Hybrid transmission

Abstract

A system includes a support arm. The system includes a motor supported by the support arm. The system includes an armature supported by the support arm. The system includes a coupling device disposed about the armature and slidable between a first position in which the coupling device couples the motor to the armature and a second position in which the coupling device is decoupled from the motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A system includes a support arm. The system includes a motor supported by the support arm. The system includes an armature supported by the support arm. The system includes a coupling device disposed about the armature and slidable between a first position in which the coupling device couples the motor to the armature and a second position in which the coupling device is decoupled from the motor. Background Art

[0002] A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle includes an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Transmitting power from the electric motor and the internal combustion engine to the wheels of the vehicle typically requires the use of one or more clutches, belts, transmissions, and the like. Summary of the invention

[0003] A system is claimed, comprising a support arm. The system comprises a motor supported by the support arm. The system comprises an armature supported by the support arm. The system comprises a coupling device disposed about the armature and slidable between a first position in which the coupling device couples the motor to the armature and a second position in which the coupling device is decoupled from the motor.

[0004] The engine may define a recess and the coupling device may include teeth that engage the recess when the coupling device is in the first position.

[0005] The coupling arrangement in the second position may couple the armature to the support arm.

[0006] The support arm may define a notch and the coupling means may include teeth that engage the notch when the coupling means is in the second position.

[0007] The coupling device is slidable to an intermediate position in which the coupling device is decoupled from the support arm and the engine.

[0008] The system may include a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the motor and the armature to rotate at the same speed when the coupling device is in the intermediate position.

[0009] The memory may store instructions executable by the processor to actuate the coupling device to the first position when the motor and the armature rotate at the same speed.

[0010] The armature may include splines, and the coupling device may engage the splines to allow the coupling device to move along an axial axis relative to the armature and to prevent the coupling device from moving in a rotational direction relative to the armature.

[0011] The system may include a magnetic device disposed around the armature.

[0012] The magnetic means may comprise a permanent magnet.

[0013] The magnetic means may comprise an induction coil.

[0014] The system may include a wheel supported by the support arm, and the magnetic device may be secured to the wheel.

[0015] The magnetic device may be immovably secured to the wheel.

[0016] The system may include a brake supported by the support arm and designed to limit rotation of the wheel relative to the support arm.

[0017] The system may include a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the coupling device to the first position and to actuate the brake to an activated state in which the brake prevents rotation of the wheel.

[0018] The memory may store instructions to actuate the armature to rotate when the brake is in the activated state and the coupling device is in the first position.

[0019] The memory may store instructions to actuate rotation of the engine when the brake is in the activated state and the coupling device is in the first position.

[0020] The armature may include permanent magnets.

[0021] The armature may include an induction coil.

[0022] The system may include a frame, and the support arm may be supported by the frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a system for demonstrating hybrid power.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 perspective of the system.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross section of a system.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-section of another embodiment of a system.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-section of another embodiment of a system.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-section of another embodiment of a system.

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-section of another embodiment of a system.

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A cross section of a system showing the coupling in a first position.

[0031] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A cross section of a system showing the coupling in a second position.

[0032] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A cross section of a system showing the coupling in an intermediate position.

[0033] Fig.11 yes Figure 8 Cross section of the coupling and armature of the system.

[0034] Fig.12 yes Figure 1 Block diagram of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] A system includes a support arm. The system includes a motor supported by the support arm. The system includes an armature supported by the support arm. The system includes a coupling device disposed about the armature and slidable between a first position in which the coupling device couples the motor to the armature and a second position in which the coupling device is decoupled from the motor.

[0036] The engine may define a recess and the coupling device may include teeth that engage the recess when the coupling device is in the first position.

[0037] The coupling arrangement in the second position may couple the armature to the support arm.

[0038] The support arm may define a notch and the coupling means may include teeth that engage the notch when the coupling means is in the second position.

[0039] The coupling device is slidable to an intermediate position in which the coupling device is decoupled from the support arm and the engine.

[0040] The system may include a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the motor and the armature to rotate at the same speed when the coupling device is in the intermediate position.

[0041] The memory may store instructions executable by the processor to actuate the coupling device to the first position when the motor and the armature rotate at the same speed.

[0042] The armature may include splines, and the coupling device may engage the splines to allow the coupling device to move along an axial axis relative to the armature and to prevent the coupling device from moving in a rotational direction relative to the armature.

[0043] The system may include a magnetic device disposed around the armature.

[0044] The magnetic means may comprise a permanent magnet.

[0045] The magnetic means may comprise an induction coil.

[0046] The system may include a wheel supported by the support arm, and the magnetic device may be secured to the wheel.

[0047] The magnetic device may be immovably secured to the wheel.

[0048] The system may include a brake supported by the support arm and designed to limit rotation of the wheel relative to the support arm.

[0049] The system may include a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the coupling device to the first position and to actuate the brake to an activated state in which the brake prevents rotation of the wheel.

[0050] The memory may store instructions to actuate the armature to rotate when the brake is in the activated state and the coupling device is in the first position.

[0051] The memory may store instructions to actuate rotation of the engine when the brake is in the activated state and the coupling device is in the first position.

[0052] The armature may include permanent magnets.

[0053] The armature may include an induction coil.

[0054] The system may include a frame, and the support arm may be supported by the frame.

[0055] Referring to the drawings, a system 20 for providing power to a vehicle 22 includes a support arm 24. The system 20 includes an engine 26 supported by the support arm 24. The system 20 includes an armature 28 supported by the support arm 24. The system 20 includes a coupling device 30 disposed about the armature 28 and slidable between a first position in which the coupling device 30 couples the engine 26 to the armature 28 and a second position in which the coupling device 30 is decoupled from the engine 26.

[0056] System 20 efficiently provides hybrid power for driving vehicle 22, for example, via engine 26 and / or armature 28. For example, while system 20 may power vehicle 22 without the use of a clutch, belt drive, transmission, etc., such components may also be used.

[0057] As an example, the vehicle 22 may be a scooter, such as Figure 1 As shown. For the present context, a scooter is a two-wheeled motor vehicle with a power output below a threshold value (e.g., 50 horsepower). The operator of the scooter can be standing or sitting while operating the scooter. As another example, the vehicle 22 can be any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. The vehicle 22 can be any other type of wheeled transportation device, such as a motorcycle, a three-wheel or four-wheel ATV, an electric bicycle, etc. The vehicle 22 includes a battery 32 or other power storage device. The vehicle 22 may include a frame 34 for supporting various vehicle 22 components. The frame 34 may include various cross beams, longitudinal beams, etc. The frame 34 may include components of the body of the vehicle 22, for example, such as components in a unibody frame structure.

[0058] The support arm 24 may have an elongated tubular shape or any other suitable design. The support arm 24 may be supported by the frame 34. The support arm 24 may be pivotally supported by the frame 34. For example, the support arm 24 may be a component of a suspension system, for example, allowing relative movement between the frame 34 and other vehicle components (such as wheels 36, etc.). For example, the support arm 24 may be a swing arm of a motorcycle. The support arm 24 may be fixed to the frame 34, for example, via welding, fasteners, etc., to prevent relative movement therebetween. The support arm 24 may be integral with the frame 34. For example, the support arm 24 may be a chain stay of a bicycle frame.

[0059] The support arm 24 can be designed to engage with the coupling device 30. For example, the support arm 24 can define a notch 38. The notch 38 can be rectangular, or have any other shape suitable for engaging with the coupling device 30, for example, to receive teeth 76 (described below) of the coupling device 30.

[0060] Wheel 36 provides motion to vehicle 22. For example, power from engine 26 and / or armature 28 can be transferred to a road via wheel 36. Wheel 36 can include hub 42 and tire 44. Wheel 36 is rotatably supported by support arm 24, i.e., wheel 36 is allowed to rotate relative to support arm 24, such as via a bearing or other low friction support structure.

[0061] The system 20 may include a brake 46. The brake 46 is designed to limit the rotation of the wheel 36 relative to the support arm 24, for example, to slow down and / or stop the vehicle 22. The brake 46 may be a disc brake, a drum brake, a band brake, etc. The brake 46 may include an electronic control unit (ECU), etc., which actuates the brake 46 to resist the movement of the vehicle 22, for example, under instructions from the computer 48 and / or from the driver. The brake 46 can be actuated to an activated state in which the brake 46 prevents the wheel 36 from rotating. The brake 46 can be supported by the support arm 24, for example, via one or more fasteners, support brackets, etc.

[0062] The engine 26 converts energy stored in the form of fuel into rotational motion of a drive shaft 50. The engine 26 may include spark plugs, fuel injectors, a carburetor, etc. The engine 26 may include one or more pistons and cylinders, a crankshaft, etc. The engine 26 may be of any other suitable design, for example, a pistonless rotary engine (also known as a rotary engine), etc. The engine 26 may communicate with and receive input from the computer 48 and / or an operator.

[0063] The engine 26 is supported by the support arm 24. For example, the engine 26 can be secured to the support arm 24 by one or more fasteners, mounts, brackets, etc.

[0064] The engine 26 can be designed to engage with the coupling device 30. As an example, the engine 26 can define a notch 52. The notch 52 can be defined in the drive shaft 50. The notch 52 can be rectangular, or have any other shape suitable for engaging with the coupling device 30, for example, to receive one of the teeth 76 of the coupling device 30.

[0065] The armature 28 includes a drive shaft 54. The drive shaft 54 ​​may be an elongated cylindrical member. The drive shaft 54 ​​extends along the axial axis A of the armature 28. The drive shaft 54 ​​may be made of metal or any other suitable material. The drive shaft 54 ​​enables the armature 28 to be rotatably supported, for example, to rotate about the axial axis A, and allows torque to be transmitted to and from the armature 28.

[0066] The armature 28 is supported by the support arm 24. The armature 28 is rotatable relative to the support arm 24. For example, a drive shaft 54 ​​of the armature 28 may be supported by the support arm 24 via one or more bearings, bushings, or the like.

[0067] The armature 28 generates a magnetic field. For example, the armature 28 may include one or more permanent magnets 56, such as a permanent magnet supported by the drive shaft 54, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown. The magnet 56 can be fixed to the drive shaft 54, for example, by adhesive, fasteners. As another example, the armature 28 can include one or more induction coils 58 to generate a magnetic field, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown. Each induction coil 58 of the armature 28 can be arranged around the core 60. The core 60 can be fixed to the drive shaft 54 ​​of the armature 28, for example, by one or more fasteners, etc. The core 60 and the drive shaft 54 ​​can be integral, that is, a single part without seams, joints, fasteners or adhesives to hold the core 60 and the drive shaft 54 ​​together. The core 60 can be a ferromagnetic material. When the induction coil 58 of the armature 28 is supplied with a current (e.g., a DC voltage) such as from the battery 32, the induction coil generates a magnetic field. The induction coil 58 of the armature 28 can be electrically communicated with the battery 32, for example, via wires, brushes, conductive bearings, etc. The computer 48 can control the power supplied from the battery 32 to the induction coil 58, such as the voltage amount of the current, the timing of the current, such as providing the current at a specific frequency.

[0068] The armature 28 can generate a second magnetic field. For example, the armature may include a plurality of induction coils 58 and a core 60 ( Figure 7 ) and / or multiple permanent magnets along the axial axis A (not shown).

[0069] The armature 28 may include one or more splines 62, such as Fig.11 The splines 62 may extend along the axial axis A. The splines 62 may be located on the drive shaft 54 ​​of the armature 28 .

[0070] The system 20 may include a first magnetic device 64. The first magnetic device 64 generates a magnetic field. For example, the first magnetic device 64 may include a permanent magnet 66, such as Figure 3 For example, the first magnetic device 64 may include one or more induction coils 68, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown. Each of the induction coils 68 of the first magnetic device 64 can be disposed around the core 70. The induction coils 68 of the first magnetic device 64 generate a magnetic field when supplied with current, as described above for the induction coils 58 of the armature 28. The induction coils 68 of the first magnetic device 64 can be in electrical communication with the battery 32, for example, via wires, brushes, conductive bearings, etc. The computer 48 can control the power supplied from the battery 32 to the induction coils 68, such as the voltage amount of the current, the timing of the current, such as providing the current at a specific frequency.

[0071] The first magnetic device 64 may be supported by the wheel 36. The first magnetic device 64 may be secured to the wheel 36, for example, to the hub 42 via fasteners, adhesives, etc. The first magnetic device 64 may be non-movably secured to the wheel 36, for example, to prevent relative translation and rotation therebetween.

[0072] The first magnetic device 64 can be positioned relative to the armature 28 so that the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 can be used together as a motor or a generator. For example, the first magnetic device 64 can be positioned relative to the magnet 56 of the armature 28, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As another example, the first magnetic device 64 can be positioned relative to one of the induction coils 58 of the armature 28, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 shown.

[0073] The first magnetic device 64 may be disposed around the armature 28. The first magnetic device 64 may be spaced apart from the armature 28. For example, the armature 28 may be disposed within a cavity C defined by the hub 42 of the wheel 36, such as at the center of the hub 42.

[0074] For example, when the armature 28 includes the permanent magnet 56 and the first magnetic device 64 includes the induction coil 68, the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 can be used together as a motor by providing current to the induction coil 68 of the first magnetic device 64. The current can be provided intermittently at a specific frequency. For example, the computer 48 can control the frequency of the current so that when the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 are in a specific rotational position relative to each other, the induction coil 68 of the first magnetic device 64 is powered to generate a magnetic field and is pushed toward the permanent magnet 56 of the armature 28, and when the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 are in another specific rotational position relative to each other (e.g., such as intermittently providing current to a brushless motor), the induction coil 68 of the first magnetic device 64 is not powered and does not generate a magnetic field.

[0075] For example, when the armature 28 includes the permanent magnet 56 and the first magnetic device 64 includes the induction coil 68, the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 can be used together as a generator by rotating the armature 28 and / or the first magnetic device 64 relative to each other. For example, the armature can rotate with the engine 26. For example, the first magnetic device 64 can rotate via the rotation of the wheel 36, such as when the vehicle 22 is traveling. The generated electricity can be used to charge the battery 32.

[0076] For example, when the armature 28 includes the induction coil 58 and the first magnetic device 64 includes the permanent magnet 66, the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 can be used together as a motor by providing current to the induction coil 58 of the armature 28. The current can be provided intermittently at a specific frequency. For example, the computer 48 can control the frequency, as described above. Alternatively, the current can be provided continuously, for example in response to instructions from the computer 48, and the electrical connection to the induction coil 58 of the armature 28 can be intermittently connected and disconnected, such as in a brushed motor.

[0077] For example, when the armature 28 includes the induction coil 58 and the first magnetic device 64 includes the permanent magnet 66, the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 can be used together as a generator by rotating the armature 28 and / or the first magnetic device 64 relative to each other, as described above. The generated electricity can be used to charge the battery 32.

[0078] For example, when the armature 28 includes the induction coil 58 and the first magnetic device 64 includes the induction coil 68, the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 can be used together as a motor by supplying current to the induction coil 58 of the armature 28 and supplying current to the induction coil 68 of the first magnetic device 64. The current can be supplied intermittently at a specific frequency. For example, the computer 48 can control the frequency as described above.

[0079] For example, when the armature 28 includes the induction coil 58 and the first magnetic device 64 includes the induction coil 68, the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 can be used together as a generator by providing current to the induction coil 58 of the armature 28 or to the induction coil 68 of the first magnetic device 64 to generate a magnetic field and simultaneously rotate the armature 28 and / or the first magnetic device 64 relative to each other, as described above. The generated electricity can be used to charge the battery 32.

[0080] The system 20 may include a second magnetic device 65. The second magnetic device 65 may be supported by the support arm 24. For example, the second magnetic device 65 may include an induction coil 69 and a core 71 fixed to the support arm 24, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 For example, the second magnetic device 65 may include a permanent magnet (not shown) fixed to the support arm 24 .

[0081] The second magnetic device 65 can be positioned relative to the armature 28 so that the armature 28 and the second magnetic device 65 can be used together as a motor or generator, for example, as described above for the first magnetic device 64. For example, the second magnetic device 65 can be positioned relative to the magnet 56 of the armature 28, such as Figure 6 As another example, the second magnetic device 65 can be positioned relative to one of the induction coils 58 of the armature 28, such as Figure 7 shown.

[0082] The armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 can act as a motor, while the armature 28 and the second magnetic device 65 can act as a generator, or vice versa. For example, when the armature 28 rotates and the permanent magnet 56 of the armature 28 passes through the induction coil 69 of the support arm 24, the induction coil 69 of the support arm 24 can be induced to generate electricity, and the induction coil 68 of the wheel 36 can be provided with an electric pulse to generate a magnetic field, and the permanent magnet 56 of the armature 28 approaches the induction coil 68 of the wheel 36, and vice versa.

