Hybrid power system, working method and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a hybrid power system which comprises an engine, a first output shaft used for driving a first target, a first motor, a second motor, a planetary gear mechanism and a second output shaft. The first electric machine is adapted to transmit torque to the first output shaft. The second electric machine is adapted to output torque or generate electricity in response to a torque input. The planetary gear mechanism is located between the engine and the first output shaft and is configured to cut off connection between the engine and the first output shaft in response to the system being in the first mode, to be in the second mode and to transmit torque output by the engine to the second motor for power generation, and to be in the third mode. In the first mode, one part of the torque output by the engine is transmitted to the second motor for power generation, the other part of the torque is transmitted to the first output shaft to be superposed with the first motor torque, and in the fourth mode, the engine torque is output to the first output shaft to be superposed with the first motor torque. The second output shaft receives the torque of the second motor or the engine through the planetary gear mechanism to drive a second target.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle powertrain technology, and more specifically, to a hybrid power system, a method of operation, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional vehicle powertrains primarily rely on internal combustion engines, generating mechanical energy through the combustion of fossil fuels to propel the vehicle. With increasing environmental requirements and the transformation of the energy structure, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have gradually become research hotspots. These new powertrains, through electric motor drive or hybrid mode, significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. However, the output characteristics of these powertrains (such as torque response and power range) still need further optimization to meet the demands of different operating conditions. Especially in complex operating environments, the reliability and adaptability of the powertrain become key challenges.

[0003] Special-purpose vehicles (such as construction machinery, fire trucks, and mining trucks) typically need to perform high-precision, high-intensity tasks in harsh environments such as rugged terrain, high-load conditions, or extreme weather. The demands on their power systems are far greater than those of ordinary passenger cars. They require not only strong and stable power output but also the ability to respond quickly, withstand impacts, and operate continuously for extended periods. For example, mining trucks need to maintain constant torque when driving on slopes, while fire trucks require high power output at low speeds to drive equipment such as water pumps. Therefore, improving the adaptability of electric drive or hybrid power systems to the specific operating conditions of special-purpose vehicles has become a pressing technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a hybrid power system that can adapt to driving and working needs by switching different power modes, thereby improving power performance and economic practicality.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a hybrid power system, including an engine and a first output shaft for driving a first target, and further including: a first motor adapted to transmit torque to the first output shaft; a second motor adapted to output torque or generate electricity in response to torque input; a planetary gear mechanism disposed between the engine and the first output shaft, configured to, in response to the system being in a first mode, disconnect the connection between the engine and the first output shaft; in response to the system being in a second mode, transmit the torque output by the engine to the second motor for generating electricity; in response to the system being in a third mode, transmit a portion of the torque output by the engine to the second motor for generating electricity and another portion to the first output shaft for superposition with the torque of the first motor; and in response to the system being in a fourth mode, output the torque output by the engine to the first output shaft for superposition with the torque of the first motor; and a second output shaft adapted to receive torque from the second motor or the engine via the planetary gear mechanism to drive a second target.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the planetary gear mechanism includes: a sun gear configured to rotate under the drive of the second motor; a plurality of planet gears spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the sun gear and meshing with the sun gear; a planet carrier rotatably connected to the plurality of planet gears and configured to rotate under the drive of the motor to drive the plurality of planet gears to rotate around the sun gear; and an external gear ring surrounding the plurality of planet gears and meshing with the planet gears, configured to rotate under the drive of the planet gears to transmit torque to the first output shaft.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the invention, a first clutch is further included, disposed between the planetary gear mechanism and the engine, and configured to allow or prevent the engine from transmitting torque to the planet carrier.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, a second clutch is further included, disposed between the planetary gear mechanism and the first output shaft, and configured to allow or prevent the external gear ring from transmitting torque to the first output shaft.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, a third clutch is also included, configured to allow or prevent the planetary carrier from transmitting torque to the second output shaft.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a braking assembly is further included, adapted to allow or prevent the rotation of the sun gear and / or the external gear ring; preferably, the braking assembly includes: a first brake member adapted to allow or prevent the rotation of the sun gear; and a second brake member adapted to allow or prevent the rotation of the external gear ring.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a speed change mechanism is further included, disposed between the first motor and the first output shaft. The speed change mechanism is configured to have at least two speed ratios to adjust the torque and speed output by the first motor to the first output shaft.

