Hybrid Drive Device Planetary Gear Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for hybrid-driven motor vehicles lack the ability to control various drive modes efficiently and effectively, with limited gear ratio options and insufficient control over continuously variable transmission, which affects vehicle efficiency and comfort.
Innovation Solution
The drive device incorporates two three-shaft planetary gears connected via spur gear drives, allowing for up to six gear ratio stages in combustion engine operation and three gears in electric motor operation, with control via clutches and a brake, enabling continuous variable transmission control and improved driving dynamics through the electric machine's superposition in planetary gears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gear ratio stages and continuously variable transmission control are implemented, then drive mode control capability is improved, but transmission structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gear ratio stages (up to six stages V1-V6) and continuously variable transmission (CVT1, CVT2) control into a unified planetary gear set structure. By integrating the electric machine EM with the planetary gears and using a common output shaft 12 for both transmission paths, the system achieves expanded drive mode control without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear set serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fixed gear ratios through clutch-controlled pathways, enables continuous variable transmission through electric machine superposition, and supports both combustion engine and electric motor operations. This multi-functionality allows diverse drive modes to be controlled using a single integrated transmission structure rather than separate systems
2Ease of operation
If electric machine superposition is used for continuous variable transmission control, then driving dynamics are improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric machine EM acts as an intermediary element that superimposes variable speed control onto the fixed gear ratio stages of the planetary gear set. By coupling the electric machine to the planetary gears via input shaft 20 and controlling its speed independently, the system achieves continuous variable transmission effect without requiring a completely variable transmission mechanism, simplifying the overall control architecture
3Loss of energy
If up to six gear ratio stages are switched in combustion engine operation, then efficiency is improved, but transmission component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements six gear ratio stages (V1-V6) that can be dynamically selected based on operating conditions through clutch control. The system can switch between fixed gear ratios and continuously variable transmission modes (CVT1, CVT2) depending on whether the vehicle is in combustion engine operation, electric motor operation, or hybrid mode, optimizing efficiency without requiring all components to be permanently engaged
4Adaptability or versatility
If three clutches and one brake are used for gear switching, then gear ratio control is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission control system is segmented into four independent switching elements (clutches K1-K3 and brake B1) that can be controlled separately to achieve different gear ratios and drive modes. Each clutch and brake controls a specific pathway or element within the planetary gear set, allowing precise control of gear ratios V1-V6 and EV gears E1-E3 through modular control rather than a single complex mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for enhanced control over drive modes, improved efficiency, and comfort by enabling targeted load point settings on both the internal combustion engine and electric machine, along with improved driving dynamics, without significant additional structural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
two three-shaft planetary gears PG1 and PG2, which are mounted parallel to the axis and coupled to one another
Implementation Method 2
The six forward gears in combustion engine operation and three forward gears (E1 to E3) in electric motor operation can be switched structurally and in terms of control technology using just three clutches and one brake
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device for a hybrid-drive motor vehicle, comprising an internal combustion engine (VKM) as the primary drive, an electric machine (EM) as the secondary drive, and planetary gear mechanisms (PG1, PG2) which are coupled together, which can be shifted to different transmission stages by means of shifting elements (K1, K2, K3) and brakes (B1), which are connected to a common output shaft (12) via input elements and output elements, and the reaction elements of which can be coupled or firmly braked. The drive device can be operated in an electric motor drive mode, a primary drive mode which has transmission stages, or a hybrid drive mode. In the primary drive mode, up to six transmission stages (V1 to V6) can be selected, and a continuously variable drive (CVT1, CVT2) can be controlled via the electric machine (EM) by overlapping the generator or motor operation in the planetary gear mechanisms (PG1, PG2) in at least two transmission stages (V3, V5).