[0083] Alternatively, the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 and the armature 28 and the second magnetic device 65 can simultaneously act as a motor or a generator. For example, the induction coil 68 of the wheel 36 and the induction coil 69 of the support arm 24 can be induced to generate electricity by rotating the armature 28 and allowing the permanent magnet 56 to pass through the induction coils 68, 69. For example, an electric pulse can be provided to the induction coil 68 of the wheel 36 and the induction coil 69 of the support arm 24 to generate a magnetic field when the permanent magnet 56 approaches.

[0084] While various combinations of types of armature 28 and first and second magnetic devices 64 , 65 are shown, it should be understood that other combinations not shown in the drawings may be used.

[0085] For example, the armature may include a first permanent magnet aligned with an induction coil supported by the wheel, and may include a second permanent magnet aligned with an induction coil supported by the support arm.

[0086] As another example, the armature may include a permanent magnet aligned with an induction coil supported by the wheel, and may include an induction coil aligned with a permanent magnet supported by the support arm.

[0087] As another example, the armature may include a permanent magnet aligned with an induction coil supported by the wheel, and may include an induction coil aligned with an induction coil supported by the support arm.

[0088] As another example, the armature may include an induction coil aligned with a permanent magnet supported by the wheel, and may include a permanent magnet aligned with an induction coil supported by the support arm.

[0089] As another example, the armature may include an induction coil aligned with an induction coil supported by the wheel, and may include a permanent magnet aligned with the induction coil supported by the support arm.

[0090] As another example, the armature may include a first induction coil aligned with a permanent magnet supported by the wheel, and may include a second induction coil aligned with a permanent magnet supported by the support arm.

[0091] As another example, the armature may include a first induction coil aligned with a permanent magnet supported by the wheel, and may include a second induction coil aligned with an induction coil supported by the support arm.

[0092] As another example, the armature may include a first induction coil aligned with an induction coil supported by the wheel, and may include a second induction coil aligned with a permanent magnet supported by the support arm.

[0093] The coupling device 30 may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The coupling device 30 may extend between a first end 72 and a second end 74 opposite the first end 72. The coupling device 30 may include one or more teeth 76. The teeth 76 may be located at the first end 72 and / or the second end 74 of the coupling device 30. The teeth 76 may extend from the first end 72 and / or the second end 74 along the axial axis A. The coupling device 30 may include one or more splines 78, such as Fig.11 The splines 78 may be located inside the hollow cylindrical shape and extend between the first end 72 and the second end 74. The coupling device 30 may include a channel 80. The channel 80 may extend around the circumference of the exterior of the coupling device 30.

[0094] The coupling device 30 is disposed around the armature 28, for example, the drive shaft 54 ​​of the armature 28 can be positioned together with the interior of the hollow cylindrical shape of the coupling device 30. The coupling device 30 can be positioned so that the first end 72 is close to the engine 26, that is, the distance between the first end 72 and the engine 26 is smaller than the distance between the second end 74 and the engine 26. The coupling device 30 can be positioned so that the second end 74 is close to the support arm 24.

[0095] The coupling device 30 engages the splines 62 of the armature 28 to allow the coupling device 30 to move relative to the armature 28 along the axial axis A and to prevent the coupling device 30 from moving relative to the armature 28 in the rotational direction R. For example, the coupling device 30 can be sized to be a sliding fit around the drive shaft 54, e.g., to allow the coupling device 30 to move relative to the drive shaft 54 ​​along the axial axis A. For example, the splines 78 of the coupling device 30 can abut the splines 62 of the armature 28, e.g., to prevent the coupling device 30 from moving relative to the armature 28 in the rotational direction R (e.g., about the axial axis A).

[0096] The coupling device 30 can be Figure 8 The first position shown is Fig. 9 The coupling device 30 can slide to an intermediate position, such as Fig.10 The intermediate position is between the first position and the second position.

[0097] The coupling device 30 in the first position couples the motor 26 to the armature 28. For example, when the coupling device 30 is in the first position, the teeth 76 at the first end 72 of the coupling device 30 can engage with, e.g., can be disposed within, the notch 52 of the motor 26. Coupling the motor 26 and the armature 28 prevents the coupling device 30 from moving in a rotational direction R (e.g., about the axial axis A) relative to the motor 26. In other words, when the motor 26 and the armature 28 are coupled, rotation of the motor 26 (e.g., the drive shaft 50 of the motor 26) causes rotation of the drive shaft 54 ​​of the armature 28, and vice versa.

