James M Hendrickson

US Patent:

8182391, May 22, 2012

Filed:

May 21, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/124288

Inventors:

Donald Klemen - Carmel IN, US
Alan G. Holmes - Clarkston MI, US
Brendan M. Conlon - Rochester Hills MI, US
James D. Hendrickson - Belleville MI, US
Norman K. Bucknor - Troy MI, US
Michael R. Schmidt - Springfield MO, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60W 10/02
B60W 10/08
B60W 10/18

US Classification:

477 5, 477 4, 180 65265, 701 51, 701 67

Abstract:

An electric torque converter has a torque converter input member connected to the first node of a differential gear set representable by a lever diagram having first, second, and third nodes. A motor/generator is connected to the second node. The third node is connected to an input member of a transmission gearing arrangement. A brake is selectively engagable to ground the first node to a stationary member. Engagement of the brake provides a regenerative braking mode and an electric-only driving mode, with the motor/generator connected to the transmission gearing arrangement through the differential gear set. Various clutches may be provided for lock-up or selective connection of the engine, including arrangements which reduce motor/generator torque required for engine starting while in electric-only driving. A method of operating a vehicle maintains the engine speed at an optimum level to the extent possible given battery charge levels and operator commands.