Control Of External Device In Conjunction With Specific Hybrid Function Patents (Class 180/65.27)
  • Patent number: 8191662
    Abstract: A device and method for heating a positive crankcase ventilation system in a hybrid vehicle includes a ventilation device, provided on a crankcase, and a supercooling cycle for cooling power electronics for an electric motor of the hybrid vehicle. The ventilation device is heatable by way of the supercooling cycle in order to prevent icing of the ventilation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Nils Sauvlet, Dieter Kraxner, Markus Goehring
  • Patent number: 8190344
    Abstract: A method of optimizing steering and stability performance of a vehicle includes measuring a set of inertial data during a regenerative braking event (RBE), calculating a set of vehicle performance data using the inertial data, and comparing the performance data to calibrated threshold data to determine a maximum regenerative braking torque (RBT). The maximum RBT is automatically applied during the active RBE. The vehicle includes a chassis, an electric motor/generator for applying an RBT, a frictional braking system, chassis inertial sensors for measuring a set of chassis inertial data, and a controller having an algorithm for calculating a set of vehicle performance data using the chassis inertial data. The controller determines the maximum RBT by comparing the vehicle performance data to corresponding threshold data. The chassis inertial sensors can include accelerometers, a yaw rate sensor, a steering rate sensor, speed sensors, and/or a braking input sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric E. Krueger, Matthew M. Karaba, Kevin S. Kidston
  • Publication number: 20120130573
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing a hybrid electric vehicle (“HEV”) towing a trailer. One system includes a regenerative braking system, a non-regenerative braking system, and a stabilization system. The stabilization system determines a direction of rotation and a speed of the HEV and compares the HEV's speed to a predetermined low speed threshold value and a predetermined high speed threshold value. The stabilization system instructs the regenerative braking system to brake at least one wheel when the speed is less than or equal to the predetermined low speed threshold value and instructs the regenerative braking system to brake at least one wheel opposite the direction of rotation and at least one of the regenerative braking system and the non-regenerative braking system to provide an extra stabilizing braking torque to at least one wheel opposite the direction of rotation when the speed is greater than the predetermined high speed threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hsien-Cheng (Kevin) Wu, Bo Xu
  • Patent number: 8169183
    Abstract: An electric automobile has a battery and also has a travel motor and a vehicle interior load device which operate using electric power from the battery. In response to a request for a start of electric power supply to the vehicle interior load device with the automobile being at a standstill, the electric automobile determines, based on the charged state of the battery, whether electric power from the battery can be supplied to the vehicle interior load device. When determining that the electric power from the battery cannot be supplied to the vehicle interior load device, the electric automobile makes a request to an electric power supply device to supply electric power to the vehicle interior load device. In response to the request, the electric power supply device electrically connects to the vehicle interior load device and starts supply of electric power to the vehicle interior load device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Obayashi
  • Publication number: 20120095657
    Abstract: A shift-by-wire system includes an incremental shift interface that generates an incremental shift signal. A rock control module enables a rocking mode and generates a rock control signal based on status of a vehicle parameter. The rocking mode includes shifting between a first mode and a second mode and back to the first mode. The first mode is one of a reverse mode and a drive mode and the second mode is the other one of the reverse mode and the drive mode. A shift interface module generates a shift control signal to shift a transmission of a vehicle between the first mode and the second mode based on the incremental shift signal and the rock control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Lewis Pudvay
  • Patent number: 8133150
    Abstract: A drive system with either a four-shaft epicyclic gearing consisting of two fixed links or one fixed link. A first shaft is coupled to an engine and a second shaft is connected to a first electric motor. The electric is coupled to the power supply of the industrial truck. A brake is coupled to a third shaft of the gearing , while a fourth shaft is coupled to a change gear. The change gear is coupled to a summing gear, the other input shaft connected to a second electric motor connected to the power supply. The output shaft is coupled to a driven wheel of the truck. A sensor device detects the speed of the engine and of the two motors. A control and regulating device sets the speeds and/or torque of the motors and of the engine according to setpoint signals and the output signals of the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Rogg
  • Patent number: 8122984
