Patents Examined by Erin D Bishop
  • Patent number: 10654358
    Abstract: A drive mechanism comprises a transmission as well as an electromotor/generator. The transmission is connected via an input to the electromotor/generator and via an output to the wheels. The transmission has two planetary gear sets having three rotational members each, of which first rotational members are connected to the input, second rotational members are connected to the output and third rotational members are connected to a first and second brake respectively. By actuating either of the brakes a speed transforming gear is created between the input and the output. By actuating one brake during the releasing of the other brake, it is possible to switch between the two speed transforming gears without an interruption of the torque transfer from the electromotor/generator to the load or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: DTI Group B.V.
    Inventors: Roëll Marie Van Druten, Alexander Franciscus Anita Serrarens, Bas Gerard Vroemen
  • Patent number: 10648520
    Abstract: A clutch controller provides protective disengagement of a clutch between an engine and driven machinery to prevent engine failure due to rapid onset overload. Sensor signals of measured parameters are used by the controller to determine potential engine failure. Multiple, successive sensor signals and elapsed times are assessed during which the current sensor signal value and the scaled rate of change in signal values is compared against a predefined amount. The clutch controller sends a clutch disengagement signal if a calculation result is indicative of imminent failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: WPT Power Corporation
    Inventors: John G. Boland, Fredric A. Bland
  • Patent number: 10647193
    Abstract: A power train and related vehicle provides multi-mode power transmission. A first continuously variable power source (“CVP”) may convert rotational power received by the engine for transmission to a second CVP. A variator assembly may receive rotational power from the second CVP at a first input and directly from the engine at a second input. A control assembly may allow the power train to shift between multiple modes, such as a series mode, a split-path mode, and a direct mode. The control assembly may provide seamless shifting between at least two of these modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Reginald M. Bindl
  • Patent number: 10641393
    Abstract: An automatic transmission for improving responsiveness until reverse movement is possible. When the range is switched from a parking range to a reverse range, P lock release control for releasing a parking state starts. When a two-way clutch is in a reverse rotation prevention state, hydraulic pressure is supplied to a first clutch, a third clutch, and a third brake, and a process in a reverse side preparation mode starts. When the first clutch is in a connected state and a rotational speed of an input shaft is a predetermined rotational speed, whether a parking piston of a parking lock mechanism is at an unlock position is determined. When it is at the unlock position, a driving source is requested to restrict an output torque. Then, hydraulic pressure is supplied to the two-way clutch, and the two-way clutch is switched from a reverse rotation prevention state to a fixed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryohei Yamagishi, Yuya Tachibanada
  • Patent number: 10640104
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for placing a hybrid vehicle having a plurality of electric propulsion motors into an operating state in anticipation of a vehicle event, the method may include the steps of: monitoring roadway traffic and conditions surrounding a vehicle using one or more vehicle sensors and/or wireless communications; anticipating a vehicle propulsion operation change based on the monitored roadway traffic and conditions; in response to anticipating the vehicle propulsion operation change, obtaining a present propulsion operating state; and carrying out an anticipatory vehicle propulsion system transition before receiving a vehicle propulsion operation change request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jinming Liu, Lan Wang, Goro Tamai, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 10641386
    Abstract: In an automatic transmission control device of the invention configured to start an increase in engagement pressure of a start-up engagement element, when a determination threshold value for determining that a turbine rotational speed has reduced is reached or exceeded, the determination threshold value when a selection operation from a non-traveling range to a traveling range is made before a prescribed period of time from starting of an engine has elapsed, is increased and set greater than the determination threshold value when the selection operation is made after the prescribed period of time has elapsed. Accordingly, a reduction in the turbine rotational speed can be accurately determined, and thus it is possible to suppress torque fluctuations, occurring owing to engagement of a second brake, which is the start-up engagement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: JATCO LTD
    Inventors: Ryosuke Fujii, Hiroaki Shiokawa
  • Patent number: 10640106
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes an engine having a crankshaft, and an electric motor having a rotor selectively coupled to the crankshaft via a disconnect clutch. The powertrain further includes a transmission having a torque converter that has an impeller fixed to the rotor. A controller is configured to, in response to the engine starting, generate a torque command for the motor that defines a magnitude that is based on a difference between a target impeller speed and a measured impeller speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Meyer, Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Scott James Thompson
