Prime Movers Comprising Electrical And Internal Combustion Motors (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/902)
  • Patent number: 8979704
    Abstract: A hybrid drive of a motor vehicle having an automated manual transmission with two input shafts and a common output shaft. The first input shaft can be connected to the drive shaft of an internal combustion engine by a clutch and can be brought into a drive connection to the output shaft by a first group of shiftable gearwheel sets. The second input shaft has a drive connection to the rotor of an electric machine, which can operate as a motor and a generator, and can be brought into a drive connection with the output shaft by a second group of selectively shiftable gearwheel sets. The input shafts can be coupled by coupling-shift element. The hybrid drive is provided with a second electric machine, which can operate as a motor and a generator and has a rotor that can be connected to the first input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Uwe Griesmeier
  • Publication number: 20150068831
    Abstract: A drive unit for a hybrid vehicle which has a front axle and a rear axle, having an internal combustion engine, which is arranged in the region of the front axle, for driving at least the rear axle, an electric machine for driving the front axle, and a front axle differential which has an input member for receiving a drive power output from the electric machine, and two output members for coupling to a respective wheel of the front axle. The electric machine and the front axle differential are arranged along the front axle on opposed sides of the internal combustion engine, the electric machine being coupled in drive terms to the input member of the front axle differential via a connecting shaft which is guided through an oil sump of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Philipp Ebner
  • Patent number: 8974339
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device has a torque converter including an input-side rotating member, an output-side rotating member, a stator and a case including a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a bulkhead, and the first chamber and the second chamber being oil-tightly isolated from each other by an oil seal. The vehicle power transmission device is disposed with a thrust bearing between the input-side rotating member and the stator, which is disposed to partially or entirely overlap with the oil seal and a one way clutch disposed between the stator and a non-rotating member which supports the stator. A portion of the one way clutch protrudes toward the second chamber, the input-side rotating member having an annular projecting portion, and the annular projecting portion houses the thrust bearing and the portion of the one way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 8973363
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric motor, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (9), a shaft (8) having an axle (30), a stator and a rotor, at least one channel (11) for conducting a coolant for cooling the electric motor (5), wherein the geometry of the alignment of at least one section (12) of the at least one channel (11) is designed such that the coolant flows in the direction of the axle (30) of the shaft (8) through the at least one channel (11), having a deviation of less than 40°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Rohwer, Denis Kern, Andreas Herzberger
  • Publication number: 20150065295
    Abstract: A device and method for controlling a clutch of a hybrid vehicle controls an engagement and a disengagement of an engine clutch installed between an engine and a motor. The device includes a acceleration request sensor for sensing driving situations in which acceleration is needed immediately after deceleration of the hybrid vehicle in a state where the engine clutch is engaged. A controller maintains the engagement state of the engine clutch even though a disengagement condition of the engine clutch is satisfied when receiving a sensed signal of the acceleration request sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jung Un AN
  • Publication number: 20150060173
    Abstract: A system an method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a transmission coupled to vehicle wheels, an internal combustion engine, a planetary gearset coupled to the engine and to a differential output shaft to drive the vehicle wheels, a traction motor coupled through gearing to the differential output shaft and the planetary gearset, a generator coupled to the planetary gearset and electrically coupled to the fraction motor, a traction battery coupled to the generator and the traction motor, and at least one controller in communication with the engine, the traction motor, and the generator include limiting engine speed in response to a wheel slip event to an engine speed limit based on motor speed and generator speed to prevent the generator speed from exceeding a corresponding threshold when the wheel slip event terminates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Shunsuke Okubo, Jonathan Andrew Butcher, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar
  • Publication number: 20150066264
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating and hybrid driveline are presented. In one example, driver demand torque may be supplied to vehicle wheels via a hydraulic torque path and a friction torque path. Torque is distributed between the friction torque path and the hydraulic torque path in a way that ensures that driver demand torque is met and the friction torque path transfers torque up to its capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Wang, Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Francis Thomas Connolly, Daniel Colvin, Ming Lang Kuang, Ryan Abraham McGee
  • Publication number: 20150066265
