Abstract: A vehicular transmission mechanism, switchable between a continuously-variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state, and a control device for controlling an operation of switching of the shifting state of the transmission mechanism so as to reduce its switching shock and improve the durability of coupling devices. The transmission mechanism 10 is switchable between the electrically established continuously-variable shifting state and the step-variable shifting state, by selective releasing and engaging actions of a switching clutch and brake.

Abstract: A method for providing an active engine stop of the engine of a hybrid electric vehicle. The method utilizes the electric machine to oppose and rapidly stop the rotation of the engine at a controlled rate. The method includes the calculation of an input speed reduction trajectory using the engine speed when the active engine stop request is made and a predetermined speed reduction interval. The speed reduction interval is less than a time from the active stop request to the shutoff command to the electric machine The method provides rapid deceleration of the engine, particularly through the powertrain resonance speed, reducing the amount of vibration energy dissipated through the powertrain and chassis. The method removes the electric machine torques from the engine prior to achieving zero engine speed in order to avoid imparting a negative engine speed or counter-rotation of the engine.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, which enables a smooth torque transmission when an engine of the vehicle is started from an idling stop state. The hydraulic control apparatus includes an engine and a motor as power sources, a transmission having a torque converter, a clutch for a starting gear, an engine automatic stop and start device which is associated with the engine, a motor-driven oil pump for supplying oil pressure to the transmission, a brake pedal sensor, an accelerator pedal sensor, an engine revolution rate sensor. The oil pressure applied to the clutch is controlled to a level corresponding to a creeping torque when the engine is automatically stopped. When the brake pedal is released, the engine is automatically started, the accelerator pedal is not depressed, and the engine revolution rate is less than an idling revolution rate, the oil pressure applied to the clutch is maintained to the level corresponding to the creeping torque.

Abstract: A vehicle drive control system comprising a primary driving system having a first power source for providing torque to a first set of one or more wheels and an auxiliary driving system having a second power source for providing torque to a second set of one or more wheels of the vehicle. The auxiliary driving control system is configured to apply torque to a second set of one or more wheels of the vehicle to arrest downhill movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical transmission system, driven by a prime mover, includes two epicyclic gearsets connected between input and output shafts, and two electrical machines having their rotors connected to respective elements of the two gearsets. The torque on the output shaft is boosted by a controller, which dumps energy from the system when one of the machines is acting as a generator and the other as a motor.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus is provided that distributes an engine braking torque Tbe to the front and rear wheels in accordance with an ideal braking torque distribution to suppress and prevent the tendency for one of either the front or rear wheels to lock when the engine braking torque operates. When the road surface friction state is a low friction state and the engine braking torque operates, the brake control apparatus derives an engine braking torque Tbe and distributes the engine braking torque Tbe to the front and rear wheels in accordance with the ideal braking torque distribution. In addition, when the engine braking torque reduction amount is small, the engine drives a generator connected to the engine. When the friction state between the wheels and the road surface is not in the low friction state, the generator attached to the engine is operated as a motor that supplements driving of the engine to reduce the engine braking torque of the engine.

Abstract: A method of dissipating power in a propelled machine having an electric drive includes converting undesired power to electric power by the electric drive, and driving an internal combustion engine with at least a portion of the electric power prior to substantially dissipating power with any other power dissipating device.

Abstract: A power outputting apparatus determines whether a parking gear and a parking lock pole of a parking lock mechanism are engaged. When they are engaged, a second motor outputs a torque which is the sum of a pushing torque that is slightly greater than torque pulses generated in a ring gear shaft by the torque pulses of the engine during cranking, and a reaction force torque necessary for cranking so that a first motor cranks an engine. As a result, it is possible to suppress the parking gear and the parking lock pole of the parking lock mechanism from vibrating due to the torque pulses generated during cranking of the engine, and thus also minimize the contact noise resulting therefrom.

Abstract: A transmission in which an electric motor is inserted between a couple of clutch shafts of a twin-clutch type automatic transmission with the torque and speed of the electric motor being controlled. The pre-stage gear is released after the torque transfer is completed with the electric motor, and the clutch is exchanged after synchronizing the motor speed with the electric motor. Friction control of the clutch is not performed.