[0012] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for operating a hybrid power system, based on the hybrid power system in any of the above embodiments, including determining an operating mode according to a first target operating condition, wherein the operating mode includes a first mode, a second mode, a third mode, and a fourth mode.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the first mode, the first clutch and the second clutch are disengaged, the third clutch is engaged, the first brake is released, and the second brake is engaged; in the second mode, the first clutch and the third clutch are engaged, the second clutch is disengaged, the first brake is released, and the second brake is engaged; in the third mode, the first clutch, the second clutch, and the third clutch are engaged, and the first brake and the second brake are engaged; in the fourth mode, the first clutch, the second clutch, and the third clutch are engaged, the first brake is engaged, and the second brake is engaged.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide a vehicle, including a vehicle body; a hybrid power system, as in any of the foregoing embodiments, is mounted on the vehicle body, and a first output shaft of the hybrid power system is adapted to drive the vehicle body.

[0015] The hybrid power system provided by this invention has a first objective: a vehicle equipped with the aforementioned hybrid power system. A first output shaft is connected to the wheels of the vehicle, and it can switch between a first mode, a second mode, a third mode, and a fourth mode to adapt to different driving and operational needs. Simultaneously, a second output shaft obtains torque from either the engine or the second motor to drive a second objective, achieving power splitting for the entire system and improving its power and fuel economy. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of a hybrid power system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] In the accompanying drawings, the meanings of the reference numerals are as follows:

[0018] 1. First motor;

[0019] 2. Second motor;

[0020] 3. Planetary gear mechanism;

[0021] 31. Sun Gear;

[0022] 32. Planetary Gear;

[0023] 33. Planetary support;

[0024] 34. External gear ring;

[0025] 4. Second output shaft;

[0026] 5. First clutch;

[0027] 6. Second clutch;

[0028] 7. Third clutch;

[0029] 8. Braking components;

[0030] 81. First braking component;

[0031] 82. Second braking component;

[0032] 9. Engine;

[0033] 10. First output shaft;

[0034] 11. Transmission mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the invention.

[0036] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The terms “comprising,” “including,” etc., as used herein indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.

[0037] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of this specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly rigid manner.

[0038] When expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." are used, they should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" should include but is not limited to a system having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B, A and C, B and C, and / or A, B, C, etc.).

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of a hybrid power system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a hybrid power system, such as Figure 1 As shown, the system includes an engine and a first output shaft for driving a first target, as well as a first motor 1, a second motor 2, a planetary gear mechanism 3, and a second output shaft 4. The first motor 1 is adapted to transmit torque to the first output shaft 10. The second motor 2 is adapted to output torque or generate electricity in response to torque input. The planetary gear mechanism 3 is arranged between the engine 9 and the first output shaft 10 and is configured to disconnect the connection between the engine 9 and the first output shaft in response to the system being in a first mode; the planetary gear mechanism 3 is configured to transmit the torque output by the engine 9 to the second motor 2 for power generation in response to the system being in a second mode; the planetary gear mechanism 3 is configured to transmit a portion of the torque output by the engine 9 to the second motor 2 for power generation and another portion to the first output shaft 10 to be superimposed with the torque of the first motor 1 in response to the system being in a third mode; the planetary gear mechanism 3 is also configured to output the torque output by the engine 9 to the first output shaft 10 to be superimposed with the torque of the first motor 1 in response to the system being in a fourth mode. The second output shaft 4 is adapted to receive torque from the second motor 2 or the engine 9 via the planetary gear mechanism 3 to drive a second target.

[0041] In this implementation, the first target is a vehicle equipped with the aforementioned hybrid power system. The first output shaft 10 is connected to the wheels of the vehicle. When the system is in the first mode, the first motor 1 drives the first output shaft 10 alone, thereby driving the vehicle. At this time, the planetary gear mechanism 3 disconnects the connection between the engine 9 and the first output shaft 10, and the engine does not work or remains idle. This is especially suitable for short-distance driving or driving conditions with frequent starts and stops.

[0042] When the system is in the second mode, the first motor 1 still drives the first output shaft 10 alone, thereby driving the vehicle. At this time, the planetary gear mechanism 3 is connected to the engine 9. The torque output by the engine 9 reaches the second motor 2 after passing through the planetary gear mechanism 3. The second motor 2 is in the power generation mode, and the generated electrical energy is used to power the first motor 1 or input into the battery for storage. In the second mode, the engine 9 can continue to operate with high thermal efficiency and good fuel economy.

[0043] When the system is in the third mode, the engine 9 is connected to the first output shaft 10 through the planetary gear mechanism 3. The torque of the engine 9 is distributed through the planetary gear mechanism 3. Part of it is used to generate electricity for the second motor 2, and the other part is superimposed with the torque of the first motor 1 to jointly drive the first output shaft 10. While maintaining the efficient operation of the engine 9 to generate electricity, the torque output from the first output shaft 10 to the wheels is increased, thereby realizing the power splitting of the engine 9.

[0044] When the system is in the fourth mode, the second motor 2 stops working, and the torque of the engine 9 is transmitted to the first output shaft 10 through the planetary gear mechanism 3. The transmission efficiency is high and it is suitable for high load and high speed driving conditions.

[0045] In any of the above modes, the second output shaft 4 obtains at least a portion of the torque from the engine 9 or the second motor 2 via the planetary gear mechanism 3 to drive the second target. Specifically, the second target is a power accessory of the vehicle, including but not limited to a hydraulic pump, a power tilting mechanism, and a PTO power unit. Taking engineering or agricultural vehicles as an example, the second target can be an external implement, etc., to achieve power distribution of the entire system and improve the system's power and economy.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment, the planetary gear mechanism 3 includes a sun gear 31, a plurality of planet gears 32, a planet carrier 33, and an external gear ring 34. The sun gear 31 is configured to rotate under the drive of the second motor 2. The plurality of planet gears 32 are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the sun gear 31 and mesh with the sun gear 31. The planet carrier 33 is rotatably connected to the plurality of planet gears 32 and is configured to rotate under the drive of the motor 9 to drive the plurality of planet gears 32 to rotate around the sun gear 31. The external gear ring 34 is disposed around the outside of the plurality of planet gears 32 and meshes with the planet gears 32. It is configured to rotate under the drive of the planet gears 32 to transmit torque to the first output shaft 10.

[0047] In this embodiment, the planetary gears 32 are positioned between the external gear ring 34 and the sun gear 31, meshing simultaneously with the internal teeth of the external gear ring 34 and the external teeth of the sun gear 31. While rotating around the sun gear 31, the planetary gears 32 also rotate around their own axes, thereby driving the rotation of the external gear ring 34. Taking the configuration of three planetary gears 32 as an example, the planet carrier 33 is constructed in a roughly Y-shaped structure, with the three branches of the Y-shape rotatably connected to each planetary gear 32.

[0048] More specifically, the crankshaft of engine 9 is connected to the center of planetary carrier 33 via a transmission component to drive planetary carrier 33 to rotate around its own axis. The transmission component includes, but is not limited to, a flywheel and a clutch. Planetary carrier 33 also forms a transmission connection with the second output shaft 4. The second motor 2 is transmissionally connected to the sun gear 31. The external gear ring 34 is transmissionally connected to the first output shaft 10.

[0049] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the hybrid power system further includes a first clutch 5 disposed between the planetary gear mechanism 3 and the engine 9, configured to allow or prevent the engine 9 from transmitting torque to the planet carrier 33.

[0050] In this embodiment, the inner and outer hubs of the first clutch 5 are connected to the planetary gear mechanism 3 and the engine 9, respectively. When the first clutch 5 is engaged, its inner and outer hubs are engaged, and the torque of the engine 9 is transmitted to the planetary gear mechanism 3. When the first clutch 5 is not engaged, the inner and outer hubs are disengaged, and there is no transmission connection between the engine 9 and the planetary gear mechanism 3.

[0051] In some other embodiments, a torsional damper is installed at the crankshaft output end of the engine 9 to suppress crankshaft torsional vibration, protect the transmission system, improve NVH performance, and balance power output.

[0052] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the hybrid power system further includes a second clutch 6 disposed between the planetary gear mechanism 3 and the first output shaft 10, configured to allow or prevent the external gear ring 34 from transmitting torque to the first output shaft 10.