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dynamically allocating engine torque and motor torque in a hybrid vehicle to meet operator torque demand. The allocation is adjusted by constraining the maximum engine torque allowable under selected conditions to provide a better trade-off between performance and fuel economy. A maximum engine torque that provides best fuel economy is learned during engine operation at different engine speed-load conditions based on a deviation in spark retard torque ratio from a threshold ratio as spark timing is moved to MBT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Ted Haladyna, Kenneth James Miller
  • Publication number: 20150066261
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and a non-selectable-gear transmission having an electric machine mechanically coupled to the engine. The vehicle may have one or more controllers programmed to, in response to a request for passive neutral mode, pull-down the engine and inhibit engine pull-up while disabling the electric machine such that the vehicle coasts with minimal rotational inertia and electrical losses. The one or more controllers may be further programmed to, in response to a subsequent request for drive mode during the passive neutral mode, permit engine pull-up while enabling the electric machine such that the vehicle resumes drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Cusumano, Stefan Paul Pototschnik, Jonathan Andrew Butcher, Paul Stephen Bryan
  • Patent number: 8972148
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Nawata, Shunsuke Fushiki, Makoto Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8972088
    Abstract: A vehicle control system to control operation of a vehicle includes a powertrain system operable according to a plurality of operating modes that drive the vehicle. A sensor is mounted to the vehicle to detect a quality of air surrounding the vehicle. A vehicle control module is configured to select an operating mode of the powertrain system. The operating mode is selected to reduce at least one emission exhausted from the vehicle that contributes to a low air quality measure by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Kozloski, Clifford A. Pickover, Robert W. Wisniewski
  • Publication number: 20150053046
    Abstract: A drivetrain transmits a first drive force from a transmission including a motor to a first axle and a second axle. This drivetrain is comprised of: a first drivetrain section drivingly coupled with the first axle to steadily transmit the first drive force to the first axle; a second drivetrain section drivingly coupled with the second axle; an intermediate train section interposed between the first drivetrain section and the second drive section, the intermediate train section being capable of transmitting a part of the first drive force to the second drive section; an electric motor drivingly coupled with the intermediate train section to give a second drive force to the intermediate train section; a first clutch disconnectably connecting the first drivetrain section with the intermediate train section; and a second clutch disconnectably connecting the intermediate train section with the second drivetrain section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Akira Ibusuki
  • Patent number: 8960033
    Abstract: A hybrid drive of a motor vehicle having an automated manual transmission with two coaxial input shafts and a common output shaft. The input shafts are respectively driven by an engine and an electric machine and can couple the output shaft via respective groups of gearwheel sets. Each gearwheel set comprises a gear fixed to the associated input shaft and an idler gear supported by respective countershafts. At least two idler gears disposed on one of the two countershafts of two gearwheel sets, within the transmission, assigned to two different input shafts, can be coupled via a winding-path shift element, and the two output constants are disposed in a common radial plane by using a common output gear disposed on the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Matthias Reisch
  • Patent number: 8960034
    Abstract: In a vehicle drive device, a response to a range change request, during which the drive wheels are rotated in a low or high range, can be smoothly and quickly completed without using a synchronous engaging mechanism. When the range change is requested when the drive wheels are rotated in the low range or in the high range, the control devices disengage a clutch sleeve from a currently engaged gear piece so as to establish a neutral range, and control an output rotational speed of the motor generator such that a difference between an input rotational speed and an output rotational speed of the transmission mechanism is set to be zero, or be equal to or less than a predetermined value. After that, the control devices cause a connection processor to slide the clutch sleeve to be connected to a connection target gear piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akinori Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8961366
    Abstract: An engine is provided with an output shaft and a motor generator connection shaft of a crankshaft at ends of a crank case and adapted such that the output shaft can be connected with an external driven apparatus. A motor generator has stators relatively fixed to the crank case and a rotor coupled with the motor generator connection shaft and rotating relative to the stators. An external apparatus connection shaft is connected with the rotor and disposed at an end of the motor generator on the opposite side of the engine. A clutch is disposed between the motor generator connection shaft and the rotor. A power storage unit stores electric power generated by the motor generator and supplies the electric power to the motor generator. A controller switches between an electric power generation function and a motor function, and engages and disengages the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Furuya, Keiichi Kakizaki, Kentaro Hirota, Shigeki Tajima, Yosuke Kubota
  • Patent number: 8965650
