I see references to this in several posts. The glossary refers to MG1 and MG2. What do the initials stand for? Thanks
They're the 2 electric motors (and generators) that drive the wheels (MG2) and convert the energy from the ICE to electricity (MG1).
JayMan: thank you for the cut-away photos. I've been looking for something like that for quite a long time; well, at least to the third quarter of 2006 when I started researching the Prius. John
LOVE the pix--now--can someone find similar ones for a "normal" transmission-type system so we can compare the differences? And, stupid question probably, but does the Prius have a clutch, as such? (and I guess I'm a poet and I didn't knowit...)
No need for a clutch (standard transmission) or a torque converter (automatic transmission); the Power Split Device takes care of synchronizing the power flow between MG1, MG2, and the ICE (with some computer control).
Just to be completely clear, each MG is a single unit, not two devices. Put electricity in, it puts spin out; put spin in, it puts electricity out. Which way the energy flows determines if it is a motor or generator.
Specifically, there's no need for a clutch because there's only one permanent fixed gear ratio. The PSD takes away the need for a clutch or torque converter, and even a starter motor. MG1 starts your gas engine spinning before it starts using gas, so it's both more efficient when it starts, and less wear on the engine!
You mean its not mono-sodium glutamate without a single sodium? Thanks for the beautiful pictures. The Lone Ranger Rides Again!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rufaro @ Mar 10 2007, 02:10 AM) [snapback]403279[/snapback]</div> Unfortunately, I don't have any diagrams or arrows pointing to any of the parts, but here are pictures of an Aisan 6-speed FWD automatic transmission that I took when I was at Tokyo Motor Show in 05. Sorry, I don't have any pictures of 4-speed automatics. I have plenty of RWD automatic tranny pics like the one I attached. Sorry for the large attachments. They're directly off my digital camera.
Ok putting them next to each other. Which is more complex with more parts? 6-speed automatic transmission (top) or Hybrid Synergy Drive (bottom - with two electric motor / generators)?
BTW, Tokyo Motor Show is GREAT. Besides seeing the cars, there are lots of part vendors. You can see stuff parts like transmissions, differentials, door panels all the way down to fuel injectors and knobs. Some parts like transmissions are pretty neat. If you're planning on trip to Japan, try to time it to coincide w/TMS. See http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/eng/ for the dates. It's only once every 2 years now. It used to be once every 2 years for passenger cars and motorcycles w/the in between year being commercial vehicles. Also, if you're a Prius fan, try getting a Toyota factory tour in Toyota City (near Nagoya). Unfortunately, it's fairly far from Tokyo and you'd want to probably take the bullet train (aka shinkansen). The plant I visited was the one where the Prius is built (didn't own one yet) along w/a bunch of other cars.