Abstract: A control unit (14) for regulating the transmission ratio of a transmission (8) which is located in a drive train together with a motor (1), in order to obtain braking assistance through the braking torque of the motor (1) is disclosed. The control unit comprises several signal inputs for receiving the desired braking torque (MSET) and the number of revolutions (nACT) of the motor (1) and/or the vehicle speed; a calculation unit for determining the suitable transmission ratio (ü) of the transmission (8) for achieving the desired braking torque in accordance with the desired braking torque (MSET) and the number of revolutions (nACT) or the vehicle speed; and a signal output for outputting a control signal (ü) which determines the transmission ratio of the transmission (8). An electrical generator (5) which feeds a battery (6) and which has an additional braking torque is located in the drive train.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus performs regenerative braking by regeneratively operating first and second motor-generators to apply first and second braking torques in response to a deceleration request. The vehicle control apparatus is improves the efficiency in regeneratively generating electric power without greatly disturbing the balance between the. The control apparatus calculates an ideal front-rear wheel distribution ratio for front wheel braking torque and the rear wheel braking torque, and also calculates a distribution allowance for the ideal front-rear wheel distribution ratio. The control apparatus then corrects the ideal front-rear wheel distribution ratio within the distribution allowance such that the electric power generation efficiencies of the first motor-generator connected to the rear wheels and the second motor-generator connected to the front wheels are increased.

Abstract: A vehicle driving force control apparatus is provided for a vehicle to prevent a shock from being generated when a clutch disposed between a subordinate drive source and subordinate drive wheels is transferred to a disengaged state during vehicle travel. When a transition is made from a four-wheel drive state to a two-wheel drive state, and a clutch is released during vehicle travel, the motor torque is maintained constant at a level of a clutch-release torque required by the electric motor as the output for bringing the torque on the clutch substantially to zero.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward methods for operating a series hybrid vehicle in a manner that responds to the operator's demand for power output, while maximizing engine efficiency and minimizing disruptions in vehicle drivability. According to principles of the present invention, when the driver of a series hybrid vehicle makes a demand for power output, whether the secondary power source(s) is supplied with secondary energy stored in an energy storage device(s), direct input energy generated by an engine(s), or both, depends on the amount of available secondary energy stored in the vehicle's secondary storage device(s) alone, and in combination with vehicle speed. During the time that the engine is used to generate secondary energy, the power efficiency level at which the engine is operated also depends on the vehicle speed and the amount of available secondary energy stored in the vehicle's secondary storage device alone, and in combination with vehicle speed.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine (4) in a vehicle equipped with an electrodynamic drive system (2), which is comprised of an electric motor (24) and a planetary transmission (14) between the internal combustion engine (4) and a manual transmission (6) with an input shaft (28), provides that first the electric motor (24) is accelerated to a speed that is fundamentally sufficient to start the internal combustion engine (4); this is followed by a controlled closing of a brake (32) designed to halt the rotation of the input shaft (28) of the manual transmission (6) against a stationary housing component (34), whereby a level of torque that represents the sum of electromotive torque and rotational torque of the rotating components acts upon the internal combustion engine (4).

Abstract: A motor torque control system for a vehicle equipped with a drive torque generating motor is comprised of a vehicle speed detector, an accelerator opening detector, a brake depression detector and a control unit. The control unit rapidly brings a motor torque to zero when a vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined speed, when an accelerator opening is substantially zero, and when a brake depression quantity is increasing, and generates the motor torque according to the brake depression quantity when the brake depression quantity is deceasing.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a drive arrangement for the drive of attached implements for a vehicle, particularly an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle, with a combination gearbox, an electrical machine and a power take-off shaft, where a gearbox interface of the combination gearbox can be driven by an internal combustion engine and where the electrical machine is connected with a second gearbox interface of the combination gearbox. In order to make available a variable power take-off shaft rotational speed that is independent of the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, the drive arrangement according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the power take-off shaft is connected with a third gearbox interface of the combination gearbox. Furthermore the present invention concerns a vehicle with such a drive arrangement.

