Switching Type (ipc) Patents (Class 180/65.23)
  • Patent number: 8571737
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle which runs on power from at least one of an electric motor and an engine. When a required output exceeds a sum of an output of the electric motor which is driven by electric power supplied from a battery and an output of the engine while the hybrid vehicle is running on a drive mode in which at least the engine works as a drive source with a clutch engaged, a transmission ratio changing unit increases a ratio of electrical transmission to mechanical transmission of the output of the engine, and an engaging/disengaging control unit releases the clutch at a time point when the mechanically-transmitted output of the engine becomes 0, with the clutch engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Tamagawa
  • Patent number: 8565949
    Abstract: A method includes determining an amount of power currently available from a battery for tractive torque as an amount of power stored in the battery less an amount of power required to power other vehicle components, and less an amount of power required to start the engine. An output torque limit when torque is provided only by the motor and power required to provide the output torque limit are determined based on test data. A maximum output torque is calculated by multiplying the amount of power determined to be currently available for tractive torque by a ratio of the output torque limit to the amount of power required to provide the output torque limit. The current output torque may be reduced at a predetermined rate until within a predetermined range of the lesser of the maximum output torque and the output torque limit if an engine start is requested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Christman, Shaochun Ye, Michael Arnett
  • Publication number: 20130226387
    Abstract: A vehicle hybrid drive device having an EV running mode enabling a vehicle to run only with a second rotating machine used as a drive power source while an engine is disconnected from a drive power transmission path, a series HEV running mode enabling the vehicle to run only with the second rotating machine used as the drive power source while a first rotating machine is rotationally driven to generate electricity by the engine disconnected from the drive power transmission path, and a parallel HEV running mode enabling the vehicle to run with the engine and at least one of the first and second rotating machines used as the drive power sources while the engine is connected to the drive power transmission path. If a driver desires power-performance-oriented running or fuel-efficiency-oriented running, the range for selecting the series HEV running mode is made narrower or wider, respectively, than usual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Hayashi, Takeshi Kanayama, Tetsuo Hori, Ryoki Ii, Tomoaki Furukawa, Akiko Nishimine, Takeshi Miyagawa, Tomoyuki Maruyama, Norihiro Yamamura, Akihiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20130218394
    Abstract: A vehicle hybrid drive device includes: a first rotating machine coupled to an engine; a connection/disconnection device capable of connecting/disconnecting the engine and the first rotating machine to/from wheels; and a second rotating machine disposed in a manner enabling transmission of drive power to the wheels, the vehicle hybrid drive device enabling a vehicle to run in two running modes of an EV running mode enabling the vehicle to run with the second rotating machine used as a drive power source while the connection/disconnection device is disconnected, and a parallel HEV running mode enabling the vehicle to run with the engine and at least one of the first and second rotating machines as the drive power sources while the connection/disconnection device is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Kanayama, Koji Hayashi, Tetsuo Hori, Tomoyuki Maruyama, Akiko Nishimine, Takeshi Miyagawa, Tomoaki Furukawa, Norihiro Yamamura, Akihiro Sato, Ryoki II
  • Publication number: 20130192417
    Abstract: Provided is a drive apparatus of a hybrid vehicle, configured in such a manner that the occurrence of a resonance phenomenon is minimized and that the efficiency of utilization of the space occupied by a torque limiter mechanism is improved. A drive apparatus 100A for a hybrid vehicle is configured in such a manner that a torque limiter TL is provided in the path of power transmission between an inner shaft 2a and a generator 60 at a position between the generator 60 and a motor 70. The torque limiter TL axially overlaps with at least a part of the stator 65 of the generator 60 and/or at least a part of the stator 75 of the motor 70.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Fujita, Toru Takahashi, Tatsuya Noda
  • Publication number: 20130190953
    Abstract: In a method for increasing the availability of a hybrid drive having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, the electric motor is operated as a starter of the internal combustion engine as well as a travel drive unit within the hybrid drive, and at least one operating parameter, corresponding to an operating parameter of the at least one electric motor, is ascertained. An error is identified if the at least one operating parameter value does not correspond to an operating parameter standard state, in which case the operation of the electric motor as the travel drive unit is at least partially limited. Lastly, a driving state-dependent error response is carried out depending on the instantaneous operating state of the hybrid drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Holger Niemann, Andreas Heyl
  • Publication number: 20130190958