    Abstract: The method can control an automatic transmission and includes the following steps: (a) determining, via a controller, an initial gear ratio of the automatic transmission based on a gear shift map while the vehicle is solely driven by an electric motor-generator; (b) identifying a plurality of potential clutches of the automatic transmission based on the initial gear ratio; (c) determining a temperature of a transmission fluid; (d) determining which of the potential clutches has a largest fill time in order to identify at least one of a plurality of target clutches; (e) determining, via the controller, a target gear ratio of the automatic transmission based on at least one identified target clutch; (f) transferring sufficient transmission fluid to at least one identified target clutch to reach a pressure threshold in the target clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul Otanez, Randall B. Dlugoss
  • Publication number: 20150051036
    Abstract: A transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include two shafts, two hollow shafts and two motor/generators. A first shaft connected to an engine. A first hollow shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first shaft, selectively connected to the first shaft, and provided with a first output gear. A second hollow shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first hollow shaft and provided with a second output gear. A second shaft disposed in parallel with the first shaft and operably connected to the first shaft and the first hollow shaft through a gear unit to selectively transmit torque of the first shaft to the first hollow shaft. Clutches may connect the first shaft and the second shaft selectively to the first hollow shaft. A first motor/generator operably connected to the second hollow shaft and a second motor/generator operably connected to the second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Baekyu KIM, SeongGon BYUN, Chulmin AHN, Kwangmin CHOI, Tae Sic PARK, Seok Joon KIM, Jun Hoi HUH
  • Publication number: 20150051045
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving hybrid vehicle torque control are presented. The system and methods included may estimate driveline torque via springs of a dual mass flywheel. The estimated driveline torque may provide feedback for adjusting operation of a driveline disconnect clutch and/or engine torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O`Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Seung-Hoon Lee, Yuji Fujii, James William Loch McCallum, William Russell Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20150051765
    Abstract: A shift control method and system of a hybrid vehicle that prevent engine clutch slip occurring when a transfer torque of engine clutch is greater than an allowable transfer torque under unfavorable driving conditions by controlling a shifting time, may include, (a) detecting an engine torque. (b) determining an input torque of an engine clutch based on the engine torque. (c) comparing the determined input torque and a predetermined allowable transfer torque of the engine clutch. (d) increasing a present shifting time by a predetermined value when the determined input torque is greater than the allowable transfer torque and applying the increased shifting time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sang Mo Ryu, Myunggyu Kim, Yeonho Kim
  • Publication number: 20150051046
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to an input member of a multi-mode transmission configured to transfer torque to an output member coupled to a ground wheel with the internal combustion engine in an ON state generating an input torque. A method for controlling the vehicle includes identifying an undesirable operating region including an input/output torque region for operating the multi-mode transmission. In response to an operator request for creep torque, motor torque is controlled from a torque machine coupled to the multi-mode transmission such that the multi-mode transmission is operating outside the undesirable operating region while a mechanical braking torque to the ground wheel is coincidentally controlled in response to an operator-commanded braking, the input torque from the engine, and the motor torque from the torque machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: JEREMY WISE, JY-JEN F. SAH, ANTHONY H. HEAP
  • Publication number: 20150047607
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a smooth transmission shift in a hybrid vehicle configured with a motor hybrid transmission. During an initial part of a transmission upshift, spark timing may be advanced from MBT to expedite torque reduction. Once engine speed has sufficiently reduced, and is within a threshold range of the desired engine speed, spark timing may be retarded until the transmission shift is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Ken Jahr
  • Publication number: 20150045181
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for a vehicle is provided which is equipped with a power split device and a speed variator. The power transmission device is designed to set a speed ratio of speed of rotation of an output of a power source to speed of rotation of a driven wheel in a power circulation mode of a power split device to lie within one of a positive range in which a sign of the speed ratio is positive and a negative range in which a sign of the speed ratio is negative. This results in a decrease in degree of torque acting on the speed variator such as a continuously variable transmission, thus permitting a required degree of durability of the speed variator to be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Koji KAWASAKI, Takenori MATSUE
  • Publication number: 20150040720
