connectable to an engine. The transmission has an electric motor and a clutch, which may be a brake-type clutch or a rotating-type clutch, depending on the embodiment, integrated within the transmission. Absent the electric motor and the clutch, and with the addition of a torque converter and torque converter lock-up clutch, the transmission would be a non-hybrid, operable automatic transmission. The transmission is operable to provide an electric-only operating ode, an engine-only operating mode, an electrically-variable operating mode and a parallel hybrid operating mode.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A hybrid transmission operatively connectable with an engine, comprising:
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an input member;
an output member;
a stationary member;
multiple planetary gear sets, each with a first, a second, and a third member; and
selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms interconnecting the planetary gear sets, the input member, the output member, and the stationary member and engagable in different combinations to establish various operating modes between the input member and the output member;
wherein the input member is operatively connected for rotation with the engine and is selectively connectable for rotation with the first member of one of the planetary gear sets by engagement of one of the torque-transmitting mechanisms;an electric motor connected for rotation with the second member of another of the planetary gear sets;
wherein the transmission is characterized by an absence of any additional electric motors used to add power to the input member, output member, stationary member, or multiple planetary gear sets;a clutch connecting the input member for rotation with the electric motor;
wherein the transmission is operable in an electric-only operating mode when the engine is off and the electric motor powers the second member to which the electric motor is connected for rotation and other ones of the torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged; and
wherein the transmission is operable in an engine-only operating mode when the electric motor is off and the clutch is engaged such that the engine powers the second member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A hybrid transmission operatively connectable with an engine, comprising:
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an input member;
an output member;
a stationary member;
multiple planetary gear sets, each with a first, a second, and a third member, the members representing a sun gear member, a carrier member and a ring gear member; and
selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms interconnecting the planetary gear sets, the input member, the output member, and the stationary member and engagable in different combinations to establish various operating modes, including six forward fixed speed ratios between the input member and the output member;wherein the input member is connected for rotation with the engine, is selectively connectable for rotation with the first member of one of the planetary gear sets by engagement of one of the torque-transmitting mechanisms; and
is continuously connected for rotation with the second member of another of the planetary gear sets;an electric motor connected for rotation with the sun gear member of said another of the planetary gear sets; a clutch selectively engagable to ground the sun gear member of said another of the planetary gear sets to the stationary member;
wherein the transmission is operable in an electric-only operating mode when the engine is off, the clutch is not engaged, and the electric motor powers the sun gear member of said another of the planetary gear sets; and
wherein the transmission is operable in an engine-only operating mode when the electric motor is off, the clutch is engaged and the engine powers the second member of said another of the planetary gear sets. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A hybrid transmission operatively connectable with an engine, comprising:
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an input member;
an output member;
a stationary member;
first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets, each with a ring gear member, a sun gear member, and a carrier member;
four selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms interconnecting the planetary gear sets, the input member, the output member, and the stationary member and engagable in different combinations to establish different operating modes, including eight forward fixed speed ratios between the input member and the output member;wherein the input member is connected for rotation with the engine, is selectively connectable for rotation with the sun gear member of one of the third and fourth planetary gear sets by engagement of one of the torque-transmitting mechanisms; and
is continuously connected for rotation with the carrier member of one of the first and second planetary gear sets;an electric motor connected for rotation with the sun gear member of said one of the first and second planetary gear sets; a clutch selectively engagable to ground the sun gear member of said one of the first and second planetary gear sets to the stationary member;
wherein the transmission is operable in an electric-only operating mode in which the engine is off, the clutch is not engaged, and the electric motor powers the sun gear member of said one of the first and second planetary gear sets; and
wherein the transmission is operable in an engine-only operating mode in which the electric motor is off, the clutch is engaged and the engine powers the carrier member to which the input member is continuously connected. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification