Drive Line Clutch (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/912)
  • Patent number: 8808138
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a traction motor, and a torque converter that is driven by the traction motor. A clutch arrangement mechanically couples an output of the torque converter to transmission gearing. A controller is provided in the vehicle that is configured to command an increase in slip, or decrease in clutch pressure, in the clutch arrangement in response to an increase in speed of the traction motor. The commanding of an increase in slip enables a product of the torque ratio of the torque converter and an input torque to the torque converter to remain generally constant during the increase in speed of the traction motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Marvin Paul Kraska, Michael John Encelewski, Hong Jiang, Felix Nedorezov
  • Patent number: 8758180
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a vehicle powertrain includes a first line for carrying fluid to a torque converter, a second line for carrying fluid from the torque converter, a third line for carrying fluid to a balance dam and an electric motor, and a fourth line for supplying actuating pressure to a clutch, said lines being coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, Steven G. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140171261
    Abstract: A hybrid driving apparatus includes an engine configured to output a rotation driving force to an output shaft; an input shaft configured to rotate in association with rotation of driving wheels of a vehicle; a clutch that is provided between the output shaft and the input shaft to disengageably connect the output shaft and the input shaft; a clutch actuator configured to operate the clutch; a motor generator configured to rotate in association with rotation of the input shaft; a rust formation determining unit configured to determine whether there is a possibility of a rust formation on the clutch; and a rust formation suppressing unit configured to operate the clutch actuator in a case where the rust formation determining unit determines that there is the possibility of the rust formation on the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitomi HANEDA, Hiroshi IMAI, Tokiyoshi KIDA, Tomoo ATARASHI, Shigeki TAKAMI, Masaki NOMURA, Takafumi KOSHIDA
  • Patent number: 8727940
    Abstract: This power transmission control device is applied to a hybrid vehicle which includes an internal combustion engine and a motor (MG) as power sources. The power transmission control device includes a manual transmission and a friction clutch. When a clutch enters a completely disengaged state as a result of operation of a clutch pedal by a driver in a state where MG torque is adjusted to regeneration torque acting in a direction for decelerating the vehicle, the magnitude of the regeneration torque is decreased to “minute value A which is greater than zero,” and then maintained at the minute value A. Much energy generated as a result of regeneration can be stored in a battery (see the area shown by dots) as compared with the case where the regeneration torque is adjusted to zero immediately after the clutch enters the completely disengaged state. Accordingly, energy efficiency (fuel efficiency) is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Inoue, Takeshige Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8706369
    Abstract: A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diana Yanakiev, Yuji Fujii, Eric Tseng, Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F Kucharski
  • Patent number: 8676422
    Abstract: Disclosed is a creep control system and method for a hybrid vehicle, which controls the driving of a motor according to the distance to a preceding vehicle in order to provide creep driving when the hybrid vehicle has come to a complete stop. In particular, driving information is detected and a determination is made as to whether the hybrid vehicle is in an idle stop and completely stationary state. Then when the hybrid vehicle is in the idle stop and completely stationary state, a determination is made as to whether a distance from a preceding vehicle is more than a predetermined distance. When the distance to the preceding vehicle is more than the predetermined distance, a motor is driven to perform creep driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Taewoo Lee
  • Patent number: 8548703
    Abstract: A method to determine excessive clutch slippage in a transmission coupled to an engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit power to an output member through selective application of torque-transfer clutches includes monitoring rotational velocities of the electric machine, engine and output member, monitoring a transmission operating range state, determining a clutch slip based upon monitored rotational velocities for one of the torque-transfer clutches intended to be synchronized based upon the transmission operating range state, and indicating a runaway slip event if the clutch slip is in excess of a threshold slip level through a threshold slip duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 8473139
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle driving apparatus includes a clutch control device and an automatic transmission control device that are connected to mutually communicate. The clutch control device sends a request to wait gear shift to the automatic transmission control device while front clutch operation is in preparation. The automatic transmission control device that receives the request to wait gear shift determines whether priority is given to engaging or disengaging the front clutch or to shifting gears of the automatic transmission. The automatic transmission control device that is determined to give priority to the front clutch operation sends out a gear shift in stand-by state signal to the clutch control device while maintaining the automatic transmission in a gear shift prepared state. The clutch control device that receives the gear shift in progress signal restrains the front clutch from engaging or disengaging while maintaining the front clutch in an operation prepared state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Suguru Futamura
  • Patent number: 8465392