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes a drive mode control portion and a battery degradation determination portion. The chive mode control portion sets the drive mode to a CD mode after the charging of a battery by a battery charger ends as the state of charge of the battery reaches a first predetermined range. The drive mode control portion switches the drive mode to a CS mode if, after the hybrid vehicle starts driving in the CD mode, the state of charge of the battery declines to a second predetermined range that is lower than the first predetermined range. The battery degradation determination portion performs determination regarding degradation of the battery on the basis of data collected while the vehicle is driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Junta Izumi
  • Publication number: 20130184914
    Abstract: A method includes operating a hybrid power train having an internal combustion engine and an electrical torque provider. The method further includes determining a machine power demand and an audible noise limit value for the internal combustion engine. The method includes determining a power division description in response to the machine power demand and the audible noise limit value, and operating the internal combustion engine and the electrical torque provider in response to the power division description.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventor: CUMMINS INC.
  • Publication number: 20130184912
    Abstract: A method includes operating a hybrid power train having an internal combustion engine and an electrical torque provider. The method further includes determining a machine power demand and, in response to the machine power demand, determining a power division description. The method includes operating the internal combustion engine and the electrical torque provider in response to the power division description. The method further includes operating the internal combustion engine by starting the internal combustion engine in response to determining that a battery state-of-charge is below a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventor: Cummins Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130184919
    Abstract: To carry out a start with good fuel economy without resulting in a power shortage or a forcefulness shortage. A hybrid automobile is structured which executes a start control method including a selection step of selecting one start method from among a start only by a motor, a start only by an engine, and a start by the motor and the engine in cooperation with each other and a control step of controlling the execution of the start by the start method selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Kabe
  • Publication number: 20130184922
    Abstract: To reduce the size, weight, and cost of a motor and peripheral devices of the motor. A hybrid automobile is structured in which a required torque is estimated on the basis of an accelerator operation by a driver, and if it is determined that the running by the motor is possible, and an estimation result exceeds a maximum torque of the motor during execution of a running mode by the motor, a mode switch is carried out to a mode in which the automobile runs by an engine or by the engine and the motor in cooperation with each other, even though the running mode by the motor is being executed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Kabe
  • Publication number: 20130184908
    Abstract: A system includes a hybrid power train comprising an internal combustion engine and electrical system, which includes a first and second electrical torque provider, and an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to first and second electrical torque provider. The system further includes a controller structured to perform operations including determining a power surplus value of the electrical system; determining a machine power demand change value; in response to the power surplus value of the electrical system being greater than or equal to the machine power demand change value, operating an optimum cost controller to determine a power division for the engine, first electrical torque provider, and second electrical torque provider; and in response to the power surplus value of the electrical system being less than the machine power demand change value, operating a rule-based controller to determine the power division for the engine, first, and second electrical torque provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventor: Cummins Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130184915
    Abstract: A method of controlling operational modes of a hybrid electric vehicle includes: determining whether an all-electric range (AER) of the vehicle is at or less than a first predetermined value; activating a first operational mode if the AER is determined to be at or less than the first predetermined vehicle; determining, while the first operational mode is active, whether the AER of the vehicle is greater than a second predetermined value; activating a second operational mode if the AER is determined to be greater than the second predetermined vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Fisker Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Fisker Automotive, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8479849
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system and a method of its operation are described. As one example, the vehicle propulsion system includes a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The method may include starting the engine responsive to different criteria, including criteria related to potential degradation effects that may occur due to excessive durations of engine off vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas G. Leone
