Hybrid Vehicle (ipc) Patents (Class 180/65.21)
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Patent number: 8798831Abstract: The prevent invention provides a device and a method for calculating a distance to empty of an electric vehicle which can reduce an initial error in estimating a distance to empty of an electric vehicle. The device and the method for calculating a distance to empty of an electric vehicle can provide more accurate DTE information from the start to the end of traveling by reducing the earlier error, in estimating the DTE from the amount of the presently remaining fuel (the amount of remaining capacity of a battery) of the electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Il Cho, Ki Taek Sung, Woo Sung Kim, Do Sung Hwang
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Patent number: 8794365Abstract: A main battery and an auxiliary battery are both mounted on a hybrid vehicle without narrowing a cargo room. A floor panel 102 includes a rising portion 102c that rises upward and extends in a widthwise direction of a vehicle 101, and a front portion 102a extending forward from the rising portion 102c. A rear seat 109 is mounted above the floor panel 102 in such a manner that a seat portion 109a is parallel to the front portion. The front portion 102a, the seat portion 109a of the rear seat 109, and the rising portion 102c form a housing space SP for mounting a main battery 110 and an auxiliary battery 111 side by side in the widthwise direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2010Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignees: Kanto Auto Works, Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Susumu Matsuzawa, Takashi Niiya
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Publication number: 20140209398Abstract: A vehicular motor drive device is provided with an electric motor and a speed reducer having two gear trains capable of switching a fixed gear ratio. Driving force curves, which are determined depending on an output characteristic of the motor and represent a relationship between an output rotation speed in the respective gear train and an output torque, which is obtainable maximally at such output rotation speed, have a constant torque curve section, a gradually decreasing torque curve section and a constant speed curve section. The gear trains have respective speed reduction ratios such that the driving force curve of a gear train having a larger speed reduction ratio and the driving force curve of a gear train having a smaller speed reduction ratio continue to and partially overlap with each other in the gradually decreasing torque curve sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: NTN CORPORATIONInventors: Fumihiro Isobe, Tomoaki Makino
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Publication number: 20140203738Abstract: Deterioration of a power storage unit included in a vehicle is prevented or the power storage unit that has deteriorated is repaired, and the charge and discharge performance of the power storage unit is maximized to be maintained for a long time. Attention has focused on a reaction product formed on an electrode surface which causes malfunction or deterioration of a power storage unit such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In the power storage unit used for a vehicle that runs on the power of an electric motor, rapid discharge occurring in the acceleration of the vehicle or the like tends to promote the solidification of the reaction product. The reaction product is removed by application of an electrical stimulus, specifically, an inversion pulse voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventor: Shunpei YAMAZAKI
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Publication number: 20140196964Abstract: A vehicle has a motor and an engine each serving as a driving source for running the vehicle, and assembled batteries each capable of supplying an electric power to the motor. The assembled batteries include a high-power assembled battery and a high-capacity assembled battery. The high-power assembled battery is capable of charge and discharge with current relatively larger than that in the high-capacity assembled battery, and the high-capacity assembled battery has energy capacity relatively larger than that of the high-power assembled battery. In running of the vehicle using output from the motor with the engine stopped, the high-capacity assembled battery supplies more electric power to the motor than that in the high-power assembled battery. The high-power assembled battery is placed in a vehicle-inside space accommodating a passenger or baggage, and the high-capacity assembled battery is placed in a vehicle-outside space located on an outer face of a vehicle body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: July 17, 2014Inventors: Tsuyoshi Hayashi, Kenji Kimura, Takurou Nakayama, Hirotaka Watanabe, Nobuyoshi Fujiwara, Akihiro Sato
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Patent number: 8781659Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for controlling transition between an electric vehicle (EV) mode and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) mode in a hybrid vehicle. More specifically, the technique includes first determining a drive mode of the hybrid vehicle by monitoring an average vehicle speed and an accelerator position sensor. Next, an engine on map value is determined for entering into the HEV mode and a hysteresis map value is determined for controlling the transition between the EV mode and the HEV mode based on a battery's state-of-charge (SOC), the average vehicle speed, and the drive mode; Based on the above steps, the technique determines whether the hybrid vehicle should transition between the EV mode or the HEV mode based on a driver's requisite torque calculated by monitoring the accelerator position sensor and a gear position sensor and on the determined engine on map value and hysteresis map value.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Jeong Eun Kim
