Abstract:
A transmission for a hybrid vehicle is provided to implement one or more electric vehicle modes, two or more power split modes, and a plurality of fixed-gear ratio modes that can improve driving performance and fuel efficiency.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0109069 filed Nov. 12, 2009, the entire contents of which application is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a transmission for a hybrid vehicle, in detail, a transmission for a hybrid vehicle having one or more electric mode (EV) mode, two power split mode, and multi-fixed gear ratio shift ranges. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Hybrid vehicles equipped with a hybrid transmission including an engine, a motor generator, and a planetary gear set can travel in an EV mode operated by only a motor usually at the start or low velocity and also in a power split mode allowing more efficiently using the power of the engine and the motor by operating the transmission as an electrically variable transmission (EVT) as the vehicle velocity increases. Further, the hybrid vehicles can use a fixed-gear ratio to improve power performance of the vehicles as in the existing transmissions. Systems based on this conception have contributed to maximize the idle stop function and regenerative brake and to improve fuel efficiency and power performance of vehicles. 
         [0006]    Further, hybrid vehicles do not produce exhaust gas from the engine when being driven only by the motor generator and can operate the engine at the best fuel economy point, which is recognized as an environmental-friendly automobile technology having advantages of improving fuel economy and reducing exhaust gas. 
         [0007]    The transmissions for the hybrid vehicles are designed to implement a variety of drive modes with a simpler configuration, such that, preferably, the vehicles can be efficiently driven while improving fuel economy and acceleration performance by switching the drive modes in accordance with the traveling conditions of the vehicles, thereby improving the traveling performance of the vehicles. 
         [0008]    The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    An aspect of the present invention provides a transmission for a hybrid vehicle, which includes a first differential gear set, a second differential gear set, a first motor generator, a second motor generator, a first fixing device, and a second fixing device. 
         [0010]    The first differential gear set includes at least three rotary members. The rotary members include a rotary member continuously connected to an engine and two rotary members being able to be selectively connected with each other. 
         [0011]    The second differential gear set includes at least three rotary members. The rotary members include a rotary member connected to an output member, a rotary member continuously connected to a rotary member of the first differential gear set, and a rotary member selectively connected to another rotary member of the first differential gear set. 
         [0012]    The first motor generator is continuously connected to a rotary member of the first differential gear set other than the rotary member connected to the engine and the rotary members selectively connected with each other. 
         [0013]    The second motor generator is continuously connected to the rotary member of the second differential gear set continuously connected to the rotary member of the first differential gear set. 
         [0014]    The first fixing device is provided to restrict rotation of a rotary member of the second differential gear set other than the rotary member connected to the output member and the rotary member connected to the second motor generator. 
         [0015]    The second fixing device that is provided to restrict rotation of the rotary member of the second differential gear set continuously connected with the second motor generator. 
         [0016]    Another aspect of the present invention provides a transmission for a hybrid vehicle, which includes a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a first fixing device, a second fixing device, a third torque transfer device, a fourth torque transfer device, a first motor generator, and a second motor generator. 
         [0017]    The first planetary gear set includes at least three rotary members. The rotary members include a rotary member connected to an engine and two rotary members selectively connected with each other. 
         [0018]    The second planetary gear set includes at least three rotary members. The rotary members include a rotary member continuously connected to a rotary member of the first planetary gear set and a rotary member both connected to an output member and selectively connected to another rotary member of the first planetary gear set. 
         [0019]    The first fixing device is provided to restrict rotation of a rotary member of the second planetary gear set other than the rotary member continuously connected to the rotary member of the first planetary gear set and the rotary member both connected to the output member and selectively connected to another rotary member of the first planetary gear set. 
         [0020]    The second fixing device is provided to restrict rotation of the rotary member of the first planetary gear set continuously connected to the rotary member of the second planetary gear set. 
         [0021]    The third torque transfer device is disposed to selectively connect and disconnect a rotary member of the first planetary gear set and a rotary member of the second planetary gear set. 
         [0022]    The fourth torque transfer device is disposed to selectively connect and disconnect two rotary members of the first planetary gear set. 
