Importance

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Abstract

A variable displacement vane oil pump for use in a vehicle powertrain includes a mechanical drive coupled to a first portion of a rotor and an electrical drive coupled to a second portion of the rotor such that the variable displacement vane pump may be driven by either or both the mechanical and electrical drives to achieve greater efficiency and control while maintaining oil pressure under all circumstances including start/stop conditions. The oil pump, when being driven by the mechanical drive only, remains coupled to the electric drive such that it rotates the motor of the electric drive to generate electricity that may be used to recharge a source of electricity such as a battery. The electric drive further includes a four phase controller for controlling the motor of the electric drive to efficiently operate the variable displacement vane oil pump without the use of a pressure relief valve.

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First Claim