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle hybrid drive train comprising an internal combustion engine and electric machine whose torque is applicable to a drive output of the drive train. The drive train comprises a clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and electric machine, an oil pump connected in the drive train downstream of the clutch in relation to the internal combustion engine, and the oil pump can be driven by the internal combustion engine and the electric machine, and a transmission which comprises a shifting elements for producing various gear ratios and which is supplied with hydraulic fluid by the oil pump in an operating-status-dependent manner. The speed of the electric machine is set independently of the speed of the internal combustion engine, in order to supply the transmission with a flow of a volume hydraulic fluid required for the operating point of the transmission present at the time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Allgaier, Michael Sohler, Peter Schiele
  • Publication number: 20130123063
    Abstract: Disclosed is system for a hybrid vehicle that includes an engine, a transmission, and a battery. The system may further include a first clutch configured to connect the engine with the transmission and having a first part and a second part; a first motor/generator configured to be connected to the first part and directly connected to the transmission; a second motor/generator configured to be connected to the second part; and a second clutch configured to connected the second motor/generator with the transmission. In particular, the first part and the second part may be clutches that can operate independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Seong Jae Song, Tal Chol Kim, Sung Tae Cho, Yong Gi Kim
  • Publication number: 20130086897
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine, a torsion damper connected to the engine, a torque converter, a housing enclosing a clutch, a motor and gearing, and a drive shell surrounding the torque converter, including an input connected to the damper, an output connected to the clutch, the clutch and the motor located between the torque converter and the gearing, the torsion damper located between the engine and the torque converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, Steven G. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130008759
    Abstract: There is provided a first and second bearing supporting a clutch case at first and second axial sides in a radial direction, a rotor of a rotary electrical machine is supported by the clutch case, a gap between an outer peripheral face of a pump drive shaft 10 and an inner peripheral face of a drive shaft insertion hole 90c is a distribution passage L of oil flowing from a pump chamber 18a to the first bearing 51, and a distribution passage diameter difference, which is a difference between a diameter ?a of the outer peripheral face of the pump drive shaft 10 and a diameter ?c of the inner peripheral face of the drive shaft insertion hole 90c in the distribution passage L, is set so that the distribution passage L functions as a narrowed portion which limits a flow rate of oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Kasuya, Hiroshi Katou, Masashi Kitou, Yuichi Seki, Shigeru Sugisaka
  • Patent number: 8337359
    Abstract: A hybrid engine and coupling system for use with a vehicle or other load which employs a motor/generator unit connected through controllable couplers to a kinetic energy storage device and to one or more internal combustion engine modules in a programmed manner. Several embodiments provide varying configurations to satisfy various power and packaging design requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: EcoMotors International
    Inventor: Peter Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 8296027
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electro-mechanical transmission through an unlocking state of a clutch, the transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member includes decreasing a reactive torque acting upon the clutch, including overriding torque commands to the engine and to the electric machine, and simultaneously decreasing a clutch torque capacity, including, during a lead period selected according to an engine command reaction time, commanding an intermediate clutch torque command maintaining sufficient clutch torque capacity to exceed an initial reactive torque calculated at an initiation of the unlocking state, and following the lead period, decreasing through a ramp down the clutch torque capacity, maintaining sufficient clutch torque capacity to exceed the decreasing reactive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20120238404
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive train having a hybrid drive including a combustion engine and electric motor, a clutch located between the engine and the motor, a transmission, a starting element and a brake pedal. For electric crawling from a state in which the clutch is disengaged, the brake pedal is activated and the combustion engine is turned off, initially the starting element is brought to or maintained at a filling pressure. Next, the rotational speed of the electric motor is adjusted to be higher, by a defined slippage rotational speed, than a transmission side rotational speed. When this slippage is reached, the starting element is further engaged to create a crawl torque at the output. The electric motor continues at rotational speed control so that the slippage is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Peter Schiele, Falko Platzer, Michael Sohler
  • Patent number: 8267208
    Abstract: A drive unit for a hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine with a crankshaft, a friction clutch with a pressure plate, which can be moved in the axial direction by an actuating arrangement, with a clutch plate, and with a clutch disk arrangement, positioned between these first two components and is connected to the crankshaft. The drive unit also includes an electric machine, which is arranged between the internal combustion engine and the friction clutch, with a stator attached to a stator carrier and with a rotor. The friction clutch comprises a clutch hub, which serves to create at least an indirect connection of the clutch disk arrangement to the crankshaft is detachably connected to the clutch disk arrangement outside the radial dimension of the pressure plate and the clutch plate. An assembly method for assembling such a drive unit is also described, where a preassembled unit including at least the electric machine and the friction clutch is attached to an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Christoph Kleuker
  • Publication number: 20120208671
