Patent ID: 6736228
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: B60K,B60L,B60W,F16H,Y02T,Y10S

Abstract:
An electric machine adapted to be mounted between an engine and a transmission of an automotive vehicle comprising:a stator; a rotor mounted radially within and coaxial with said stator; a first clutch disposed between and interconnecting the engine to said rotor, thereby providing a selectively engageable direct connection between the engine and said rotor; a second clutch disposed between and interconnecting said rotor to the transmission, thereby providing a selectively engageable direct connection between the transmission and said rotor; said first and second clutches including non-ferrous clutch plates which are adapted to be immersed in hydraulic fluid to wash away debris and to cool said electric machine; said electric machine having a first mode of operation as a starter, wherein said electric machine provides torque to the engine to start the engine, a second mode of operation as a generator, wherein said electric machine is driven by the engine and produces electric power, and a third mode of operation as a motor, wherein said electric machine provides torque to the transmission; said first and second clutches being positioned radially within said stator housing and axially within the length of said stator housing, one of said first and second clutches being positioned radially within the other of said first and second clutches.