Electric torque converter for a powertrain and method of operating a vehicle
US8182391B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electric torque converter has a torque converter input member connected to the first node of a differential gear set representable by a lever diagram having first, second, and third nodes. A motor/generator is connected to the second node. The third node is connected to an input member of a transmission gearing arrangement. A brake is selectively engagable to ground the first node to a stationary member. Engagement of the brake provides a regenerative braking mode and an electric-only driving mode, with the motor/generator connected to the transmission gearing arrangement through the differential gear set. Various clutches may be provided for lock-up or selective connection of the engine, including arrangements which reduce motor/generator torque required for engine starting while in electric-only driving. A method of operating a vehicle maintains the engine speed at an optimum level to the extent possible given battery charge levels and operator commands.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.