The present invention relates to an autonomous omnidirectional drive unit including a chassis (40) defining a front third (41), which contains a first drive wheel (11) with a first gearbox (13), a second drive wheel (21) with a second gearbox (23) coaxial with a horizontal geometric axis (EH), and a battery (30) between same, an intermediate third (42) which contains a first motor (12) and a second motor (22) connected to the first and second drive wheels (11, 21) and a vertical housing (70) between same concentric with a vertical geometric axis (EV); and a rear third which contains at least one caster wheel (50), the first and second motors (12, 22) being controlled by a control device (80) which generates control commands considering the distance (D) existing between the horizontal and vertical geometric axes (EH, EV).

Disclosed in the present invention is a dual-structured power output apparatus of an electric drive and power system that provides a means for outputting both mechanical power and electrical power. It comprises dual motor/generators having two stator assemblies, two rotor assemblies and a power transmission unit all integrated into a single housing for easy mounting. The power transmission unit is disposed adjacent to the two motor/generators and coupled on both ends to rotating shafts mechanically linked to the rotor assemblies such that they are rotatable relative to each other. It function is to change the rotational speed and torque of at least one of the rotors in order to reduce weight and physical size of the apparatus, and thus significantly improving the power density and capability. The structure of the apparatus is well-suited to improve the performance and fuel efficiency of the prior art hybrid powertrain.

A vehicle includes an engine, a first motor generator, a second motor generator, a transmission, a differential device, and an electronic control unit. The transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a clutch. The electronic control unit is configured to detect a rotation speed difference between the input shaft and the output shaft when the clutch is controlled so as to be brought into a power transmission shut-off state. The electronic control unit is configured to, when the rotation speed difference detected by the electronic control unit is smaller than a target rotation speed difference between the input shaft and the output shaft that occurs in a case where the power transmission shut-off state of the clutch is established, suppress cranking of the engine by the first motor generator.

A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine and electric motors each coupled to a wheel of a rear axle by a coupling device, and an electronic control unit connected to sensors, to a mechanism selecting a propulsion mode and also to the internal combustion engine and to the electric motors. The method includes: depending on running conditions of the vehicle and depending on the selected propulsion mode, controlling the coupling devices, controlling operation of the internal combustion engine and of the electric motors, and controlling torque of the internal combustion engine and of the electric motors.

A method is provided to control a hybrid powertrain, comprising: a) engaging a gear corresponding to either a gear pair connected with a first planetary gear in the gearbox or corresponding to a gear pair connected with a second planetary gear and an output shaft; b) selecting a gear by connecting two rotatable components in the first planetary gear with each other, via a first coupling device and/or connecting two rotatable components in the second planetary gear with each other, via a second coupling device; and c) controlling a switch such that a first electrical machine is set into a waiting state, if the second coupling device connects the two rotatable components of the second planetary gear with each other, and such that a second electrical machine is set into a waiting state, if the first coupling device connects the two rotatable components of the first planetary gear with each other.

A method is provided to start a combustion engine in a hybrid powertrain, comprising a gearbox with input and output shafts; a first planetary gear, connected to the input shaft and a first main shaft; a second planetary gear connected to the first planetary gear and a second main shaft; first and second electrical machines respectively connected to the first and second planetary gears; one gear pair connected with the first main shaft, and therefore with the first planetary gear and the output shaft; and one gear pair connected with the second main shaft. The method comprises: a) connecting an output shaft of the combustion engine with the input shaft of the gearbox, via a coupling device arranged between the output shaft and the input shaft; and b) controlling the first and second electrical machines to start the combustion engine.

The inventors' findings relate to a transmission for vehicles, comprising an input side configured for being coupled to a prime mover and an output side configured for being coupled to a driven element wherein the transmission comprises an electromagnetic torque converter (EMTC), wherein the EMTC has at least two output paths, namely the first output path coupled to a gear box which is preferably configured for being coupled to a drive shaft of the vehicle, and a second output path which is configured to be coupled to an auxiliary power provider. The inventors' findings also relate to a vehicle driveline comprising said transmission. Furthermore, the inventors' findings also relate to a vehicle comprising said vehicle driveline.

A hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle includes a battery for storing electrical energy, a power controller adapted to route electrical energy to and from the battery, a hybrid transaxle positioned between and interconnecting an engine and a first drive axle, the hybrid transaxle including a planetary gear set including a sun gear, planet gears rotationally supported on a carrier, and a ring gear, the carrier continuously connected to the engine, a first electric motor/generator continuously connected to the sun gear of the planetary gear set, final drive gears continuously connected to and interconnecting the ring gear of the planetary gear set to the first drive axle, and a second electric motor/generator selectively connectable to the final drive gears through an intermediary gearset having a single gear ratio.

Systems and methods are provided for an electric drive unit. The electric drive unit includes a first electric machine and a second electric machine, a first transmission coupled to the first electric machine, a second transmission coupled to the second electric machine and a disconnect. The disconnect is arranged between a shaft coupled to the first transmission and a shaft coupled to the second transmission and configured to mechanically couple the first transmission and the second transmission.

A device and method for improving the efficiency of internal combustion engine driven vehicles and other machines using a supplemental electric drive power source on a drive shaft with an electric motor and generator placed in series. As speed of the vehicle increases, the speed of the driveshaft will increase, producing more power at the driveshaft via the electric motor and generator assembly. As the generator produces more power, the electric motor will have more power going to it until a desired speed is achieved. The desired speed will be maintained by the wheels turning the rear axle therein turning the generator and the electric motor. This will allow the vehicle to maintain highway speeds at the same rpm but with less load causing an exponential increase in fuel efficiency as the device and method shall supplement required vehicle force/power output. A device and method for improving the efficiency of a primary power supply with a combination motor/generator with a common drive shaft.