US 9,126,581 B2 · Hybrid powertrain and modular rear drive unit for same

Abstract

A powertrain includes an engine that has a crankshaft. A first motor-generator is drivingly connected to the crankshaft via an endless rotatable device. The powertrain includes a transmission that has a transmission input member driven by the crankshaft and a transmission output member. A front differential is operatively connected with front half shafts. A transfer case has a gearing arrangement configured to distribute torque of the transmission output member to the front differential and to a driveshaft. A rear differential is operatively connectable with the driveshaft, and is configured to transfer torque from the driveshaft to rear half shafts. A second motor-generator is drivingly connected to the rear differential. A controller is operatively connected to the second motor-generator, and controls the second motor-generator to function as a motor that provides torque to the rear wheels through the rear differential. A modular rear drive unit operatively connects to the vehicle body.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A powertrain for a vehicle having front wheels and rear wheels, the powertrain comprising:

an engine with a crankshaft;
a first motor-generator drivingly connected to the crankshaft via an endless rotatable device;
a transmission having a transmission input member driven by the crankshaft and a transmission output member;
a driveshaft operatively connected with the output member;
a rear differential operatively connectable with the driveshaft and configured to transfer torque from the driveshaft to rear half shafts that are connectable to the rear wheels;
wherein the rear differential includes a rotatable differential carrier;
a pinion shaft operatively connectable to the engine;
a bevel gear set having a first bevel gear fixed to the pinion shaft, and a second bevel gear at a right angle to and meshing with the first bevel gear;
a second motor-generator drivingly connected to the rear differential and positioned at least partially rearward of the rear half shafts and having an axis of rotation parallel with the rear half shafts;
and
a controller operatively connected to the second motor-generator and operable to control the second motor-generator to function as a motor providing driving torque to the rear half shafts through the rear differential.

8 more elements

A modular rear drive unit for a hybrid vehicle having an engine and a vehicle body, the modular rear drive unit comprising:

a rear differential that includes a rotatable differential carrier;
a pinion shaft operatively connectable to the engine;
a bevel gear set having a first bevel gear fixed to the pinion shaft, and a second bevel gear at a right angle to and meshing with the first bevel gear;
rear half shafts operatively connected to the rear differential to define a rear wheel axis of rotation;
an electric motor-generator;
a gearing arrangement operatively connecting the electric motor-generator with the rear differential;
wherein the gearing arrangement includes a transfer gear set having a first gear mounted to rotate with the second bevel gear, a second gear mounted to rotate with the motor-generator, and a transfer gear mounted to rotate with one of the rear half shafts and meshing with the first gear and the second gear;
a housing surrounding the rear differential, the electric motor-generator, and the gearing arrangement;
and
wherein the housing is configured to operatively mount to the vehicle body with the electric motor-generator at least partially rearward of the rear half shafts and having an axis of rotation parallel with the rear half shafts.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Hybrid powertrain and modular rear drive unit for same

Life of this patent

Hybrid powertrain and modular rear drive unit for same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15