Prime Movers Comprising Electrical And Internal Combustion Motors (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/902)
  • Patent number: 8882634
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, external data are a basis for operating a driveline disconnect clutch. For example, a vehicle destination may be a basis for opening a driveline disconnect clutch and beginning to discharging an energy storage device so that fewer hydrocarbons may be consumed by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, David Oshinsky
  • Patent number: 8882624
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a hybrid vehicle includes a series-parallel type power transmission path capable of varying an engine output for each driving mode, using a Ravigneaux gear train and two or more clutches, to improve the fuel efficiency of the hybrid vehicle. The power transmission device includes two or more kinds of engine fixing gear stages capable of distributing the output of the engine to a driving wheel, which are implemented using the Ravigneaux gear train, in which a single pinion planetary gear is integrally configured with a double pinion planetary gear including a carrier obtained by combining two pinion gears with the two or more clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jun Hoi Huh, Buhm Joo Suh, Seok Joon Kim
  • Publication number: 20140329639
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle. While subject control is performed, a second engagement control unit controls the engagement pressure of the second engagement device to a mid-control set pressure that has been set to be equal to or more than a first engagement pressure and equal to or less than a second engagement pressure. The first engagement pressure is a lower limit engagement pressure capable of maintaining the second engagement device in the directly coupled engaged state, in a state in which requested torque that is torque required to be transmitted to the wheels is transmitted to the wheels. The second engagement pressure is a lower limit engagement pressure capable of maintaining the second engagement device in the directly coupled engaged state, in a state in which maximum output torque of the rotary electric machine is transmitted to the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Jyunichi Matoba, Tomohiro Kusamizu
  • Publication number: 20140330462
    Abstract: A hybrid-vehicle power generator control apparatus includes an integrated control unit that issues a driving command and a control command to an engine control unit and an electric-power conversion system control unit, respectively, based on requested electric power requested by a load apparatus, and a limiter that limits the control command from the integrated control unit such that when rotation frequency of an electric power generator is same as or lower than a predetermined value, the value of torque generated by the electric power generator becomes smaller than the value of torque generated by an engine. A limitation of the control command by the limiter prevents torques of the engine and the electric power generator from stepping out of the stable operating points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Wada, Hisanori Yamasaki, Keita Hatanaka, Hidetoshi Kitanaka, Yuruki Okada
  • Publication number: 20140327343
    Abstract: A device for addition of motive force to a vehicle, with rotor-plate, rotor-arms, rotor permanent magnets, stator-plate, stator columns, stator electromagnets, and battery, cell, or other energy storage device. The device is retro-fittable on existing wheel assemblies, and installation coverts an internal combustion vehicle to a hybrid with electric propulsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Charles Hampton Perry, Paul Walter Martin, III
  • Publication number: 20140329640
    Abstract: A clutch device having an actuating device for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric machine with a stator and a rotor, and a transmission device, where the clutch device is situated in the drivetrain between the internal combustion engine on the one side and the electric machine and the transmission device on the other side, the clutch device and the actuating device being integrated into the rotor of the electric machine, in order to improve the construction and/or the function of the clutch device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Helmer, Florian Vogel, Christoph Raber
  • Publication number: 20140330474
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle. A shift assist control section executes shift assist control of increasing a rotational speed of an input-side rotating member of the speed change mechanism. A possibility determining section that determines whether or not the rotating electrical machine can output required input torque. A mode selecting section that selects one shift mode from a first shift mode and a second shift mode that is different from the first shift mode in at least one of a condition for starting the downshift and processing. A torque compensating section that, if it is determined that the rotating electrical machine cannot output the required input torque, compensates for a shortfall in the required input torque in the shift assist control by using at least one of output torque of the internal combustion engine and torque that is transferred by the shift engagement device according to the shift mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Tsuda, Tomohiro Onouchi
  • Patent number: 8880269
    Abstract: A power transmission control device is used for a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine and a motor (MG) as power sources, and includes a manual transmission and a friction clutch. A torque of the motor (MG torque) is generally adjusted to the smaller one (=MG torque final reference value) of an MG torque reference value determined based on an accelerator opening and an MG torque limit value determined based on a clutch return stroke. Based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition relating to a clutch pedal operation performed by a driver, the MG torque is intentionally adjusted to a value shifted from the MG torque final reference value in place of the MG torque final reference value. As a result, a driving force which is more appropriate or better meets a driver's intention can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Ito, Hiroki Inoue, Kazutaka Kobayashi, Takeshige Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8880268
    Abstract: Assumed torque Tb is calculated based on an operation state of an engine when there is no abnormality in sensors, the engine is in a warm-up completion state, and a travel mode is a series mode, and actual torque Ta is calculated and friction torque Tf is calculated based on information on an actual amount of electric power generation of a generator. When the friction torque Tf is larger than an upper limit clip value, the upper limit clip value is the friction torque Tf, and when the friction torque Tf is smaller than the lower limit clip value, the lower limit clip value is the friction torque Tf, correction torque Tc is calculated, and an operation of an electronic control instrument of the engine is controlled so as to set the assumed torque Tb to the correction torque Tc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Omi, Jun Aizawa, Tatsuya Tawaki
  • Publication number: 20140318506
    Abstract: Methods and systems for passively purging a hydrocarbon trap in an engine intake in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to an ambient temperature decrease during an engine off condition while a fuel tank is sealed from atmosphere, delivering fuel stored in a hydrocarbon trap in an intake of the engine to a fuel vapor canister coupled to the fuel tank in an emission control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Aed M. Dudar, Mark W. Peters, Robert Roy Jentz
  • Patent number: 8869653
    Abstract: Provided is a drive apparatus of a hybrid vehicle, configured in such a manner that the occurrence of a resonance phenomenon is minimized and that the efficiency of utilization of the space occupied by a torque limiter mechanism is improved. A drive apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is configured in such a manner that a torque limiter is provided in the path of power transmission between an inner shaft and a generator at a position between the generator and a motor. The torque limiter axially overlaps with at least a part of the stator of the generator and/or at least a part of the stator of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Fujita, Toru Takahashi, Tatsuya Noda
  • Publication number: 20140311284
    Abstract: This invention proposes a hybrid power driving device including an electric motor, an Internal Combustion engine, an automated mechanical transmission, a clutch, a main reducer and a differential, where the automated mechanical transmission includes first to sixth gear wheels forming meshing pairs, 2 synchronizers, an input transmission shaft connected with the engine, an input transmission shaft connected with the motor, and an output transmission shaft. This device provides for the motor with two gears, and provides for the engine with four gears, which can meet the practical demands of the engine and the motor. Compared with the existing parallel hybrid power coupling mechanism, the inventive device has a simple structure, a low cost, good shifting comfortability, and a high operation efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Hong Chen, Bingzhao Gao, Lulu Guo, Qiong Liang, Yu Xiang
  • Publication number: 20140311285
    Abstract: A device includes a transmission and an electric machine for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, and the transmission includes first and second subtransmissions. The substransmissions each have an input shaft and they share an output shaft. The input shafts of the subtransmissions can be selectively coupled to the output shaft via form locking clutches of the subtransmissions. In particular, a first input shaft of the first subtransmission is allocated to a first friction locking clutch while a second input shaft of a second subtransmission is allocated to a second friction locking clutch. Furthermore, a third clutch is incorporated between an input drive side clutch half of the first friction locking clutch and an input drive side clutch half of the second friction locking clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes KALTENBACH, Uwe Griesmeier
  • Publication number: 20140315681
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission for a motor vehicle including a heat engine and electric drive machine, including two primary shafts respectively connected to the heat engine and electric machine, each supporting at least one intermediate drive on a first secondary shaft connected to wheels via a differential and a second secondary shaft sending motion of a primary shaft to the differential. A first coupling between the two primary shafts can occupy at least three positions of: the heat engine is uncoupled from the drive train connecting the electric machine to the wheels, or coupled by the second secondary shaft; the primary shaft connected to the heat engine is coupled to the first secondary shaft to drive the wheels with or without support of the electric machine; the primary shaft connected to the heat engine is coupled to the primary shaft connected to the electric machine, to add respective torques thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Nicolas Fremau, Antoine Vignon
  • Publication number: 20140315682
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch device having an actuating device for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, the drivetrain having an internal combustion engine, an electric machine with a stator and a rotor, and a transmission device, wherein the clutch device can be arranged in the drivetrain between the internal combustion engine at one side and the electric machine and the transmission device at the other side, the clutch device and the actuating device are integrated into the rotor of the electric machine, and the actuating device has a rotatable ramp device with first ramps and second ramps, wherein the clutch device has an electric actuator for actively rotating the ramp device, in order to structurally and/or functionally improve the clutch device, and to an electric machine having a stator, a rotor and a clutch device of this type integrated into the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Daniel Helmer, Florian Vogel
  • Patent number: 8864613
    Abstract: A vehicle drive includes a first gear set and a second gear set both having a sun gear, a ring gear and planetary gears which couple the sun gear to the ring gear. The planetary gears of both sets are rotatably supported by respective planetary gear carriers which are coupled to each other. The vehicle drive also includes an engine, a first clutch which selectively engages the engine to the ring gear of the first gear set, a first motor/generator coupled to the sun gear of the first gear set and a second motor/generator coupled to the sun gear of the second gear set and electrically coupled to the first motor/generator, a second clutch which selectively engages the engine to the second motor/generator, and a third clutch and a third gear set which operate to selectively engage the ring gear of the second gear set to the planetary gear carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Morrow, Dave Steinberger, Eric Braun, Andrew Kotloski, Nader Nasr
  • Patent number: 8858377
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device includes: a first planetary gear device distributing power from an engine to a first electric motor and a cylindrical output member having an output gear disposed on a portion in an axial center line direction on an outer circumferential side; and a second planetary gear device having a second sun gear coupled to a second electric motor, a second carrier fixed to a case, and a second ring gear coupled to an inner circumference of the cylindrical output member to reduce and transmit output rotation of the second electric motor to the cylindrical output member, the cylindrical output member being supported via a bearing disposed on an inner circumferential side of the cylindrical output member by the second carrier fixed to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoatsu Iwasa
  • Publication number: 20140296027
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle shifts a lock-up clutch to a slipping or released state when braking. The control apparatus causes an electric motor to output assist torque in a direction increasing a rotational speed of an engine, during control for shifting the lock-up clutch to a released state, when prescribed sudden braking is required during engine-powered travel in a locked-up state. Therefore, even if there is a time delay in actual implementation of shift from the locked-up state to the released state by the lock-up clutch, the rotational speed of the engine is increased (or maintained), or decrease in the rotational speed of the engine is suppressed, by the assist torque from the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20140297073
    Abstract: An engine clutch control system for a hybrid vehicle has a power source including an engine and a motor, an engine clutch between the engine and the motor, a traveling information detector that detects traveling information including at least one of the vehicle speed, shift gear, displacement of the accelerator pedal, and displacement of the brake pedal, and a hybrid controller that selects an EV mode or HEV mode by controlling disengagement or engagement of the engine clutch. A method of controlling the engine clutch includes determining whether there is a request for changing into the HEV mode from the EV mode; determining a reference speed from traveling inertia of the vehicle and inertia of the engine and the motor; determining a desired speed for controlling the determined reference speed; and calculating transmission torque of the engine clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Seok Min Jeong
  • Publication number: 20140297075
    Abstract: An engine and a motor/generator are installed in a vehicle as drive sources. The vehicle is capable of traveling in a condition where the engine is stopped. A monitor varies an indicator in accordance with an operation performed by a driver and a condition of a device installed in the vehicle, and displays the indicator to the driver. When a startup condition based on the operation performed by the driver is satisfied, the device is stopped, and the engine is kept stopped until a predetermined delay time elapses. While the engine remains stopped, variation of the indicator is restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Endo, Mikihisa Arai
  • Publication number: 20140296026
    Abstract: A hybrid drivetrain for a motor vehicle has a first drive unit which has a first drive device by means of which first drive power can be provided. A second drive unit has a second drive device by means of which second drive power can be provided. A drive output device can be connected to driven wheels of the motor vehicle. A first gearbox arrangement has a first gearbox input and a first gearbox output. A second gearbox arrangement has a second gearbox input and a second gearbox output. The first drive device is connected to the first gearbox input and the second drive device is connected to the second gearbox input. The first and second gearbox outputs are connected to the drive output device. The first and second gearbox inputs can be connected to one another or separated from one another by means of a clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Sören Wenzel, Stevens Sehic
  • Patent number: 8849490
    Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. These features include a power take-off timeout, automatic fail-safe brake (parking), and customized drive characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher K. Wyatt, Ivan E. Fox
  • Patent number: 8845484
    Abstract: Mutual interference between a hydraulic pressure of a first engagement device and a hydraulic pressure of a second engagement device is suppressed even in the case where operation of the first engagement device and operation of the second engagement device coincide with each other. A vehicle drive device includes a first engagement device that selectively couples a rotary electric machine to an internal combustion engine, and a fluid coupling. The first engagement device includes a first oil chamber that is formed to apply a back pressure to a first piston. The fluid coupling includes a second oil chamber configured to control an engagement state of a second engagement device. The vehicle drive device includes a first control valve that controls a first oil chamber hydraulic pressure, and a second control valve that controls a second oil chamber hydraulic pressure independently of the first oil chamber hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Kamiya, Terufumi Miyazaki, Mikio Iwase, Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Yuhei Yoshioka, Keisuke Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20140283647
    Abstract: A drive train for a motor vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine which has a crankshaft and is designed to provide drive power for the motor vehicle. A clutch arrangement has an input member and at least one output member, the input member being connected to the crankshaft. A transmission arrangement implements a plurality of gear stages, the transmission arrangement having a transmission housing, at least one input shaft, and at least one output shaft. The output shaft is connectable to driven wheels of the motor vehicle. An electric machine is designed to provide drive power for the motor vehicle and is connected to a transmission shaft of the transmission arrangement. The transmission shaft has a shaft section which extends from the transmission housing and is connected to the electric machine via a traction drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Uli Christian Blessing, Jörg Meissner, Thomas Hoffmeister, Harald Ihben, Philipp Knöpfle
  • Publication number: 20140287870
    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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira FURUYA, Keiichi KAKIZAKI, Kentaro HIROTA, Shigeki TAJIMA, Yosuke KUBOTA
  • Publication number: 20140283646
    Abstract: A transmission system for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a primary input shaft for receiving drive from a primary vehicle drive motor, such as an internal combustion engine. A secondary input shaft receives drive from a secondary vehicle drive motor, such as an electric motor. An output shaft of the system is connected to drive a final drive unit. A multi-speed gearbox is provided to connect the primary input shaft to the output shaft at one of a plurality of gear ratios. There is provided an input selection mechanism which, in a first configuration, connects the secondary input shaft to drive the output shaft and, in a second mode, connects the secondary input shaft to drive the primary input shaft. A clutch may be provided that can selectively connect or disconnect drive between the primary drive motor and the gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Adrian Paul Moore, Clive David Woolmer, Christopher Guy Cholmeley, Michael John Allen, Matthew Charles Clutterbuck, Paul Pomfret
  • Publication number: 20140288741
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes: an engine configured to output power for traveling; a motor configured to output power for traveling; a switch configured to set a fuel economy priority mode, in which priority is given to fuel economy, and to cancel the fuel economy priority mode; and a controller configured (a) to operate the engine and the motor based on the switch setting; (b) to determine the presence/absence of degradation of fuel supplied to the engine; and (c) to prohibit setting of the fuel economy priority mode by the switch subsequently when determination is made that the fuel has degraded when the hybrid vehicle travels using power of the motor in a state in which the drive of the engine is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji OONISHI, Koji HOKOI, Daisuke ITOYAMA, Hiroki ENDO, Kazuma AOKI, Hideaki YAGUCHI, Mikihisa ARAI
  • Patent number: 8840502
    Abstract: A propulsion device (2) for a vehicle including an output shaft (14) of a combustion engine (4), an input shaft (27) of a gearbox (8), an electrical machine (6) having a stator (24) and a rotor (26), and a planetary gear (10) including movable components (18, 20, 22). A locking sleeve (38) is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the engine output shaft (14) and the gearbox input shaft (27) are allowed to rotate at different speeds via the planetary gear (10). In the second position, the locking sleeve (38) firmly connects the engine output shaft (14) to the gearbox input shaft (27) via the planetary gear (10). Also a method for controlling such a propulsion device (2) is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventor: Mikael Bergquist
  • Publication number: 20140274523
    Abstract: A split-axis transmission hybrid system may include two planetary gear sets to provide two parallel torque paths from an input axis to an output axis. A secondary power source may be coupled to either the input axis or the output axis to provide torque to the system. Thus, the split-axis transmission hybrid system may provide the ratio preselection capability and the low power losses of a dual-clutch transmission and the ratio-changing control and smoothness of a traditional powershift automatic transmission, while also providing the improved efficiency and enhanced drivability of a hybrid power source arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: James Potter