[0053] In this embodiment, the inner and outer hubs of the second clutch 6 are connected to the planetary gear mechanism 3 and the first output shaft 10, respectively. When the second clutch 6 is working, its inner and outer hubs are engaged, and the planetary gear mechanism 3 transmits the torque from the engine 9 to the first output shaft 10 after torque conversion. When the second clutch 6 is not working, its inner and outer hubs are disengaged, and there is no transmission connection between the first output shaft 10 and the outer gear ring 34 of the planetary gear mechanism 3. The first output shaft 10 is driven independently by the first motor 1.

[0054] Furthermore, the aforementioned hybrid system also includes a third clutch 7 configured to allow or prevent the planetary carrier 33 from transmitting torque to the second output shaft 4.

[0055] In this embodiment, the inner and outer hubs of the third clutch 7 are connected to the planetary carrier 33 and the second output shaft 4, respectively. When the third clutch 7 is engaged, its inner and outer hubs are engaged, and the planetary carrier 33 transmits the torque from the engine 9 or the second motor 2 to the second output shaft 4 after torque conversion. When the third clutch 7 is not engaged, its inner and outer hubs are disengaged, and there is no transmission connection between the planetary carrier 33 and the second output shaft 4. The hybrid power system no longer drives the second target as described in the above embodiment.

[0056] In one exemplary embodiment, the hybrid power system further includes a braking assembly 8 adapted to allow or prevent rotation of the sun gear 31 and / or the external gear ring 34. The braking assembly 8 includes a first brake 81 and a second brake 82. The first brake 81 is adapted to allow or prevent rotation of the sun gear 31, and the second brake 82 is adapted to allow or prevent rotation of the external gear ring 34.

[0057] In this implementation, when the first brake 81 is engaged, the sun gear 31 is restricted from rotating. At this time, if the torque of the engine 9 is transmitted to the planet carrier 33, it is output to the first output shaft 10 after torque conversion by the planet carrier 33 and the external gear ring 34. When the second brake 82 is engaged, the external gear ring 34 is restricted from rotating, the engine 9 no longer provides torque to the first output shaft 10, and the engine 9 is completely decoupled or used to charge the second motor 2.

[0058] In some other embodiments, the engine 9 and the planetary carrier 33 are coaxially connected, and the connection state is changed by the first clutch 5. The planetary carrier 33 and the second output shaft 4 are connected by a pair of transmission gears.

[0059] In one exemplary embodiment, a speed change mechanism 11 is also included, disposed between the first motor 1 and the first output shaft 10. The speed change mechanism 11 is configured to have at least two speed ratios to adjust the torque and speed output by the first motor 1 to the first output shaft 10.

[0060] In this implementation, by adjusting at least two speed ratios of the transmission mechanism 11, the range of vehicle speed ratio adjustment capability is expanded, enabling the system to take into account the vehicle's high-speed / low-speed performance, climbing ability, and maximum speed, among other technical indicators.

[0061] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for operating a hybrid power system, based on the hybrid power system in any of the above embodiments, including determining an operating mode according to a first target operating condition, the operating mode including a first mode, a second mode, a third mode, and a fourth mode.

[0062] In this implementation, the operating mode is determined based on the operating conditions of the primary target (e.g., a car), such as vehicle speed and load.

[0063] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in a first mode, the first clutch 5 and the second clutch 6 are disengaged, the third clutch 7 is engaged, the first brake 81 is released, and the second brake 82 is engaged; in a second mode, the first clutch 5 and the third clutch 7 are engaged, the second clutch 6 is disengaged, the first brake 81 is released, and the second brake 82 is engaged; in a third mode, the first clutch 5, the second clutch 6, and the third clutch 7 are engaged, and the first brake 81 and the second brake 82 are released; in a fourth mode, the first clutch 5, the second clutch 6, and the third clutch 7 are engaged, the first brake 81 is engaged, and the second brake 82 is released.

[0064] In this implementation, in the first mode, the connections between the engine 9 and the planetary gear mechanism 3, and between the planetary gear mechanism 3 and the first output shaft 10, are all disconnected. The first motor 1 drives the first target via the first output shaft 10, while the second motor 2 drives the second target in the above embodiment via the sun gear 31 and the planetary carrier 33. In the second mode, the connection between the planetary gear mechanism 3 and the first output shaft 10 is disconnected. The first motor 1 drives the first target via the first output shaft 10, and the engine 9 is connected to the planetary carrier 33, driving the second output shaft 4 and the second motor 2 (generating electricity) respectively via the planetary carrier 33. In the third mode, the engine 9 simultaneously drives the second motor 2 (generating electricity) and the first output shaft 10 via the planetary gear mechanism 3, with the first motor 1 cooperating to drive the first output shaft 10 to superimpose torque. In the fourth mode, the engine 9 fully drives the first output shaft 10 via the planetary gear mechanism 3, while the first motor 1 cooperating to drive the first output shaft 10 to superimpose torque.

