GB2473962A - Hybrid vehicle drivetrain with gear change disconnection - Google Patents

Hybrid vehicle drivetrain with gear change disconnection Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2473962A
GB2473962A GB1016211A GB201016211A GB2473962A GB 2473962 A GB2473962 A GB 2473962A GB 1016211 A GB1016211 A GB 1016211A GB 201016211 A GB201016211 A GB 201016211A GB 2473962 A GB2473962 A GB 2473962A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
drivetrain
clutch
gear
gearbox
electric machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1016211A
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GB201016211D0 (en
GB2473962B (en
Inventor
Timothy James Bowman
Don Kees
Robert Helle-Lorentzen
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Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Publication date
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Publication of GB201016211D0 publication Critical patent/GB201016211D0/en
Publication of GB2473962A publication Critical patent/GB2473962A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2473962B publication Critical patent/GB2473962B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W20/00—Control systems specially adapted for hybrid vehicles
    • B60W20/40—Controlling the engagement or disengagement of prime movers, e.g. for transition between prime movers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W20/00—Control systems specially adapted for hybrid vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
    • B60K6/20—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
    • B60K6/22—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs
    • B60K6/36—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs characterised by the transmission gearings
    • B60K6/365—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs characterised by the transmission gearings with the gears having orbital motion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
    • B60K6/20—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
    • B60K6/42—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by the architecture of the hybrid electric vehicle
    • B60K6/48—Parallel type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
    • B60K6/20—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
    • B60K6/50—Architecture of the driveline characterised by arrangement or kind of transmission units
    • B60K6/54—Transmission for changing ratio
    • B60K6/547—Transmission for changing ratio the transmission being a stepped gearing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W10/00—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
    • B60W10/02—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of driveline clutches
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W10/00—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function
    • B60W10/10—Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of change-speed gearings
    • B60W10/11—Stepped gearings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W30/00—Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units
    • B60W30/18—Propelling the vehicle
    • B60W30/19—Improvement of gear change, e.g. by synchronisation or smoothing gear shift
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
    • B60K6/20—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
    • B60K6/42—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by the architecture of the hybrid electric vehicle
    • B60K6/48—Parallel type
    • B60K2006/4825—Electric machine connected or connectable to gearbox input shaft
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
    • B60K6/20—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
    • B60K6/42—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by the architecture of the hybrid electric vehicle
    • B60K6/48—Parallel type
    • B60K2006/4833—Step up or reduction gearing driving generator, e.g. to operate generator in most efficient speed range
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/62—Hybrid vehicles

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Transmissions (AREA)
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (AREA)
  • Structure Of Transmissions (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicle gearbox drive shaft 4, 8 drives and can be driven by an electric machine 11 through an epicyclic gear set 12. A rotor 10 of the electric machine is connected to a sun gear 13 and a planet gear carrier 14 is connected to the gearbox drive shaft 4, 8. An annulus gear 15 is locked to a housing 5 via an annulus gear clutch 16 so as to provide a driveably connection between the drive shaft 4, 8 and the rotor 10. By disconnecting the annulus gear clutch 16 during gearshifts the inertia of the rotor 10 is prevented from being reflected back into the drive shaft 4, 8.

