GB2452063A - A hybrid electric motor vehicle - Google Patents

A hybrid electric motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2452063A
GB2452063A GB0716436A GB0716436A GB2452063A GB 2452063 A GB2452063 A GB 2452063A GB 0716436 A GB0716436 A GB 0716436A GB 0716436 A GB0716436 A GB 0716436A GB 2452063 A GB2452063 A GB 2452063A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
motor
generator
final drive
drive unit
vehicle
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Granted
Application number
GB0716436A
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GB2452063B (en
GB0716436D0 (en
Inventor
Simon Mark Brereton
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Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Priority to GB0716436.1A priority Critical patent/GB2452063B/en
Publication of GB0716436D0 publication Critical patent/GB0716436D0/en
Publication of GB2452063A publication Critical patent/GB2452063A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2452063B publication Critical patent/GB2452063B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
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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
    • B60K6/42—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
    • B60K6/22—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
    • B60K6/50—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
    • B60K1/00—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
    • B60K2001/001—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units one motor mounted on a propulsion axle for rotating right and left wheels of this axle
    • 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

A hybrid electric motor vehicle has a rear final drive unit 18 mounted on a sub frame 31. A motor/generator assembly 23 is positioned transversely above the rear final drive unit 18 and includes a generally cylindrical motor/generator 25 which has an end casing 29 by which the motor/generator assembly 23 is supported on the rear final drive unit 18. The sub frame 31 also has a central aperture 34, the end casing 29 extending through the aperture 34 while the motor/generator 25 is mainly positioned above the sub frame 31 with a lower portion just extending into the aperture 34. The motor/generator 25 is connected to the rear final drive 18 by a spur gear train housed in the end casing 29. The motor/generator assembly 23 is thus conveniently installed in an area of the vehicle where there are conflicting requirements for packaging space from suspension components, the exhaust system and the fuel system as well as the requirements of providing space for passengers and luggage.