  • Patent number: 8834314
    Abstract: A regenerative brake device for a vehicle includes an output shaft (14) of a combustion engine (4), an input shaft (27) of a gearbox (8), an electrical machine (6) having a stator (24) and a rotor (26), and a planetary gear (10) which comprises a sunwheel (18), a ring gear (20) and a planet wheel carrier (22). The engine output shaft (14) is disconnectably connectable to the planetary gear (10) by a movable piston (16) which in a first position connects the engine output shaft (14) to the planetary gear (10) and in a second position disconnects the gearbox input shaft from the planetary gear. Also a method for regenerative braking of a vehicle (1) for such a regenerative brake device (2) is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventor: Mikael Bergquist
  • Publication number: 20140257607
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine having autostart functionality, a source of fluid pressure when the engine is off, a flow control solenoid that outputs a variable clutch pressure, a transmission, an electric motor, and a controller. The transmission includes a clutch in fluid communication with the solenoid. The clutch applies via the clutch pressure to establish a first gear launch state. The motor is powered via a rechargeable energy storage system. The controller executes a method to transmit pulse width modulation (PWM) control signals to the solenoid upon detection of a set of conditions triggering the autostart event to lower clutch pressure to a first calibrated level. Restart of the engine is commanded, and the clutch pressure increases toward a second calibrated level while engine speed is increasing. The controller discontinues the PWM control signals and increases clutch pressure to line pressure when the input speed exceeds a calibrated threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Keith D. Van Maanen, Roger Joseph Rademacher, Craig J. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20140256490
    Abstract: A power plant capable of suppressing loss, and attaining downsizing and enhancement of mountability of the power plant. In the power plant T, the rotational speeds of third to first sun gears S3 to S1 and a carrier member 111 are in a collinear relationship with each other, and are sequentially aligned in the mentioned order in a collinear chart indicating the relationship between the rotational speeds. Further, the third sun gear S3 and the carrier member 111 are connected to first and second torque generators 113 and 114 capable of generating positive torque and negative torque, respectively, and the second and first sun gears S2 and S1 are connected to one and the other of two rotating shafts, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenji Honda
  • Publication number: 20140257653
    Abstract: In a gear-shift instruction device for the hybrid vehicle that includes an engine that can output power for running, an electric motor (such as a motor-generator and a motor) that can output power for running, a power transmission system that transmits power to a drive wheel and can manually select a gear shift position, and a gear-shift instruction unit that prompts a change of the gear shift position to a driver, modes of the guide for gear shift are different between during electric motor running (EV running) and during hybrid running (HV running) for a same accelerator depression amount and vehicle speed in a state that allows manual gear shift operation (manual gear shift mode). This ensures the compatibility between: improvement in energy efficiency and fuel consumption by the gear shift instruction; and reduction in burden of the driver due to gear shifting based on the gear shift instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keita Sato, Eiji Fukushiro
  • Publication number: 20140256506
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device having a torque converter in a power transmission path between an engine and drive wheels, the torque converter including an input-side rotating member disposed with a plurality of pump blades, an output-side rotating member disposed with a plurality of turbine blades receiving a fluid flow from the pump blades, and a stator disposed with a stator blade disposed between the pump blades and the turbine blades, the vehicle power transmission device includes: a case including a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a bulkhead disposed on an opposite side of the torque converter to the engine, the first chamber housing the torque converter, the second chamber being formed on an opposite side of the bulkhead to the torque converter, the first chamber and the second chamber being oil-tightly isolated from each other by an oil seal oil-tightly sealing a gap between an inner circumferential surface of the bulkhead and an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical rota
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 8831804
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Rainer Petzold
  • Patent number: 8827866
    Abstract: When an engine is started in a motor running mode, a control unit performs engine starting control by raising the engine speed through slip engagement of an engine coupling/decoupling clutch, temporarily reducing engaging force of the engine coupling/decoupling clutch after the engine becomes able to rotate by itself, and then fully engaging the engine coupling/decoupling clutch. The control unit advances the intake valve opening/closing timing at an earlier point in time as the motor speed is higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Nakanishi, Shintaro Matsutani
  • Patent number: 8831859