         [0023]    The first motor generator is continuously connected to a rotary member of the first planetary gear set. 
         [0024]    The second motor generator is continuously connected to a rotary member of the second planetary gear set. 
         [0025]    With the transmissions of the present invention, fuel efficiency and driving performance of the vehicles can be improved. 
         [0026]    The above and other features of the transmissions will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description of the Invention, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a transmission for a hybrid vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 2 to 4  are diagrams illustrating the configuration of transmissions for a hybrid vehicle according to a second, a third, a fourth embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a table showing operation modes implemented by the transmission of the first the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0030]      FIGS. 4 to 13  are configuration view and lever diagrams illustrating the drive conditions of a power train including the transmission shown in  FIG. 1  under the operation modes shown in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a table showing operation modes implemented by the transmission of the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0032]      FIGS. 15 to 22  are configuration views and lever diagrams illustrating the drive conditions of a power train including the transmission shown in  FIG. 2  under the operation modes shown in  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention(s) will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that present description is not intended to limit the invention(s) to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention(s) is/are intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , transmissions for a hybrid vehicle the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention commonly include a first differential gear set, a second differential gear set, a first motor generator MG  1 , a second motor generator MG  2 , a first fixing device, a second fixing device, a third torque transfer device, and a fourth torque transfer device. 
         [0035]    The first differential gear set includes at least three rotary members. The rotary members include a rotary member continuously connected to an engine ENGINE and two rotary members selectively connected with each other. 
         [0036]    The second differential gear set includes at least three rotary members. The rotary members include a rotary member continuously connected to a rotary member of the first differential gear set and two rotary members each being connected to an output member OUTPUT, selectively connected to another rotary member of the first differential gear set, or both. 
         [0037]    The first motor generator MG 1  is continuously connected to a rotary member of the first differential gear set other than the rotary member connected to the engine ENGINE and the rotary members selectively connected with each other. 
         [0038]    The second motor generator MG 2  is continuously connected to the rotary member of the second differential gear set continuously connected to the rotary member of the first differential gear set. 
         [0039]    The first fixing device is provided to restrict rotation of a rotary member of the second differential gear set other than the rotary member connected to the output member OUTPUT and the rotary member connected to the second motor generator MG 2 . 
         [0040]    The second fixing device is provided to restrict rotation of the rotary members of the first differential gear set continuously connected with the second motor generator MG 2  and rotation of the rotary members of the second differential gear set continuously connected with the second motor generator MG 2 . 
         [0041]    The third torque transfer device is disposed to selectively connect or disconnect a rotary member of the second differential gear set and a rotary member of the first differential gear set. 
         [0042]    The fourth torque transfer device is disposed to selectively connect or disconnect two rotary members of the first differential gear. 
         [0043]    Although it is described that the first differential gear set and the second differential gear set are implemented by planetary gear sets in these embodiments, they may also be implemented by other types of gear sets that make at least one gear have the weighted average velocity of the other two gears, using bevel gears etc. 
         [0044]    Preferably, the first differential gear set is a revenue type planetary gear set, and hereinafter referred to as first planetary gear set  1  and the second differential gear set is a simple planetary gear set, and referred to as a second planetary gear set  2 . 
         [0045]    Preferably, the first planetary gear set  1  includes a first sun gear S 1 - 1 , a first sun gear S 1 - 2 , a first carrier C 1 , and a first ring gear R 1  and the second planetary gear set  2  includes a second sun gear S 2 , a second carrier C 2 , and a second ring gear R 2 . 
         [0046]    Preferably, the first fixing device and the second fixing device are a first brake BK 1  and a second brake BK 2  which can restrict rotation of the rotary members connected thereto, respectively, and the third torque transfer device and the fourth torque transfer device are a first clutch CL 1  and a second clutch CL 2  which can selectively connect and disconnect two rotary members that can relatively rotate. 