  • Patent number: 8469859
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle having a locking mechanism in which a play elimination process is required in the locking, a torque shock in the play elimination is reduced. In a hybrid vehicle 1 having a locking mechanism 700 which is a cam-lock type engaging apparatus, an ECU 100 performs MG1 locking control. In the control, play is formed between a cam 710 and a clutch plate 720 of the locking mechanism 700. The formed play is gradually reduced such that the torque shock in the play elimination does not occur due to the phase control of the cam 710, on the basis of an initial value of the amount of the play when the clutch plate 720 is bought into contact with a friction part 733 and a play elimination amount G.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromichi Kimura, Tomohito Ono, Yukihiko Ideshio, Hirotatsu Kitabatake, Hiroaki Ebuchi
  • Publication number: 20130158769
    Abstract: The present invention improves fuel efficiency of an engine that is the power source of an auxiliary machine. Configured is a regeneration control device that has a control means that, when a hybrid automobile is stopped, the accelerator is in a closed state, and the auxiliary machine is in an operating state, and when the indicated value for the amount of fuel injection of the engine is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, or the indicated value exceed the threshold, causes a driving mode wherein the engine and an electric motor cooperate during deceleration after the hybrid automobile has started moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Sawayama
  • Patent number: 8465387
    Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission for use with an engine includes an input member configured for operative interconnection with the engine, an output member, and a stationary member. First and second motor/generators, a first and a second planetary gear set each having respective first, second, and third members are included. A first, a second, and a third selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanism are included. The input member is connectable for common rotation with the first member of the first planetary gear set either continuously or selectively by engagement of the third torque-transmitting mechanism. The output member is connected for common rotation with the first member of the second planetary gear set. The motor/generators are controllable and the torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagable to establish at least one electric-only mode, a series mode, an output-split mode, and at least one neutral mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Brendan M. Conlon
  • Publication number: 20130131902
    Abstract: The present invention reduces electric power consumption when an electric motor starts an engine and the time required to start the engine. Engine start control is implemented as follows. The RPM of the engine is increased to an RPM (R1) by the electric motor. Fuel is supplied to the engine of which RPM has reached to the RPM (R1) and further increases in the RPM are detected. If a further increase in the RPM is not detected, the supply of electric power to the electric motor is temporarily stopped. If the RPM has decreased to a RPM (R2), the supply of fuel to the engine is interrupted and also the supply of electric power to the electric motor is resumed. If a further increase in the RPM is detected or if the RPM has not decreased to the RPM (R2), it is determined that the engine has been started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Keita Yamagata
  • Publication number: 20130124026
    Abstract: Compatibility between prevention of hunting of engine start and stop and improvement of fuel consumption is achieved during traveling with mode transitions. An apparatus for controlling a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor-generator, a first clutch and a mode transition control means. The motor-generator is disposed in a drive system (power train) between engine and tire wheels to perform a start of the engine and drive for the tire wheels according to motor acceleration and power generation according to regeneration. The first clutch switches between an HEV mode and an EV mode. Mode transition control means implements a delay time from a time at which an engine stop allowance condition is established to a time at which a mode transition from the HEV mode to the EV mode is started in a high vehicle speed area that is higher than a delay time in another vehicle speed area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Munetoshi Ueno, Tadashi Okuda, Noboru Kudo
  • Publication number: 20130096764
    Abstract: Motor traveling using only an output of a rotating electrical machine utilizing power of a vehicle-mounted power storage device is applicable to an electrically-powered vehicle, within a region inside a maximum output line in motor traveling. The maximum output line is composed of straight line portions defining an upper limit torque and an upper limit vehicle speed and a curved line portion defining upper limit output power, in motor traveling. When an output power upper limit value from the power storage device is limited due to an increase in a current load or a reduction in the SOC of the power storage device, a driving region to which motor traveling is applicable is narrowed. Operation in a high rotation region, where efficiency is reduced, is avoided by changing the upper limit vehicle speed in motor traveling in response to the SOC and/or the current load of the power storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Yuu Nakao