Abstract: There is provided a method for automatic operation of a vehicle comprising an engine, a starter motor, an engine clutch, and a plurality of vehicle systems. After detecting that the engine is running, the vehicle systems are checked to ensure an acceptable status for shutting down the engine. A negative torque is applied to the engine to shut it down. Vehicle systems are monitored until they indicate that the engine should be restarted. The engine is restarted, and a successful start of the engine is then confirmed. Similarly, there is provided a method for the cold start of a vehicle as above. The starter motor is powered up with an initial torque and vehicle systems are monitored to determine whether the engine should be started. The engine is started from the torque of the starter motor, and a successful start of the engine is then confirmed.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle of the present invention includes a brake 62 that fixes a sun gear shaft 31a linked with a sun gear 31 of a power distribution integration mechanism 30, and a clutch 64 that mechanically connects a drive shaft 36 with a motor MG2 and releases the mechanical connection of the drive shaft 36 with the motor MG2. In the case of a relatively low vehicle speed, the power of an engine 22 is subjected to torque conversion by the power distribution integration mechanism and motors MG1 and MG2 and is output to the drive shaft 36, while the brake 62 is in OFF position and the clutch 64 is in ON position. In the case of a relatively high vehicle speed, on the other hand, the power of the engine 22 is directly output to the drive shaft 36, while the brake 62 is in ON position and the clutch 64 is in OFF position.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle that is provided with an engine and a motor generator as power sources, includes a clutch which automatically engages or disengages to cause or interrupt rotation transmission between the output shaft of the engine and the input shaft of a transmission, a power transmission mechanism which transmits power between the input/output shaft of the motor generator and the input shaft of the transmission, and a hybrid control unit which selectively disengages the clutch and drives the motor generator. The clutch is disengaged according to running conditions, and the rotation speed of the motor generator is varied by the transmission to drive the vehicle. In this way, the region in which the motor generator operates efficiently is expanded, and fuel consumption by the hybrid vehicle is reduced.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus includes a brake depression degree detecting device for detecting a degree of depression of a brake pedal in a vehicle. A brake depression degree judging device operates for judging whether or not the detected degree of depression of the brake pedal is smaller than a prescribed value. A deceleration detecting device operates for detecting a deceleration of the vehicle. An automatic engine stop and restart controlling device operates for automatically stopping an engine powering the vehicle when the deceleration detecting device detects a deceleration of the vehicle and the brake depression degree judging device judges that the detected degree of depression of the brake pedal is not smaller than the prescribed value.

Abstract: A hybrid four-axis drive apparatus has an engine and a generator on a first axis, a motor on a second axis, a counter gear mechanism on a third axis, and a differential device on a fourth axis. The engine and the generator are connected to the countershaft through a differential gear device. The differential gear device and the countershaft are connected by a first pair of gears. The motor and the countershaft are directly connected by a second pair of gears. The countershaft and the differential device are directly connected by a third pair of gears. Therefore, it becomes possible to change the gear ratio of the pair of gears without changing the positions of the four axes relative to one another. At least one embodiment of the invention has the motor disposed on the first axis, thus, reducing the number of axes to three.

Abstract: An engine control system for hybrid vehicles, so as to smoothly switch the driving operation from the cylinder-deactivated engine operation, in which at least a part of the total number of cylinders of the engine is deactivated, to the all-cylinder-activated engine operation while considering the driver's intention. When the vehicle is decelerated, the cylinder-deactivated engine operation is performed and regeneration using the motor is performed. The system includes a cylinder deactivation release determining section for releasing the cylinder-deactivated engine operation when an engine speed decreases to a reference engine speed with respect to the cylinder-deactivated engine operation; and a brake operation detecting section for detecting whether a brake pedal is depressed.