  • Patent number: 10632833
    Abstract: In a vehicle drive device, a case cover includes a cylindrical wall portion formed circumferentially in an outside space of a first rotating shaft and projecting toward the case parallel to an axial direction of the first rotating shaft, an oil pump includes a pump cover arranged in a space radially inside the wall portion and a pump chamber formed in a space radially inside the wall portion by the case cover including the wall portion and the pump cover to house the pump gear, and the wall portion includes a support portion disposed on the other axial end side of the first rotating shaft relative to the pump cover, having a bearing fitted thereto, and rotatably supporting a second rotating shaft via the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kiyokami, Yota Mizuno, Tatsuo Obata
  • Patent number: 10626957
    Abstract: A planetary gear train may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting torque; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements; a fifth planetary gear set including thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth rotation elements; three clutches, each connecting any two rotation elements among the first to the fifteenth rotation elements; and three brakes, each connecting any one rotation element among the first to the fifteenth rotation elements to a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Jae Joon Lee, Jong Sool Park, Kyeong Hun Lee, Jong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 10618520
    Abstract: A method is provided for disengaging a tooth clutch of an inactive gear in a dual clutch transmission during vehicle acceleration or retardation. The dual clutch transmission includes an engaged active gear through which torque is transmitted between an engine and driven wheels, an engaged inactive gear to be disengaged, and an electric motor drivingly connected to a shaft of the inactive gear. The method includes controlling the electric motor to provide a compensational torque for temporarily decreasing or substantially eliminating torque transferred by the tooth clutch of the inactive gear, and disengaging the engaged inactive gear. The disclosure also concerns a corresponding dual clutch transmission, a computer program, a computer readable medium, and an electronic control unit for controlling the electric motor of a dual clutch transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mattias Hansson, Martin Hedvall Fogelquist
  • Patent number: 10589745
    Abstract: A drive device for an all-wheel drive, two-track motor vehicle, in the drive train of which a first motor vehicle axle and, via a center clutch, a second motor vehicle axle are driven permanently by a drive assembly in driving operation. In the closed state of the center clutch, the second vehicle axle is engaged with the drive train, and, in the open state of the clutch, the second vehicle axle is decoupled from the drive train. In a driving situation with engaged all-wheel drive as well as with axle friction coefficients of varying size, a greater wheel torque can be taken up at the vehicle axle with a large axle friction coefficient than at the vehicle axle with a small axle friction coefficient, and a control instrument is provided, which, for engine torque limitation, limits the drive assembly to a maximum allowed engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Steffen Zäpfel, Klaus Wohlrab, Wolfgang Koch, Ferenc Janosi, Horst Wild
  • Patent number: 10583822
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle, the control system includes a selectable one-way clutch, a motor, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to (i) execute rotation control to control the motor such that negative differential rotation changes into positive differential rotation when the selectable one-way clutch is switched from a disengaged state to an engaged state while differential rotation of the selectable one-way clutch is negative and (ii) initiate engagement control by a switching mechanism such that a projecting operation of the selectable one-way clutch is completed while the differential rotation is negative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shibata, Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hideaki Komada, Yuki Kurosaki
  • Patent number: 10569662
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle having an electric motor, and a step-variable transmission selectively placed in a speed position with engagement of a coupling device, wherein the vehicle runs rearward with a reverse drive torque of the electric motor generated in a forward-drive low-speed position of the transmission, is provided. The control apparatus includes: a first shift control portion temporarily increasing an input torque of the transmission to raise its input speed toward a synchronizing speed in the low-speed position, and commands an engaging-side coupling device to be brought into its engaged state after the input speed has been raised to a predetermined value; and a second shift control portion increasing an engaging force of the engaging-side coupling device to bring the engaging-side coupling device into the engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Takeshi Kitahata, Masato Yoshikawa, Hisashi Ishihara, Hiromichi Kimura, Kazuyuki Shiiba, Tooru Matsubara, Mitsuru Maeda
  • Patent number: 10563712