  • Publication number: 20130096754
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a hybrid vehicle drive system for a vehicle including a first prime mover, a first prime mover driven transmission, and a rechargeable power source. The hybrid vehicle drive system further includes an interface between the transmission and the prime mover for coupling to an electric motor. The electric motor can be in direct or indirect mechanical communication with a hydraulic pump. The electric motor can receive power from the prime mover driven transmission through the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Odyne Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Odyne Systems, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130096752
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: PAICE LLC
    Inventors: Alex J. Severinsky, Theodore Louckes
  • Publication number: 20130096753
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Alex J. Severinsky, Theodore Louckes
  • Publication number: 20130087400
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid drive-train of a motor vehicle (1) equipped with a mechanical all-wheel drive, said drive-train comprising a combustion engine (5) which can be drive-connected to two axles (5) by means of a transmission (6), and a transversally installed electric machine arrangement (10). In order to improve the hybrid drive-train, particularly with regard to an operational mode that is highly dynamic, the electric machine arrangement is arranged approximately central in relation to the transverse direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Fuechtner
  • Patent number: 8414436
    Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid powertrain is provided that permits operation in multiple fixed ratio modes appropriate for towing and other vehicle operating conditions in which relatively high output torque is required. The method includes establishing three different electrically-variable operating modes by engaging different torque-transmitting mechanisms in response to different respective vehicle operating conditions. The method further includes establishing at least two different fixed ratio modes by engaging another torque-transmitting mechanism in addition to the respective different torque-transmitting mechanisms engaged to establish the electrically-variable operating modes. A hybrid powertrain having a controller configured to control the powertrain to operate according to the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20130079969
    Abstract: First output power is set in accordance with operation by a driver. In addition, second output power greater than the first output power is set. A hybrid vehicle is controlled so that an engine is driven in accordance with the second output power. The hybrid vehicle is controlled so that the engine is stopped when the first output power is equal to or smaller than an engine stop threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Kamijo, Hideaki Yaguchi, Daisuke Itoyama, Keisuke Morisaki
  • Publication number: 20130079961
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system including a rotating electric machine; an input member drive-coupled to an internal combustion engine and the rotating electric machine; an output member drive-coupled to a wheel; a speed change device with a plurality of switchable shift speeds changes the rotational speed of the input member and transmits the changed rotational speed to the output member; and a control device that controls the rotating electric machine. The control device corrects the output torque of the rotating electric machine so as to cancel out a torque fluctuation of the input member that accompanies an initial explosion of the internal combustion engine; and, when the initial explosion of the internal combustion engine occurs during a shift operation of the speed change device, modifies the torque correction amount in a direction that suppresses a change in the rotational speed of the input member that advances the shift operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masakazu Kaifuku, Tooru Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20130073136
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine (22), a motor (MG2), and a secondary battery (50), and travels in an electric-powered travel mode and in a hybrid travel mode. In the hybrid vehicle, an execution travel mode is set to one of two travel modes including an electric-powered travel priority mode where the hybrid vehicle travels with priority being given to the electric-powered travel mode over the hybrid travel mode, and a hybrid travel priority mode where the hybrid vehicle travels with priority being given to the hybrid travel mode over the electric-powered travel mode. When the execution travel mode is switched while the internal combustion engine (22) is being operated, the internal combustion engine (22) and the motor (MG2) are controlled so that charging/discharging electric power for charging or discharging the secondary battery (50) is gradually changed and the hybrid vehicle travels in the switched execution travel mode (S750 to S800).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Masashi Funada
  • Publication number: 20130060409