Abstract: An engine control system for hybrid vehicles, so as to smoothly switch the driving operation from the cylinder-deactivated engine operation, in which at least a part of the total number of cylinders of the engine is deactivated, to the all-cylinder-activated engine operation while considering the driver's intention. When the vehicle is decelerated, the cylinder-deactivated engine operation is performed and regeneration using the motor is performed. The system includes a cylinder deactivation release determining section for releasing the cylinder-deactivated engine operation when an engine speed decreases to a reference engine speed with respect to the cylinder-deactivated engine operation; and a brake operation detecting section for detecting whether a brake pedal is depressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the automatic transmission in general, and in particular to the speed of the car automatically converting according to the difference of the turbine runner's torque gained from the engine, and the load transmitted to the ring gear of the gear reduction device. Further, utilizing the energy of the electricity.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle of the present invention determines whether a brake switch flag F_BKSW is “1” or not (step S101), and in the case where the brake is on (“yes”), obtains a deceleration regeneration computation value DECRGN by table retrieval from a #REGENBR table. In the case where the brake is off (“no”), it is determined whether a fuel supply cut delay time regeneration flag F_RGNFCD is “1” or not (step S104). In the case where regeneration is not performed in the fuel supply cut delay time (“no”), a deceleration regeneration computation value DECRGN is obtained by table retrieval from a #REGEN table (step S105). On the other hand, in the case where regeneration is performed in the fuel supply cut delay time (“yes”), a deceleration regeneration computation value DECRGN is obtained by table retrieval from a #RGNNFCD table (step S106).

Abstract: An engine control system and method is disclosed, which reduces driver's feeling of unease relating to the operation of driving a vehicle which is idle-controlled so as to reduce the exhaust gas discharge, thereby improving the driving operability. The method comprising the steps of detecting a switch of the driving mode of the vehicle from a first normal driving range to a second normal driving range different from the first normal driving range; detecting whether the engine is currently in a stopped state due to an automatic stop operation; detecting whether a brake for stopping the vehicle is currently being operated; and automatically starting the engine if it is determined that the engine is currently in a stopped state due to the automatic stop operation, and that the driving mode has been switched to the second normal driving range, and that the brake is not currently being operated.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter of the type having a lock-up clutch plate that is operated in response to drive line conditions to connect the torque converter turbine and the torque converter impeller so as to provide a direct drive from an engine to a drive line transmission is modified to include a one way clutch that is connected between the impeller and the turbine and operative to free wheel during torque transfer from an engine to a transmission connected to the output from the torque converter and operative to lock up in the coast or back direction of drive to prevent engine stall during vehicle coasting maneuvers.

Abstract: A vehicle provided with an engine 1 which generates a driving energy for the vehicle, planetary gears 4 and 6 comprising sun gears, planet gears and ring gears, motors 8 and 9 for respectively controlling the sun gears, and a clutch 14, the planet gears being connected to an input shaft driven by the engine and the ring gears connected to an output shaft for driving wheels, wherein gear ratios from the input shafts to the output shafts in the planetary gears 4 and 6 are set at a value different to each other. A stepless speed changing function which permits vehicular operation in a high engine efficiency region while minimizing an electrical energy loss is realized by a small-sized transmission using small-sized motors. The vehicle, which uses the transmission, can be operated in a high engine efficiency region while keeping an electrical energy loss to a minimum.