Description

VEHICLE DRIVETRAINS
This invention relates to drivetrains suitable for use in a hybrid vehicle.
SAE technical paper 2004 -01-0069, describes a hybrid vehicle which incorporates an automatic gearbox, whose torque converter has been removed and in its place is installed an electric machine and engine disconnect clutch. The electric machine can perform starter, generator and traction motor functions and is connected to the input shaft of the gearbox.
One problem encountered when such an electric machine is being driven directly by a gearbox input shaft (or vice versa), is that current electric machines, small enough to meet packaging requirements, do not operate very efficiently at the rotational speeds at which the vehicle's gearbox input shaft normally runs.
Typically, a ratio of 3:1 between electric machine and input shaft speed (for a machine connected with the input shaft of a manual gearbox, for example) is desirable. However, in these arrangements, during gearshifts, the rotational inertia of the electric machine is reflected back into the input shaft. This increased inertia can be significant and can have an adverse impact on the synchromesh used in meshing the gearbox's input and output shafts.
Connecting the electric machine to the output shaft of the gearbox presents another problem. In this case, the electric machine is subjected to a wide range of rotational speeds and torque There is the likelihood of overspeeding the electric machine at high vehicle speeds and not driving it fast enough for it to operate efficiently at low vehicle speeds.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a drivetrain for a motor vehicle comprising a gearbox driveably connected to an engine, an epicyclic gear set to provide a driveable connection between a drive shaft of the gearbox and an electric machine wherein the drivetrain further comprises a clutch to selectively disconnect the drive between the drive shaft and the electric machine during a gear change of the gearbox.
The epicyclic gear set may include an annulus gear and the clutch may be an annulus gear clutch interposed between the annulas gear and a fixed structure so as to selectively prevent or permit rotation of the annulas gear relative to the fixed structure.
The fixed structure may be a housing of the gearbox in which the epicyclic gear set is mounted or may be a separate housing for the epicyclic gear set.
The clutch may be an electro-hydraulic operated clutch.
The drivetrain may further comprise an electronic control means for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the clutch.
The electronic control means is configured to open the clutch during gearshifts.
The electronic control means may be configured to allow the clutch to slip under certain operating conditions The drivetrain may further comprise a main drive clutch between the engine and the gearbox.
The main drive clutch may be arranged to connect an input shaft of the gearbox to the engine.
The main drive clutch may be an electro-hydraulic actuated clutch.
The drivetrain may further comprise an electronic control means for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the main drive clutch.
The drivetrain may further comprise a main drive clutch between the engine and the gearbox and the electronic control means controls the operation of the main drive clutch and the clutch.
The gear box may be an automatic gearbox and the selection of gears in the gearbox may be controlled by an electronic control means.
The drive shaft may be an input shaft of the gearbox.
A rotor of the electric machine may be connected to a sun gear of the epicyclic gear set, a planet gear carrier of the epicyclic gear set may be connected to the input shaft of the gearbox and an annulus gear of the epicyclic gearbox may be releasably connectable to a fixed structure via the clutch.
The planet gear carrier may be connected to an opposite end of the gearbox input shaft to the end driveably connected to the engine.
Alternatively, the drive shaft may be an output shaft of the gearbox.
In order to permit the gear ratio between the drive shaft and the electric machine to be varied, an auxiliary clutch may be provided for locking together and releasing from one another two components of the epicyclic gear set.
The auxiliary clutch may be an electro-hydraulic clutch.
The clutch and auxiliary clutch may be incorporated into one housing.
A rotor of the electric machine may be connected to a sun gear of the epicyclic gear set, a planet gear carrier of the epicyclic gearbox may be connected to the output shaft of the gearbox, an annulus gear may be releasably connectable to a fixed structure via the clutch and the auxiliary clutch may be configured to selectively lock the annulus gear and planet carrier gear together or release them from one another, depending on the mode of operation of the drivetrain.
The drivetrain may further comprise an electronic control means for operating the auxiliary clutch.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle having a drivetrain constructed in accordance with said first aspect of the invention.
The electronic control means may be configured to open the clutch during gearshifts. It may also be configured to allow the clutch to slip, when a vehicle incorporating the drivetrain is pulling away from rest,
for example.
The planet gear carrier may be directly connected to the drive shaft of the vehicle gearbox or may be driven off said shaft by means of an auxiliary drive mechanism such as by means of a spar gear train or chain or belt drive.
The electric machine may be a motor-generator, either generating electric current as the motor is driven by the gearbox, or acting as a starter motor or traction motor when drawing current from a remote source.
The electric current generated may be stored in a battery or may be used to power some other device such as may comprise part of an energy storage and recovery system.
Some embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings of which; Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle incorporating a drivetrain in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, and Fig 2 is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle incorporating a drivetrain in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
With reference to Fig.1, a vehicle 1 has an internal combustion engine 2 and first and second pairs of wheels 3A, 3B. In this example, the engine is arranged to drive just one pair of wheels, 3A.
The engine 2 is connected to one end of an input shaft 4 of a gearbox 5 via a main drive clutch 6. In this specific example, the gearbox 5 is an automatic shifting manual gearbox of the type described in SAE technical paper 2004-01-3363, for example, and the main drive clutch 6 is an electro-hydraulic clutch. Both gearbox 5 and main drive clutch 6 are controlled by an electronic control means such as the electronic control module 7.
The input shaft 4 is connected to an output shaft 8 of the gearbox 5 via a gear set (not shown) A final drive unit 9 is connected between the output shaft 8 and the first set of wheels 3A.