    Abstract: A vehicular transmission includes a transmission input shaft to which engine torque is input, first and second differential mechanisms as transmission mechanisms to which the engine torque is input through the transmission input shaft, a torque limiter arranged between the transmission input shaft and an engine configured to enable torque transmission between the transmission input shaft and an engine output shaft and inhibit an input of excessive torque larger than predetermined torque between the transmission input shaft and the engine output shaft, and a one-way clutch arranged between the torque limiter and the engine for prohibiting reverse rotation of the engine while allowing normal rotation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirotatsu Kitabatake, Yuji Iwase, Hideaki Komada, Yosuke Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20150045180
    Abstract: A retrofittable hybrid parallel power flow distribution system for a vehicle. In various embodiments, the system comprises an electric rotating machine and a parallel power input gearbox. The parallel power input gearbox is structured and operable to receive torque from the electric rotating machine and/or an internal combustion engine of the vehicle and selectively distribute the received torque, i.e., a power flow, in any proportion/ratio to one or more of the electric rotating machine, a rear axle differential of the vehicle, a transmission or transfer case and front axle of the vehicle, or an auxiliary device of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Hodowanec, Timothy Hassett
  • Publication number: 20150038286
    Abstract: A total driving force according to an acceleration request of a driver is secured, and deterioration of acceleration performance, such as slowness at the time of starting, is suppressed. When an engine torque is converted into motor torque through a generator, a power distribution ratio ? from the engine torque to the motor torque is set. Additionally, as a road surface gradient ? is smaller on an upward slope side, the power distribution ratio ? is limited. Specifically, when the road surface gradient ? is more than or equal to a predetermined ?1 on the upward slope side, the power distribution ratio ? is set to a predetermined maximum value ?MAX. When the road surface gradient ? is less than or equal to ?2, which is smaller than ?1, on the upward slope side, the power distribution ratio ? is set to a minimum value ?MIN.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shougo Hane
  • Publication number: 20150038290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, having an internal combustion engine, having an electric machine, having a transmission unit, in particular a manual transmission, and having a clutch unit. The clutch unit comprises a first clutch actuable by a driver of the motor vehicle and a second clutch automatically actuable by a control unit. The electric machine can be coupled in terms of drive to the transmission unit by means of the first clutch and the internal combustion engine can be coupled in terms of drive to the electric machine by means of the second clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Bichler, Werner Eisenhauer, Konrad Gagla
  • Publication number: 20150032326
    Abstract: A failure diagnosis apparatus comprises a controller that is configured to execute a failure diagnosis process of the internal combustion engine based on a predetermined diagnosis requirement. The diagnosis requirement in a case where engine-operation-electric-power supply is executed is made different from the diagnosis requirement in a case where engine-normal-operation is executed such that a failure of the internal combustion engine in the case where the engine-operation-electric-power supply is executed is less likely to be detected or the failure of the internal combustion engine is less likely to be recognized by a driver than in the case where the engine-normal operation is executed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shunsuke Fushiki, Makoto Yamazaki, Keita Fukui
  • Publication number: 20150031501
    Abstract: A hybrid-electric vehicle having a continuously variable transmission is provided. The continuously variable transmission further includes a forward disconnect clutch configured to selectively couple and decouple the continuously variable transmission and a first set of drive wheels. The hybrid-electric vehicle further includes a rear e-axle assembly, which allows the vehicle to operate in an electric-only mode, in which the vehicle is propelled with power generated solely by at least one electric power component. When the vehicle is operated in electric-only mode, the transmission disconnect clutch is disengaged, such that the continuously variable transmission is decoupled from the first set of drive wheels to allow the continuously variable transmission to operate in a low loss state. A method of transitioning an all-wheel drive hybrid-electric vehicle between an electric only mode and a hybrid mode, i.e., completing a “flying start,” is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Tolkacz, Robert L. Moses, Min-Joong Kim
  • Publication number: 20150032316
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle automatic transmission. The hybrid vehicle being capable of EV travel in which drive wheels are driven by only a rotary electric machine with the internal combustion engine stopped. The control device having an electric oil pump control device to drive an electric oil pump that supplies oil to the friction engagement element. A neutral control device performs disengagement control on the friction engagement element. A drag determination device determines whether conditions under which drag of the friction engagement element occurs are met because of a shortage in amount of oil to be supplied to a cancellation oil chamber of the friction engagement element by the electric oil pump during the EV travel started from a state in which the hybrid vehicle is stationary. Drag elimination control device provides a command to start the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Shishun Chin, Kenta Kimata, Masahiro Asai, Kazuhiko Motodohi, Shinichiro Iga
  • Publication number: 20150031502
