Multi-mode hybrid transmission

A multi-mode hybrid transmission for a vehicle, comprising:

• an input shaft to receive torque from a prime mover;
• a countershaft operatively connected to a final drive shaft, wherein the input shaft and the countershaft are in parallel alignment;
• first and second gear pairs having different gear ratios, each one of the first and second gear pairs defining a torque path and including an input gear carried by the input shaft and an output gear carried by the countershaft, wherein the output gears for the first and second gear pairs are fixedly attached to each other to rotate in fixed relation about a common axis;
• a first synchromesh clutch assembly coupled to the input shaft to selectively engage the input gear of one of the first and second gear pairs, wherein only one of the first and second of gear pairs transfers torque from the input shaft to the countershaft;
• first and second electric machines each including a rotor carried by the input shaft, wherein the second electric machine is operable to provide supplemental torque to the countershaft shaft during periods of reduced torque from the prime mover associated with a change in the torque path, and wherein the first and second electric machines are adapted to covert rotary speed of the input shaft into electrical energy;
• a first sub-shaft to connect the rotor for the first electric machine with the input gear for the first gear pair, wherein the first sub-shaft concentrically encompasses at least a portion of the input shaft;
• a second sub-shaft concentrically encompassing at least a portion of the input shaft, the rotor for the second electric machine extending radially therefrom;
• and
• a third gear pair defining a torque path from the second electric machine to the countershaft and including a third input gear extending radially from the second sub-shaft and a third output gear carried by the countershaft and fixed thereto.

A multi-mode hybrid transmission for a motor vehicle having an engine, comprising:

• an input shaft to receive power from the engine;
• a countershaft operatively connected to an output shaft rotatable with respect to the input shaft, wherein the input shaft and the countershaft are in parallel alignment;
• a first intermeshed gear pair including a first input gear carried by the input shaft and a first output gear carried by the countershaft;
• a second intermeshed gear pair including a second input gear carried by the input shaft and a second output gear carried by the countershaft, wherein the first and second output gears are coupled to each other to rotate in fixed relation about a common axis;
• a first clutch assembly operable for releasably coupling the first input gear to the input shaft to establish a first torque path between the input shaft and the output shaft, and for releasably coupling the second input gear to the input shaft to establish a second torque path between the input shaft and the output shaft;
• first and second electric machines each including a rotor carried by the input shaft, wherein the second electric machine is adapted to provide a motive force for the vehicle and the first electric machine is adapted to simultaneously convert rotary speed of the input shaft into electrical energy.

A multi-mode hybrid transmission for a motor vehicle having an engine, comprising:

• an input shaft to receive power from the engine;
• a countershaft operatively connected to a final drive shaft, wherein the input shaft and the countershaft are in parallel alignment;
• a first intermeshed gear pair including a first input gear carried by the input shaft and a first output gear carried by the countershaft;
• a second intermeshed gear pair including a second input gear carried by the input shaft and a second output gear carried by the countershaft, wherein the first and second output gears are coupled to each other to rotate in fixed relation about a common axis;
• a first clutch assembly operable for releasably coupling the first input gear to the input shaft to establish a first torque path between the input shaft and the output shaft, and for releasably coupling the second input gear to the input shaft to establish a second torque path between the input shaft and the output shaft;
• first and second electric machines each including a rotor carried by the input shaft, wherein the second electric machine is adapted to provide a motive force for the vehicle and the first electric machine is adapted to simultaneously convert rotary speed of the input shaft into electrical energy;
• a first sub-shaft to connect the rotor for the first electric machine with the input gear for the first gear pair, wherein the first sub-shaft concentrically encompasses at least a portion of the input shaft;
• a second sub-shaft concentrically encompassing at least portion of the first sub-shaft, the rotor for the second electric machine extending radially therefrom;
• and
• a third gear pair defining a torque path from the second electric machine to the countershaft and including a third input gear extending radially from the second sub-shaft and a third output gear carried by the countershaft and fixed thereto.

A multi-mode hybrid transmission comprising:

• an input shaft to receive torque from a prime mover;
• a counter shaft disposed in parallel alignment with the input shaft and operably connected to an output shaft rotatable with respect to the input shaft;
• a plurality of gear pairs having different drive ratios, each one of the plurality of gear pairs defining a torque path between the input shaft and the countershaft;
• first and second synchromesh clutch assemblies operable to releasably engage one of the plurality of gear pairs;
• first and second energy generation machines each including a rotor carried by the input shaft, wherein the first and second energy generation machines are each operable to drive at least one of the input shaft and the countershaft;
• and
• a controller to control actuation of the first and second energy generation machines and first and second synchromesh clutch assemblies, wherein the prime mover and the first and second energy generation machines are operable to independently and cooperatively drive the final drive shaft.