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 JP-A-2005-231526 to provide a hybrid electric motor vehicle in which a motor/generator assembly is mounted transversely in a final drive unit positioned between a pair of wheels ant one end of the vehicle to transmit power through a longitudinal propshaft from an engine and transmission at the other end of the vehicle. A problem is that the motor/generator adds to the bulk of the final drive unit and thus creates difficulties for the vehicle designer with the packaging of such an installation where there are conflicting requirements for packaging space from suspension components, the exhaust system and the fuel system as well as the requirements of providing space for passengers and luggage.
The present invention has an object of providing a hybrid electric motor vehicle where the above difficulties are alleviated.
According to the invention there is provided a hybrid electric motor vehicle including a body structure and 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 arranged to transmit power from the transmission to the second final drive unit and an electric motor/generator assembly arranged on the second final drive unit, the second final drive unit being mounted on a subframe having a substantially central aperture and which is mounted to the vehicle body structure, the motor/generator assembly being mounted above the second final drive unit and extending through the aperture.
In a preferred arrangement, the motor/generator assembly is mounted transversely of the vehicle longitudinal axis and in such a case, where the second final drive unit comprises a bevel pinion driven by the propshaft and a crownwheel meshing with the bevel pinion and driving the second pair of wheels, the motor/generator assembly may comprise a motor/generator which is drivingly connected to the crownwheel by a spur gear train.
In an alternative arrangement, the motor/generator assembly is mounted parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis and in such a case, where the second final drive unit comprises a bevel pinion driven by the propshaft and a crownwheel meshing with the bevel pinion and driving the second pair of wheels, the motor/generator assembly may comprise a motor/generator which is drivingly connected to the bevel pinion by a spur gear train.
In either arrangement, the motor/generator may have an end casing by which the motor/generator assembly is supported in the second final drive unit, the spur gear train being housed in the end casing. The end casing may extend through the aperture such that the motor/generator is mainly positioned above the subframe with a lower portion extending into the aperture.
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 an example of a hybrid electric motor vehicle according to the invention; Fig.2 is a schematic side elevation of the vehicle shown in Fig.1; Fig.3 is a perspective view showing final drive and motor/generator assembly together with a subframe for use in the vehicle shown in Fig.1; Fig.4 is a perspective diagram of the final drive and motor/generator assembly shown in Fig.3 with some casing parts omitted and with the motor/generator rotated from its normal position; Fig.5 is a view in the direction of arrow A in Fig.3 with the subframe and some casing parts omitted.
A hybrid electric motor vehicle 10 having a body structure 11 has an internal combustion engine 12 driving a transmission 13 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 propshaft 19, a rear final drive unit 18 being connected to a pair of rear wheels 21 by rear driveshafts 22.
The rear final drive unit 18 is mounted on a subframe 31 by means of elastic final drive mounting bushes 32, only two of which can be seen in Fig.3. The subframe 31 is generally X-shaped, having elastic subframe mounting bushes 33 for mounting to the vehicle body structure 11. A motor/generator assembly 23 is positioned transversely of the vehicle longitudinal axis above the rear final drive unit 18 and includes a generally cylindrical motor/generator 25 which has an end casing 29 by which the motor/generator assembly 23 is supported on the rear final drive unit 18. The subframe 31 also has a central aperture 34, the end casing 29 extending through the aperture 34 while the motor/generator 25 is mainly positioned above the subframe 31 with a lower portion just extending into the aperture 34.
As seen in Figs.4 and 5, the motor/generator 25 is operatively connected to the rear final drive 18 through a disconnect clutch 41 by a spur gear train 39 housed in the end casing 29 and comprising a pinion 42, conveniently referred to as the motor/generator pinion, mounted between journal bearings 43 and on the same axis as the motor/generator 25. The motor/generator pinion 42 meshes with a layshaft gear 44, this being the larger of two gears 44, 45 mounted on a layshaft 46 carried on bearings 47. The smaller layshaft gear 45 meshes with an output gear 48 fast with a final drive crownwheel 49 which itself is meshed with a final drive bevel pinion 51. The bearings 43, 47 are supported by the end casing 29. The final drive crownwheel 49 and the final drive bevel pinion 51 are also fast with the cage of a final drive differential 52, all of which are supported by bearings 53. The differential 52 is connected to the rear driveshafts 22 though universal joints 54. In Fig.4 the motor/generator assembly 23, including the layshaft 47, is shown rotated 90 degrees towards the rear of the vehicle. Normally the axis of the motor/generator 25 lies substantially vertically above the axis of the rear final drive crownwheel 49.
The motor/generator 25 can be controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) 61 which also controls the disconnect clutch 41, the disconnect clutch 41 being operated by an actuator motor 56. Power may be 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 1 2V 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 propshaft 19, the controlled coupling 24, the rear final drive unit 18 (through the bevel pinion 51, the crownwheel 49, the differential 52 and the universal joints 54) 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. The final drive output gear 51, being fast with the crownwheel 49, drives the layshaft 46 which in turn drives the motor/generator pinion 42. Under these conditions the disconnect clutch 41 may be disengaged to reduce the frictional drag of the motor/generator 25 but may also be engaged to allow the motor/generator 25 to generate electrical power if required.
Under gentle low speed driving conditions, the motor/generator 25 can be used to drive the vehicle with the engine 12 stopped and the transmission 13 in neutral, the motor/generator 25 driving the rear differential 52 through the motor/generator pinion 42, the layshaft gears 44, 45 and the output gear 48.
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 motor/generator 25 being multiplied in accordance with the gear ratio of the spur gear train 39.
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 spur gear train 39 may incorporate a ratio change to provide a more direct drive to the differential 52 in order to reduce the rotational speed of the motor/generator 25 to reduce windage losses. However, under relatively low loads, the disconnect clutch 41 would be disengaged to mechanically disconnect the motor/generator 25 and would only be re-engaged if higher powers were required, e.g. for overtaking. Thus the disconnect clutch 41 can allow the gear ratio between the motor/generator 25 and the differential 52 to be reduced and thereby permit the use of a smaller motor/generator 25.
Instead of the motor/generator assembly being mounted transversely of the vehicle longitudinal axis it may be mounted parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis. In such a case, the motor/generator 25 may drive the bevel pinion 51 through a spur gear train housed in an end casing used to mount the motor/generator. However, the reduction ratio between the bevel pinion 51 and the crownwheel 49 would allow a smaller reduction ratio in the spur gear train.
Instead of forming part of the rear final drive unit 18, the controlled coupling 24 may be positioned approximately midway between the engine and the rear final drive 18. In a typical Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), this would be in the propshaft tunnel substantially in line with the front seats. Instead of one propshaft, there would be two, one between the rear drive take off 17 and the controlled coupling 24 and the other between the controlled coupling and 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 (8)

