Method for controlling the operation of a generator in a vehicle power train, and a vehicle power train

1. A method for controlling the operation of a generator connected to an electrical energy storage unit in a motor vehicle power train, said method comprising the steps of:

connecting an engine with a drive shaft of the vehicle through a transmission, wherein the transmission is operatively connected with a differential that transmits power to a drive wheel of the vehicle;

connecting a first torque interrupting device between an output shaft of the transmission and the drive shaft for interrupting the transmission of torque from the engine to the differential;

providing between the first torque interruption device and the differential a generator input torque connection;

connecting a second torque interrupting device between the drive shaft and the generator input torque connection;

connecting a generator output torque connection between the engine and the transmission through a third torque interrupting device; and

driving the generator from the drive shaft when the transmission of torque between the engine and the drive shaft is interrupted.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 , including the step of feeding to an electrical energy-consuming component of the vehicle electrical energy produced by the generator when an energy storage unit of the vehicle is full.

3. A motor vehicle power train comprising:

an engine that is operatively connected to a drive shaft of the vehicle through a first transmission, wherein the first transmission is operatively connected with a differential that transmits power to a drive wheel of the vehicle;

a first torque interrupting device positioned between an output shaft of the first transmission and the drive shaft and with which transmission of torque from the engine to the differential is interruptible;

a generator operatively connected to an electrical energy storage unit of the vehicle, the generator having a generator input torque connection between the first torque interruption device and the differential and having a generator output torque connection positioned between the engine and the first transmission

a second torque interrupting device between the generator input torque connection and the drive shaft for selectively connecting the drive shaft to the generator when transmission of torque between the engine and the drive shaft is interrupted; and

a third torque interrupting device connected between the generator output torque connection and the generator.

4. A motor vehicle power train in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the first torque interrupting device is an overrunning clutch that interrupts the transmission of torque between the engine and the drive shaft when the vehicle is in a deceleration mode.

5. A motor vehicle power train in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the second torque interrupting device includes a clutch controlled by a control unit, wherein the control unit engages the clutch when the transmission of torque between the engine and the drive shaft is interrupted.

6. A motor vehicle power train in accordance with claim 3 , including a second transmission positioned between the drive shaft and the second torque interrupting device.

7. A motor vehicle power train in accordance with claim 6 , wherein the transmission ratio of the second transmission is changeable as a function of at least one operating parameter of the power train.

8. A motor vehicle power train in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the generator is selectively drivable by at least one of the engine and the drive shaft.

9. A motor vehicle power train in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the first transmission has an input shaft that is non-rotatably connected with the engine and has an output shaft that is connected with the drive shaft; wherein the first torque interrupting device is a free-wheel device that disengages to prevent torque transfer from the differential to the engine when the vehicle is in deceleration mode, and wherein the first transmission input shaft and the first transmission output shaft are each connected with the generator through a respective overrunning clutch so that the generator is driven by the shaft of the first transmission that is rotating at a higher speed.

10. A motor vehicle power train in accordance with claim 3 , including an electrical energy-consuming component of the vehicle, wherein the electrical energy consuming component is a component of a starter/generator.

11. A motor vehicle power train in accordance with claim 3 , wherein electric power output produced by the generator is controlled as a function of at least one operating parameter of the power train.

12. A motor vehicle power train in accordance with claim 3 , wherein the generator is connected to one of an electrical energy storage unit and an electrical energy consuming component of the vehicle through a switching device.