Abstract
A plug-in hybrid powertrain for automotive vehicle is provided which has an internal combustion engine; an electric machine; multiple planetary gear sets, multiple selectively engageable clutch mechanisms and an output member. Selectively engaging those clutches will achieve multiple operation modes including multiple torque transfer ratio from electric machine to output member; multiple torque transfer ratio from internal combustion engine to output member; electric machine propulsion mode; internal combustion engine propulsion mode; generator assistant vehicle launch modes for forward and reverse in the internal combustion engine vehicle launch operations; motor assistant propulsion when in internal combustion engine vehicle propulsion operations; and engine cranking mode. The plug-in hybrid powertrain achieves more torque transfer ratios and operational mode with given number of planetary gear sets and clutches then any existing system.
Claims
1. A plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising: an internal combustion engine member; an electric machine member; an output member; an ground member; multiple planetary gear sets, each has a first element, a second element and a third element; a number of fixed connections deployed between those members and elements of planetary gear sets; a number of selectively engageable clutch mechanisms deployed between those members and elements of planetary gear sets to selectively connect them to achieve multiple operation modes including multiple torque transfer ratio from electric machine to output member, multiple torque transfer ratios from internal combustion engine to output member, generator assistant launch modes for forward and reverse in the internal combustion engine based vehicle launch operations, and engine cranking mode.
2. The plug-in hybrid powertrain of claim 1, wherein or use four planetary gear sets and five clutches (do not include engine disconnect clutch) and achieves nine torque transfer ratios from internal combustion engine to output member, four torque transfer ratio from electric machine to output member, generator assistant launch modes for forward and reverse in the internal combustion engine based vehicle launch operations and engine cranking mode; the plug-in hybrid powertrain with four planetary gear sets and five clutches being able to provide those transfer ratios and operation modes is achieved by the altogether following connection configuration principles for each planetary gear set; if those connection configuration principles are followed the same number of transfer ratios and operation modes can be always obtained; The connection and connections stated below for each element are the only and all connection and connections that element must have: the connection configuration principle for the first planetary gear set: one element of this first planetary gear set has a clutch connection with ground; another element of this first planetary gear set has a fix connection with an element of the fourth planetary gear set; and another element of this first planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the second planetary gear set, a clutch connection with ground and another fixed connection with electric machine; the connection configuration principle for the second planetary gear set: one element of this second planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the third planetary gear set; another element of this second planetary gear set has a clutch connection with an element of the fourth planetary gear set and a clutch connection with internal combustion engine (this clutch is the engine disconnect clutch); and another element of this second planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the first planetary gear set; the connection configuration principle for the third planetary gear set: one element of this third planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of fourth planetary gear set; another element of this third planetary gear set has two clutch connections with another two elements of the fourth planetary gear set respectively; and another element of this third planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the second planetary gear set; the connection configuration principle for the fourth planetary set: one element of this fourth planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the first planetary gear set and a clutch connection with an element of the third planetary gear set; another element of this fourth planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the third planetary gear set and another fixed connection with output member; and another element of this fourth planetary gear set has a clutch connection with an element of second planetary gear set and another clutch connection with an element of the third planetary gear set.