1. A hybrid electric motor vehicle including a body structure and 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 arranged to transmit power from the transmission to the second final drive unit and an electric motor/generator assembly arranged on the second final drive unit, the second final drive unit being mounted on a subframe having a substantially central aperture and which is mounted to the vehicle body structure, the motor/generator assembly being mounted above the second final drive unit and extending through the aperture.
2. A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the motor/generator assembly is mounted transversely of the vehicle longitudinal axis.
3. A vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the second final drive unit comprises a bevel pinion driven by the propshaft and a crownwheel meshing with the bevel pinion and driving the second pair of wheels and the motor/generator assembly comprises a motor/generator which is drivingly connected to the crownwheel by a spur gear train.
4. A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the motor/generator assembly is mounted parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis.
5. A vehicle according to claim 4 wherein the second final drive unit comprises a bevel pinion driven by the propshaft and a crownwheel meshing with the bevel pinion and driving the second pair of wheels and the motor/generator assembly comprises a motor/generator which is drivingly connected to the bevel pinion by a spur gear train.
6. A vehicle according to claim 3 or claim 5 wherein the motor/generator has an end casing by which the motor/generator assembly is supported in the second final drive unit, the spur gear train being housed in the end casing.
7. A vehicle according to claim 6 wherein the end casing extends through the aperture and the motor/generator is mainly positioned above the subframe with a lower portion extending into the aperture.
8. A hybrid electric motor vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB0716436.1A 2007-08-23 2007-08-23 Hybrid electric motor vehicles Expired - Fee Related GB2452063B (en)

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WO2011157312A1 (en) * 2010-06-17 2011-12-22 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Hybrid drive-train
FR2968606A3 (en) * 2010-12-10 2012-06-15 Renault Sas Hybrid power-train for use in e.g. two-wheeled road vehicle, has electric machine to drive driving wheels through differential gear, where electric machine is connected to housing through gear reducer
CN103358882A (en) * 2012-04-04 2013-10-23 铃木株式会社 Power plant for hybrid motor vehicle
WO2013174825A1 (en) * 2012-05-21 2013-11-28 Torotrak (Development) Ltd Hybrid drive train for a vehicle, vehicle, method of operation and retrofitting
EP2762338A1 (en) * 2013-02-04 2014-08-06 C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni Hybrid powertrain unit for motor-vehicles
EP2851227B1 (en) * 2013-09-24 2017-05-17 Volvo Car Corporation A rear drive unit for a hybrid electric motor vehicle

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JP2005231526A (en) * 2004-02-20 2005-09-02 Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd Drive device for hybrid vehicle
JP2006022879A (en) * 2004-07-07 2006-01-26 Ｇｋｎ ドライブライン トルクテクノロジー株式会社 Electric motor drive mechanism

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JP2005231526A (en) * 2004-02-20 2005-09-02 Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd Drive device for hybrid vehicle
JP2006022879A (en) * 2004-07-07 2006-01-26 Ｇｋｎ ドライブライン トルクテクノロジー株式会社 Electric motor drive mechanism

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011157312A1 (en) * 2010-06-17 2011-12-22 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Hybrid drive-train
US8528682B2 (en) 2010-06-17 2013-09-10 Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Hybrid drive train
FR2968606A3 (en) * 2010-12-10 2012-06-15 Renault Sas Hybrid power-train for use in e.g. two-wheeled road vehicle, has electric machine to drive driving wheels through differential gear, where electric machine is connected to housing through gear reducer
CN103358882A (en) * 2012-04-04 2013-10-23 铃木株式会社 Power plant for hybrid motor vehicle
CN103358882B (en) * 2012-04-04 2016-03-30 铃木株式会社 The engine installation of motor vehicle driven by mixed power
WO2013174825A1 (en) * 2012-05-21 2013-11-28 Torotrak (Development) Ltd Hybrid drive train for a vehicle, vehicle, method of operation and retrofitting
EP2762338A1 (en) * 2013-02-04 2014-08-06 C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni Hybrid powertrain unit for motor-vehicles
EP2762339A1 (en) * 2013-02-04 2014-08-06 C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni Hybrid powertrain unit for motor vehicles
US8926464B2 (en) 2013-02-04 2015-01-06 C.R.F. Società Consortile Per Azioni Hybrid powertrain unit for motor vehicles
EP2851227B1 (en) * 2013-09-24 2017-05-17 Volvo Car Corporation A rear drive unit for a hybrid electric motor vehicle

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GB0716436D0 (en) 2007-10-03

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Effective date: 20200823