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a hybrid vehicle with a hybrid drive comprising at least an electric machine and an internal combustion engine, wherein an automated manual transmission is connected between the internal combustion engine and an output, wherein the electric machine is coupled via a friction clutch to a shaft of the automated manual transmission. Wherein in the automated manual transmission, by interruption of the drive torque provided by the hybrid drive on the output, shifts are executed in such a way that in a first phase the drive torque provided at the output is first reduced, subsequently in a second phase the actual gear shift is executed and following that in a third phase drive torque is built up at the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Johannes KALTENBACH, Christian Mittelberger, Viktor Haeberle
  • Publication number: 20150032309
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain system has an engine, a damper and an electric machine configured to be selectively mechanically coupled with the engine via damper. The vehicle powertrain system also has at least one controller programmed to filter a frequency content of a speed or torque command for the electric machine corresponding to a resonant frequency of the engine, damper and electric machine to reduce resonance of the engine, damper and electric machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Wei Liang, Carol Louise Okubo, Thomas Chrostowski, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Patent number: 8939867
    Abstract: Examples include an automatic manual transmission for a hybrid car provided with an internal combustion engine and an electrical machine, the automatic manual transmission presents. Examples include a mechanical gearbox, a differential gear which receives the motion from a secondary shaft of the gearbox and transmits the motion to driving wheels, a clutch which is interposed between the secondary shaft of the gearbox and the differential gear, an auxiliary shaft along which the electrical machine is mounted, a first gear train which connects a first end of the auxiliary shaft arranged upstream of the electrical machine to a primary shaft of the gearbox, and a second gear train which connects a second end of the auxiliary shaft arranged downstream of the electrical machine to an output shaft of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Cimatti
  • Patent number: 8939868
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle drive device includes: a hydraulic power transmission device having a lockup clutch mechanically coupling an input-side rotating member to which power from an engine is input and an output-side rotating member outputting power to drive wheels; and an electric motor coupled to a power transmission path between the hydraulic power transmission device and the drive wheels. If regeneration braking of a vehicle is performed with the electric motor, an engagement force of the lockup clutch is made larger when a vehicle speed related value varying depending on a vehicle speed is higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Patent number: 8942876
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric machine connected to the engine by an upstream clutch, a transmission gearbox connected to the electric machine by a downstream clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a user commanded shift of the transmission, control the electric machine speed to a designated speed based on gearbox output speed and the transmission gear ratio after the shift, thereby synchronizing speeds across the gearbox for the shift. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle provides, in response to a user commanded shift of an automatic transmission gearbox, controlling an electric machine speed to a target speed based on the transmission gear ratio after the shift where the target speed is synchronized with the transmission gearbox output speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Zhengyu Dai, Hong Jiang
  • Publication number: 20150024903
    Abstract: A double clutch system may include a connecting shaft that is continuously connected to a motor/generator and is selectively connected to an engine and may transmit torque transmitted to the connecting shaft selectively to two input shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Eui Hee Jeong, Jinwoo Lee, Jeong Heon Kam, Jong Min Kim
  • Publication number: 20150024894
    Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft, an output shaft, a first planetary gear set including a first rotation element directly connected to a first motor/generator, a second rotation element connected to the output shaft through an externally-meshed gear and a third rotation element directly connected to the input shaft, a second planetary gear set including a fourth rotation element directly connected to a second motor/generator, a fifth rotation element connected to the output shaft through an externally-meshed gear and a sixth rotation element selectively connected to a transmission housing and selectively connected to the first rotation element, transfer gears forming the externally-meshed gears, and frictional elements selectively connecting two rotation elements of the second planetary gear set, selectively connecting the first rotation element to the sixth rotation element, or selectively connecting the sixth rotation element to the transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chang Wook Lee, Jongsool Park
  • Publication number: 20150024895