    Abstract: If the temperature (Tig) of a switching element (25) in a source power supply circuit (24) of an electric motor (2) increases to be equal to or greater than a first predetermined value (?) while an electric vehicle (1) is in a stall state, a torque command for the electric motor (2) is reduced while a braking force command for a brake unit (10) is increased, and if the temperature (Tig) of the switching element (25) subsequently decreases to be equal to or less than a second predetermined value (?(<?)), the braking force command for the brake unit (10) is decreased while the torque command for the electric motor (2) is increased. The increment rate of the torque command for the electric motor (2) is varied in accordance with the degree of road gradient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Matsushita, Naoki Fujishiro, Osamu Saito, Hidetoshi Kobori, Satoshi Matsushita
  • Patent number: 8386102
    Abstract: In an electrically powered vehicle, a computer-controlled switching system activates relays to switch additional discrete batteries into a circuit in response to throttle level, where a processor is configured to decide what specific batteries should be present in the circuit at any given time, in response to both throttle level and a battery load balancing optimization scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Gullichsen
  • Publication number: 20130030633
    Abstract: An ECU uses a map or the like prepared in advance to calculate a discharge allowable power. Then, the ECU sets a VH upper limit value at the first upper limit value. When the running mode is not at a CD mode (that is, at a CS mode), or when the engine is operating, the ECU proceeds to S60. In contrast, when the running mode is at the CD mode and the engine is stopped, the ECU increases the discharge allowable power, and modifies the VH upper limit value to a second upper limit value that is lower than the first upper limit value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Hiroki Endo, Masaru Tsukayama
  • Publication number: 20130030638
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided in which after a determination is made as to whether the remaining capacity is higher than a first threshold value, any one of a first running mode, a second running mode, and a third running mode is selected depending on first speed, second speed, or third speed so that the vehicle runs in the mode, whereby the vehicle can run by easily selecting an appropriate series hybrid mode or an appropriate parallel hybrid mode in each range depending on whether the remaining capacity is higher than the first threshold value, and running control can be made stable and easy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukihiro Nissato
  • Publication number: 20130030634
    Abstract: An ECU includes a running mode control unit, a Wout control unit, and an engine start/stop determination unit. The running mode control unit controls switching of a running mode including a CD mode in which an engine is stopped and running using a motor generator alone is given priority, and a CS mode in which the engine is operated and the SOC of a power storage device is maintained at a predetermined target. The engine start/stop determination unit carries out a start determination of the engine based on a discharge allowable power indicating electric power that can be discharged by the power storage device. The Wout control unit modifies the discharge allowable power based on the running mode and operation/stop of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Endo, Masaya Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130024063
    Abstract: An ECU uses a map or the like prepared in advance to calculate discharge allowable power indicating electric power that can be discharged from a power storage device. When the running mode is at the CD mode and an engine is stopped, the ECU increases the discharge allowable power to a predetermined value. Furthermore, even when the running mode is at the CS mode or even when the engine is operating, the ECU increases the discharge allowable power when a catalyst device provided at an exhaust pipe of the engine is currently warmed up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Yuu Nakao
  • Publication number: 20130013137
    Abstract: A method for controlling a motorization device for an hybrid vehicle includes using alternatively two modes for connecting the wheels to the electric motor and to the internal combustion engine; a parallel mode in which the internal combustion engine drives the wheels directly, without electrical assistance; a series mode in which the electrical motor drives the wheels, with an intermittent use of the internal combustion engine only at its optimal operating point, for the purpose of recharging the battery regularly, the switch from one mode to the other being determined by a step for comparing between the consumption of the internal combustion engine in parallel mode, and the optimal consumption of the internal combustion engine to which are added the losses due to the activation of the electrical chain of the series mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventor: Stéphane Saint-Macary
  • Publication number: 20120323426
    Abstract: A hybrid power driving system is provided, comprising an engine; a first motor; a first, a first reducing mechanism, a second clutch, a first wheels group, a second motor, a second wheels group, a second reducing mechanism, an energy storage device, a clutch, an engine controller, and a motor controller. The motor controller may be configured to: start or stop the first motor and/or the second motor; and control the clutch controller and the engine controller according to a running mode of the hybrid power driving system. A driving method for the driving system as described hereinabove is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Xinxin ZHANG, Yin-mei ZHOU, Song LI, Fei LUO
  • Patent number: 8335603