         [0047]    Further, the second clutch CL 2  is disposed to selectively connect and disconnect the first carrier C 1  and the first ring gear R 1  of the first planetary gear set  1 , the first brake BK 1  is disposed to restrict rotation of the second ring gear R 2 , the second brake BK 2  is disposed to restrict rotation of the second sun gear S 2 , the second motor generator MG 2  is continuously connected to the second sun gear S 2 , and the output member OUTPUT is connected to the second carrier C 2 . 
         [0048]    According to the first embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the engine ENGINE is connected to the first carrier C 1 , the first motor generator MG 1  is continuously connected to the first sun gear S 1 - 2 , the first sun gear S 1 - 1  is continuously connected to the second sun gear S 2 , and the first clutch CL 1  selectively connects the first ring gear R 1  with the second carrier C 2 . 
         [0049]    On the other hand, according to the second embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the engine ENGINE is connected to the first ring gear R 1 , the first motor generator MG 1  is continuously connected to the first sun gear S 1 - 1 , the first sun gear S 1 - 2  is continuously connected to the second sun gear S 2 , and the first clutch CL 1  selectively connects the first carrier C 1  with the second carrier C 2 . 
         [0050]    Further, according to the third embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the engine ENGINE is connected to carrier C 1 , the first motor generator MG 1  is continuously connected to the first sun gear S 1 - 2 , the first sun gear S 1 - 1  is continuously connected to the second sun gear S 2 , and the first clutch CL 1  selectively connects the first sun gear S 1 - 2  with the second ring gear R 2 . 
         [0051]    According to the fourth embodiment of  FIG. 4 , with a little different configuration from the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 to 3 , in which the first differential gear seat is a simple planetary gear set and the second differential gear set is a revenue type planetary gear set, such that the types of planetary gear sets are changed, as compared with the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 to 3 . In this embodiment, for consistency, the first differential gear set is also referred to as a first planetary gear set  1  and the second differential gear set is referred to as a second planetary gear set  2 . 
         [0052]    In this embodiment, the first planetary gear set  1  includes a first sun gear S 1 , a first carrier C 1 , and a first ring gear R 1  and the second planetary gear set  2  includes a second sun gear S 2 - 1 , a second sun gear S 2 - 2 , a second carrier C 2 , and a second ring gear R 2 . 
         [0053]    In this embodiment, the engine ENGINE is continuously connected to the first carrier C 1 , the first motor generator MG 1  is continuously connected to the first sun gear S 1 , the second motor generator MG 2  is continuously connected to the second sun gear S 2 - 1 , the first clutch CL 1  is disposed to selectively connect the first carrier C 1  with the second carrier C 2  and the second clutch CL 2  is disposed to selectively connect the first ring gear R 1  with the first carrier C 1 . Further, the first brake BK 1  is disposed to simultaneously restrict rotation of the first ring gear R 1  and the second sun gear S 2 - 1 , the second brake BK 2  is disposed to restrict rotation of the second sun gear S 2 - 2 , and the output member OUTPUT is continuously connected to the second ring gear R 2 . 
         [0054]    The operation of the transmission according to the first embodiment of  FIG. 1  is described with reference to  FIGS. 5 to 13 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 5  is a table showing operation modes of the first embodiment of  FIG. 1 , which include an EV mode (EV), an input split mode, a compound split mode, a first under drive fixed-gear mode (UD 1 ), a second under drive fixed-gear mode (UD 2 ), a 1:1 fixed-gear mode (1:1), and an over drive fixed-gear mode (OD). 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  shows the EV mode. The EV mode is implemented by engaging the first brake BK 1 , in which the engine ENGINE is in stop. 
         [0057]    In this mode, the second ring gear R 2  is fixed by the first brake BK 1 . Accordingly, as the second motor generator MG 2  drives the second sun gear S 2 , power is reduced across the second carrier C 2  and outputted to the output member OUTPUT connected to the driving wheels. 
         [0058]    In this operation, the first sun gear S 1 - 1  is driven together with the second sun gear S 2  by the second motor generator MG 2  and the engine ENGINE is in stop. Accordingly, the first motor generator MG 1  is freely reversed by the first sun gear S 1 - 2 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  illustrates when the engine ENGINE starts in the EV mode. In this mode, the engine ENGINE is started after increasing the revolution number of the engine ENGINE by driving the first motor generator MG 1 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 8  illustrates the input split mode, in which the transmission operates as an EVT. 