    Abstract: A series/parallel dual motor dual-clutch hybrid electrical driving unit for vehicle includes: a main traction motor (17), an integrated starter-generator (4), a differential (7), a main shaft (8), a first stage decelerating device (9), a primary clutch (16) and a first clutch (15). Said traction motor (17) is connected with said first stage decelerating device (9) via said first clutch (15). A series/parallel dual motor triple clutch hybrid electrical driving unit for vehicle further includes a second clutch (12) and a second stage decelerating device (5) based on the above described series/parallel dual motor dual-clutch hybrid electrical driving unit. The hybrid electrical driving unit according to the invention is compact in structure arrangement, high efficient and rational in connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Shanghai E-Propulsion Auto Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun ZHU, Weimin Gao, Jiangang Lu, Hailong Ge, Sidong Luo, Jian Wang
  • Publication number: 20120178574
    Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine, an electric motor module, and a transmission. The electric motor module includes a hydraulic cooling circuit for the electric motor. The hydraulic cooling circuit includes a fluid passage and an annulus in fluid communication with the fluid passage. The annulus is radially outwardly disposed relative to a stator of an electric motor for circulating hydraulic fluid around an outer circumference of the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edwin T. Grochowski, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 8206261
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of transmitting power between a shaft of a heat engine and a wheel axle shaft of a hybrid vehicle. The inventive method involves the use of: a power transmission device comprising an electric machine which is connected to (i) the heat engine by means of a clutch and (ii) a wheel axle shaft; and a starting system which is mechanically independent of the electric machine and which is connected to the heat engine. According to the invention, the heat engine is started by applying a torque to the shaft simultaneously using the starting system and the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Gaetan Rocq, Yvan Le Neindre, Cedric Launay
  • Publication number: 20120089285
    Abstract: A clutch control device of a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch driven by a motor and connected with a drive shaft. A hydraulic unit controls the clutch by oil pressure. An oil temperature detecting unit detects temperature of the oil and a unit which detects vehicle velocity. A control unit which operates through the hydraulic unit switches between an engine driving mode in which the motor shaft and the engine shaft are engaged with each other and a motor driving mode in which the motor shaft and the engine shaft are released and the hybrid vehicle is driven by the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Yukihiro Nissato
  • Publication number: 20120080286
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device configured with an input member drivably coupled to an internal combustion engine, an output member drivably coupled to wheels, and a friction engagement device that selectively drivably couples the input member and the output member to each other. A rotary electric machine is connected between the input member and the output member. A housing oil chamber houses at least friction members of the friction engagement device and is filled with oil. A housing space houses the rotary electric machine, a first oil passage through which oil is supplied to the housing oil chamber, a second oil passage through which oil is discharged from the housing oil chamber; and a third oil passage through which oil discharged from the second oil passage is supplied to the housing space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Kasuya, Masashi Kitou, Yuichi Seki, Yusuke Takahashi, Shigeru Sugisaka
  • Publication number: 20120071295
    Abstract: Provided is a power transmitting device that lets a motor in a hybrid vehicle be smaller and lighter, prevents internal resistance and inertia of the generator motor from becoming driving resistance, and can effectively utilize energy. Via a first clutch (10), power is transmitted from an input shaft (2) to a transmission shaft (3) but power transmission from the transmission shaft (3) to the input shaft (2) is blocked, and power transmission from the input shaft (2) to the transmission shaft (3) can be blocked. Via a second clutch (20), power is transmitted from the transmission shaft (3) to the input shaft (2), while power transmission from the input shaft (2) to the transmission shaft (3) is blocked. Thus, when driving using only the power of the engine (111), power transmission from the input shaft (2) to the transmission shaft (3) is blocked, thereby preventing transmission of power to a generator motor (112).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Tadahiko Kato
  • Patent number: 8091659
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a battery system, an internal combustion engine, a first motor/generator, a second motor/generator, and an engageable clutch assembly. The engageable clutch assembly is disposed between the internal combustion engine and the first motor/generator. When engaged, the engageable clutch assembly couples the rotor spindle of the second motor/generator with the hollow rotor shaft of the first motor/generator. The engageable clutch assembly may also operate in a first mechanical mode that selectively engages and disengages the internal combustion engine from the second motor/generator, or operate in a second mechanical mode that dampens shock between the internal combustion engine and the first motor/generator when the international combustion engine operates at a rotational speed that is different than a rotational of the first motor/generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: BYD Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: HongBing Luo, Yi Ren, ShengLin Yang, Tao Wang, Yan Liu
  • Publication number: 20110306463
    Abstract: An automated manual transmission system (1) including an input shaft (4), a clutch, an output shaft (6), and a gear-box enabling selection of different transmission ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft (6). An actuation mechanism (10) is operatively connected to the clutch and the gearbox to effect disengagement and re-engagement of the clutch and coordinated selection of the transmission ratios. A hybrid motor (14) is operably connected to the output shaft (6) and a control system (16) is operable to regulate the actuating mechanism in response to control inputs, to effect automatic gear changes. The hybrid motor (14) is responsive to the control system (16) to provide supplementary torque to the vehicle driveline when the clutch is disengaged, to reduce torque interruption in the driveline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: NT CONSULTING INTERNATIONAL PTY, LTD.