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: an engine driven with gasoline; a lid member opening/closing an opening of an accommodation room that accommodates a nozzle receiving unit when gasoline is supplied; a rotating electric machine driven on electric power; a charging/power feeding unit receiving electric power; a lid member opening/closing an opening of an accommodation room accommodating a charging/power feeding unit; and an open/close control mechanism setting the other of the lid member and the lid member in the closed position when one of the lid member and the lid member is set in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Miwa, Shigeki Kinomura, Makoto Hirai, Yoshiaki Atsumi
  • Patent number: 8100206
    Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Arthur Kressner, Christopher C. Hoyes, Anthony F. Barna
  • Patent number: 8096376
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a fuel tank holding fuel for an engine, a pump discharging the fuel in the fuel tank, a pipe for returning the fuel discharged by the pump to the fuel tank and a control device (hybrid control unit). The control device starts the pump to circulate the fuel (FL) when the stop period of the pump is at least a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Osawa
  • Publication number: 20110315462
    Abstract: A drivetrain of a motor vehicle, with a hybrid drive, comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric machine and a semi-automatic group transmission. The semi-automatic group transmission comprises at least a main transmission and a downstream group in drive connection downstream with the main transmission. An input shaft of the semi-automatic group transmission is connected, via a controllable starting clutch, to the internal combustion engine of the hybrid drive and an output shaft of the semi-automatic group transmission is connected to an axle drive. Depending on the shift position of at least one shifting element, the electric machine can be coupled to the force flow or the torque flow of the drivetrain between the main transmission and the downstream group of countershaft design and/or between the downstream group of a countershaft design and the axle drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Johannes KALTENBACH
  • Publication number: 20110301794
    Abstract: An electric drive system is provided for use in a vehicle that is operated in environments with stringent emissions and ventilation regulations. In one embodiment, the electric drive system comprises a motor capable of propelling the vehicle and an energy storage device coupled to the motor, and selectively couplable to a catenary line, wherein the catenary line is capable of supplying electrical power to the vehicle and to the energy storage device. Additionally, the vehicle includes a mining device that is operable to be powered by energy from one or more of the catenary line and the energy storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Bertrand BASTIEN
  • Patent number: 8068974
    Abstract: A method for determining driver efficiency in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of measuring a hybrid vehicle parameter, and calculating driver efficiency based, at least in part, on the hybrid vehicle parameter. The hybrid vehicle parameter is influenced, at least in part, by an action taken by a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Vernon L. Newhouse, Kevin S. Kidston, Carlene M. Sienkiewicz, Jonathan R. Schwarz, Emily R. Wu
  • Patent number: 8061626
    Abstract: A remote climate control system is for an electric vehicle without a combustion engine and having a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical Ventilation blower selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the hybrid vehicle. At least one of the electrical Ventilation blower and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the hybrid vehicle for receiving signals from said remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with said receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the hybrid vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical Ventilation blower responsive to the sensor and said remote transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 8056661
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with a system for conditioning power take-off enablement has a powerplant, including an internal combustion engine, for propelling the vehicle. The powerplant is disposed within a compartment. A hood is positionable relative to the compartment to selectively allow and disallow access to the compartment. A power take-off unit comprises an input mechanically coupled to the powerplant and selectively enabled by a controller for coupling an output of the power take-off unit to the input of the power take-off unit when enabled by the controller and uncoupling the output of the power take-off unit from the input of the power take-off unit when not enabled by the controller. A device whose status distinguishes between the hood allowing access to the compartment and the hood disallowing access to the compartment causes the controller not to enable the power take-off unit when the device discloses that the hood is allowing access to the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jay E. Bissontz
  • Patent number: 8047274
    Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle includes a main heater for heating air in a vehicle compartment using coolant of an engine of the vehicle as a heat source, and an auxiliary heater for heating air in the vehicle compartment using a heat source other than exhaust heat of the engine. In the air conditioner, a requirement signal for requiring startup of the engine is output when a temperature of the coolant of the engine is determined to be lower than a threshold, and the threshold is adjusted based on an operating state of the auxiliary heater such that as an amount of heat generated by the auxiliary heater increases, the threshold decreases. Accordingly, as the heating capacity of the auxiliary heater is increased, the startup of the engine becomes more difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuyo Oomura