3. The plug-in hybrid powertrain of claim 1, wherein or use three planetary gear sets and five clutches (do not include engine disconnect clutch) and achieves seven torque transfer ratios from internal combustion engine to output member, four torque transfer ratio from electric machine to output member, generator assistant launch modes for forward and reverse in the internal combustion engine based vehicle launch operations and engine cranking mode; the plug-in hybrid powertrain with three planetary gear sets and five clutches being able to provide those transfer ratios and operation modes is achieved by the altogether following connection configurations principles for each planetary gear set; if those connection configuration principles are followed the same number of transfer ratios and operation modes can be always obtained. The connection and connections stated below for each element are the only and all connection and connections that element must have: the connection configuration principle for the first planetary gear set: one element of this first planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the second planetary gear set; another element of this first planetary gear set has a clutch connection with an element of the second planetary gear set and another clutch connection with the internal combustion engine (this clutch is the engine disconnect clutch); and another element of this first planetary gear set has a fixed connection with the electric machine, and a clutch connection with ground, and another clutch connection with an element of the second planetary gear set; the connection configuration principle for the second planetary gear set: one element of this second planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the third planetary gear set; another element of this second planetary gear set has two clutch connections with two elements (other than the element with fixed connection with the second planetary gear set) of the first planetary gear set respectively; and another element of this second planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the first planetary gear set and a clutch connection with an element of the third planetary gear set; the connection configuration principle for the third planetary gear set: one element of this third planetary gear set has a fixed connection with the output member; another element of this third planetary gear set has a clutch connection with an element of second planetary gear set and another clutch connection with ground; and another element of this third planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the second planetary gear set.
4. The plug-in hybrid powertrain of claim 1, wherein or use two planetary gear sets and five clutches (do not include engine disconnect clutch) and achieves four torque transfer ratios from internal combustion engine to output member, four torque transfer ratios from electric machine to output member, generator assistant launch modes for forward in the internal combustion engine based vehicle launch operations and engine cranking mode; the plug-in hybrid powertrain with two planetary gear sets and five clutches being able to provide those transfer ratios and operation modes is achieved by the altogether following connection configurations principles for each planetary gear set; if those connection configuration principles are followed the same number of transfer ratios and operation modes can be always obtained. The connection and connections stated below for each element are the only and all connection and connections that element must have: the connection configuration principle for the first planetary gear set: one element of this first planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the second planetary gear set and another fixed connection with the output member; another element of this first planetary gear set has three clutch connections, first clutch connection with an elements of the second planetary gear set other than the one with fixed connection with the first planetary gear set, second clutch connection with another elements of the second planetary gear set other than the one with fixed connection with the first planetary gear set, third clutch connection with the internal combustion engine (this clutch is the engine disconnect clutch); and another element of this first planetary gear set has a clutch connection with an element of the second planetary gear set and a fixed connection with the electrical machine; the connection configuration principle for the second planetary gear set: one element of this second planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the first planetary gear set; another element of this second planetary gear set has three clutch connections, first clutch connection with an elements of the first planetary gear set other than the one with fixed connection with the second planetary gear set, second clutch connection with another elements of the first planetary gear set other than the one with fixed connection with the second planetary gear set, third clutch connection with the ground; and another element of this second planetary gear set has a clutch connection with an element of the first planetary gear set and another clutch connection with the ground.
5. The plug-in hybrid powertrain of claim 1, wherein or use four planetary gear sets and five clutches (do not include engine disconnect clutch) and achieves nine torque transfer ratios from internal combustion engine to output member, four torque transfer ratio from electric machine to output member, generator assistant launch modes for forward and reverse in the internal combustion engine based vehicle launch operations and engine cranking mode; the plug-in hybrid powertrain with four planetary gear sets and five clutches being able to provide those transfer ratios and operation modes is achieved by the altogether following connection configurations principles for each planetary gear set; if those connection configuration principles are followed the same number of transfer ratios and operation modes can be always obtained. The connection and connections stated below for each element are the only and all connection and connections that element must have: the connection configuration principle for the first planetary gear set: one element of this first planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of second planetary gear set; another element of this first planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the fourth planetary gear set; and another element of this first planetary gear set has a clutch connection with an element of the second planetary gear set, and another clutch connection with the internal combustion engine (this clutch is the engine disconnect clutch); the connection configuration principle for the second planetary gear set: one element of this second planetary gear set has a fixed connection with the electric machine and a clutch connection with ground; another element of this second planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the third planetary gear and a clutch connection with an element of the first planetary gear set; and another element of this second planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the first planetary gear set and a clutch connection with an element of third planetary gear set; the connection configuration principle for the third planetary gear set: one element of this third planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of second planetary gear set; another element of this third planetary gear set has a clutch connection with an element of the second planetary gear set and another clutch connection with an element of fourth planetary gear set; and another element of this third planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the fourth planetary gear set and a clutch connection with ground; the connection configuration principle for the fourth planetary set: one element of this fourth planetary gear set has a fixed connection with an element of the third planetary gear set and a clutch connection with the ground; another element of this fourth planetary gear set has a fixed connection with the output member; and another element of this fourth planetary gear set has a clutch connection with an element of third planetary gear set and a fixed connection with an element of the first planetary gear set.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with two planetary gear sets.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with two planetary gear sets.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with two planetary gear sets.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with two planetary gear sets.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with three planetary gear sets.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with three planetary gear sets.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a seventh embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with three planetary gear sets.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an eighth embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with three planetary gear sets.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a nineth embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with four planetary gear sets.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a tenth embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with four planetary gear sets.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an eleventh embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with four planetary gear sets.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a twelfth embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with four planetary gear sets.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a thirteenth embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with four planetary gear sets.