    Abstract: A driving device for hybrid vehicle provided with an engine, first and second electrical machines, a first and second differential mechanisms, and a switching device in which the first and second differential mechanisms are connected to each other through output rotational elements. The engine and the first and second rotating electrical machines are connected to different rotational elements out of rotational elements of the first and second differential mechanisms. The switching device switches between an independent mode and a four-element mode. In the four element mode, rotational elements connected to the engine, first and second rotating electrical machines, and the output rotational elements differentially rotate, and in an alignment chart in the four-element mode, any one of rotational elements connected to the first and second rotating electrical machines is located between a rotational element connected to the engine and the output rotational elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohito Ono, Yuji Iwase, Takahito Endo
  • Publication number: 20150024893
    Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output gear, a first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and including a first rotation element connected to a first motor/generator, a second rotation element, and a third rotation element connected to the input shaft, a second planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and including a fourth rotation element connected to a second motor/generator, a fifth rotation element directly connected to the second rotation element and to the output gear, and a sixth rotation element selectively connected to a transmission housing and selectively connected to the first rotation element, and frictional elements selectively connecting two rotation elements of the second planetary gear set, selectively connecting the first rotation element to the sixth rotation element, or selectively connecting the sixth rotation element to the transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chang Wook Lee, Jongsool Park
  • Publication number: 20150025720
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a torque machine rotatably coupled to an internal combustion engine via a pulley mechanism. The torque machine and the internal combustion engine are configured to transfer torque to a driveline and include a first sensor configured to monitor rotation of the engine and a second sensor configured to monitor rotation of the torque machine. The first sensor signally connects to a controller configured to control operation of the torque machine. A method for operating the powertrain system includes employing a signal output from the first sensor to monitor rotation of the torque machine to control operation thereof, said signal output from the first sensor adjusted for a pulley ratio of the pulley mechanism upon detecting a fault associated with the second sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: BON HO BAE, JIHOON JANG, YO CHAN SON, SILVA HITI
  • Publication number: 20150024901
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle includes a first drive axle and a second drive axle, a transaxle, an internal combustion engine, and an electric motor. The first drive axle and second drive axle are separated by a distance, and each drive axle is coupled with a respective pair of drive wheels. The transaxle is disposed in mechanical communication with the first drive axle, and is coupled to the internal combustion engine through a driveshaft. The electric motor is circumferentially disposed about the driveshaft, between the internal combustion engine and the transaxle, and is in mechanical communication with the second drive axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Gary R. Valler
  • Patent number: 8936119
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle includes a first drive axle and a second drive axle, a transaxle, an internal combustion engine, and an electric motor. The first drive axle and second drive axle are separated by a distance, and each drive axle is coupled with a respective pair of drive wheels. The transaxle is disposed in mechanical communication with the first drive axle, and is coupled to the internal combustion engine through a driveshaft. The electric motor is circumferentially disposed about the driveshaft, between the internal combustion engine and the transaxle, and is in mechanical communication with the second drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gary R. Valler
  • Patent number: 8938327
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between regenerative braking and engine braking is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky
  • Publication number: 20150018170
    Abstract: A hybrid drive for a watercraft, including a primary drive motor, which is situated inside the watercraft and drives a drive shaft, and an above-water transmission, which is situated after the drive shaft and has a transmission housing, for driving a vertical shaft branching off from the above-water transmission, as well as an electric secondary drive motor, which has a stator and a rotor and is able to drive the vertical shaft in addition to or alternatively to the primary drive motor. The secondary drive motor can be embodied with a hollow shaft and the stator of this motor can be coupled in a torsionally rigid fashion to the transmission housing of the above-water transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Volker Höfer
  • Publication number: 20150011359
    Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device having four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by rotary components of each of a first and a second differential mechanisms selectively connected to each other through a clutch. One of the rotary components of said first and second differential mechanisms selectively connected through said clutch is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The drive control device comprises a brake engagement control portion configured to place the brake in an engaged state upon starting an engine, and an electric motor operation control portion configured to operate a first electric motor to raise a speed of a rotary motion of the engine for starting of the engine and to operate a second electric motor to reduce a reaction force during starting of said engine acting on an output rotary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Maruyama, Tomohito Ono