  • Publication number: 20110240385
    Abstract: An apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus has a detachable module including an energy storage device and a module drive device connected to the energy storage device, the module drive device configured to convert between electrical energy and mechanical energy. The apparatus also has an energy recovery device electrically connected to the energy storage device. The apparatus additionally has a mechanical connector selectively connecting the module drive device to a vehicle powertrain, wherein the module drive device drives the powertrain via the mechanical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel J. Farmer
  • Publication number: 20110246009
    Abstract: A control device for controlling a transmission configured such that when the speed change mechanism performs switching to a shift speed with a lower speed ratio in a negative torque prediction established state in which predicted input torque is negative, the predicted input torque being a predicted value of input torque input to the input member a predetermined determination reference time later, and being derived on the basis of variations in the input torque, special speed change control is executed in which a disengagement hydraulic pressure is lowered to cause a disengagement element to slip, and the disengagement element is maintained in a slipping state over an entire speed change process, which extends from a time point when the disengagement element starts slipping to a time point when a rotational speed is synchronized with a rotational speed of the input member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigekazu HASE, Hiroya UENO, Nobuaki INAGAKI, Nobuhiro IWAI, Hiroshi TSUTSUI
  • Publication number: 20110239801
    Abstract: A control device includes an input member drivingly coupled to at least one of an internal combustion engine and a rotating electrical machine as driving force sources of a vehicle. When downshifting or upshifting the control device controls the engagement pressure of a direct coupling clutch to a pressure lower than the direct coupling limit engagement pressure during downshifting, when downshifting in a state in which required input torque, which is torque that is required to be transferred to the input member, is set to a positive torque, and the control device controls the engagement pressure of the direct coupling clutch to a pressure equal to or higher than the direct coupling limit engagement pressure during downshifting or upshifting, when performing downshifting in a state in which the required input torque is set to a negative torque, or when performing upshifting regardless of the required input torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuaki INAGAKI, Hiroya UENO, Takeshi TATEISHI, Nobuhiro IWAI, Hiroshi TSUTSUI
  • Patent number: 8028780
    Abstract: To ensure that an energy supply operation can be performed safely and smoothly on a vehicle having a plurality of energy ports such as a charging port, charging ports for supplying electric energy to a high voltage battery and a fuel supply port for supplying fuel to a fuel tank are provided in a vehicle body as energy supply ports. The fuel supply port and charging ports are respectively provided with lid members that are switched between a closed state and an open state by respective lock mechanisms. When closure of one lid member is released, all of the other lid members are prohibited from being switched to the open state, and therefore the number of energy supply ports having an open lid member is limited to one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouhei Sagawa, Naoki Watabe, Takahito Shiina, Nobuhisa Yamaguchi, Takashi Tamura, Shingo Ishida
  • Publication number: 20110231047
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an air compressor system for supplying compressed air to an air consuming circuit, wherein the vehicle includes an arrangement for determining that the vehicle is coasting. The compressor system is controllable to deliver compressed air at a first power rate and at least at a second higher power rate, and it is controlled to deliver compressed air at the second higher power rate when it is determined that the vehicle is coasting. A method for operating an air compressor system for such a vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: RENAULT TRUCKS
    Inventors: Luc Aixala, Christophe Long, Philippe Le Brusq
  • Publication number: 20110224855
    Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain of a motor vehicle may comprise: providing a powertrain comprising an automatic transmission arranged between a drive unit and an axle drive, wherein an input shaft of the automatic transmission is connected with the drive unit by means of a controllable clutch and an output shaft is connected with the axle drive, and wherein the powertrain comprises also a gearbox-sided, transient auxiliary drive that is selectively connected for activating or engaging a gearbox-sided connecting point or disconnected for deactivating or disengaging from the connecting point; determining, when the gearbox-sided transient auxiliary output is activated or engaged, a load to be borne at the performance of a gearshift; and specifying, depending on the determined load, whether the gearshift is going to be performed and what synchronous elements of the powertrain are being used to perform the gearshift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: FLORIAN SCHNEIDER, Roland Mair
  • Publication number: 20110218699
    Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic geared transmission of a vehicle drive train. The transmission is linked, on the input side, to a hybrid drive which comprising an engine and an electric motor and, on the output side, to an axle drive and wheels. During vehicle stand still with the engine and/or electric motor operating and a disengaged drive train, rolling of the motor vehicle is prevented, or at least limited, by shifting the transmission. When the automatic geared transmission is in the neutral position (Gl=N), a safety function is activated to avoid uncontrolled rolling of the vehicle in which actuation of shift operating elements, the throttle and the brake pedal, as well as the rolling speed, are captured by sensors and in which, when the drive operating elements (shift operating element xSBE=0, throttle xFP=0, brake pedal xBP=0) are not activated, a starting gear is engaged once a predetermined limiting speed (vRoll>vGr) is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Rainer Petzold
  • Publication number: 20110213521
    Abstract: A control system of a hybrid vehicle, includes: an engine; a motor capable of driving the engine; an oil pump for supplying a lubricant oil to a lubrication requiring portion of the engine; and an engine lubrication controller configured to make the following operations in a case that a stop state of the engine continues for more than or equal to a certain period: when a vehicle stop condition that a driver has no intention of travel is established, supplying, by the oil pump, the lubricant oil to the lubrication requiring portion of the engine, and rotating the engine by the motor without igniting the engine, thereby implementing an engine lubrication control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Takao ITO, Yoshiyuki Ootake, Masaki Koga, Tetsuya Iwasaki, Takashi Ogino, Yasuhiro Konishi, Tomoyuki Koike, Hiroyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8006508
    Abstract: An air conditioner for vehicles in which the probability of executing pre-air conditioning is increased so that it may be prevented that the inside of the vehicle cannot be often in a comfortable state before the driver gets into the vehicle. The air conditioner performs air conditioning of a vehicle having a traveling motor and an engine as drive sources and comprises a pre-air conditioning main switch. The crew permits operation of pre-air conditioning by turning the switch on. When the pre-air conditioning main switch is set on, an engine control section performs charge preference control where battery charge takes precedence of engine fuel consumption and performs normal control where engine fuel consumption takes precedence when the pre-air conditioning main switch is set off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihiko Kojima
  • Patent number: 8005587
    Abstract: Environment conditions expected to be encountered by a vehicle are used as inputs in determining operating modes of a motive power system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. A vehicle operating in charge depleting mode may transition to operate in charge sustaining mode if the vehicle is expected to encounter circumstances where it is desirable to allow the vehicle to more quickly respond to sudden requests for torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Michael Alan Tamor, Krishnaswamy Venkatesh Prasad, Craig H. Stephan
  • Publication number: 20110184615
    Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-rollback control system for use in a motor vehicle, having a powertrain which includes an ICE and/or an electric motor, and an automatic or automated transmission system, for preventing undesired rolling of said vehicle on an incline. Said anti-rollback control system comprises: a tilt sensor; a sensor that detects the selected transmission's operating mode; operator-independent accelerator pedal position-adjusting device; and an accelerator pedal control module. The control module receives signals from the sensors, process said signals, and send instructions accordingly to said accelerator pedal position-adjusting device to move the accelerator pedal to a predetermined position according to which the vehicle's powertrain generates a preset amount of mechanical power sufficient to create a force, in the intended direction of movement of the vehicle, equivalent to, or bigger than, the gravitational force tending to roll the vehicle in the unwanted direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: ESSAM TAWFIK MARCUS
  • Patent number: 7987029
    Abstract: A control input for operating an actual vehicle actuator and a control input for operating a vehicle model are determined by an FB distribution law based on a state amount error which is a difference between a reference state amount determined by a vehicle model and an actual state amount of an actual vehicle such that the state amount error is approximated to zero. An actuator device of the actual vehicle and the model vehicle, respectively, are then operated based on the control inputs. The FB distribution law estimates an external force acting on the actual vehicle due to a control input for operating an actual vehicle actuator, and determines a control input for operating the vehicle model on the basis of the estimated value and a basic value of a control input for operating the vehicle model for approximating the state amount error to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Takayuki Toyoshima, Hiroyuki Urabe, Hiroshi Kono
  • Publication number: 20110178665