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Patent number: 8776927Abstract: A vehicle battery pack housing structure includes a vehicle body panel and first, second and third panel components that define an outward-opening battery housing space. The first panel component is rigidly attached to the vehicle body panel and includes a first side wall and a base wall. The second panel component is rigidly attached to the first panel component and includes a second side wall and a first periphery wall portion. The third panel component is rigidly attached to the second panel component. The third panel component includes a second periphery wall portion that cooperates with the first periphery wall portion to form a periphery wall portion when the third panel component is rigidly attached to the second panel component.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Akazawa, Yasutsune Terashima
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Patent number: 8776920Abstract: A rear protection structure is provided for a vehicle which is equipped with an engine and a rear wheel-driving motor each as a traveling-driving power source of the vehicle and in which the rear wheel-driving motor is arranged between left and right rear wheels and of the vehicle, and a fuel tank for the engine and the rear wheel-driving motor are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A rear suspension supporting the rear wheel-driving motor has a suspension member with an octothorpe-like shape, and the rear wheel-driving motor and high-voltage lines connected to the rear wheel-driving motor are arranged within a space enclosed by the suspension member.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akira Suzuki, Yuzo Niina, Yoshihiro Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 8779719Abstract: A charging control apparatus mounted on a vehicle connected to an external charging device through a charging connector, for performing control related to charging, includes a voltage sensor for detecting a voltage applied to the charging connector, and a control device for estimating, based on variation in voltage detected by the voltage sensor during a predetermined period of time after the charging connector is connected to the vehicle, variation in voltage applied to the charging connector after a lapse of the predetermined period of time, and determining that a failure has occurred in the external charging device if a degree of separation between the variation in voltage detected by the voltage sensor after the lapse of the predetermined period of time and the estimated variation in voltage is larger than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tsutomu Matsuki
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Patent number: 8776500Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle is presented. The control system can include an air/fuel ratio control module that selectively commands a rich air/fuel ratio upon starting an engine based on a temperature of an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) in an exhaust system of the engine, wherein the EHC includes a hydrocarbon (HC) adsorber. The control system can include an air pump control module that selectively activates an air pump supplying air into the exhaust system upstream from the EHC based on whether the engine is on and at least one of whether the HC adsorber is full and whether the EHC is saturated with oxygen. The control system can also include an electric heater control module that selectively activates an electric heater of the EHC based on whether the engine is on and the temperature of the EHC, as well as whether the HC adsorber is full.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso, Bryan N. Roos
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Patent number: 8781666Abstract: A vehicle includes: an engine; an electric motor connected to the engine via a gear; and a controller configured to perform control that includes at least one of increasing a rotational speed of the engine to a value that is equal to or higher than a given value and changing an output torque of the electric motor to a value that is out of a given range including zero, provided that a target output torque of the electric motor is within the given range including zero and a target rotational speed of the engine is lower than the given value, during deceleration accompanied by motoring of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yusuke Kamijo
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Publication number: 20140194238Abstract: A hybrid vehicle driving apparatus includes: a first planetary gear mechanism; a second planetary gear mechanism; a clutch that connects and disconnects a carrier of the first planetary gear mechanism to and from a carrier of the second planetary gear mechanism; and a brake that regulates the rotation of the carrier of the second planetary gear mechanism by engaging, in which a sun gear, the carrier, and a ring gear of the first planetary gear mechanism are respectively connected to a first rotating electric machine, an engine, and a driving wheel, and a sun gear and a ring gear of the second planetary gear mechanism are respectively connected to a second rotating electric machine and the driving wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomohito Ono, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Kensei Hata
