摘要 |
<p>An improved electrically variable transmission, especially useful in a hybrid electric vehicle, includes a variable input power split and independent shifting of the gear ratios of the mechanical and electrical power paths through the transmission. A first electric machine (22) varies the ratio of the mechanical power path, and a second electric machine (24) defining the electrical power path is mechanically connected to the output shaft (14) at two or more ratios and electrically connected to the first electric machine and optionally to an electric storage device (62). The mechanical connection of the second electric machine can be reconfigured without disturbing the output whenever the power flow through the electrical power path is zero. The second electric machine and electric storage device can sustain the output when the mechanical power path is reconfigured. Reconfiguration of the mechanical power path and the mechanical connection of the second electric machine are achieved with automated manual transmission gearing, and independent reconfiguration of the mechanical power path and the mechanical connection multiplies the number of overall operating modes for improved efficiency at a low cost. <IMAGE> <IMAGE> <IMAGE> <IMAGE> <IMAGE> <IMAGE></p> |