    Abstract: A controller for the hybrid system includes: an alcohol concentration detector that detects alcohol concentration of fuel; a demanded coolant temperature setting device that sets a demanded coolant temperature higher as the alcohol concentration increases; an internal combustion engine stopped state determination device that determines whether an internal combustion engine is stopped; an external electric power source connection determination device that determines whether a storage battery is connected to an external electric power source; and a coolant pre-heating device that supplies electric power to a coolant heater until coolant temperature of the coolant reaches the demanded coolant temperature if the internal combustion engine is in the stopped state and the storage battery is connected to the external electric power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru YOSHIOKA, Fumito CHIBA, Takahiro TSUKAGOSHI
  • Publication number: 20110174559
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is taught herein in which a clutch is disposed between an engine and a motor/generator and disengagement of the clutch is controlled in a coasting drive while dragging the engine. A drive controller engages the clutch so that the vehicle coasts while dragging the engine at a time of coasting deceleration. While coasting, when the stepped transmission of the hybrid vehicle downshifts, the clutch is disengaged during the downshift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masakazu Saito, Munetoshi Ueno
  • Patent number: 7976110
    Abstract: A hybrid braking system that operates in conjunction with a foundation braking system, whether an air, hydraulic, electric, mechanical or electric braking system. Recovered energy is returned to the axle wheels in a controlled manner while the vehicle is in motion and certain criteria are met so as to compensate for aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance for instance but not at a rate to accelerate or launch a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Guy Thomas Rini
  • Publication number: 20110166729
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for enhancing fuel economy of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) with a high-voltage storage battery and a heat transfer device. Whether a user has elected to enhance the fuel economy of the HEV is determined. When the user has elected to enhance the fuel economy, a command signal is generated increasing operation of the heat transfer device to reduce a temperature of the high-voltage storage battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush
  • Publication number: 20110166756
    Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-rollback control system for use in a motor vehicle, having a powertrain which includes an ICE and/or an electric motor, and an automatic or automated transmission system, for preventing undesired rolling of said vehicle on an incline. Said anti-rollback control system comprises: a tilt sensor; a sensor that detects the selected transmission's operating mode; operator-independent accelerator pedal position-adjusting device; and an accelerator pedal control module. The control module receives signals from the sensors, process said signals, and send instructions accordingly to said accelerator pedal position-adjusting device to move the accelerator pedal to a predetermined position according to which the vehicle's powertrain generates a preset amount of mechanical power sufficient to create a force, in the intended direction of movement of the vehicle, equivalent to, or bigger than, the gravitational force tending to roll the vehicle in the unwanted direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: ESSAM TAWFIK MARCUS
  • Publication number: 20110137505
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Hans Stervik, Jan Öberg
  • Publication number: 20110125353
    Abstract: A driving apparatus includes a first transmission mechanism receiving mechanical power from an engine output shaft by a first input shaft, a second transmission mechanism receiving the mechanical power from the engine output shaft and a motor by a second input shaft, and a first clutch capable of engaging the engine output shaft with the first input shaft. When performing cranking of an internal-combustion engine, an ECU selects a gear position of the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism to reduce speed of the mechanical power received by the second input shaft and transmit the power to the first input shaft, and puts the first clutch into an engaging state. The speed of the mechanical power from the motor is reduced by the first and second transmission mechanisms to increase torque, and power is transmitted to the engine output shaft through the first clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Osamu Komeda, Mitsuhiro Tabata, Sachio Toyora, Hiroshi Sato, Koji Murakami, Junichi Morimura
  • Publication number: 20110114403
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a drivetrain or powertrain system including a unique, cost-effective, reliable means for creating a hybrid power system that utilizes a vehicle's stock manual transmission. The instant invention has the advantage of eliminating the cost and complexity of sophisticated transmissions, as well as replacing the vehicles starter and alternator. These basic components result in a cost effective, efficient and reliable drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Simon A. Hauger, Ronald A. Preiss, Gerald C. Dilossi, Ann Cohen
  • Patent number: 7941259
