US 6,499,370 B2 · Twin clutch automated transaxle with motor/generator synchronization

Abstract

An automated twin-clutch multi-speed transmission is disclosed which functions to transfer power from the engine to one or more drivelines of a motor vehicle. The transmission includes a first engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and a first input shaft, a first motor/generator connected to the first input shaft, a second engine clutch operable to establish a releasable drive connection between the engine and a second input shaft, a second motor/generator connected to the second input shaft, an output shaft adapted to transfer power to the driveline, and a geartrain for selectively establishing a plurality of forward and reverse speed ratio drive connections between the input shafts and the output shaft. The transmission further includes power-operated dog clutches for selectively engaging constant-mesh gearsets associated with the geartrain, and a transmission controller for controlling coordinated actuation of the first and second engine clutches, the first and second motor/generators, and the power-operated dog clutches to permit non-power interrupted (“powershift”) sequential gear changes automatically without input from the vehicle operator.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A twin-clutch transmission for use in a motor vehicle having an engine and a driveline, comprising:

an output shaft adapted for connection to the driveline and having an output gear fixed thereto;
a first input shaft rotatably supporting a first speed gear meshed with said output gear;
a first engine clutch operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the engine and said first input shaft via a transfer shaft;
a first shift clutch operable for releasably coupling said first speed gear to said first input shaft to establish a drive connection between said first input shaft and said output shaft;
a second substantially tubular input shaft rotatably supporting a second speed gear meshed with said output gear, said second input shaft concentrically encompassing a portion of said transfer shaft;
a second engine clutch operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the engine and said second input shaft;
a second shift clutch operable for releasably coupling said second speed gear to said second input shaft to establish a drive connection between said second input shaft and said output shaft;
a first motor/generator connected to said first input shaft;
a second motor/generator connected to said second input shaft;
and
a controller for controlling actuation of said first and second motor/generators.

8 more elements

A twin-clutch transmission for use in a motor vehicle having an engine and a driveline, comprising:

an output shaft adapted for connection to the driveline and having an output gear fixed thereto;
a first input shaft rotatably supporting a first speed gear meshed with said output gear;
a first engine clutch operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the engine and said first input shaft;
a first shift clutch operable for releasably coupling said first speed gear to said first input shaft to establish a drive connection between said first input shaft and said output shaft wherein said first shift clutch includes an electrically energizable coil and an armature plate selectively moveable relative to one another in response to an electrical signal;
a second input shaft rotatably supporting a second speed gear meshed with said output gear;
a second engine clutch operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the engine and said second input shaft;
a second shift clutch operable for releasably coupling said second speed gear to said second input shaft to establish a drive connection between said second input shaft and said output shaft;
a first motor/generator connected to said first input shaft;
a second motor/generator connected to said second input shaft;
and
a controller for controlling actuation of said first and second motor/generators.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Twin clutch automated transaxle with motor/generator synchronization

Life of this patent

Twin clutch automated transaxle with motor/generator synchronization

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20