    Inventors: Richard Terrence Tamba, Simon Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20110269599
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid vehicle with a transmission, the transmission including a transmission input shaft (25) to which the power from the engine is transmitted, transmission output shafts (26, 27) from which a power for driving a driven section is outputted, a first input shaft (21) which is connectable to the transmission input shaft (25) via a first clutch (CL1) of a twin clutch unit (20), a second input shaft (22) which is connectable to the transmission input shaft (25) via a second clutch (CL2), gear trains (G1 to GR) which are configured so that the gear trains can be selected to connect the first input shaft (21) and the second input shaft (22) to the transmission output shafts (26, 27), and a connection device (SM1) which can be selectively switched between a first operation state for enabling power transmission between the output shaft of an electric motor (3) and the transmission input shaft (25) and a second operation state for interrupting the power transmission therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Toru Nakasako
  • Publication number: 20110259698
    Abstract: A hybrid module for a drive train of a vehicle, including a first disconnect clutch (2), an electric motor (4), and a second disconnect clutch (1). The first disconnect clutch (2) is disposed in the torque flow path between a combustion engine (3) in the drive train and the electric motor (4), while the second disconnect clutch (1) is disposed in the torque flow path between the electric motor (4) and a transmission (6, 7) in the drive train. The first disconnect clutch (2) and the second disconnect clutch (1) are disposed in a joint wet chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Arnold, Ivo Agner
  • Patent number: 8020654
    Abstract: A drivetrain is proposed for a hybrid motor vehicle, which comprises an electric machine arranged between the vehicle's transmission (2) and a differential (8) of a driven axle in order to drive the axle via a Cardan shaft (7) or another shaft capable of torque transfer in which a transmission (10) made as a reducing gear system is arranged in the force flow direction behind the electric machine in order to produce the necessary speeds and torques and transfer them to the Cardan shaft or to the other shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Muller, Markus Hoher, Linus Eschenbeck
  • Patent number: 7972235
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain having an engine, multi-speed transmission connected to a final drive and not continuously connected to the engine, a single motor/generator connected to an energy storage device and a controller and not continuously connected to the engine or transmission, and three clutches. The first clutch is connected to the engine, the second clutch is connected to the transmission and first clutch, and the third clutch is connected to the motor/generator and first and second clutches. The first and second clutches are operable for selectively interconnecting the engine and transmission; the first and third clutches are operable for selectively interconnecting the engine and motor/generator; the second and third clutches are operable for selectively interconnecting the transmission and motor/generator; and the three clutches are operable for selectively interconnecting the engine, transmission and motor/generator to transmit power therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Patrick B Usoro, Shawn H Swales
  • Patent number: 7900763
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for coupling a rotor of a rotating electrical machine with the gearbox primary shaft of a motor vehicle heat engine. The device is characterized in that the hub (7) of the rotor (6) is coupled with the primary shaft (8) by a mating part (25) comprising an externally toothed crown (26) meshing in the hub (7) and a central sleeve (27) coupled with the primary shaft (8) through a splined connection (28) and in that ends (29) and (30) of the toothed crown (26) and of the central sleeve (27) of the part (25) are centered respectively in the hub (7) and on the primary shaft (8) in sliding arrangement. The invention is applicable in the automotive industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Alain Paumier, Thomas Boutou
  • Publication number: 20100326785
    Abstract: A hybrid drive train (1) has an electric machine (15) with a stator (16) fastened to a clutch housing (18) and a rotor (20) that can be rotated relative to the stator (16) with a radial gap (22) therebetween. The hybrid drive train (1) also has a wet-running multiple disk clutch device (8) with an outer multiple disk carrier (24) that has at least one oil passage opening (41). The radial gap (22) between the rotor (20) and the stator (16) is shielded from the oil passage opening (41) of the outer multiple disk carrier (24) by an oil shielding device (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Henrik Schrage
  • Patent number: 7828096