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Publication number: 20140195097Abstract: An abnormality diagnostic apparatus for a vehicle, which can accurately determine whether or not there is an abnormality in a voltage detection unit, while curtailing a cost increase, is provided. Output voltages Va, Vb, Vc outputted from voltage detection units are acquired, and differences |Va?Vb|, |Vb?Vc|, |Vc?Va| between the acquired output values are calculated. If any of the calculation results is greater than a determination threshold value, it is determined that there is an abnormality in any of the voltage detection units.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro YAMANAKA, Takashi NONAKA
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Publication number: 20140194239Abstract: A hybrid vehicle driving device includes a first planetary gear mechanism, a second planetary gear mechanism, a clutch configured to connect and disconnect a carrier of the first planetary gear mechanism to and from a ring gear of the second planetary gear mechanism, and a brake configured to regulate a rotation of the ring gear of the second planetary gear mechanism by being engaged. The second planetary gear mechanism is of a double pinion type, a sun gear of the first planetary gear mechanism is connected to a first electric rotating machine, a carrier thereof is connected to an engine, and a ring gear thereof is connected to a driving wheel, respectively, and a sun gear of the second planetary gear mechanism is connected to a second electric rotating machine, and a carrier thereof is connected to the driving wheel, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomohito Ono, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Kensei Hata
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Patent number: 8774995Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a travelable information display unit that displays before a discharge, regarding motor-driven movable bodies of a discharge source and a discharge destination driven by using electric power of batteries, information about places to which the motor-driven movable body of the discharge source can move using electric power of the battery left after the discharge by assuming, when information about a discharge amount discharged from the battery of the motor-driven movable body of the discharge source toward the motor-driven movable body of the discharge destination that receives power supply is input, a case in which the discharge amount is discharged from the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Yoshihito Ishibashi
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Patent number: 8774993Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is equipped with an engine and a motor generator (MG2) serving as a power source for driving the vehicle. A catalytic converter is provided in an exhaust pipe of the engine. An HV-ECU estimates a possible EV-running distance based on an SOC of a power storage device for comparison with a traveling distance (L) to a destination set by a navigation device. When the possible EV-running distance is longer than the traveling distance (L), the HV-ECU outputs a control signal (CTL2) instructing prohibition of warm-up of the catalytic converter, to an EG-ECU.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Harada, Daigo Ando
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Patent number: 8768553Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for controlling charging of a battery supplying power to a hybrid electric vehicle according to a driving state. The method includes: detecting, by a sensor, a speed of the vehicle, generating, by a generator, power according to a driving state of the vehicle; controlling, by a controller, a charge to the battery using generated power of the power generator based on a signal of the vehicle speed detector; calculating, by the controller, an average vehicle speed for a set time; updating, by the controller, the average vehicle speed at an update period shorter than the set time; changing a state of charge (SOC) charging band, a charging reference of the battery, based on the average vehicle speed; and determining, by the controller whether to charge the battery according to a driving state based on the SOC charging band.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jinkuk Cho, Yong Kak Choi, Il Kwon Park
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Patent number: 8763736Abstract: In control apparatus and method for a hybrid vehicle, a line pressure control valve disposed at a downstream side of each of mechanical oil pump (M-O/P) and electrically driven oil pump (S-O/P) to decrease a supplied hydraulic pressure from at least one of the mechanical oil pump and the electrically driven oil pump by opening drain ports thereof in accordance with a control valve command value is provided, the control valve command value is set by adding a predetermined additive correction quantity to a required line pressure set in accordance with operating states of a hydraulic pressure clutch (CL1) and a transmission and the drain ports of the line pressure control valve are controlled to a closure side, during an actuation of the electrically driven oil pump.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignees: JATCO Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Mochiyama, Hiroki Kawakami, Hideharu Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20140179477Abstract: A vehicle using a first MG, a second MG, and an engine as drive sources includes an electric oil pump, a mechanical oil pump driven by power of the engine, and a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit includes first oil passages for supplying oil to the first MG, a second oil passage for supplying oil to the second MG, a switch-over valve capable of switching over states of communication of the first oil passage, and a switch control valve that outputs pilot hydraulic pressure to the switch-over valve. States of the switch-over valve are switched over in accordance with hydraulic pressure from the switch control valve and hydraulic pressure from the mechanical pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masafumi YAMAMOTO, Atsushi TABATA, Koichi OKUDA, Keita IMAI, Keisuke OMURO