    Abstract: Vehicular drive system which is small-sized and/or improved in its fuel economy. A power distributing mechanism 16, which is provided with a differential-state switching device in the form of a switching clutch C0 and a switching brake B0, is switchable by the switching device between a differential state (continuously-variable shifting state) in which the mechanism is operable as an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission, and a fixed-speed-ratio shifting state in which the mechanism is operable as a transmission having a fixed speed ratio or ratios. The power distributing mechanism 16 is placed in the fixed-speed-ratio shifting state during a high-speed running of the vehicle or a high-speed operation of engine 8, so that the output of the engine 8 is transmitted to drive wheels 38 primarily through a mechanical power transmitting path, whereby fuel economy of the vehicle is improved owing to reduction of a loss of conversion of a mechanical energy into an electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga
  • Patent number: 7909582
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling two oil pumps which are provided on a vehicle wherein the two oil pumps are selectively driven by respective different drive power sources such that one of the two oil pumps is operated while the other oil pump is held at rest, the control apparatus including an air removal control portion configured to temporarily operate the above-indicated other oil pump during an operation of the above-indicated one oil pump, to remove air staying at and around an oil inlet of the above-indicated other oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 7908877
    Abstract: A method of controlling a HVAC system for a hybrid vehicle having a refrigerant compressor driven by an engine is disclosed. The method may comprise: determining a requested air conditioning operating point for a passenger compartment; estimating a time to reach the requested operating point; based on the previous steps, estimating a maximum allowed compressor off time; determining if the allowed compressor off time is greater than a minimum engine off time; if the allowed compressor off time is greater than the engine off time, determining if the vehicle is entering an allowable engine off mode; if so, commencing engine shut-off mode; if engine shut-off is anticipated, prior to commencing the shut-off mode, adjusting the HVAC system to maximize cooling of the passenger compartment with minimum energy usage; and if the engine shut-off is commenced, monitoring the HVAC system to determine when engine restart is needed to maintain comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Carlson, Lawrence P. Ziehr, Todd M. Tumas
  • Publication number: 20110056755
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hybrid industrial vehicle which can perform steering operation and the like during idling stop, without using a complicated mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Kensuke Futahashi, Masataka Kawaguchi, Kiyomitsu Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7878282
    Abstract: A control device for hybrid vehicle is provided with property alter means 88 that is operative based on whether or not an EV running mode is set and alters a given property used for determining demanded output torque TOUTt of a transmission mechanism by referring to an accelerator opening Acc. This suppresses occurrence of engine startup to meet a requirement for the EV running mode to be initiated. The property alter means alters the given property such that during an EV running mode turn-on state, demanded output torque TOUTt determined based on the accelerator opening Acc has a lower value than that set for an EV running mode turn-off state. That is, this causes a drop in sensitivity of demanded output torque TOUTt determined based on the accelerator opening Acc. Thus, the occurrence of engine startup induced upon depressive operation of an accelerator pedal during the EV running mode is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 7865287
    Abstract: There is described hybrid powertrain operation and control. Preferred power flows from an engine to an electro-mechanical transmission and from an energy storage system to an electric machine are determined based upon an operator torque request. Operation of the engine, the electric machine, and the electro-mechanical transmission are controlled to substantially meet the operator torque request. Actual power flow from the energy storage device is monitored. The power flow from the engine is adjusted based upon a difference between the actual and preferred power flows from the energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Huseman
  • Patent number: 7857081
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle in which, even if during traveling of the hybrid vehicle, a battery defect arises in a high-voltage power source, battery-less emergency traveling can be achieved over a sufficiently long distance, and the steering assist force can be effectively prevented from changing rapidly during traveling. The control section includes high-voltage power source defect processing unit. During execution of a mode in which the high-voltage power source, is reduced so that the reduced voltage is supplied to an electric power steering device (EPS), when a defect occurs in the high-voltage power source, the high-voltage power source defect processing unit shifts to a mode in which the low voltage of a low-voltage power source is increased so that the increased voltage is supplied to the EPS. The high-voltage power source defect processing unit then disconnects the high-voltage power source and the driving circuit from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Kishimoto
  • Publication number: 20100320018