         [0061]    With only the first brake BK 1  engaged, driving is performed by the power from the engine ENGINE and the power from the second motor generator MG 2 , and the first motor generator MG 1  generates electricity or circulates power, in accordance with circumstances. 
         [0062]      FIG. 9  illustrates the compound split mode. The compound split mode is implemented by engaging the first clutch CL 1 , in which the first planetary gear set  1  and the second planetary gear set  2  are integrated by the first clutch CL 1 , and, as shown in the figure, one lever is formed, such that driving is performed by the first motor generator MG 1  and the engine ENGINE and the second motor generator MG 2  generates electricity or circulates power, in accordance with circumstances. 
         [0063]      FIG. 10  illustrates the UD 1  mode, which is implemented by engaging the first brake BK 1  and the second clutch CL 2 . 
         [0064]    The first planetary gear set  1  is integrated by engagement of the second clutch CL 2  and the second ring gear R 2  is fixed by engagement of the first brake BK 1 , such that the power of the engine ENGINE is supplied to the first carrier C 1  and integrally rotates the entire first planetary gear set  1 , and this power drives the second sun gear S 2  of the second planetary gear set  2  and is reduced across the second carrier C 2  and then outputted. In this operation, the first motor generator MG 1  and the second motor generator MG 2  freely rotate with the engine ENGINE, in which the power of the engine ENGINE is reduced at a predetermined reduction gear ratio across the second planetary gear set  2  and then outputted. 
         [0065]      FIG. 11  illustrates the UD 2  mode, which is implemented by engaging the first brake BK 1  and the first clutch CL 1 . 
         [0066]    The first planetary gear set  1  and the second planetary gear set  2  form one simple straight lever by engagement of the first clutch CL 1  and the second ring gear R 2  is fixed by engagement of the first brake BK 1 . Accordingly, the power that is supplied to the first carrier C 1  from the engine ENGINE is reduced across the first ring gear R 1  and outputted to the second carrier C 2 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 12  illustrates the 1:1 mode, which is implemented by engaging the first clutch CL 1  and the second clutch CL 2 . In this mode, the first planetary gear set  1  is integrated by the second clutch CL 2  and the second planetary gear set  2  is integrated with the first planetary gear set  1  by the first clutch CL 1 . Accordingly, the power of the engine ENGINE which is inputted to the first carrier C 1  is outputted without change to the output member OUTPUT through the second carrier C 2 . 
         [0068]    Similarly, the first motor generator MG 1  and the second motor generator MG 2  freely rotate with the engine ENGINE. 
         [0069]      FIG. 13  illustrates the OD mode, which is implemented by engaging the second brake BK 2  and the first clutch CL 1 . 
         [0070]    That is, the first planetary gear set  1  and the second planetary gear set  2  form one lever by engagement of the first clutch CL 1  and the first sun gear S 1 - 1  and the second sun gear S 2  are fixed by engagement of the second brake BK 2 . As a result, the power of the engine ENGINE which is supplied to the first carrier C 1  is increased across the first ring gear R 1  and then outputted to the second carrier C 2 , and accordingly, an output velocity higher than the velocity of the engine ENGINE is outputted to the output member OUTPUT. 
         [0071]    The operation of the transmission according to the second embodiment of  FIG. 2  is described with reference to  FIGS. 14 to 22 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 14  is a table showing operation modes of the second embodiment of  FIG. 2 , which includes an EV mode, an input split mode, a compound split mode, a UD 1  mode, a UD 2  mode, a 1:1 mode, and an OD mode. 
         [0073]      FIG. 15  shows the EV mode. This EV mode is implemented by engaging the first brake BK 1 , in which the engine ENGINE is in stop. 
         [0074]    In this mode, the second ring gear R 2  is fixed by the first brake BK 1 . Accordingly, as the second motor generator MG 2  drives the second sun gear S 2 , power is reduced across the second carrier C 2  and outputted to the output member OUTPUT connected to the driving wheels. 