[0098] The coupling device 30 in the first position is decoupled from the support arm 24. For example, when the coupling device 30 is in the first position, the teeth 76 at the second end 74 of the coupling device 30 can be completely disposed outside of the recess 38 of the support arm 24. Decoupling the coupling device 30 from the support arm 24 allows the coupling device 30 and the armature 28 to move relative to the support arm 24 in the rotational direction R (e.g., about the axial axis A).

[0099] The coupling device 30 in the second position is decoupled from the engine 26. For example, when the coupling device 30 is in the second position, the teeth 76 at the first end 72 of the coupling device 30 can be completely disposed outside the recess 52 of the engine 26. Decoupling the coupling device 30 from the engine 26 allows the coupling device 30 to move in the rotational direction R (e.g., about the axial axis A) relative to the engine 26. In other words, when the coupling device 30 is decoupled from the engine 26, rotation of the engine 26 (e.g., the drive shaft 50 of the engine 26) does not cause rotation of the coupling device 30 and the armature 28, and vice versa.

[0100] The coupling device 30 in the second position can couple the armature 28 to the support arm 24. For example, when the coupling device 30 is in the second position, the teeth 76 at the second end 74 of the coupling device 30 can engage with, e.g., be disposed within, the notch 38 of the support arm 24. Coupling the support arm 24 and the armature 28 prevents the coupling device 30 from moving in the rotational direction R (e.g., about the axial axis A) relative to the support arm 24. In other words, when the support arm 24 and the armature 28 are coupled, the armature 28 is prevented from rotating.

[0101] The coupling device 30 in the intermediate position is decoupled from the support arm 24 and the motor 26. For example, when the coupling device 30 is in the intermediate position, the teeth 76 at the first end 72 of the coupling device 30 can be completely disposed outside the recess 52 of the motor 26, and the teeth 76 at the second end 74 of the coupling device 30 can be completely disposed outside the recess 38 of the support arm 24. Decoupling the coupling device 30 from the motor 26 and the support arm 24 allows the coupling device 30 and the armature 28 to move relative to the motor 26 and the support arm 24 in the rotational direction R (e.g., about the axial axis A).

[0102] The system 20 may include a shift rail 82, a shift fork 84, and an actuator 86, such as Figures 3 to 10 As shown, it is possible to move the coupling device 30 between a first position, a second position and an intermediate position.

[0103] The shift rail 82 may be a longitudinal axis. The shift rail 82 may be supported by the support arm 24. The shift rail 82 and the support arm 24 may be integral. The shift rail 82 may include a channel, a groove, a track, etc., such as to enable the shift fork 84 to move translationally along the shift rail 82. The shift rail 82 may support the engine 26.

[0104] The shift fork 84 may be slidably supported by the shift rail 82. The shift fork 84 may include an extension 88 extending to a distal end 90. The distal end 90 of the extension 88 may be disposed within the passage 80 of the coupling device 30.

[0105] The actuator 86 includes a first end 92 and a second end 94 opposite the first end 92. The first end 92 can be fixed to the shift rail 82, such as by fasteners, and the second end 94 can be fixed to the shift fork 84. The actuator 86 can be actuated to change the length of the actuator 86, such as in response to a command from the computer 48. For example, the actuator 86 can be an electromagnetic solenoid, a linear servo mechanism, or any other actuation device capable of moving the shift fork 84. The change in the length of the actuator 86 causes the shift fork 84 to slide along the shift rail 82 and change the position of the coupling device 30. Other systems and / or devices can be used to move the coupling device 30 between the first position, the second position, and the intermediate position.

[0106] refer to Fig.12 , sensors 96 (e.g., wheel speed and position sensors, brake sensors, traction control sensors, and engine variable sensors) can detect internal states of the system 20. For example, one or more optical sensors and / or Hall effect sensors can detect the rotational speed, rotational direction R, and rotational position of the drive shaft 54 ​​of the armature 28, the wheel 36, and the drive shaft 50 of the engine 26, for example, relative to the support arm 24.

[0107] The system 20 and / or the vehicle 22 may include a communication network 98. The communication network 98 includes hardware that facilitates communication and power between components of the vehicle 22 and / or the system 20, such as communication buses, wiring harnesses, etc. The communication network 98 may facilitate wired or wireless communication between components according to a variety of communication protocols, such as a controller area network (CAN), Ethernet, WiFi, a local interconnect network (LIN), and / or other wired or wireless mechanisms.