The end of the input shaft 4 opposite to the engine 2 is connected to the rotor 10 of an electric machine 11 via an epicyclic gear set 12. The epicyclic gear set 12 is contained within the housing of the gearbox 5 and the electric machine 11 is located outside the housinq.
A sun gear 13 of the epicyclic gear set 12 is connected to the rotor 10.
A planet gear carrier 14 of the epicyclic gear set 12 is connected to the input shaft 4 and an annulus gear is selectively connected to and disconnected from a fixed non-rotatable support which in this case is the housing of the gearbox 5 by means of an annulus gear clutch 16. It will be appreciated that when the annulas gear clutch 16 is engaged it acts so as to brake the annulas gear 15 thereby preventing its rotation and when the annulas gear clutch 16 is disengaged the annulas gear 15 is free to rotate.
The number of teeth on the gears comprising the epicyclic gear set 12 are chosen so that a gear ratio of 1:3 is achieved, i.e. the rotor 10 spins at three times the rate of the input shaft 4.
The electronic control module 7 also controls the annulus gear clutch 16. A battery 17 is connected to the electric machine 11. The electric machine 11 can perform the functions of a starter, a generator or a traction motor. These functions are selected by the electronic control module 7.
-10 -Some modes of operation of the first embodiment will now be described.
In a first mode, the engine 2 is running, the main drive clutch 6 is engaged and the annulus gear clutch 16 is also engaged so that the annulus gear 15 is fixed. The sun gear 13 and planet gear carrier 14 rotate (owing to the rotation of the input shaft 4 which, in turn, is being driven by the engine 2) Hence the rotor 10 of the electric machine 11 rotates at three times the speed of the input shaft 4. In this mode the electric machine 11 acts as a generator, thus charging the battery 17.
In accordance with this invention during gear shifts, the electronic control module 7 momentarily disengages the annulus gear clutch 16 so that the annulus gear 15 is disconnected from the housing of the gearbox 5.
Consequently, the epicyclic gear set components are all free to rotate and so the rotor 10 is no longer hard coupled to the input shaft 4. Hence, rotational inertia of the rotor 10 is not reflected back into the gearbox 5. Advantageously, wear on the synchromesh components of the gearbox 5 is much reduced. The -11 -annulus gear clutch 16 is re-engaged once a new gear has been selected and the input shaft 4 can resume transmitting drive to the rotor 10.
Additionally, and optionally, during gearshifts to further reduce torque being transferred from the electric machine 11 through the input shaft 4 to the synchromesh components, while the annulus gear clutch 16 is disengaged, the electric machine 11 is electrically disconnected or switched off by the electronic control module 7.
Because the electric machine 11 may not be particularly efficient at low rotational speeds. To overcome this problem, the electronic control module 7 controls the annulus gear clutch 16 so that the latter slips while the vehicle 1 is pulling away from rest. The slippage allows the sun gear 13 to rotate relative to the planet carrier gear 14 and annulus 15. The rotor 10 is thus only partially coupled and so can rotate at a higher speed than the 3:1 ratio would permit.
In another mode of operation, the electric machine 11 is used to crank the engine 2. The electronic control module 7 selects neutral in the gearbox 5, engages both -12 -clutches 6, 16 and selects the starter mode of operation for the electric machine 11.
As the electric machine 11 draws current from the battery 17, the rotor starts to rotate, transmitting drive to the engine via the epicyclic gear set 12 and input shaft 4. Once the engine 2 has fired, the electronic control module 7 instructs the electric machine 11 to cease drawing current from the battery and disengages the clutch 6.
In a further mode of operation, the electric machine 11 is used to drive the vehicle 1. The electronic control module 7 selects the traction motor mode of operation for the electric machine 11 in this case. With current being drawn from the battery 17 and the annulus gear clutch engaged 16, the rotor 10 drives the input shaft 4 and ultimately the wheels 3A of the vehicle once a gear has been selected in the gearbox 5. The electric machine 11 may provide the sole source of motive power to the vehicle or may be used to supplement power from the engine 2.
With reference to Fig. 2, the drivetrain of a second embodiment differs from the first in that the planet -13 -gear carrier 14 is connected to the output shaft 8 of the gearbox 5 and not the input shaft 4. Features common to Figs 1 and 2 share the same reference numerals.
Additionally, an auxiliary clutch 18 serves to connect and disconnect the annulus gear 15 and planet carrier 14 to and from one another. The auxiliary clutch 18 is under the control of the electronic control module 7.
The electric machine 11 can operate as a generator whenever the output shaft is turning. Conversely, when the electronic control module 7 instructs the electric machine 11 to draw current from the battery 17, the electric machine 11 acts as a traction motor and drives the vehicle 1 via the output shaft 8 and final drive 9.
When, under the control of the electronic control module 7, the clutch 16 is engaged and the auxiliary clutch 18 is disengaged (so that the planet gear carrier can rotate with respect to the fixed annulus), the rotor 10 rotates at three times the rate of the output shaft 8.
-14 -When the clutch 16 is disengaged and the auxiliary clutch 18 is engaged (so that the planet gear carrier and annulus gear rotate together), a 1:1 gear ratio is set between the rotor 10 and output shaft 8.
Consequently, the selective operation of the two clutches 16 and 18 gives the option of two different gear ratios between the rotor 10 and the output shaft 8. Advantageously, by suitable operation of the clutches 16, 18 the operational rotational speed range of the electric machine 11 is significantly reduced compared with the output shaft 8.
As before the annulus gear clutch 16 is used to selectively secure or release the annulas gear 15 from rotation. During a gear change of the gearbox 5, the drive between the output shaft 8 and the rotor 10 is interrupted so as to minimise the effect of the electric machine 11 on the synchromesh gears of the gearbox 5.
In a further embodiment (not shown), the epicyclic gear set 12 is located outside the gearbox housing in a separate housing which forms a fixed support. In this case, the annulus gear clutch 16 connects and -15 -disconnects the annulus gear 15 to and from this separate housing instead of the gearbox housing.
Although the planet gear carrier is in the described embodiments directly connected to the drive shaft of the vehicle gearbox it will be appreciated that it could be driven off said shaft by means of an auxiliary drive mechanism such as by means of a spar gear train or chain or belt drive.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example with reference to one or more embodiments it is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and that one or more modifications to the disclosed embodiments or alternative embodiments could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