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Patent number: 8761980Abstract: A start support apparatus to be disposed in an electromotive vehicle includes a requested driving force calculation portion, the startable driving force calculation portion, and an indication portion. The requested driving force calculation portion calculates a requested driving force that is generated at a motor based on operation by a driver of the electromotive vehicle. The startable driving force calculation portion calculates a startable driving force that is required to be generated at the motor for starting the electromotive vehicle. The indication portion shows a degree of gap between the requested driving force and the startable driving force.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Yu Kimoto
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Patent number: 8757304Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a plurality of electric devices; and a power control unit having a housing, the power control unit is arranged within a motor room, the housing has an upper case, a lower case, and a heat sink housing, the heat sink housing has a heat sink portion, the electric devices are each arranged at the upper and lower sides of the heat sink housing, the electric devices are covered with the upper case and the lower case, the lower case is formed with a recess, and cables that connect an electric device arranged outside the housing and the electric device covered with the upper case enter inside of the upper case through the recess from the undersurface of the heat sink housing, and the cables are connected to the electric device covered with the upper case.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Amano, Ryuta Wakabayashi, Tomoyuki Suzuki
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Publication number: 20140166379Abstract: A vehicle has a motor and an engine each serving as a driving source for running the vehicle, and assembled batteries each capable of supplying an electric power to the motor. The assembled batteries include a high-power assembled battery and a high-capacity assembled battery. The high-power assembled battery is capable of charge and discharge with a current relatively larger than that in the high-capacity assembled battery, and the high-capacity assembled battery has an energy capacity relatively larger than that of the high-power assembled battery. In running of the vehicle using an output from the motor with the engine stopped, the high-capacity assembled battery supplies a more electric power to the motor than that in the high-power assembled battery. The high-power assembled battery is placed in a riding space where a passenger rides, and the high-capacity assembled battery is placed in a luggage space different from the riding space.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: June 19, 2014Inventors: Kenji Kimura, Akihiro Sato
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Publication number: 20140167654Abstract: A circuit arrangement is described comprising a first battery; a second battery; an electrical machine connected between the first battery and the second battery wherein the electrical machine is connected to the first battery via a first switching arrangement and the electrical machine is connected to the second battery via a second switching arrangement and a controller configured to control the first switching arrangement and the second switching arrangement such that a current that has a DC component flows through the electrical machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventor: Philip Georg Brockerhoff
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Publication number: 20140171261Abstract: A hybrid driving apparatus includes an engine configured to output a rotation driving force to an output shaft; an input shaft configured to rotate in association with rotation of driving wheels of a vehicle; a clutch that is provided between the output shaft and the input shaft to disengageably connect the output shaft and the input shaft; a clutch actuator configured to operate the clutch; a motor generator configured to rotate in association with rotation of the input shaft; a rust formation determining unit configured to determine whether there is a possibility of a rust formation on the clutch; and a rust formation suppressing unit configured to operate the clutch actuator in a case where the rust formation determining unit determines that there is the possibility of the rust formation on the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicants: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshitomi HANEDA, Hiroshi IMAI, Tokiyoshi KIDA, Tomoo ATARASHI, Shigeki TAKAMI, Masaki NOMURA, Takafumi KOSHIDA