[0108] A computer 48 implemented via circuits, chips, antennas, and / or other electronic components may be included in the system 20 and / or vehicle 22 to perform various operations and processes, including those described herein. The computer 48 is a computing device that typically includes a processor and a memory, which includes one or more forms of computer-readable media and stores instructions that can be executed by the processor for performing various operations and processes, including those disclosed herein. The computer 48 may be programmed by storing instructions on the memory that can be executed by the processor.

[0109] The memory of the computer 48 also typically stores remote data received via various communication mechanisms; for example, the computer 48 is typically configured to communicate with components over a communication network 98 (e.g., a controller area network (CAN) bus), and to communicate with devices external to the vehicle 22 using other wired or wireless protocols, such as via a universal serial bus (USB), IEEE 802.11 (commonly known as ), satellite telecommunication protocols, and cellular protocols (such as 3G, LTE), etc. The computer 48 can transmit messages to and / or receive messages from various devices in the vehicle 22 and / or system 20 (e.g., the brake 46, the engine 26, the armature 28, the first magnetic device 64, the second magnetic device 65, the actuator 86, the sensor 96, etc., as discussed herein) via the communication network 98. Although one computer 48 is shown for ease of illustration, it should be understood that the computer 48 may include one or more computing devices, and the various operations described herein may be performed by one or more computing devices.

[0110] The computer 48 may be programmed to actuate the engine 26 and the armature 28 to rotate at the same speed when the coupling device 30 is in the neutral position. For example, the computer 48 may identify the rotational speeds of the armature 28 and the drive shaft 50 of the engine 26, for example, based on information received from the sensor 96 via the communication network 98. Based on the identified rotational speeds, the computer 48 may increase or decrease the rotational speed of the armature 28 and / or the engine 26. For example, the computer 48 may change the voltage and / or frequency of the current provided to the induction coil 58 of the armature 28, the induction coil 68 of the first magnetic device 64, and / or the induction coil 69 of the second magnetic device 65, as described herein. For example, the computer 48 may instruct the engine 26, for example, via the communication network 98, to change the actuation timing of the spark plug, the fuel injector, etc., to change the amount of fuel provided to the engine 26, for example, via the fuel injector, the carburetor, etc.

[0111] The computer 48 can be programmed to actuate the coupling device 30 to the first position when the motor 26 and the armature 28 rotate at the same speed. For example, when the motor 26 and the armature 28 rotate at the same speed, for example, as the computer 48 recognizes based on information from the sensor 96, the computer 48 can instruct the actuator 89 to extend and move the coupling device 30 to the first position.

[0112] The computer 48 may be programmed to actuate the coupling device 30 to the first position and to actuate the brake 46 to an activated state in which the brake 46 prevents rotation of the wheel 36. For example, the computer 48 may instruct the actuator 86, such as via the communication network 98, to move the coupling device 30 to the first position and may instruct the brake 46 to the activated state, such as via the communication network 98.

[0113] The computer 48 may be programmed to actuate the armature 28 to rotate when the brake 46 is in the activated state and the coupling device 30 is in the first position, for example, to start the engine 26. For example, when the brake 46 is in the activated state, the computer 48 may, for example, provide current from the battery 32 and as described above to the induction coil 58 of the armature 28, the induction coil 68 of the first magnetic device 64, and / or the induction coil 69 of the second magnetic device 65.

[0114] The computer 48 can be programmed to actuate the engine 26 to rotate when the brake 46 is in the activated state and the coupling device 30 is in the first position, for example to act as a generator for the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 and / or the second magnetic device 65. For example, the computer 48 can instruct the engine 26 to actuate spark plugs, fuel injectors, etc. to rotate the drive shaft 50 of the engine 26, for example, via the communication network 98.

[0115] The computer 48 may be programmed to utilize power from the engine 26 to drive the vehicle 22. For example, the computer 48 may instruct the actuator 86 to move the coupling device 30 to the first position and may instruct the engine 26 to actuate spark plugs, fuel injectors, and the like.

[0116] For example, the computer 48 may be programmed to generate electricity using the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 and / or the second magnetic device 65 when the engine 26 provides power to the vehicle 22, such as by controlling the voltage and / or frequency of the current provided to the induction coil 58 of the armature 28, the induction coil 68 of the first magnetic device 64, and / or the induction coil 69 of the second magnetic device 65 as described herein.

