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  Variable speed accessory drive systemUSPTO Application #: 20080096711Title: Variable speed accessory drive system Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a vehicle. The accessory drive system includes a planetary gear set having a first, second, and third planetary member. A torque transfer device operatively connects an engine with the first planetary member. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the second planetary member, and a plurality of accessories are operatively connected to the third planetary member. Engine output is transferable through the planetary gear set to drive the accessories, and the speed at which the accessories are driven is selectable by controlling the speed of the motor/generator. (end of abstract) Agent: General Motors Corporation Legal Staff - Detroit, MI, US Inventors: Anthony L. Smith, Burak A. Gecim, Patrick B. Usoro USPTO Applicaton #: 20080096711 - Class: 475 5 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080096711. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001]The present invention pertains generally to a variable speed accessory drive system for a vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002]Driven accessories in a vehicle may include, for example, an air conditioning compressor, a power steering pump, and an alternator. These accessories are generally powered by output from the engine. Conventional automotive accessory drive systems include a drive pulley connected to an engine output shaft. A flexible chain or belt couples the drive pulley with a plurality of driven pulleys that are each operatively connected to an accessory. The operating speeds of the accessories in such a conventional drive system are directly proportional to the speed of the engine. Since the engine operates over a wide speed range (i.e., for example, between 500 rpm and 7,000 rpm), the accessories are typically designed to provide full capacity at the low end of the engine speed range in order to ensure that they remain operational. Therefore, at higher engine speeds, excess energy transferred to the accessories may be lost. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003]The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a vehicle. The accessory drive system includes a planetary gear set having a first, second, and third planetary member. A first torque transfer device operatively connects an engine with the first planetary member. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the second planetary member, and a plurality of accessories are operatively connected to the third planetary member through a second torque transfer device. Engine output is transferable through the planetary gear set to drive the accessories, and the speed at which the accessories are driven is selectable by controlling the speed of the motor/generator. [0004]According to the preferred embodiment, the first planetary member is a ring gear member, the second planetary member is a sun gear member, and the third planetary member is a planet carrier member. [0005]According to an alternate embodiment, the first planetary member is a sun gear member, the second planetary member is a planet carrier member, and the third planetary member is a ring gear member. [0006]According to another alternate embodiment, the first planetary member is a ring gear member, the second planetary member is a planet carrier member, and the third planetary member is a sun gear member. [0007]According to another alternate embodiment, the first planetary member is a planet carrier member, the second planetary member is a ring gear member, and the third planetary member is a sun gear member. [0008]According to another alternate embodiment, the first planetary member is a planet carrier member, the second planetary member is a sun gear member, and the third planetary member is a ring gear member. [0009]According to another alternate embodiment, the first planetary member is a sun gear member, the second planetary member is a ring gear member, and the third planetary member is a planet carrier member. [0010]The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011]FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of an accessory drive system for a vehicle; [0012]FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic depiction of the accessory drive system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0013]FIG. 3 is a more detailed schematic depiction of the accessory drive system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; [0014]FIG. 4 is a more detailed schematic depiction of the accessory drive system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; [0015]FIG. 5 is a more detailed schematic depiction of the accessory drive system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; [0016]FIG. 6 is a more detailed schematic depiction of the accessory drive system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; [0017]FIG. 7 is a more detailed schematic depiction of the accessory drive system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; [0018]FIG. 8 is a more detailed schematic depiction of the accessory drive system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; [0019]FIG. 9 is a more detailed schematic depiction of the accessory drive system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; [0020]FIG. 10 is a more detailed schematic depiction of the accessory drive system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and Continue reading... Full patent description for Variable speed accessory drive system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Variable speed accessory drive system patent application. Patent Applications in related categories: 20080167152 - Transmission mechanism - A transmission mechanism includes a motor, a first planetary gear set, a clutch connected with a sun gear, a second planetary gear set, a transmission shaft, an intermediate shaft and an output shaft. When the clutch is moved to the first position, the transmission shaft engages with the second planetary ... ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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