  1. -16 -Claims 1. A drivetrain for a motor vehicle comprising a gearbox driveably connected to an engine, an epicyclic gear set to provide a driveable connection between a drive shaft of the gearbox and an electric machine wherein the drivetrain further comprises a clutch to selectively disconnect the drive between the drive shaft and the electric machine during a gear change of the gearbox.
  2. 2. A drivetrain as claimed in claim 1 wherein the epicyclic gear set includes an annulus gear and the clutch is an annulus gear clutch interposed between the annulas gear and a fixed structure so as to selectively prevent or permit rotation of the annulas gear relative to the fixed structure.
  3. 3. A drivetrain as claimed in claim 1 or in claim 2 wherein the drivetrain further comprises an electronic control means for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the clutch.
    -17 -
  4. 4. A drivetrain as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the drivetrain further comprises a main drive clutch between the engine and the gearbox.
  5. 5. A drivetrain as claimed in claim 4 wherein the drivetrain further comprises an electronic control means for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the main drive clutch.
  6. 6. A drive train as claimed in claim 3 wherein the drivetrain further comprises a main drive clutch between the engine and the gearbox and the electronic control means controls the operation of the main drive clutch and the clutch.
  7. 7. A drivetrain as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the drive shaft is an input shaft of the gearbox.
  8. 8. A drive train as claimed in claim 7 wherein a rotor of the electric machine is connected to a sun gear of the epicyclic gear set, a planet gear carrier of the epicyclic gear set is connected to the input shaft of the gearbox and an annulus gear of the -18 -epicyclic gearbox is releasably connectable to a fixed structure via the clutch.
  9. 9. A drivetrain as claimed in claim 8 wherein the planet gear carrier is directly connected to an opposite end of the gearbox input shaft to the end driveably connected to the engine.
  10. 10. A drivetrain according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the drive shaft is an output shaft of the gearbox.
  11. 11. A drivetrain as claimed in claim 11 wherein the drive train further comprises an auxiliary clutch for locking together and releasing from one another two components of the epicyclic gearbox.
  12. 12. A drivetrain as claimed in claim 11 wherein a rotor of the electric machine is connected to a sun gear of the epicyclic gear set, a planet gear carrier of the epicyclic gear set is connected to the output shaft of the gearbox and an annulus gear is releasably connectable to a fixed structure via the clutch and the auxiliary clutch is configured to selectively lock the annulus gear and planet carrier gear together or -19 -release them from one another, depending on the mode of operation of the drivetrain.
  13. 13. A drivetrain as claimed in claim 11 or in claim 12 wherein the drivetrain further comprises an electronic control means for operating the auxiliary clutch.
  14. 14. A vehicle having a drivetrain as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13.
  15. 15. A drivetrain substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  16. 16. A vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB1016211.3A 2009-09-26 2010-09-27 Vehicle drivetrains Expired - Fee Related GB2473962B (en)

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US10308239B2 (en) * 2014-10-01 2019-06-04 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Powersplit hybrid powertrain with overdrive clutch
CN110758082B (en) * 2019-09-23 2021-10-08 东风商用车有限公司 New energy vehicle power coupling device and control method thereof

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GB201016211D0 (en) 2010-11-10
GB2473962B (en) 2016-06-01
GB0916925D0 (en) 2009-11-11
DE102010040804A1 (en) 2011-03-31
CN102029900A (en) 2011-04-27

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