[0037] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a fourteenth embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with four planetary gear sets.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a fifteenth embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with four planetary gear sets.
[0039] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a sixteenth embodiment of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with four planetary gear sets.
[0040] FIG. 17 is a table of clutch states of embodiments of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with two planetary gear sets.
[0041] FIG. 18 is a table of clutch states of embodiments of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with three planetary gear sets.
[0042] FIG. 19 is a table of clutch states of embodiments of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with four planetary gear sets.
[0043] FIG. 20 is a table of clutch states of embodiments of the invented plug-in hybrid powertrain system with four planetary gear sets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] Referring to the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components throughout the several views. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of two simple planetary gear sets 10 and 20. The planetary gear set 10 has three interrelated rotation elements labeled 11, 12 and 13, and the planetary gear set 20 has three interrelated rotation elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. Fixed connections between element 12 and element 23 and output shaft 43 make them as one rotating body. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 11 and element 21. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 11 and element 22. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and element 22. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 22 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 21 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 11 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13.
[0045] The plug-in hybrid powertrain system shown in FIG. 1 can achieve multiple operation modes by selectively engage clutches. The engagement states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for each operation mode are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 17 and described in the following.
[0046] The first group of operation modes is the electric machine only propulsion operation group. It includes multiple transfer ratio modes for electric machine propulsion as:
[0047] 1. In the first transfer ratio mode of electric machine propulsion operation, the clutch C1 and B1 are engaged, and all other clutches are disengaged. The internal combustion engine 41 is off, and the electric machine 43 provides electric propulsion and regenerative break operation. [0048] 2. In the second transfer ratio mode of electric machine propulsion operation, the clutch C2 and B1 are engaged, and all other clutches are disengaged. The internal combustion engine 41 is off, and the electric machine 43 provides electric propulsion and regenerative break operation. The second transfer ratio of electric machine propulsion operation can be also achieved by having clutch C1 and B2 engaged. [0049] 3. In the third transfer ratio mode of electric machine propulsion operation, the clutch C2 and B2 are engaged, and all other clutches are disengaged. The internal combustion engine 41 is off, and the electric machine 43 provides electric propulsion and regenerative break operation.
[0050] 4. In the fourth transfer ratio mode of electric machine propulsion operation, the clutch C1 and C2 are engaged, and all other clutches are disengaged. The internal combustion engine 41 is off, and the electric machine 43 provides electric propulsion and regenerative break operation.
[0051] The second group of operation modes is the internal combustion engine propulsion with electric machine power assistant operation group which includes multiple transfer ratio modes for internal combustion engine propulsion as: [0052] 1. The first transfer ratio mode of internal combustion engine propulsion operation provides the vehicle launch operation in which the clutch C0 and B1 are engaged, and all other clutches are disengaged. The internal combustion engine provides propulsion power, and the electric machine is in generation mode, therefore no consumption of electricity. Such internal combustion engine vehicle launch operation is called generator assistant (GA) launch. [0053] 2. In the second transfer ratio mode of internal combustion engine propulsion operation the clutch C0, C3 and B1 are engaged, and all other clutches are disengaged. In this mode, during the vehicle propulsion operation, the internal combustion engine provides propulsion power, and the electric machine is off. During the vehicle braking operation the electric machine provides regenerative braking. In the regeneration braking operation, the clutch C0 can be disengaged to gain more electricity from regenerative braking. [0054] 3. In the third transfer ratio mode of internal combustion engine propulsion operation the clutch C0, C3 and B2 are engaged, and all other clutches are disengaged. In this mode, during the vehicle propulsion operation, the internal combustion engine provides propulsion power, and the electric machine is off. During the vehicle braking operation the electric machine provides regenerative braking. In the regeneration braking operation, the clutch C0 can be disengaged to gain more electricity from regenerative braking. [0055] 4. In the fourth transfer ratio mode of internal combustion engine propulsion operation the clutch C0, C3 and C2 are engaged, and all other clutches are disengaged. In this mode, during the vehicle propulsion operation, the internal combustion engine provides propulsion power, and the electric machine is off. During the vehicle braking operation the electric machine provides regenerative braking. In the regeneration braking operation, the clutch C0 can be disengaged to gain more electricity from regenerative braking. [0056] 5. In the fifth transfer ratio mode of internal combustion engine propulsion operation the clutch C0, C2 and B2 are engaged, and all other clutches are disengaged. In this mode, during the vehicle propulsion operation, the internal combustion engine provides propulsion power, and the electric machine is off. During the vehicle braking operation the electric machine provides regenerative braking. In the regeneration braking operation, the clutch C0 can be disengaged to gain more electricity from regenerative braking. [0057] 6. In the reverse transfer ratio mode of internal combustion engine propulsion operation, the clutch C0, Cl and B1 are engaged, and all other clutches are disengaged. In this mode, during the vehicle propulsion operation, the internal combustion engine provides propulsion power, and the electric machine is off. The vehicle launch in reverse is achieved by slipping control of one of three clutches C0, C1 or B1. [0058] 7. In the engine cranking mode of internal combustion engine propulsion operation, the clutch C0 is engaged, and all other clutches are disengaged. In this mode the electric machine provides engine cranking torque to start the internal combustion engine. [0059] 8. When in the internal combustion engine propulsion operation modes excepting one in which the electric machine is grounded, the electric machine can provide power assistant to maximized vehicle propulsion power, such operation is called motor assistant (MA) propulsion.
[0060] With this plug-in hybrid powertrain, the vehicle could be programmed to have the following three operation methods.
[0061] In the first operation method, at low vehicle speed or in city driving the electric machine only propulsion will be used. At high vehicle speed or highway driving the internal combustion engine will be started, and then internal combustion engine propulsion will be used. During the internal combustion engine propulsion, the motor assistant (MA) propulsion could be used. The internal combustion engine can be started by engaging the clutch C0 when in the second transfer ratio or above of electric machine propulsion operation.
[0062] In the second operation method, the electric machine only propulsion will be used all the time no matter low or high vehicle speed nor city or highway driving.
[0063] The third operation method will be selected if the rechargeable propulsion battery is depleted. In this operation method only internal combustion engine propulsion is used, and the vehicle launch is achieved with generator assistant (GA) method.
[0064] The regenerative braking is available in all about three operation methods.
[0065] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of two simple planetary gear sets 10 and 20. The planetary gear set 10 has three interrelated rotation elements labeled 11, 12 and 13, and the planetary gear set 20 has three interrelated rotation elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. Fixed connections between element 12 and element 21 and output shaft 43 make them as one rotating body. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 13 and element 23. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and element 22. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 11 and element 22. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 22 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 23 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 11. The descriptions of operation modes of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and its vehicle operation methods are identical to the first embodiment described above since the same reference numbers refer to alike components. The engagement states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for each operation mode are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 17.
[0066] FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of a compound (double-pinion gear) planetary gear set 10 and a simple planetary gear set 20. The compound planetary gear set 10 has three interrelated rotation elements labeled 11, 12 and 13, and the simple planetary gear set 20 has three interrelated rotation elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. Fixed connections between element 11 and element 21 and output shaft 43 make them as one rotating body. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 12 and element 23. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and element 22. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and element 23. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 22 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 23 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13. The descriptions of operation modes of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and its vehicle operation methods are identical to the first embodiment described above since the same reference numbers refer to alike components. The engagement states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for each operation mode are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 17.
[0067] FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of a compound (double-pinion gear) planetary gear set 20 and a simple planetary gear set 10. The compound planetary gear set 20 has three interrelated rotation elements labeled 21, 22 and 23, and the simple planetary gear set 10 has three interrelated rotation elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. Fixed connections between element 12 and element 23 and output shaft 43 make them as one rotating body. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 11 and element 22. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 11 and element 21. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and element 22. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 22 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 21 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 11 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13. The descriptions of operation modes of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and its vehicle operation methods are identical to the first embodiment described above since the same reference numbers refer to alike components. The engagement states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for each operation mode are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 17.
[0068] FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of three planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is compound (double-pinion gear) planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. Elements 13 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, and elements 21 and 53 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of two fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 11 and element 22. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 23 and element 52. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and element 22. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 11 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 52 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 11, therefore the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 11 as well as with the grounding clutch B1 and connection clutch C1. The element 51 is coupled with the output shaft 43. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 18.
[0069] FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of three planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. Elements 13 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, and elements 21 and 53 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of two fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 11 and element 22. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 23 and element 51. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and element 22. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 11 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 51 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 11, therefore the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 11 as well as with the grounding clutch B1 and connection clutch C1. The element 52 is coupled with the output shaft 43. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 18.
[0070] FIG. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of three planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is a compound (double-pinion gear) planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. Elements 11 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, and elements 21 and 53 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of two fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 13 and element 22. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 23 and element 52. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and element 22. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 52 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13, therefore the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13 as well as with the grounding clutch B1 and connection clutch C1. The element 51 is coupled with the output shaft 43. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 18.
[0071] FIG. 8 shows an eighth embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of three planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. Elements 11 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, and elements 21 and 51 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of two fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 13 and element 22. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 23 and element 53. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and element 22. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 53 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13, therefore the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13 as well as with the grounding clutch B1 and connection clutch C1. The element 52 is coupled with the output shaft 43. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 18.
[0072] FIG. 9 shows a nineth embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of four planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. The forth planetary gear set 60 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 61, 62 and 63. Elements 11 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, elements 22 and 51 are connected with another fixed connection, elements 53 and 61 are connected with another fixed connection, and elements 63 and 12 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of four fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 13 and element 22. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 23 and element 52. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 52 and element 63. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 21 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 61 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 21; therefore, the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 21 as well as with the grounding clutch B1. The element 62 is coupled with the output shaft 43. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 19.
[0073] FIG. 10 shows a tenth embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of four planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. The forth planetary gear set 60 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 61, 62 and 63. Elements 13 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, elements 22 and 51 are connected with another fixed connection, elements 53 and 61 are connected with another fixed connection, and elements 63 and 12 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of four fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 11 and element 22. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 23 and element 52. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 52 and element 63. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 21 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 61 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 11 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 21; therefore, the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 21 as well as with the grounding clutch B1. The element 62 is coupled with the output shaft 43. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 19.
[0074] FIG. 11 shows an eleventh embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of four planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. The forth planetary gear set 60 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 61, 62 and 63. Elements 11 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, elements 22 and 51 are connected with another fixed connection, elements 53 and 62 are connected with another fixed connection, and elements 63 and 12 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of four fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 13 and element 22. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 23 and element 52. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 52 and element 63. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 21 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 61 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 21; therefore, the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 21 as well as with the grounding clutch B 1. The element 62 is coupled with the output shaft 43 as well. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 19.
