Multi-mode power trains with direct-drive lock-up

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10011171-B2
Application number	US-201615085855-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Mar 30, 2016
Priority date	Feb 26, 2014
Publication date	Jul 3, 2018
Grant date	Jul 3, 2018

Abstract

A multi-mode power train and multi-mode vehicle include a power-conversion device that is in communication with an engine via a direct mechanical power-transfer connection extending from the engine to the power-conversion device. A continuously variable power source (CVP) is in communication with the power conversion device via an intermediate power-transfer connection. A lock-up device with first and second engagement states is provided between the engine and the power-conversion device or the CVP. With the lock-up device in the first engagement state, mechanical power from the engine is converted by the power-conversion device for use by the CVP, with the CVP using the converted power to provide mechanical power to a power-output connection. With the lock-up device in the second engagement state, the engine transmits mechanical power through the lock-up device to the power-output connection.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-mode power train for receiving and transmitting power from an engine, the multi-mode power train comprising:
a power-output connection;
a power-conversion device in communication with the engine via a direct mechanical power-transfer connection that extends from the engine to the power-conversion device;
a continuously variable power source in communication with the power-conversion device via an intermediate power-transfer connection;
a lock-up device having a first clutch device and a first gear each located between the engine and the power-conversion device, the lock-up device having first and second engagement states; and
a second clutch device and a second gear each located between the continuously variable power source and the power-output connection;
wherein, with the lock-up device in the first engagement state and the second clutch engaging the second gear, the power-conversion device receives mechanical power from the engine via the direct mechanical power-transfer connection and converts the received mechanical power to a non-mechanical form, the continuously variable power source receives the non-mechanical power from the power-conversion device via the intermediate power-transfer connection and converts the received non-mechanical power to mechanical power, and the continuously variable power source transmits mechanical power to the power-output connection via the second clutch device and the second gear; and
wherein, with the lock-up device in the second engagement state, the engine transmits mechanical power to the power-output connection via the first clutch device and the first gear.

2. The multi-mode power train of claim 1 , wherein the power-conversion device includes a hydraulic pump, and the continuously variable power source includes a hydraulic motor.

3. The multi-mode power train of claim 1 , wherein the power-conversion device includes an electric generator, and the continuously variable power source includes an electric motor.

4. The multi-mode power train of claim 1 , wherein the continuously variable power source is arranged in parallel with one or more of the engine, the power-conversion device and the lock-up device.

5. The multi-mode power train of claim 4 , wherein the engine and the power-conversion device are arranged in series.

6. The multi-mode power train of claim 1 , further including a transmission assembly having one or more input gears configured to mesh with the first and second gears.

7. The multi-mode power train of claim 6 , wherein the transmission includes at least one additional clutch and at least one additional gear between the power-output connection and each of the first and second gears to effect different gear ratios between the engine and the power-output connection.

8. The multi-mode power train of claim 7 , wherein the continuously variable power source provides power to the power-output connection via a subset of multiple gear ratios provided by the transmission assembly.

9. A work vehicle for operation in multiple powered modes, the work vehicle comprising:
an engine;
a power-output connection;
a power-conversion device in communication with the engine via a direct mechanical power-transfer connection that extends from the engine to the power-conversion device;
a continuously variable power source in communication with the power-conversion device via an intermediate power-transfer connection;
a lock-up device having a first clutch device and a first gear each located between the engine and the power-conversion device, the lock-up device having first and second engagement states; and
a second clutch device and a second gear each located between the continuously variable power source and the power-output connection;
wherein, with the lock-up device in the first engagement state and the second clutch engaging the second gear, the power-conversion device receives mechanical power from the engine via the direct mechanical power-transfer connection and converts the received mechanical power to a non-mechanical form, the continuously variable power source receives the non-mechanical power from the power-conversion device via the intermediate power-transfer connection and converts the received non-mechanical power to mechanical power, and the continuously variable power source transmits mechanical power to the power-output connection via the second clutch device and the second gear; and
wherein, with the lock-up device in the second engagement state, the engine transmits mechanical power to the power-output connection via the first clutch device and the first gear.

10. The work vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the power-conversion device includes a hydraulic pump, and the continuously variable power source includes a hydraulic motor.

11. The work vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the power-conversion device includes an electric generator, and the continuously variable power source includes an electric motor.

12. The work vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the continuously variable power source is arranged in parallel with one or more of the engine, the power-conversion device and the lock-up device.

13. The work vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the engine and the power-conversion device are arranged in series.

14. The work vehicle of claim 9 , further including a transmission assembly having one or more input gears configured to mesh with the first and second gears.

15. The work vehicle of claim 14 , wherein the transmission includes at least one additional clutch and at least one additional gear between the power-output connection and each of the first and second gears to effect different gear ratios between the engine and the power-output connection.

16. The work vehicle of claim 15 , wherein the continuously variable power source provides power to the power-output connection via a subset of multiple gear ratios provided by the transmission assembly.

Assignees

• Deere & Co

Inventors

• Janasek Clayton G
• Reeves William E

Classifications

• B60K6/36

  characterised by the transmission gearings · CPC title

• B60K6/08

  Prime-movers comprising combustion engines and mechanical or fluid energy storing means · CPC title

• B60K6/00

  Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines · CPC title

• B60K6/48

  Parallel type · CPC title

• Y10S903/902

  Prime movers comprising electrical and internal combustion motors · CPC title