[0117] For example, the computer 48 may be programmed to use the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 and / or the second magnetic device as a motor and provide additional power to the vehicle 22 when the engine 26 is powering the vehicle 22, such as by controlling the voltage and / or frequency of the current provided to the induction coil 58 of the armature 28, the induction coil 68 of the first magnetic device 64, and / or the induction coil 69 of the second magnetic device 65 as described herein.

[0118] The computer 48 can be programmed to operate the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 and / or the second magnetic device 65 to provide power to the vehicle 22 while operating the engine 26 at peak efficiency. For example, the engine 26 can convert fuel into kinetic energy at peak efficiency by maximizing the ratio of the amount of kinetic energy output by the engine 26 to the amount of potential energy in the fuel that is burned to produce such kinetic energy. The peak efficiency can be at a target speed for the drive shaft 50 of the engine 26, a target torque for the drive shaft 50 of the engine 26, a target spark plug timing, a target fuel injector timing, etc. Data indicating the peak efficiency can be stored in a memory of the computer 48, for example, when the system 20 and / or the vehicle 22 are manufactured.

[0119] When actuating the engine 26 to operate at peak efficiency, referred to herein as efficiency, the computer 48 may instruct the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 and / or the second magnetic device 65 to function as one or more motors or generators, as described herein, e.g., to add power to the power provided by the engine 26 or to convert a portion of the power provided by the engine 26 into electricity. For example, the operation of the system 20 may be expressed by the following equation:

[0120] T 目标 -T 发动机 =T 电枢

[0121] In the above equation, T 目标 is the desired amount of torque to be provided to wheels 36, e.g., as requested by an operator of vehicle 22. 发动机 T is the amount of torque provided by the engine 26, e.g., when operating at peak efficiency. 电枢 is the amount of torque added by the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 and / or the second magnetic device 65, for example by acting as one or more motors, or subtracted by acting as one or more generators, for example. In other words, when T 电枢 When T is positive, the computer 48 actuates the armature 28 and the first magnetic device 64 and / or the second magnetic device 65 as a motor, and when T 电枢 When φ is negative, computer 48 actuates armature 28 and first magnetic device 64 and / or second magnetic device 65 to function as one or more generators, for example, as described herein.

[0122] The adjectives "first" and "second" are used throughout this document as identifiers and are not intended to denote importance or order.

[0123] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting in nature. In light of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible, and the present disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

Claims

1. A hybrid powertrain system comprising: Support arm; an engine, the engine being supported by the support arm; an armature, the armature being supported by the support arm; as well as a coupling device disposed about the armature and slidable between a first position in which the coupling device couples the engine to the armature and a second position in which the coupling device is decoupled from the engine; The coupling device in the second position couples the armature to the support arm.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the engine defines a notch and the coupling device includes teeth that engage the notch when the coupling device is in the first position.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the support arm defines a notch and the coupling device includes teeth that engage the notch when the coupling device is in the second position.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupling device is slidable to an intermediate position in which the coupling device is decoupled from the support arm and the engine.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the motor and the armature to rotate at the same speed when the coupling device is in the intermediate position.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to actuate the coupling device to the first position when the motor and the armature rotate at the same speed.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the armature includes splines and the coupling device engages the splines to allow the coupling device to move along an axial axis relative to the armature and to prevent the coupling device from moving in a rotational direction relative to the armature.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a magnetic device disposed around the armature.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the magnetic device comprises a permanent magnet.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the magnetic device comprises an induction coil.

11. The system of claim 8, further comprising a wheel supported by the support arm, the magnetic device being secured to the wheel.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the magnetic device is non-removably secured to the wheel.

13. The system of claim 11 further comprising a brake supported by the support arm and designed to limit rotation of the wheel relative to the support arm.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the coupling device to the first position and to actuate the brake to an activated state wherein the brake prevents rotation of the wheel.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the memory stores instructions to actuate the armature to rotate when the brake is in the activated state and the coupling device is in the first position.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the memory stores instructions to actuate the engine to rotate when the brake is in the activated state and the coupling device is in the first position.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the armature comprises a permanent magnet.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the armature comprises an induction coil.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising a frame, the support arm being supported by the frame.

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