[0065] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide a vehicle, including a vehicle body and a hybrid power system as described in any of the above embodiments. The hybrid power system is mounted on the vehicle body, and a first output shaft 10 of the hybrid power system is adapted to drive the vehicle body.

[0066] In this implementation, the first output shaft 10 acts on the wheels of the vehicle, thereby driving the vehicle body forward.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described in the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined and / or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly described in the present invention. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined and / or combined in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of the present invention. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Although various embodiments have been described above, this does not mean that the measures in the various embodiments cannot be used advantageously in combination. Various substitutions and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, and all such substitutions and modifications should fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A hybrid power system, comprising an engine and a first output shaft for driving a first target, characterized in that, Also includes: The first motor is suitable for transmitting torque to the first output shaft; The second motor is suitable for outputting torque, or generating electricity in response to torque input; A planetary gear mechanism, arranged between the engine and the first output shaft, is configured to, in response to the system being in a first mode, disconnect the connection between the engine and the first output shaft; in response to the system being in a second mode, transmit the torque output by the engine to the second motor for power generation; in response to the system being in a third mode, transmit a portion of the torque output by the engine to the second motor for power generation and another portion to the first output shaft to be superimposed with the torque of the first motor; and in response to the system being in a fourth mode, output the torque output by the engine to the first output shaft to be superimposed with the torque of the first motor. The second output shaft is adapted to receive torque from the second motor or the engine via the planetary gear mechanism to drive the second target.

2. The hybrid power system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The planetary gear mechanism includes: The sun gear is configured to rotate under the drive of the second motor; Multiple planetary gears are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the sun gear and mesh with the sun gear; A planetary carrier, rotatably connected to a plurality of said planetary gears, is configured to rotate under the drive of the engine to drive the plurality of said planetary gears to rotate about the sun gear; An external gear ring, which is disposed around and meshes with the planetary gears, is configured to rotate under the drive of the planetary gears to transmit torque to the first output shaft.

3. The hybrid power system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a first clutch, disposed between the planetary gear mechanism and the engine, configured to allow or prevent the engine from transmitting torque to the planet carrier.

4. The hybrid power system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a second clutch, disposed between the planetary gear mechanism and the first output shaft, configured to allow or prevent the external gear ring from transmitting torque to the first output shaft.

5. The hybrid power system according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a third clutch, configured to allow or prevent the planetary carrier from transmitting torque to the second output shaft.

6. The hybrid power system according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, It also includes a braking assembly adapted to allow or prevent the sun gear, and / or the external gear ring, from rotating; Preferably, the braking assembly includes: A first braking element is adapted to allow or prevent the rotation of the sun gear; The second braking element is adapted to allow or prevent the rotation of the external gear ring.

7. The hybrid power system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a speed change mechanism disposed between the first motor and the first output shaft, the speed change mechanism being configured to have at least two speed ratios to adjust the torque and speed output by the first motor to the first output shaft.

8. A method for operating a hybrid power system, characterized in that, The hybrid power system according to any one of claims 1-7 includes: Based on the first target operating condition, the operating mode is determined, including the first mode, the second mode, the third mode and the fourth mode.

9. The working method according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the first mode, the first clutch and the second clutch are disengaged, the third clutch is engaged, the first brake is released, and the second brake is engaged; in the second mode, the first clutch and the third clutch are engaged, the second clutch is disengaged, the first brake is released, and the second brake is engaged. In the third mode, the first clutch, the second clutch, and the third clutch are engaged, and the first brake and the second brake are released. In the fourth mode, the first clutch, the second clutch, and the third clutch are engaged, the first brake is applied, and the second brake is released.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: body; The hybrid power system as described in any one of claims 1-7 is installed in the vehicle body, and the first output shaft of the hybrid power system is adapted to drive the vehicle body to move.

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