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Publication number: 20140158448Abstract: A parallel regeneration brake torque modulation system for an electrified vehicle includes a brake pedal travel sensor adapted to transmit a brake pedal travel sensor signal upon travel of a vehicle brake pedal through at least a portion of a range of motion; and a regenerative braking system adapted to apply regeneration braking torque to a vehicle using the brake pedal travel sensor signal from the brake pedal travel sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventor: John Phillip McCormick
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Patent number: 8751088Abstract: In a method, system and apparatus for managing vehicle energy, the amount of electric power needed for operating a vehicle is calculated, a surplus amount of electric power that is the current amount of battery power less the calculated amount of electric power is sold, or a number of received location information signals according to the current amount of battery power is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: SK Planet Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoon Jeong Choi, Dae Lim Son, Eun Bok Lee, Jun Yong Jung
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Publication number: 20140151138Abstract: An automobile includes: a controller for controlling a motor; a main battery for supplying electric power to the motor via the controller; a normally open relay interposed in an electric power supply path extending from the main battery to the controller; and a sub-battery for supplying the electric power to the relay. The controller is mounted with a terminal cover that covers an output terminal for connection with a power supply cable to the motor. The sub-battery is disposed adjacent to the controller so as to interfere with the removal of the terminal cover by a worker.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akio Kitami, Tatsuyuki Uechi
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Patent number: 8741472Abstract: An electric storage device includes: a battery block including a chassis with a plurality of storage cells installed therein; a control unit placed on the chassis for monitoring states of the plurality of storage cells based on signals concerning their physical quantities; a plurality of wires arranged on the chassis for directing the signals to the control unit; a confining member fixed on one surface of the chassis, where the control unit is placed, for defining a route along which the plurality of wires are arranged. The confining member includes a first direction restrainer defining the route for bending the wires, withstanding a reaction force accompanying bending of the plurality of wires, and a second direction restrainer withstanding a force exerted by the plurality of wires which are inserted into the route and tend to be lifted up toward a leaving direction from the one surface of the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Vehicle Energy, Ltd.Inventors: Takatoshi Yamamoto, Masahiro Kaneshige
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Publication number: 20140144900Abstract: A hybrid vehicle including a welder that is adapted to be powered off a direct current (DC) bus generated by the electronics of the hybrid vehicle is provided. A variety of exemplary placements of the welder on or in the hybrid vehicle are provided. Additionally, a parallel hybrid configuration, a series hybrid configuration, and a series-parallel configuration including welding converter circuitry that is adapted to utilize the DC bus from the hybrid vehicle to generate welding power are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventor: Richard Beeson
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Patent number: 8734281Abstract: A dual-mode electro-mechanical variable speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft system, a gear system having at least three branches, two electric machines, and at least a clutch. The first electric machine couples to a branch of the gear system, the output shaft system couples to another branch of the gear system, the input shaft couples to the remaining branch or one of the remaining branches of the gear system, and the second electric machine selectively couples either to the same branch that is coupled to the output shaft system with a speed ratio or to one of the remaining branches that that is not coupled to the first electric machine with a different speed ratio. The transmission provides at least two power splitting modes to cover different speed ratio regimes. The transmission can also provide at least a fixed output shaft to input shaft speed ratio.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventors: Xiaolin Ai, Rui Xue, Zhonghe Xue, Xiaozhi Ai
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Publication number: 20140138172Abstract: An indicator portion includes a first indicator portion and a second indicator portion. The first indicator portion indicates an accelerator pedal opening degree that changes in accordance with an operated amount of the accelerator pedal by the driver. The second indicator portion includes a division line and regions divided by the division line. The division line shows an accelerator pedal opening degree where traveling modes (EV mode and HV mode) are switched. The regions show the ranges of accelerator pedal opening degrees where traveling is performed in EV mode and HV mode, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Naoto SUZUKI, Motohiro NAKASHIMA