  • Patent number: 8926464
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain unit includes an internal-combustion engine, and a gearbox device with a primary shaft that can be connected to the shaft of the internal-combustion engine via a clutch device. The gearbox device includes a secondary shaft with an output pinion meshing with a first crown wheel of a differential, the casing of which is rigidly connected to the casing of the gearbox device. An electrical machine is designed to function as electric motor and as electric generator, having a shaft connected by a transmission to a second crown wheel of the differential. An engagement device driven via an electronic control actuator is set between the shaft of the electrical machine and the second crown wheel. The electrical machine can be set coaxially to the output shafts of the differential or parallel thereto. Alternatively, the shaft of the electrical machine may be connected to the shaft of the internal-combustion engine by means of a belt transmission and engagement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Garabello, Andrea Piazza
  • Patent number: 8925661
    Abstract: Wheel drive motors (8) constituted of electric motors for driving rear wheels (7) are provided on a vehicle body (2) of a dump truck (1). Each wheel drive motor (8) is connected to a main power generator (12) through a bidirectional converter (20) and the like and driven by power supplied from the main power generator (12). A resistor (21) that consumes regenerative power from each wheel drive motor (8) is connected to the bidirectional converter (20). Cooling air is supplied to the resistor (21) from a blower (24). Operations of a switch (23) of the resistor (21) and the blower (24) are controlled by a controller (28). A mode selecting switch (29) for selecting a heating mode (A), a blowing mode (B), and a heating and blowing mode (C) is connected to the controller (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Minoshima, Kichio Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20150005127
    Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output gear outputting changed torque, a first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft, and including a first rotation element connected to a first motor/generator, a second rotation element connected to the output gear, and a third rotation element directly connected to the input shaft, a second planetary gear set including a fourth rotation element connected to a second motor/generator and selectively connected to the third rotation element, a fifth rotation element connected to the second rotation element, a sixth rotation element selectively connected to a transmission housing, frictional elements selectively connecting two rotation elements among three rotation elements of the second planetary gear set, selectively connecting the third rotation element to the fourth rotation element, or selectively connecting the sixth rotation element to the transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chang Wook Lee, Jongsool PARK
  • Publication number: 20150005129
    Abstract: A hybrid-electric power transmission system may include: an input shaft; an output shaft; a first planetary gear set on the input shaft, and including a first rotation element connected to a first motor/generator, a second rotation element connected to the output shaft, and a third rotation element directly connected to the input shaft; a second planetary gear set on the input shaft, and including a fourth rotation element directly connected to a second motor/generator and selectively connected to the third rotation element, a fifth rotation element connected to the output shaft, and a sixth rotation element connected to a transmission housing; transfer gears; and frictional elements selectively connecting two rotation elements among three rotation elements of the second planetary gear set, selectively connecting the third rotation element to the fourth rotation element, or selectively connecting the sixth rotation element to the transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chang Wook LEE, Jongsool PARK
  • Publication number: 20150005126
    Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; a first rotation shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft; a first planetary gear set disposed on the first rotation shaft and including first, second and third rotation elements respectively connected to first motor/generator, output gear, and input shaft; a second planetary gear set disposed on the first rotation shaft and including fourth, fifth and sixth rotation elements respectively connected to second motor/generator and input shaft, second rotation element, and transmission housing; transfer gears forming externally-meshed gears; and frictional elements connecting one rotation element of the second planetary gear set to the input shaft, coupling the second planetary gear set, or connecting another rotation element of the second planetary gear set to the transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chang Wook Lee, Jongsool Park
  • Publication number: 20150006004
    Abstract: A first shaft has one end coupled to an engine. A damper has a spring coupled the other end of the first shaft. A second shaft has one end coupled to the spring. A third shaft rotates in correspondence to a final output shaft. A fourth shaft has one end coupled to a first rotary electric machine. A power split mechanism is provided among the second shaft, the third shaft and the fourth shaft and transfers torque among the second shaft, the third shaft and the fourth shaft. A control unit calculates a torque correction value for the rotary electric machine based on information indicating torsion angle of the damper and corrects the torque of the rotary electric machine based on a calculated torque correction value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Masakazu YAMAMOTO, Yusuke FUJITSU, Hiroaki ONO, Hikaru SHINOHARA