Abstract: A vehicle having an antilock brake system to control a brake so as to suppress locking of wheels when a slip ratio of the wheels exceeds a predetermined value is also provided with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). When antilock brake control is being performed, a drive shaft torque controller computes a command torque of an engine and command drive ratio of the CVT so that a drive shaft torque is a predetermined torque. An engine controller controls the engine according to the command torque and a CVT controller controls the transmission according to the command drive ratio.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle reduces a shock and improves the fuel consumption rate when an engine is under a fuel cut control at the time of reducing a speed through an operation of a brake pedal. In case that all conditions are fulfilled, that is, the fuel cut control, the speed reduction of not less than a predetermined level, and the non-full charge state of a battery, the program locks an intake valve and an exhaust valve in full open position and carries out a regenerative control with a generator 14. This procedure enables a cylinder to be connected with an intake air conduit and an exhaust conduit via the passages of the intake valve and the exhaust valve, thereby preventing compression of a gas in the cylinder and effectively reducing friction.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for braking a hybrid drive vehicle, kinetic vehicular energy is converted by the driving electric motor into electrical power, which alternatively can be absorbed by charging a traction battery or by driving a combustion engine via a generator coupled to the engine, which is functioning as a motor. According to the invention, engine braking is activated if the traction battery is fully charged, if its temperature lies outside a predetermined charging temperature range, or if the charging current due to the electrical power supplied by the driving electric motor exceeds a predetermined limit value.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is capable of complying with a request for immediate acceleration while the vehicle is moving at a low speed and of being powered by a motor small in size so that the vehicle can be small in size and light in weight. The driving force of engine is supplemented by that of a motor. An output shaft is provided between the engine and the motor. A controller responds to a high torque requirement by increasing engine torque. When the vehicle moves normally, the engine is operated in an output range of high efficiency and low-pollution with output to an output shaft shared by a generator and motor, and while the generator generates electric-power, the engine output is combined with the output of the motor to drive the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A transmission which allows for relative rotation between an input shaft in an output shaft while lowering fuel consumption. An electric motor/generator has one element fixed to a reaction-force element of a planetary gear unit in low gear. Consequently, when the vehicle is halted, the relative rotation between the input shaft and the output shaft in the transmission can be utilized as a reaction-force to drive the motor/generator as a generator. Since electric power is generated by means of the motor/generator, the generated energy is collected and fuel consumption by the engine is reduced. In other gear stages, the motor/generator is adapted to receive the energy produced when the vehicle is decelerated by means of regenerative braking.

Abstract: A drive system for driving a flexible elongate member such as a haulage chain for a mineral mining machine or scraper-chain assembly of a scraper-chain conveyor of a mineral mining installation employs main and auxiliary drive units each equipped with an electric asynchronous motor drivably connected through a gearing assembly to a sprocket around which the chain or scraper-chain assembly is entrained. The gearing assemblies each employ a multi-disc clutch which is subjected to variable loading pressure and slippage by means of a valve actuated by electrical signals provided by an electronic controller. Each clutch acts through gears on a ring gear of planetary gearing and the ring gear wheel is subjected to a controlled supportive torque. The electronic controller is designed to actuate the associated valves to adjust the clutches to balance loading on the motors of the units.

Abstract: A drive and braking arrangement for a motor vehicle has at least one electric motor which drives the motor vehicle in dependence on the setting of an accelerator pedal. A forward drive or reverse drive selector (15) adjusts the driving direction of rotation of the electric motor, and a sensor is provided for detecting the driving speed of the motor vehicle. In order to control the braking force of a friction brake arrangement acting on at least one wheel of the motor vehicle, an actuating drive is provided which is set to a braking position by an electronic control unit when the accelerator pedal remains in a driving position for longer than a predetermined period of time and at the same time the detected driving speed is zero and/or when the sensor associated with the control unit detects an actual movement of the motor vehicle in the direction opposite to the driving direction selected at the selector.

Abstract: A pre-assembled disc stack having a predetermined cross-section within a preset tolerance which is installable and removable as a unit with respect to a drive, brake or a combination thereof, composed of a plurality of annular discs stacked in a prearranged order, in which a first set of annular discs is structured for engaging a first component of a drive, brake or combination thereof, and in which a second set of annular discs is structured for engaging a second component of the clutch, brake or combination thereof which is rotatably mounted with respect to the first component. The first and second sets of annular discs are mutually connected together as a unit by a plurality of alignment pins which pass through circumferentially disposed alignment holes in the second set of annular discs which effectively trap the first set of annular discs with respect to the second set of annular discs in the aforesaid prearranged order.

Abstract: In a hybrid drive for a motor vehicle, a three-phase machine fed by a three-phase converter is coupled via the layshaft of the gearbox to a conventional internal-combustion engine drive train. Both the internal combustion engine and the three-phase machine can be of conventional design. In addition to the known operating modes of a hybrid drive, the three-phase machine serves as a synchronization aid for the gear change in that the layshaft is accelerated in a suitable manner during the shifting operation. As a result, the mechanical synchronization devices in the gearbox have virtually no friction work to perform and can be of correspondingly smaller dimensions.