    Abstract: The functionality of a “Launch Control” is implemented in a hybrid vehicle, i.e. the hybrid vehicle can be accelerated to a maximum degree by starting the internal combustion engine immediately from the stationary state (S20), and acceleration takes place with the aid of the electric motor with full torque (S22) before a changeover to accelerating the internal combustion engine takes place (S24). The “Launch Control” differs from a further mode in which firstly acceleration takes place from the stationary state using a partial torque of the electric motor (S14), with the result that the internal combustion engine can be tow-started by means of the electric motor (S16) before a changeover to acceleration using the internal combustion engine (S18) occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Audi Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Stefan Ullmann
  • Publication number: 20140249710
    Abstract: A control device of a hybrid vehicle for starting an engine, the hybrid vehicle has a direct injection engine directly injecting fuel into a cylinder, a clutch connecting/disconnecting the direct injection engine to/from a power transmission path, and a rotating machine acting at least as an electric motor, the hybrid vehicle is configured to run by concurrently or separately using the direct injection engine and the rotating machine as a drive force source, the hybrid vehicle is configured to execute ignition start of the direct injection engine in which the direct injection engine is started by injecting and igniting fuel in a cylinder with a piston stopped in an expansion stroke during stop of the direct injection engine, and an engine torque is reduced based on a speed difference between an engine rotation speed and a rotation speed of a power transmission path side across the clutch when the speed difference is smaller as compared to the speed difference is larger such that the engine torque is reduced a
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Naoki Nakanishi, Yasuyuki Kato, Yukihiko Ideshio, Susumo Kojima
  • Publication number: 20140245861
    Abstract: A manual transmission including an input shaft Ai to which power is input from an internal combustion engine E/G through a clutch C/T and an output shaft Ao from which power is output to drive wheels. This transmission has a plurality of EV travel gear stages (different from the neutral) in which no power transmission system is established between the input shaft Ai and the output shaft Ao, and a plurality of HV travel gear stages in which a power transmission system is established between the input shaft Ai and the output shaft Ao. This transmission has a connection changeover mechanism which establishes and breaks connection between the output shaft of the electric motor and the output shaft. When an EV travel gear stage is selected, a “connected state” is always realized. When an HV travel gear stage is selected, a “disconnected state” is realized in some cases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN AI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuuki Masui
  • Publication number: 20140248985
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine drivingly connected to a first pair of drive wheels by a transmission. A first motor generator is coupled to the engine to provide drive torque to the transmission for driving the first pair of drive wheels. A second motor generator is drivingly connected to a flywheel by a planetary gear system. The planetary gear system is connected to a second pair of drive wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. HOLMES, Shawn Scott HAWKINS, Steven A. TARNOWSKY, Brendan M. CONLON
  • Publication number: 20140248991
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with an electrically controlled differential portion which has a differential mechanism configured to distribute a drive force of an engine to a first electric motor and an output rotary element, and a second electric motor operatively connected to said output rotary element, and a differential state of the differential mechanism being controlled by a feedback control of an operating state of said first electric motor on the basis of an operating speed of said second electric motor, the control device comprising: a change degree reduction control portion configured to reduce a degree of change of the operating state of said first electric motor in said feedback control where an output torque of said second electric motor is held within a torque zone predetermined as a range of the output torque of said second electric motor, as compared with a degree of change where the output torque of said second electric motor is outside said torque zone, said torque zone r
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taku Harada, Masatoshi Ito
  • Publication number: 20140244088
    Abstract: A control method of a hybrid vehicle that includes engages a second clutch and in response outputs a torque through an output shaft that is connected to the second carrier via torque supplied from an engine and a first and second motor-generators. Accordingly, the speed of the engine is controlled via the first motor-generator, and a torque of an output shaft is control via the second motor-generator. Accordingly, the second motor-generator is used to control an operating point of the engine so that a base motor torque is effectively set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sang Joon Kim, Seong Ik Park
  • Publication number: 20140243149
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has a powertrain that includes a transmission with a planetary gear set that has a first, a second, and a third member. An engine is connected for unitary rotation with the first member. A first final drive is operatively connectable with the carrier member and connected with the first axle. A first motor-generator is connected for unitary rotation with the third member. A second motor-generator is operatively connected for proportional rotation with one of the axles. A first clutch is selectively engageable to connect any two of the members for unitary rotation with one another. The planetary gear set provides an underdrive ratio of speed of the second member to speed of the engine when the sun gear member is stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Min-Joong Kim