         [0075]    In this operation, the first sun gear S 1 - 2  is driven together with the second sun gear S 2  by the second motor generator MG 2  and the engine ENGINE is in stop. Accordingly, the first motor generator MG 1  is freely reversed by the first sun gear S 1 - 1 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 16  illustrates when the engine ENGINE starts in the EV mode. In this mode, the engine ENGINE is started after increasing the revolution number of the engine ENGINE by driving the first motor generator MG 1 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 17  illustrates the input split mode, in which the transmission operates as an EVT. 
         [0078]    With only the first brake BK 1  engaged, driving is performed by the power from the engine ENGINE and the power from the second motor generator MG 2 , and the first motor generator MG 1  generates electricity or circulates power, in accordance with circumstances. 
         [0079]      FIG. 18  illustrates the compound split mode, which is implemented by engaging the first clutch CL 1 . In this mode, the first planetary gear set  1  and the second planetary gear set  2  are integrated by the first clutch CL 1 , and, as shown in the figure, one lever is formed, such that driving is performed by the first motor generator MG 1  and the engine ENGINE and the second motor generator MG 2  generates electricity or circulates power, in accordance with circumstances. 
         [0080]      FIG. 19  illustrates the UD 1  mode, which is implemented by engaging the first brake BK 1  and the second clutch CL 2 . 
         [0081]    In this mode, the first planetary gear set  1  is integrated by engagement of the second clutch CL 2  and the second ring gear R 2  is fixed by engagement of the first brake BK 1 . As a result, the power of the engine ENGINE is supplied to the first ring gear R 1  and integrally rotates the entire first planetary gear set  1 , and this power drives the second sun gear S 2  of the second planetary gear set  2  and is reduced across the second carrier C 2  and then outputted. In this operation, the first motor generator MG 1  and the second motor generator MG 2  freely rotate with the engine ENGINE, in which the power of the engine ENGINE is reduced at a predetermined reduction gear ratio across the second planetary gear set  2  and then outputted. 
         [0082]      FIG. 20  illustrates the UD 2  mode, which is implemented by engaging the first brake BK 1  with the first clutch CL 1 . 
         [0083]    In this mode, the first planetary gear set  1  and the second planetary gear set form one simple straight lever by engagement of the first clutch CL 1  and the second ring gear R 2  is fixed by engagement of the first brake BK 1 . As a result, the power that is supplied to the first ring gear R 1  from the engine ENGINE is reduced across the first carrier C 1  and outputted through the second carrier C 2 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 21  illustrates the 1:1 mode, which is implemented by engaging the first clutch CL 1  and the second clutch CL 2 . In this mode, the first planetary gear set  1  is integrated by engagement of the second clutch CL 2  and the second planetary gear set  2  is integrated with the first planetary gear set  1  by engagement of the first clutch CL 1 . Accordingly, the power of the engine ENGINE which is inputted to the first ring gear R 1  is outputted without change to the output member OUTPUT through the second carrier C 2 . 
         [0085]    Similarly, the first motor generator MG 1  and the second motor generator MG 2  freely rotate with the engine ENGINE. 
         [0086]      FIG. 22  illustrates the OD mode, which is implemented by engaging the second brake BK 2  and the first clutch CL 1 . 
         [0087]    That is, the first planetary gear set  1  and the second planetary gear set  2  form one lever by engagement of the first clutch CL 1  and the first sun gear S 1 - 2  and the second sun gear S 2  are fixed by engagement of the second brake BK 2 . As a result, the power of the engine ENGINE which is supplied to the first ring gear R 1  is increased across the first carrier C 1  and then outputted to the second carrier C 2 , and accordingly, an output velocity higher than the velocity of the engine ENGINE is outputted to the output member OUTPUT. 
         [0088]    The third and fourth embodiments of  FIGS. 3 and 4  have power flow and operation which are similar to the first embodiment of  FIG. 1  or the second embodiment of  FIG. 2 . Detailed description of the operation thereof is thus omitted. 
         [0089]    The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the invention and their practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.