    Abstract: Upon the occurrence of the abnormality that the inverter for driving the motor is in the one-phase short circuited state, this inverter is stopped in the three-phase short circuited state and sets the execution torque by subtracting the counter electromotive force application torque that is applied the driveshaft due to the counter electromotive force generated by rotation of the motor and the steering angle application torque corresponding to the steering angle from the torque demand according to the step-on amount of the accelerator pedal. The engine and the inverter for driving the motor is controlled so that the vehicle is driven with the set execution torque. This enables the driving force output to the driveshaft from the engine and the motor to be in accordance with the torque demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noritake Mitsutani, Wataru Shiraishi
  • Publication number: 20120316719
    Abstract: For controlling the charge state of a battery in a hybrid vehicle having an internal-combustion engine and an electric machine, the battery is operated in a working state-of-charge range falling within a theoretically possible state-of-charge range. In a first sub-range, the battery is charged by the electric machine, the electric machine working as a generator and being engine driven. In a second sub-range, the battery is neither charged nor discharged, the electric machine working as a generator and being driven by the engine and, in the process, supplying only an on-board power supply system of the hybrid vehicle with current. In a third sub-range, the battery is discharged and, in the process, supplies the on-board power supply system with current, the electric machine running along passively. In a fourth sub-range, the battery is discharged and, in the process, supplies current to the electric machine operating as an electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Bayeriche Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ronny Hirsch, Holger Hummel, Georg Mumelter
  • Publication number: 20120310458
    Abstract: A vehicle provided with a motor generator as a driving source includes a battery to supply electric power to the motor generator, an engine, and an ECU to control the vehicle in one of a CS mode and a CD mode in which opportunity for operation of the engine is limited compared to in the CS mode. The ECU controls the engine in accordance with a condition different from a condition used to control the engine in the CS mode, if the engine is started at least due to decrease in a state of charge of the battery while the vehicle is controlled in the CD mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidekazu Nawata, Shunsuke Fushiki, Makoto Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20120310461
    Abstract: A hybrid drive device includes: a gear mechanism that divides and transmits rotary power of an internal-combustion engine to first motor generator and second motor generator; a first shaft to which rotary power of the first motor generator is transmitted; a rotary element; a second shaft to which rotary power of the rotary element is transmitted after deceleration; a third shaft to which rotary power of the second shaft is transmitted after deceleration; a first power-transmission switching mechanism that can switch rotary power of the second motor generator among a state of being transmitted to the rotary element, a state of being transmitted to the third shaft, and a state of not being transmitted; and a second power-transmission switching mechanism that can switch rotary power of the first shaft between a state of transmission to the second shaft and a state of not transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taketoki Maruyama, Tomohiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8307924
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a hybrid power output system for outputting the power to the wheel driving shaft, comprising an engine, a first motor, a second motor, a battery, a first clutch, a second clutch and a third clutch, wherein: the first motor and the second motor are connected electrically with the battery; the engine is connected to the first motor via the first clutch; the first motor is connected to a wheel driving shaft via the second clutch; the second motor is connected to the wheel driving shaft via the third clutch; the second clutch and the third clutch are arranged between the first motor and second motor. This hybrid power output system is compact in structure, can increase the power efficiency and reduce the fuel consumption, and can realize multiple drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignees: BYD Co. Ltd., Shanghai BYD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chuanfu Wang, Hongbin Luo, Wei Chen, Jianhua Zhang, Yunhao Liao, Youchuan Song
  • Patent number: 8301324
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction motor, a transmission, a speed encoder for the motor, and a control system. The control system compensates for angular wobble in an encoder signal. The control system receives, via a hybrid control processor (HCP), the encoder signal from the speed encoder, and determines a set of wobble characteristics of the encoder signal below a threshold motor speed. The control system also calculates a wobble-compensated speed value via the HCP using the wobble characteristics, and uses the wobble-compensated speed value as at least part of the input signals when controlling the motor. A lookup table tabulates a learned wobble value relative to the angular position value, and a learned wobble value is subtracted from a current angular wobble value to generate an error-adjusted wobble value. A method compensates for wobble in the encoder signal using the above control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Morris
  • Publication number: 20120258838