  • Publication number: 20140238187
    Abstract: A transmission includes a main gearbox and an electric machine. The main gearbox has a primary shaft, a secondary shaft and gear sets, each having a driving gearwheel carried by a respective primary shaft and a driven gearwheel carried by a respective secondary shaft. A first gearwheel and a second gearwheel meshing with each other are idly mounted on the primary shaft and on the secondary shaft, respectively, and are selectively connectable for rotation with the respective shaft by a first coupling device and of a second coupling device, respectively. The electric machine is releasably connected to the first gearwheel or to the second gearwheel, such that with the first coupling device in an engaged position the electric machine is able to transmit torque to the primary shaft on which the first gearwheel is mounted, while with the second coupling device in an engaged position, the electric machine is able to transmit torque to the secondary shaft on which the second gearwheel is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: OERLIKON GRAZIANO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Claudio TORRELLI
  • Publication number: 20140243148
    Abstract: A drive force control system includes an engine for controlling an output in accordance with an operation of an accelerator of a vehicle, a drive motor assisting a torque of the engine, an operation state detection portion detecting an operation state of the accelerator, and a control portion performing an advancing compensation control by the drive motor together with a drive control of the engine on the basis of an amount of change of the operation state of the accelerator generated within a predetermined time to provide greater acceleration than a case where the operation state of the accelerator is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: TAKESHI TOJO, KYOSUKE MORI, TAKAHIRO MISU, YO SHISHIDO
  • Patent number: 8818648
    Abstract: A hybrid construction machine includes a hydraulic pressure work element driven by hydraulic pressure generated by driving power of an internal combustion engine or a motor generator, and also includes an electric-motor work element driven by an electric motor. A superordinate control unit generates a control command which controls drive of the hydraulic pressure work element and the electric-motor work element. A subordinate control unit controls drive of the hydraulic pressure work element and the electric-motor work element based on the control command generated by the superordinate control unit. The subordinate control unit monitors an error in the superordinate control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., Sumitomo (S.H.I.) Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoko Takanashi, Hideaki Yuasa, Kiminori Sano
  • Publication number: 20140230423
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device for a rotary electric machine. A case of the device includes a support wall portion that extends in a radial direction of the rotary electric machine at a location between the rotary electric machine and the fluid coupling in the axial direction. A first bearing and a second bearing that is separate from the first bearing are disposed at different positions in the radial direction from each other, the first bearing being configured to support the rotor member in the radial direction so as to be rotatable with respect to the support wall portion, and the second bearing being configured to support the coupling input member in the radial direction so as to be rotatable with respect to the support wall portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mikio Iwase, Daiki Suyama, Naoya Jinnai, Tatsuya Okishima, Yukihiko Ideshio, Yuji Inoue
  • Publication number: 20140236441
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle provided with a continuously variable electric transmission mechanism capable of sequential shift mode, a minimum engine rotational speed is specified for each gear specified in the sequential shift mode so that the lower the gear, the greater the minimum engine rotational speed. When the engine rotational speed has decreased to the minimum rotational speed while driving in the sequential shift mode, an upshift lamp of a gear shift indication device is turned on to prompt the driver to manually shift to a higher gear. As the driver shifts to a higher gear in response to the prompt, the minimum engine rotational speed is specified to a lower value. That allows for further decrease of the engine rotational speed and improves fuel consumption rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keita Sato, Eiji Fukushiro
  • Patent number: 8808141
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing torque disturbances during a shift event for a hybrid vehicle having an engine selectively coupled to a traction motor and an automatic transmission to control or compensate actual transmission input shaft torque based on measured transmission input torque by controlling a torque source, such as a traction motor. The system and method may include an engine, a transmission, a traction motor between the engine and the transmission with the engine being selectively coupled to the motor and the transmission by a disconnect clutch and a controller configured to control motor torque to cause an actual transmission input shaft torque to achieve a target transmission input shaft torque during a transmission shift event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew John Shelton, Christopher John Teslak, Zhengyu Dai
  • Patent number: 8808140
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, entry conditions for entering a driveline sailing mode are described. Driveline sailing mode may improve driveline torque response and vehicle drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee