GB2452062A - A Hybrid Electric Motor Vehicle - Google Patents

A Hybrid Electric Motor Vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2452062A
GB2452062A GB0716419A GB0716419A GB2452062A GB 2452062 A GB2452062 A GB 2452062A GB 0716419 A GB0716419 A GB 0716419A GB 0716419 A GB0716419 A GB 0716419A GB 2452062 A GB2452062 A GB 2452062A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
motor
generator
propshaft
transmit power
coupling means
Prior art date
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Granted
Application number
GB0716419A
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GB0716419D0 (en
GB2452062B (en
Inventor
Simon Mark Brereton
Andrew Julian Burrows
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Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Priority to GB0716419.7A priority Critical patent/GB2452062B/en
Publication of GB0716419D0 publication Critical patent/GB0716419D0/en
Publication of GB2452062A publication Critical patent/GB2452062A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2452062B publication Critical patent/GB2452062B/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
    • 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
    • B60K6/22—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
    • B60K6/40—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 assembly or relative disposition of components
    • 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
    • B60K6/52—Driving a plurality of drive axles, e.g. four-wheel drive
    • 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
    • B60K2006/4808—Electric machine connected or connectable to gearbox output 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

Abstract

In a hybrid electric motor vehicle an electric motor/generator assembly 23 is situated between a front propeller shaft 19 and a rear propeller shaft 20 arranged in series to transmit power from an engine and transmission (Fig.1) to a rear final drive unit. The motor/generator assembly 23 has front and rear universal joints 43, 44 on a common axis, a motor/generator 25 on an axis parallel with the common axis and a gear train 50 to transmit power between the motor/generator 23 and the universal joints 43, 44. A jackshaft 42 connects the universal joints to allow the universal joints to be spaced apart by a distance L1 greater than the length L2 of the motor/generator. In an alternative arrangement (Figs. 8 and 9), a first gear train is at one end of the motor/generator to transmit power between the motor/generator and the front universal joint and a second gear train is at the other end to transmit power between the motor/generator and the rear universal joint, the motor/generator having an output shaft which extends through both ends of the motor/generator and connects the gear trains. In both arrangements the axis of the motor/generator can be close to the common axis through the propeller shafts.

Description

Hybrid Electric Motor Vehicles The invention relates to hybrid electric motor vehicles, particularly but not exclusively of the kind where an internal combustion (IC) engine provides power to a four wheel drive transmission which has an electric motor/generator in the drive to one pair of wheels.
It is known from US-A-6041877 to provide a hybrid electric motor vehicle in which a motor/generator assembly is mounted in a propshaft drive between a front mounted engine and a rear axle, there being a front propshaft transmitting drive to the motor/generator assembly and a rear propshaft transmitting drive from the motor/generator assembly to the rear axle. The motor/generator assemblies shown include one where the axis of the motor/generator is offset from the axis of the propshafts and another where the motor/generator is coaxial with the axis of the propshafts. Both of these motor/generator assemblies present a packaging problem to the vehicle designer. Where the axis of the motor/generator is offset from that of the propshafts, the motor generator presents a large bulk since the motor generator and the propshaft coupling are both generally cylindrical components whose axes have to be laterally spaced by a distance which is set by the diameter of each. Hence the motor generator cannot easily be mounted below the floor pan of a conventional passenger car without creating some intrusion into the passenger compartment or reducing ground clearance. A similar situation arises where the motor/generator is coaxial with the axis of the propshafts. Although the motor generator can be smaller, its position in the vehicle is largely dictated by that of the propshaft.
The present invention has an object of providing a hybrid electric motor vehicle where the above difficulties are alleviated.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a hybrid electric motor vehicle having an engine, a change speed transmission and a first final drive unit arranged as an assembly at one end of the vehicle to transmit power delivered by the transmission from the engine to a first pair of wheels, a second final drive unit at the other end of the vehicle to transmit power delivered by the transmission from the engine to a second pair of wheels, a propshaft arrangement comprising a first propshaft and a second propshaft arranged in series to transmit power from the transmission to the second final drive unit and an electric motor/generator assembly arranged between the first propshaft and the second propshaft, the motor/generator assembly comprising first and second coupling means arranged on a common axis, the first coupling means being arranged to connect the first propshaft to the motor/generator assembly and the second coupling means being arranged to connect the second propshaft to the motor/generator assembly, a generally cylindrical electric motor/generator arranged on an axis parallel with the common axis and gear means to transmit power between the motor/generator and the coupling means, wherein the first and second coupling means are spaced apart by a distance greater than the length of the motor/generator.
The invention also provides, according to a second aspect thereof, an electric motor/generator assembly for use in a hybrid electric motor vehicle having an engine, a change speed transmission and a first final drive unit arranged as an assembly at one end of the vehicle to transmit power delivered by the transmission from the engine to a first pair of wheels, a second final drive unit at the other end of the vehicle to transmit power delivered by the transmission from the engine to a second pair of wheels, a propshaft arrangement comprising a first propshaft and a second propshaft arranged in series to transmit power from the transmission to the second final drive unit, the electric motor/generator assembly in use being arranged between the first propshaft and the second propshaft and comprising first and second coupling means arranged on a common axis, the first coupling means being arranged in use to connect the first propshaft to the motor/generator assembly and the second coupling means being arranged in use to connect the second propshaft to the motor/generator assembly, a generally cylindrical electric motor/generator arranged on an axis parallel with the common axis and gear means to transmit power between the motor/generator and the coupling means, wherein the first and second coupling means are spaced apart by a distance greater than the length of the motor/generator.
In one preferred arrangement the motor/generator assembly may further comprise a jackshaft arranged on the common axis and having the first coupling means at one end and the second coupling means at the other one end, the gear means comprising gearing arranged at one end of the motor/generator to transmit power between the motor/generator and the jackshaft.
In another preferred arrangement the gear means may comprise first gearing arranged at one end of the motor/generator to transmit power between the motor/generator and the first coupling means and second gearing arranged at the other end of the motor/generator to transmit power between the motor/generator and the second coupling means, the motor/generator having an output shaft which extends through both ends of the motor/generator and connects the first gearing and the second gearing.
The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig.1 is a schematic plan of a first example of a hybrid electric motor vehicle according to the invention; Fig.2 is a schematic elevation of vehicle shown in Fig.1; Fig.3 is a perspective view showing a motor/generator assembly for use in the vehicle shown in Fig.1; Fig.4 is a perspective diagram of the motor/generator assembly shown in Fig.3 with some casing parts omitted; Fig.5 is a perspective view from another direction and to a larger scale of the motor/generator assembly shown in Fig.3; Fig.6 is a cross-section on the line VI-VI in Fig.5; Fig.7 is a cross-section on the line Vu-Vu in Fig.5; Fig.8 is a perspective view showing an alternative motor/generator assembly for use in the vehicle shown in Fig.1; and Fig.9 is a cross-section on the line IX-IX in Fig.8 Referring to Figs. 1 to 7, a hybrid electric motor vehicle 11 has an internal combustion engine 12 driving a transmission 13 (which may be a manual gearbox, or any type of automatic transmission) which in turn drives a front final drive unit 14 connected to a pair of front wheels 15 by front driveshafts 16. The front final drive unit 14 also drives a rear drive take-off unit 17 which is connected to a rear final drive unit 18 by a front propshaft 19 and a rear propshaft 20. The rear final drive unit 18 is connected to a pair of rear wheels 21 by rear driveshafts 22.
A motor/generator assembly 23 is interposed between the front propshaft 19 and the rear propshaft 20 while a controlled coupling 24 is mounted on the rear final drive unit 18.
The motor/generator assembly 23 includes a generally cylindrical motor/generator 25 having a main casing 26 which houses a stator 27 and a rotor 28 and which has an end casing 29, the rotor 28 being supported on a bearing 31 in the main casing 26 and a bearing 32 in the end casing 29. The rotor 28 is hollow, having an axial through bore 33 through which a motor output shaft 34 extends, the motor output shaft 34 being supported at one end by a bearing 35 in the motor main casing 26 and at the other end by a bushing (not shown) in the rotor 28. Typically the bushing comprises a plain bearing or a needle roller.
An epicyclic reduction gear 36 is housed in the motor end casing 29 and comprises an annulus gear 37 held in the end casing 29, a sun gear 38 fast with the rotor 28 and planet gears 39 journalled on a carrier 41 fast with the motor output shaft 34.
The motor/generator assembly 23 also includes a jackshaft 42 which carries a first coupling means in the form of a front universal joint 43 arranged to connect the front propshaft 19 to the motor/generator assembly 23 and a rear universal joint 44 arranged to connect the rear propshaft 20 to the motor/generator assembly 23, the front and rear universal joints 43, 44 being arranged on a common axis A with the jackshaft 42 and with the motor/generator 25 arranged on an axis B parallel with the common axis A. For ease of assembly, the jackshaft 42 is in two parts, a rear part 45 being carried on bearings 46 supported by the motor main casing 26 and a front part 47 being supported by the rear part at a splined connection 48 and by a bearing 49 carried in a gear casing 51. The gear casing 51 is fastened to the motor main casing 26 but spaced from it by an intermediate gear casing 52 Gear means in the form of a gear train 50 is arranged to transmit power between the motor/generator 25 and the jackshaft 42, the gear train 50 comprising an input gear 53 arranged on an input shaft 54, an idler gear 55 arranged on an idler shaft 56 and an output gear 57 arranged on the jackshaft front part 47. The input shaft 54 is supported by a bearing 58 in the gear casing 51 and by the carrier 41 at a splined connection 59.
The motor/generator 25 is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) 61. Power is generated by the motor/generator 25 and by another motor/generator, conveniently referred to as the integrated starter generator (ISG) 62, driven by (or driving) the engine 12.
Both the motor/generator 25 and the ISG 62 can draw current from or supply current to a traction battery 63 and to an auxiliaries battery 64. The traction battery 63 would ordinarily be a high voltage unit while the auxiliaries battery 64 would be 12V for the supply & control of the normal vehicle electrical systems.
In normal on-road use of the vehicle 11 the engine 12 can drive the front wheels 15 through the transmission 13, the front final drive unit 14 and the front driveshafts 16 while also driving the rear wheels 21 through the rear take-off unit 17, the front propshaft 19, the motor/generator assembly 23, the controlled coupling 24, the rear final drive unit 18 and the rear driveshafts 22. The rear take-off unit 17 is driven in a direct ratio of the drive to the front wheels 15, the controlled coupling 24 allowing drive torque to the rear wheels 21 as required to maintain an appropriate torque split between the front and rear wheels 15, 21.
Under these conditions the drive to the rear wheels 21 is transmitted by the motor/generator assembly 23 directly through the jackshaft 42 from the front universal joint 43 to the rear universal joint 44 while the motor/generator 25 is driven by the gear train 50 and the epicyclic reduction gear 36 to generate electrical power as required.
Under gentle low speed driving conditions, the electric motor/generator 25 can be used to drive the vehicle with the engine 12 stopped and the transmission 13 in neutral, the electric motor/generator 25 driving the jackshaft 42 through the epicyclic reduction gear 36 and the gear train 50 and the epicyclic reduction gear 36.
Under more severe low speed driving conditions, such as pulling away from junctions or driving off-road, the motor/generator 25 can be used to supplement the power supplied by the engine 12, the torque provided by the rotor 28 being multiplied in accordance with the gear ratio of the epicyclic reduction gear 36.
For higher road speeds, particularly out of town driving, the engine 12 would drive as described above with the integrated starter generator 62 and, where needed, the electric motor/generator 25 supplying current to the batteries 63 and 64. For these conditions, the epicyclic reduction gear 36 may incorporate a ratio change clutch to provide a direct drive from the rotor 28 to the input shaft 54. This would reduce the rotational speed of the rotor 28 to reduce windage losses. Alternatively or additionally, there may be a disconnect clutch in the drive between the gear train 50 and the epicyclic reduction gear 36 or a releasable coupling between the annulus gear and the end casing 29 to mechanically disconnect the motor/generator 25. This can allow the gear ratio between the rotor 28 and the jackshaft 42 to be increased and thus permit the use of a smaller motor/generator 25.
The alternative motor/generator assembly 123 shown in Figs. 8 and 9 is for use in the vehicle 11 in the same location as the motor/generator assembly 23 and parts which are the same as or similar to those describe above with reference to Figs. 1 to 7 carry the same reference but with the addition of 100. The motor/generator assembly 123 includes a generally cylindrical motor/generator 125 which is substantially identical to the motor/generator 25 except that the motor output shaft 134 extends through both ends of the motor casing 126. First gearing in the form of a front gear train 150 having an input gear 153 directly meshing with an output gear 157 is provided at one end of the motor/generator 125 to transmit power between the motor/generator 125 and the front universal joint 143 while second gearing in the form of a rear gear train 165 having an input gear 166 directly meshing with an output gear 167 is provided at the other one end of the motor/generator 125 to transmit power between the motor/generator 125 and the rear universal joint 144. The motor/generator assembly 123 is mounted on a subframe 169 which can be secured to the floor of the vehicle.
In use of the vehicle 11 the alternative motor/generator assembly 123 operates in the same way as the motor/generator assembly 23, except that when the engine 12 is transmitting power the drive to the rear wheels 21 is transmitted by the motor/generator assembly 123 through the front gear train 150, the motor output shaft 134 driving the rotor of the motor/generator 125 through an epicyclic reduction gear corresponding to the epicyclic reduction gear 36 to generate electrical power as required. Similarly, when the motor/generator 125 is used to drive the vehicle with the engine 12 stopped or to supplement the engine, the motor/generator 25 drives the front propshaft 19 through the epicyclic reduction gear and the front gear train 150 and the rear propshaft 20 through the epicyclic reduction gear and the rear gear train 165.
In both the motor/generator assemblies 23 and 123 the front universal joint 43, 143 is spaced from the rear universal joint 44, 144 by a distance Li which is greater than the length L2 of the motor/generator 25, 125, the front universal joint 43, 143 being forward of the motor/generator 25, 125 and the rear universal joint 44, 144 being to the rear of the motor/generator 25, 125. This allows the common axis A of the front universal joint 43, 143 and the rear universal joint 44, 144 to be much closer to the axis B of the motor/generator 25, 125 than would otherwise be the case, thereby allowing much greater design freedom to accommodate the motor/generator assemblies 23 and 123 below the floor of the vehicle.
In a typical vehicle this is in the region between & below the driver's seat and the front passenger seat in the tunnel normally provided for the propshafts and the exhaust system.
For most vehicle installations axis B is directly below axis A, but in some circumstances a more compact installation may be achieved if axis B is offset laterally from axis A or even above it. The gear trains 50, 150, 165 may be replaced by belt and pulley transmissions or by chains and sprockets.
Instead of forming part of the rear final drive unit 18, the controlled coupling 24 may be interposed between one of the universal joints 43, 143 and the adjacent gear train 50, 150, 165. This can help with the packaging design of the rear final drive 18. Alternatively, the controlled coupling 24 may form part of the front drive take-off unit 17. Indeed, the front drive take-off unit 17 may incorporate a centre differential which splits the torque between the front wheels 15 and the rear wheels 21 and in such a case the controlled coupling 24 may be omitted or operate to provide a controlled locking of the centre differential.
While the vehicle 11 has been described as having the engine 12 towards the front, other layouts may be applicable, e.g., a rear engine and transmission, or a front engine arranged longitudinally with a transmission behind. Hence references to front and rear are used primarily for convenience to describe the relative positions of components.

Claims (12)

1. A hybrid electric motor vehicle having an engine, a change speed transmission and a first final drive unit arranged as an assembly at one end of the vehicle to transmit power delivered by the transmission from the engine to a first pair of wheels, a second final drive unit at the other end of the vehicle to transmit power delivered by the transmission from the engine to a second pair of wheels, a propshaft arrangement comprising a first propshaft and a second propshaft arranged in series to transmit power from the transmission to the second final drive unit and an electric motor/generator assembly arranged between the first propshaft and the second propshaft, the motor/generator assembly comprising first and second coupling means arranged on a common axis, the first coupling means being arranged to connect the first propshaft to the motor/generator assembly and the second coupling means being arranged to connect the second propshaft to the motor/generator assembly, a generally cylindrical electric motor/generator arranged on an axis parallel with the common axis and gear means to transmit power between the motor/generator and the coupling means, wherein the first and second coupling means are spaced apart by a distance greater than the length of the motor/generator.
2. A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the motor/generator assembly further comprises a jackshaft arranged on the common axis and having the first coupling means at one end and the second coupling means at the other one end, the gear means comprising gearing arranged at one end of the motor/generator to transmit power between the motor/generator and the jackshaft.
3. A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the gear means comprises first gearing arranged at one end of the motor/generator to transmit power between the motor/generator and the first coupling means and second gearing arranged at the other end of the motor/generator to transmit power between the motor/generator and -10 -the second coupling means, the motor/generator having an output shaft which extends through both ends of the motor/generator and connects the first gearing and the second gearing.
4. A vehicle according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein each of said gearings is selected from one of a train of spur gears, a belt and pulley transmission and a chain and sprocket transmission.
5. A vehicle according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein a controlled coupling is interposed between one of the universal joints and the adjacent gearing.
6. An electric motor/generator assembly for use in a hybrid electric motor vehicle having an engine, a change speed transmission and a first final drive unit arranged as an assembly at one end of the vehicle to transmit power delivered by the transmission from the engine to a first pair of wheels, a second final drive unit at the other end of the vehicle to transmit power delivered by the transmission from the engine to a second pair of wheels, a propshaft arrangement comprising a first propshaft and a second propshaft arranged in series to transmit power from the transmission to the second final drive unit, the electric motor/generator assembly in use being arranged between the first propshaft and the second propshaft and comprising first and second coupling means arranged on a common axis, the first coupling means being arranged in use to connect the first propshaft to the motor/generator assembly and the second coupling means being arranged in use to connect the second propshaft to the motor/generator assembly, a generally cylindrical electric motor/generator arranged on an axis parallel with the common axis and gear means to transmit power between the motor/generator and the coupling means, wherein the first and second coupling means are spaced apart by a distance greater than the length of the motor/generator. -11 -
7. A motor/generator assembly according to claim 6 and further comprising a jackshaft arranged on the common axis and having the first coupling means at one end and the second coupling means at the other one end, the gear means comprising gearing arranged at one end of the motor/generator to transmit power between the motor/generator and the jackshaft.
8. A motor/generator assembly according to claim 6 wherein the gear means comprises first gearing arranged at one end of the motor/generator to transmit power between the motor/generator and the first coupling means and second gearing arranged at the other end of the motor/generator to transmit power between the motor/generator and the second coupling means, the motor/generator having an output shaft which extends through both ends of the motor/generator and connects the first gearing and the second gearing.
9. A motor/generator assembly according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein each of said gearings is selected from one of a train of spur gears, a belt and pulley transmission and a chain and sprocket transmission.
10. A motor/generator assembly according to any of claims 7 to 9 wherein a controlled coupling is interposed between one of the universal joints and the adjacent gearing.
11. A hybrid electric motor vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
12. An electric motor/generator assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB0716419.7A 2007-08-23 2007-08-23 Hybrid electric motor vehicles Expired - Fee Related GB2452062B (en)

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FR3058366A1 (en) * 2016-11-09 2018-05-11 Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur MECHANICAL INTERFACE BETWEEN A ROTATING ELECTRICAL MACHINE AND A GEARBOX
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US11370266B2 (en) 2019-05-16 2022-06-28 Polaris Industries Inc. Hybrid utility vehicle
EP4282679A1 (en) * 2022-05-23 2023-11-29 ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC Electric drive unit and drive axle system

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3415354A4 (en) * 2016-03-29 2019-02-27 Mazda Motor Corporation Hybrid car and vehicle
US10569632B2 (en) 2016-03-29 2020-02-25 Mazda Motor Corporation Hybrid vehicle and vehicle
WO2017218225A1 (en) * 2016-06-14 2017-12-21 Polaris Industries, Inc. Hybrid utility vehicle
US10118477B2 (en) 2016-06-14 2018-11-06 Polaris Industries Inc. Hybrid utility vehicle
US20190031015A1 (en) * 2016-06-14 2019-01-31 Polaris Industries Inc. Hybrid utility vehicle
TWI652186B (en) 2016-06-14 2019-03-01 美商北極星工業公司 Hybrid utility vehicle
AU2017284964B2 (en) * 2016-06-14 2020-07-02 Polaris Industries, Inc. Hybrid utility vehicle
US10744868B2 (en) 2016-06-14 2020-08-18 Polaris Industries Inc. Hybrid utility vehicle
FR3058366A1 (en) * 2016-11-09 2018-05-11 Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur MECHANICAL INTERFACE BETWEEN A ROTATING ELECTRICAL MACHINE AND A GEARBOX
US10780770B2 (en) 2018-10-05 2020-09-22 Polaris Industries Inc. Hybrid utility vehicle
US11370266B2 (en) 2019-05-16 2022-06-28 Polaris Industries Inc. Hybrid utility vehicle
EP4282679A1 (en) * 2022-05-23 2023-11-29 ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC Electric drive unit and drive axle system

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GB2452062B (en) 2012-05-23

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Effective date: 20200823