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Patent number: 8727051Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has a first drive apparatus for driving wheels on a first axle by an internal combustion engine and a second electrical drive apparatus with two electrical machines for driving wheels on a second axle. At least one electrical energy store can be discharged when the two electrical machines are operated as a motor and can be charged when the electrical machines are operated as a generator. The two electrical machines of the electrical drive apparatus are combined with a respectively associated gearbox in an electrical axle to drive the individually suspended wheels on the first axle via universally jointed shafts. Two electrical converters are associated respectively with the two electrical machines and are combined in one converter unit, such that a basic module has the mechanical link to a bodywork structure, the link to a cooling circuit and the electrical link to an electrical energy store.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jochen Schmid, Stephan Hennings
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Patent number: 8731756Abstract: In a method for monitoring the operation of a vacuum pump in a brake system, the vacuum pump is operated between an activation pressure and a deactivation pressure to generate a vacuum, the evacuation period between the activation pressure and the deactivation pressure being measured and compared with a reference period. An error signal is generated if the evacuation period exceeds the reference period.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Hartmut Krueger, Karl Weidinger, Peter Damm
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Patent number: 8726887Abstract: A method is provided for operating a hybrid vehicle (1) having an internal combustion engine (2) and an electric machine (4) that can be used individually or jointly to drive at least one axle (9, 10) of the hybrid vehicle (1) by connecting a clutch (15), and having a regeneratable filter device that takes up fuel vapors from a fuel tank of the internal combustion engine (2). To improve the comfort in a purely electric driving mode and/or to improve the reproducible operation of a hybrid vehicle during a special exhaust gas test, in a purely electric driving mode in which the hybrid vehicle (1) is driven only by the electric machine (4), the internal combustion engine (2) is switched on with the clutch (15) open to regenerate the filter device.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Rauner
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Patent number: 8731761Abstract: Provided are a vehicle, control method, and computer program with which reliable starting is possible without modifying hardware. When a clutch is disconnected, an inverter determines whether the time period in which the absolute value of the rotational speed of a motor becomes a predetermined first threshold or less and the torque of the motor becomes a predetermined second threshold or greater has continuously equaled or exceeded a predetermined third threshold. When the clutch is disconnected and it is determined that the time period in which the absolute value of the rotational speed of the motor becomes the predetermined first threshold or less and the torque of the motor becomes the predetermined second threshold or greater has continuously equaled or exceeded the predetermined third threshold, an HV-ECU controls the motor to restrict the torque of the motor and also controls the clutch to connect the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Hino Motors, Ltd.Inventor: Keita Yamagata
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Patent number: 8725338Abstract: Provided is a practical plug-in hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle as well as a charge system, a fuel consumption measurement system, and an environment protection system for the vehicles. The charge system includes an electric power source charging a vehicle having a battery, a power supply unit for supplying electric power from the electric power source to the vehicle, and a power cable communication unit for performing power cable communication concerning the vehicle and the charging via the power supply unit. The vehicle includes a fuel tank for receiving oil from outside, a storage unit for storing oil supply information, a power source which consumes the fuel in the fuel tank and provides a travel power, a travel distance information acquisition unit, and a control unit which automatically calculates the fuel consumption according to the oil supply information in the storage unit and the travel distance information in the travel distance acquisition unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahide Tanaka
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Patent number: 8725339Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid traction assembly includes an initial depleting phase which begins at the beginning of the vehicle mission and where the hybrid traction assembly is controlled to cause depletion of the storage device at a high first mean depletion rate, at least one sustaining phase where the hybrid traction assembly is controlled so that the state of charge is maintained in a predetermined sustaining range. The method further includes a second depleting phase which extends between the initial depleting phase and the sustaining phase, wherein the hybrid traction assembly is controlled to cause depletion of the storage device at a second mean depletion rate, the second mean depletion rate being lower than the first mean depletion rate.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Renault TrucksInventors: Thomas Justin, Michael Millet