[0075] FIG. 12 shows a twelfth embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of four planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. The forth planetary gear set 60 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 61, 62 and 63. Elements 13 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, elements 22 and 51 are connected with another fixed connection, elements 53 and 62 are connected with another fixed connection, and elements 63 and 12 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of four fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 11 and element 22. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 23 and element 52. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 52 and element 63. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 21 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 61 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 11 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 21; therefore, the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 21 as well as with the grounding clutch B 1. The element 62 is coupled with the output shaft 43. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 19.
[0076] FIG. 13 shows a thirteenth embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of four planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is a compound (double-pinion gear) planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. The forth planetary gear set 60 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 61, 62 and 63. Elements 13 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, elements 21 and 53 are connected with another fixed connection, elements 51 and 62 are connected with another fixed connection, and elements 61 and 12 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of four fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 22 and element 63. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 52 and element 63. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 52 and element 61. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 11 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 22 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13; therefore, the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13 as well as with the grounding clutch B1. The element 62 is coupled with the output shaft 43. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 20.
[0077] FIG. 14 shows a fourteenth embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of four planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. The forth planetary gear set 60 is a compound (double-pinion gear) planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 61, 62 and 63. Elements 13 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, elements 21 and 53 are connected with another fixed connection, elements 52 and 61 are connected with another fixed connection, and elements 62 and 12 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of four fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 22 and element 63. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 51 and element 63. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 51 and element 62. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 11 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 22 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13; therefore, the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13 as well as with the grounding clutch B1. The element 61 is coupled with the output shaft 43. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 20.
[0078] FIG. 15 shows a fifteenth embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of four planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a compound (double-pinion gear) planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is a compound (double-pinion gear) planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. The forth planetary gear set 60 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 61, 62 and 63. Elements 13 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, elements 21 and 53 are connected with another fixed connection, elements 51 and 62 are connected with another fixed connection, and elements 61 and 11 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of four fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 22 and element 63. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 52 and element 63. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 52 and element 61. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 22 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13; therefore, the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13 as well as with the grounding clutch B1. The element 62 is coupled with the output shaft 43. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 20.
[0079] FIG. 16 shows a sixteenth embodiment of the plug-in hybrid powertrain system which includes an internal combustion engine 41, an electric machine 42 and an output shaft 43. The power transfer system of this plug-in hybrid powertrain system consists of four planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set 10 is a compound (double-pinion gear) planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 11, 12 and 13. The second planetary gear set 20 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 21, 22 and 23. The third planetary gear set 50 is a simple planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 51, 52 and 53. The forth planetary gear set 60 is a compound (double-pinion gear) planetary gear set, and has three elements labeled 61, 62 and 63. Elements 13 and 23 are connected with a fixed connection, elements 21 and 53 are connected with another fixed connection, elements 52 and 61 are connected with another fixed connection, and elements 62 and 11 are connected with another fixed connection, therefore there are total of four fixed connections deployed between neighboring planetary gear sets. The clutch C1 establishes a clutch connection between the element 22 and element 63. The clutch C2 establishes a clutch connection between element 51 and element 63. The clutch C3 establishes a clutch connection between element 51 and element 62. The clutch B1 establishes a clutch connection between element 13 and ground 31. The clutch B2 establishes a clutch connection between element 12 and ground 31. The clutch C0 establishes a clutch connection between element 22 and the internal combustion engine 41. The electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13; therefore, the electric machine 42 is coupled with element 13 as well as with the grounding clutch B1. The element 61 is coupled with the output shaft 43. The operation modes and vehicle operation methods of this embodiment are as same as what are described for the first embodiment of FIG. 1, except that this embodiment has more transfer ratio for both electric machine propulsion and internal combustion engine propulsion, and capable to do generator assistant (GA) launch for both forward and reverse. The states of the clutches C0, C1, C2, C3, B1 and B2 for all operation modes of this embodiment are summarized in the table shown in FIG. 20.
