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

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9428049-B2
Application number	US-201414191207-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Feb 26, 2014
Priority date	Feb 26, 2014
Publication date	Aug 30, 2016
Grant date	Aug 30, 2016

Abstract

A multi-mode power train and multi-mode vehicle include a 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-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 including a clutch assembly and a gear located between the power-conversion device and the continuously variable power source, the lock-up device having first and second engagement states; and
a power-output connection;
wherein, with the lock-up device in the first engagement state, 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 the mechanical power to the power-output connection via the clutch assembly and the gear; and
wherein, with the lock-up device in the second engagement state, the engine transmits mechanical power through the clutch assembly and the gear to the power-output connection.

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 a electric motor.

4. The multi-mode power train of claim 1 , wherein the engine, the power-conversion device, the lock-up device, and the continuously variable power source are arranged in series.

5. The multi-mode power train of claim 1 , further comprising:
an energy storage device in communication with the continuously variable power source and the power-conversion device;
wherein, in a first mode the energy storage device receives energy for storage from at least one of the power-conversion device and the continuously variable power source; and
wherein, in a second mode, the energy storage device provides stored energy from the energy storage device to the continuously variable power source.

6. A work vehicle for operation in multiple powered modes, the work vehicle comprising:
an engine;
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 including a clutch assembly and a gear located between the power-conversion device and the continuously variable power source, the lock-up device having first and second engagement states; and
a power-output connection;
wherein, with the lock-up device in the first engagement state, 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 the mechanical power to the power-output connection via the clutch assembly and the gear; and
wherein, with the lock-up device in the second engagement state, the engine transmits mechanical power through the clutch assembly and the gear to the power-output connection.

7. The work vehicle of claim 6 , wherein the power-conversion device includes a hydraulic pump, and the continuously variable power source includes a hydraulic motor.

8. The work vehicle of claim 6 , wherein the power-conversion device includes an electric generator, and the continuously variable power source includes a electric motor.

9. The work vehicle of claim 6 , wherein the engine, the power-conversion device, the lock-up device, and the continuously variable power source are arranged in series.

10. The work vehicle of claim 6 , further comprising:
an energy storage device in communication with the continuously variable power source and the power-conversion device;
wherein, in a first mode the energy storage device receives energy for storage from at least one of the power-conversion device and the continuously variable power source; and
wherein, in a second mode, the energy storage device provides stored energy from the energy storage device to the continuously variable power source.

Assignees

• Deere & Co

Inventors

• Janasek Clayton G
• Reeves William E

Classifications

• Y02T10/62

  Hybrid vehicles · CPC title

• Y10T74/19014

  Plural prime movers selectively coupled to common output · 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

• B60K17/02 Primary

  characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of clutch · CPC title

• B60K6/12

  by means of a chargeable fluidic accumulator · CPC title