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Patent number: 8720619Abstract: In a method for operating a drive device of a hybrid vehicle, in particular a hybrid motor vehicle, having at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine, the torques of the internal combustion engine and the electric machine are added. A torque/torque component which, with respect to a request, is not deliverable by the internal combustion engine because of the system-related inertia of the internal combustion engine, is compensated at least partially by a torque/torque component delivered by the electric machine.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Jens-Werner Falkenstein
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Patent number: 8720620Abstract: An automobile assembly and a method of producing hydrogen gas within an automobile assembly. An automobile is provided that contains a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity from purified hydrogen gas. The vehicle also has a standard fuel tank that holds liquid fuel and a water tank that holds water. A fuel reformation system is carried by the vehicle. The fuel reformation system reacts water with liquid fuel to produce hydrogen gas and exhaust gases. The hydrogen gas is separated and is supplied to the fuel cell as needed by the fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity that drives electric motors to power the wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle, therefore, uses traditional liquid fuel to produce the hydrogen needed to operate the fuel cell and power an otherwise electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Power & Energy, Inc.Inventor: Peter R. Bossard
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Publication number: 20140128193Abstract: A regenerative brake device for a vehicle includes an output shaft (14) of a combustion engine (4), an input shaft (27) of a gearbox (8), an electrical machine (6) having a stator (24) and a rotor (26), and a planetary gear (10) which comprises a sunwheel (18), a ring gear (20) and a planet wheel carrier (22). The engine output shaft (14) is disconnectably connectable to the planetary gear (10) by a movable piston (16) which in a first position connects the engine output shaft (14) to the planetary gear (10) and in a second position disconnects the gearbox input shaft from the planetary gear. Also a method for regenerative braking of a vehicle (1) for such a regenerative brake device (2) is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventor: Mikael Bergquist
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Patent number: 8714288Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid variant automobile drive which improves a fuel efficiency of the automobile while retaining an acceleration profile of the automobile. In one embodiment, the present invention includes an engine, wheels, and/or a supplemental motor. The engine primarily drives the wheels, but can be aided by the supplemental motor. An amount of force supplied by the engine can be dependent on an amount of force supplied by the supplemental motor. The supplemental motor uses alternative energy sources aside from the fuel used by the engine to drive the wheels. The supplemental motor can be powered by a capacitor which is charged by an energy generation unit. The energy generation unit can generate energy using, for example, solar panels, a ram induction generator, a regenerative braking unit, and/or a heat exchange unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Woodson Wayne Samuel
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Publication number: 20140121870Abstract: Disclose is a control system of an E-4WD hybrid electric vehicle that includes a first controller that controls a first driving portion disposed on a front axle and a second driving portion disposed on a rear axle. A second controller is connected to the first controller and configured to maintain a predetermined target speed. A third controller controls a braking torque through the first controller and the fourth controller detects/monitors conditions in front of the vehicle and performs deceleration through the third controller. A fifth controller controls the driving torque of a motor system. In particular, the first controller distributes driving torque for realizing a target deceleration/acceleration value based on the deceleration/acceleration information of the second controller and the fourth controller to the first driving portion and the second driving portion to control a driving torque and a regenerative braking torque thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Minsu Lee
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Patent number: 8708082Abstract: A control system for a transmission of a vehicle including an engine includes a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) module and an accumulator module. The DFCO module initiates a DECO period of engine operation. The accumulator module increases a working pressure of a transmission accumulator in response to a start of the DFCO period. A method for controlling a transmission of a vehicle including an engine includes initiating a DECO period of engine operation, and increasing a working pressure of a transmission accumulator in response to a start of the DFCO period.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: Richard A. Weaver