    Abstract: A hybrid system includes a hybrid module that is located between an engine and a transmission. The hybrid system includes an energy storage system for storing energy from and supplying energy to the hybrid module. An inverter transfers power between the energy storage system and the hybrid module. The hybrid system also includes a cooling system, a DC-DC converter, and a high voltage tap. The hybrid module is designed to recover energy, such as during braking, as well as power the vehicle. The hybrid module includes an electrical machine (eMachine) along with electrical and mechanical pumps for circulating fluid. A clutch provides the sole operative connection between the engine and the eMachine. The hybrid system further incorporates a power take off (PTO) unit that is configured to be powered by the engine and/or the eMachine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Hartz, Nayan V. Patel, Vernon D. Thompson, Paul A. Richardson, Christopher A. Baker, George S. Pelton
  • Patent number: 8257221
    Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid drive system with an internal combustion engine and a supplemental electric machine for a motor vehicle including first and second gear changing partial drives each with gear changing gearwheels, wherein during operation there is torque flow from one gear changing partial drive to the other partial drive results in a gear change between gearwheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fev Motorentechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Leufgen
  • Patent number: 8230955
    Abstract: A method controls an overrun operation in a motor vehicle, wherein, in the presence of predetermined switch-off conditions, an overrun switch-off of the internal-combustion engine takes place by interrupting the fuel feed, and wherein, when a predetermined restoring speed is reached or fallen below, the fuel feed is resumed. Starting from an operating state with an activated overrun switch-off, the transmission line between the output of the engine and the input of the transmission device is monitored as to whether a torque difference is occurring which is greater than or equal to a predetermined limit torque. In such a case, the internal-combustion engine is driven by an electric machine coupled with the crankshaft of the internal-combustion engine such that a rotational speed of the internal-combustion engine is adjusted to be greater than or equal to the restoring speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Joachim Froeschl
  • Patent number: 8210296
    Abstract: In a 2-motor drive mode with connection of both motors with a driveshaft by use of a transmission, a hybrid vehicle sets torque commands of the motors to substantially equalize an output torque of the second motor with an output torque of the first motor and to ensure output of a torque equivalent to a preset torque demand to the driveshaft. This arrangement ensures continuous output of a relatively large torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Katsuta, Hidehiro Oba
  • Patent number: 8177679
    Abstract: A drive system has an electrically controlled differential portion (11) in which a differential state between an input-shaft rotation speed and an output-shaft rotation speed is controlled upon controlling a first electric motor (M1), and a shifting portion (20) and a second electric motor (M2) disposed in a power transmitting path between the electrically controlled differential portion and drive wheels (34). In a control device for controlling the drive system, a rotation direction of an output shaft (18) of the shifting portion is able to be determined without increasing the number of component parts such as a rotation speed sensor. The control device includes rotation direction determination means (86) for determining a rotation direction of an output shaft (22) of an automatic shifting portion (20) based on an engagement of a given coupling element and a detected result of rotation direction detection means (92).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku
  • Patent number: 8177006
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system and a method of its operation are described. As one example, the vehicle propulsion system includes a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The method may include starting the engine responsive to different criteria, including criteria related to potential degradation effects that may occur due to excessive durations of engine off vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas G. Leone
  • Patent number: 8135522
    Abstract: A vehicular drive system switchable between a continuously-variable and step-variable shifting states, and a control device for controlling the vehicular drive system so as to reduce a shifting shock of an automatic transmission included in the drive system, which takes place due to an overlap control involving a switching control of the drive system and a shifting control of the automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga
  • Patent number: 8122983
    Abstract: There is provided a hybrid vehicle which stops an engine in a state in which a drive source element connection by a clutch is released; a transmission is used to couple only one of the motors to a drive shaft; and one of the motors is caused to output power; at this time, in order to start the engine, a rotation speed of the other one of the motors which does not correspond to a current speed ratio and is not connected to the drive shaft is adjusted so as to enable the drive source element connection; and the clutch is connected as well as the engine is cranked by one of the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Katsuta, Hidehiro Oba