    Abstract: A transmission includes at least one shift element for which both the apply pressure and the release pressure are actively controlled. A controller adjusts the torque capacity of the shift element by varying the apply pressure and the release pressure in a coordinated fashion. During particular events, such as a shift event with the shift element as oncoming element or holding element, both the apply pressure and the release pressure are monotonically increased, mitigating the effect of hysteresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Kucharski, Diego Campos Venegas, Kimberly Ann Meehan, Bradley Ronald Heuver
  • Patent number: 10557509
    Abstract: A method of controlling a damper pulley clutch for selectively transmitting power of an engine to engine accessories, may include determining, by a controller, whether a vehicle is driven in a fuel-cut mode under deceleration of the vehicle and controlling the damper pulley clutch, by the controller, to be engaged upon determining that the vehicle is driven in the fuel-cut mode and to be disengaged upon determining that the vehicle is not driven in the fuel-cut mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dae Kwang Kim, Hyo Seong Wi, Keun Sang Kim, Jun Seong Kim
  • Patent number: 10556591
    Abstract: While a vehicle is coasting with an engine being automatically stopped and a power transmission path between the engine and wheels being disengaged, when a deceleration request is made and the engine is restarted with the power transmission path being engaged, a deceleration level increases relative to the deceleration level required by a driver or the vehicle, thereby lowering drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Suzuki, Toshio Hori, Yoshiaki Nagasawa, Naoyuki Tashiro
  • Patent number: 10550921
    Abstract: A power train and related vehicle have a multi-mode power transmission with a first continuously variable power source (“CVP”) that may convert rotational power received by the engine for transmission to a second CVP. A variator assembly may receive rotational power from the second CVP at a first input and directly from the engine at a second input. A control assembly may include one or more output components and a plurality of clutch devices arranged between the one or more output components and the variator assembly and engine. In a first state of the control assembly, the plurality of clutch devices may collectively provide direct power transmission between the engine and the one or more output components. In a second state of the control assembly, the plurality of clutches may collectively provide power transmission between the variator and the one or more output components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Reginald M. Bindl
  • Patent number: 10550937
    Abstract: In gear-shift control apparatus and method for a vehicular transmission, a variator which is interposed between an engine and driving wheels and which is capable of modifying a gear (speed) ratio continuously; a sub transmission which is installed in series with the variator and which is capable of switching a plurality of gear-shift stages through a replacement of engagement elements; and a transmission controller which performs a gear ratio control for the variator and a gear-shift stage control for the sub transmission are installed. During a deceleration through a second speed stage of the sub transmission, when the variator is a state in which the variator is at a lowest gear (speed) ratio, a down-shift in which the sub transmission is forced to perform the gear-shift from a second speed stage to a first speed stage, with the variator maintained at the lowest gear (speed) ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: JATCO LTD
    Inventors: Kousuke Waku, Incheol Na, Mamiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 10544854
    Abstract: An electric vehicle drive includes an electric motor, an axle drive and a multistep reduction gear that is arranged between the electric motor and the axle drive, is intended in structural terms for shifting at least two forward gears, and includes precisely three planetary gear stages that are operatively interconnected includes sun gears, internal gears and planet carriers, a transmission input element for attaching the electric motor for conjoint rotation, and a transmission output element for attaching the axle drive for conjoint rotation. The transmission input element being permanently connected to the sun gear of the first planetary gear stage for conjoint rotation. The transmission output element being permanently connected to the planet carrier of the third planetary gear stage for conjoint rotation. At least the planet carrier of the first planetary gear stage and the sun gear of the third planetary gear stage are permanently interconnected for conjoint rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Tobias Schilder, Josep Maria Bou Romano, Klaus Riedl, Tobias Haerter
  • Patent number: 10544856
    Abstract: A differential apparatus includes a differential gear mechanism in which side gears mesh with pinion gears, a pinion shaft that rotatably supports the pinion gear, a slide member that supports the ends of the pinion shaft, and pinion gear washers each disposed between the slide member and a corresponding one of the pinion gears. Movement of each pinion gear washer toward the slide member in the axial direction of the pinion shaft is restricted. When a force of the pinion gear pressing the pinion gear washer toward the slide member is less than a predetermined value, a clearance is formed between the slide member and the pinion gear washer. When the force of the pinion gear pressing the pinion gear washer toward the slide member is greater than the predetermined value, the outer surface of the pinion gear washer abuts the inner surface of the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tadashi Yoshisaka, He Jin, Yasunori Kamitani