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing driveaway or roll away of a plug-in electric vehicle when it is being charged or is coupled to an external power supply cord. When it is detected based on at least one of the following conditions: a current is flowing to the battery charger, a voltage source is coupled to the battery charger, an access door allowing access to the receptacle on board the vehicle is open and/or a plug detect switch indicates that a plug is coupled with the receptacle, a mechanical restraint on the driveline is prevented from being released. The mechanical restraint may be a parking brake. Alternatively, the mechanical restraint may include preventing the gear shift selector from being moved out of the park position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Gwozdek, James A. Lathrop, Karin Lovett, Jerry Mils
  • Publication number: 20100320019
    Abstract: In hybrid electric vehicles having increased battery storage capacity and plug-in capability, electric-only operation of significant duration is available. To supplement lubrication for the electric and mechanical component provided by an engine-driven mechanical pump, an electric pump is provided in parallel to the mechanical pump. A method to control the electric pump is also disclosed in which a first desired quantity of a first component and a second desired quantity of a second component are determined. The electric pump is commanded to provide the greater of the first and second quantities. The desired quantity can be based on preventing temperature in the component from exceeding a maximum design temperature and/or providing sufficient lubrication to rotating parts of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Allan Roy Gale, Michael W. Degner, Paul Theodore Momcilovich
  • Publication number: 20100308986
    Abstract: A method of transmitting driver specific vehicle data includes entering driver specific hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) operating parameter settings for a plurality of drivers into a vehicle controller; identifying a vehicle driver; displaying driver specific HEV data within the vehicle; and configuring HEV operating parameters in accordance with the driver specific HEV operating parameter settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Allen D. Dobryden, William P. Perkins, Ryan Skaff, Derek Hartl
  • Patent number: 7841434
    Abstract: In an electric drive system for a vehicle, an alternator is driven by an engine to generate electric power which is used to drive a motor to generate a driving force. During a retardation of the vehicle, the motor is operated as an alternator to convert kinetic energy to electric energy which is used to retard the vehicle. A retard resistor is provided for absorbing electric energy generated during the retardation state. The retard resistor is cooled down by an AC blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keizo Shimada, Yasuhiro Kiyofuji, Naoshi Sugawara, Kazuhiro Imaie, Shintarou Oku, Takashi Yagyu
  • Patent number: 7823669
    Abstract: An electric motor radiator (34), a feeding mechanism (30), and a cooling oil circulation path (32) constitute a cooling mechanism that cools the electric motor (6) via an electric motor cooling oil that is a cooling medium. The electric motor radiator (34) forms a circulation path between the electric motor (6), and cooling of the electric motor (6) is performed via the electric motor cooling oil. A PCU radiator (44), a feeding mechanism (40) and a cooling water circulation path (42) constitute a cooling mechanism that cools a PCU (8) via a PCU cooling water that is a cooling medium. The PCU radiator (44) forms a circulation path between the PCU (8), and cooling of the PCU (8) is performed via the PCU cooling water. Further, the feeding mechanism (30, 40) operate by power received from a power storage portion (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Bandai, Tomonari Taguchi, Hideto Minekawa
  • Patent number: 7819213
    Abstract: A power output apparatus generates a commercial AC voltage across neutral points of first and second motor generators. The power output apparatus includes a leakage detecting device, and upon detection of leakage by the leakage detecting device, causes an AC output cutoff circuit to operate and also shuts down one or both of the first and second motor generators according to the operational states at the time. Further, the leakage detecting device performs checking of the leakage detecting function in response to a test signal from a control device, before outputting the commercial AC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hichirosai Oyobe, Tetsuhiro Ishikawa, Yukihiro Minezawa
  • Publication number: 20100230193
    Abstract: A vehicle having a vehicle body has an interior portion with a plurality of trim components. A plurality of windows are supported on the body and positioned next to the interior portion. An electrical charging system having a rechargeable battery is attached to the vehicle body and configured to receive an electrical charge from at least one of an on-board charger, an external charger or a charging station. A display panel is connected to the electrical charging system and mounted on one of the trim components. The display panel is configured to display information indicative of a status of the electrical charging system. The display panel is disposed in a position such that the information is visible from a position exterior to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Duane M. Grider, Daniel William Forthoffer
  • Patent number: 7766109
    Abstract: Hybrid powertrains and methods of operating the hybrid powertrains are provided. In an embodiment, the method includes determining whether a temperature of a battery pack in a battery pack module is above or below a first threshold, and providing a command to an electrically variable transmission module to select either a first mode or a second mode in which to operate, when the determination is made that the temperature of the battery pack is below the first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Thompson, James Sydenstricker