Torque converter mounted starter/generator for a motor vehicle
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorDavid A. Peter
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mechanization of a vehicular starter/generator machine having minimal impact on the vehicle powertrain. The powertrain includes an engine connected to drive the vehicle through a fluid torque converter and a power transmission. The rotor of the starter/generator machine is formed on the outer circumference of an input shell of the torque converter, and the stator of the machine is formed on the inner circumference of the torque converter housing. This mechanization affords the use of a relatively high capacity machine without appreciably affecting the powertrain packaging.
Claims4
Dynamoelectric apparatus for a motor vehicle powertrain having an engine connected to drive the vehicle through a fluidic torque converter and power transmission, the torque converter having an annular input shell mechanically coupled to an output shaft of the engine, the apparatus including:
- rotor means formed on an outer radial circumference of the input shell, and adapted for rotation therewith;
- housing means disposed about the input shell between the engine and the power transmission;
- and
- stator means disposed within said housing means radially about said rotor means, the rotor and stator means being selectively operable as a motor to develop motive power, and as a generator to generate electricity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.