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Publication number: 20140114516Abstract: A system and method for determining functionality of a single signal wire actuator of a vehicle monitor the signal wire for a heartbeat signal after commanding the actuator and waiting for a self-diagnostic period. In one embodiment, a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric heater, a heater core and a valve positioned to route coolant through an engine and/or an electric heater. An actuator positioned to circulate coolant through the electric heater and the heater core is configured to transmit a heartbeat signal while connected to a power source and a ground terminal. A vehicle controller may be configured to store a diagnostic code, start the engine and/or control the valve to selectively route coolant through the engine and the heater core in response to a heat request and the heartbeat signal not being received from the actuator within a predetermined interval of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Justin R. Badger, Angel Fernando Porras, Michael Paul Lindlbauer, Christopher Adam Ochocinski
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Publication number: 20140114550Abstract: A vehicle method for barometric pressure identification, including adjusting engine operation responsive to barometric pressure, the barometric pressure based on a pressure change at a sector of the fuel system when the sector is sealed with the vehicle travelling. The method may utilize a pressure change at the sealed sector of the fuel system, such as a sealed fuel tank, to identify barometric pressure, even with the engine off for extended durations of vehicle travel. As such, in a hybrid-vehicle application, including during hill descents in which the engine is maintained off, barometric pressure can still be updated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Scott A. Bohr, Russell Randall Pearce, Mark W. Peters, Robert Roy Jentz, Aed M. Dudar
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Patent number: 8706346Abstract: A method to control a powertrain having an electric motor includes monitoring a torque command to the motor, predicting a motor torque for the motor based upon the torque command, monitoring an actual motor torque of the motor, comparing the actual motor torque to the predicted torque, and indicating a motor fault when the actual motor torque and the predicted torque differ by more than a calibratable threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Wei D. Wang, Brian A. Welchko, Kevin P. Houle, Darren Crewes
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Patent number: 8706379Abstract: A technique for controlling coasting of a hybrid vehicle equipped with an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is disclosed herein. First, the amount of regenerative braking is varied based on the degree of manipulation of an accelerator pedal within the predetermined control range of a total degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal from when the accelerator pedal is not being manipulated. The amount of regenerative braking decreases as the degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal increases. The control range is used to perform control in such a way as to vary the amount of regenerative braking according to the amount of manipulation of the accelerator pedal. Further, the control range is set to within a range of initial 5 to 20% of the total degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Sang Pil Jang
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Patent number: 8704495Abstract: A vehicle has an ECU, a battery being chargeable with off-board electricity and a motor driven by electric power of the battery. The ECU has a microcomputer to receive an operation time each time a user sets the ECU in an operation state, prepare a frequency of operation times for each time zone, and set a time of the time zone corresponding to the high frequency as a charging end target time. When the microcomputer receives a signal from an onboard charger connected with an off-board power source, the microcomputer sets a charging schedule such that the battery charged by the charger according to the schedule is set in a fully-charged state at the charging end target time. The microcomputer controls the charger to charge the battery according to the schedule and to set the battery in the fully-charged state at the charging end target time.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Naoto Sakai
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Patent number: 8701807Abstract: An Electronic Control Unit (ECU), and a method and a computer program product are provided for the control of a drive train for a hybrid vehicle, and a drive train including such a control device is also provided. The hybrid vehicle includes an upstream located Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) which is connected to an Electronic Motor/Generator (EMG) via a Master Clutch (MC). The EMG is connected to the wheels via a Mechanical Transmission (MT) including synchronization. The ECU is programmed to control the MC and the MT when shifting from a generating mode, in which the ICE is powering the EMG at or near standstill, to a driving mode in such a way that at least a part of the inertial energy liberated when retarding the EMG in order to synchronize the rotational speed of the EMG and the MT is transferred to the wheels by using the synchronization in the MT to retard the EMG and transfer of power to the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Hans Stervik, Jan Öberg
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Publication number: 20140107906Abstract: Embodiments for monitoring fuel system degradation are provided. In one example, a method for a vehicle comprises evacuating fuel from a first fuel tank to a second fuel tank, and indicating fuel system degradation in response to a change in fuel system pressure following the evacuation of fuel. In this way, fuel system degradation may be indicated without use of a separate pressure building device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Robert Roy Jentz, Scott A. Bohr, Russell Randall Pearce, Aed M. Dudar