    Abstract: The invention proposes a hybrid drive for a vehicle with a power train, which has a first electric machine (4), which is permanently connected to an input shaft (3) of the vehicle transmission (2) arranged between an internal combustion engine (1) and a vehicle transmission (2) with changeable gear ratio, and which can be operated as an engine or as a generator, and a hydraulic pump (5) for the vehicle transmission (2), in which at least one first shiftable clutch device (7) is arranged between the internal combustion engine (1) and the vehicle transmission (2), and in which the hydraulic pump (5) is torque-proof connected to the input shaft (3) of the vehicle transmission (2). A hybrid drive is also proposed, which comprises two electric machines, in which the hydraulic pump (5) is coupled via at least one element for force transfer to the input shaft (3) of the vehicle transmission (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Markus Hoher, Linus Eschenbeck
  • Patent number: 7806800
    Abstract: In a drive train and a method for operating the drive train for a motor vehicle, comprising a hydraulically shiftable transmission unit with an input shaft connectable to an internal combustion engine via a first clutch, a first electric motor, and an oil pump which supplies the transmission unit with pressurized oil and which is driven by the internal combustion engine or by an electric pump motor, the electric pump motor for driving the oil pump is in the form of a sensorless electric motor, and if required, the first electric motor is energized and coupled to the oil pump in order to assist starting the electric pump motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Norbert Ebner, Andreas Schondelmaier
  • Publication number: 20100248561
    Abstract: There is provided a hybrid outboard motor capable of transmitting motive power of a power source appropriately and efficiently in a limited space while achieving compactness, high performance, and the like. The hybrid outboard motor includes: a casing; a power unit housed in the casing; a screw disposed outside the casing, the screw being driven by the power unit; a power transmission system transmitting motive power of the power unit to the screw; an internal combustion engine and an electric motor serving also as a generator, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor being arranged in parallel in a beam direction in the casing; and a first clutch disposed between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, wherein one or both of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are connected to a propulsion unit including the screw so as to rotate it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keisuke DAIKOKU
  • Patent number: 7770678
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive control system has a first clutch interposed between an engine and a motor/generator, a transmission including several gear position clutches arranged between the motor/generator and a drive wheel, and a controller. The controller selectively starts the engine using torque from the first clutch during a mode drive change from an electric drive mode to a hybrid drive mode. When an engine start command occurs during the drive mode change, the controller selects the engaged gear position clutch that has the maximum torque transfer capacity from the engaged clutches constituting a vehicle running gear occurring during an engine starting process as a second clutch to be controlled. Then the controller executes a slip control of the second clutch when the first clutch is being connected to start the engine during the mode change from the electric drive mode to the hybrid drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Nozaki, Kiminori Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100137091
    Abstract: The present invention provide a power train of a hybrid vehicle that can be mounted in plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as environment-friendly vehicles, while reducing the cost and weight with less parts and a simple structure, ensuring good mounting characteristics in a vehicle, and improving fuel efficiency and power performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jongsool Park, Changwook Lee
  • Publication number: 20100133930
    Abstract: The hybrid drive device characterized in that: a case space (G1, G2) is divided by a partition wall (24) into a first case part (22) and a second case part (23); a drive electric motor (8) is provided in the first case part (22); a friction engagement element (B1) is provided in the second case part (23); and a through hole (59) that communicates the case spaces (G1, G2) is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruhisa Suzuki, Masatoshi Adachi
  • Patent number: 7693637
    Abstract: A vehicle control system is comprised of a controller which is arranged to select an optimal mode adapted to a driving point of a vehicle from an optimal mode map of defining a plurality of running modes of the vehicle, to detect a generation of a mode transition in the optimal mode map, and to hold a current running mode selected before the transition for a holding time period when the generation of the mode transition is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michel Mensler, Shinichiro Joe
  • Patent number: 7690280
    Abstract: An element comprises a rotary input member (15), a motion output member (19), an electrical machine (14) including a stator (27) and a rotor (26), a first connecting clutch (89A) between the input member (15) and an intermediate member (83) rotating about a first axis (X-X?). The intermediate member (83) is connected in rotation to the rotor (26), and a second connecting clutch (89B) is positioned between the intermediate member (83) and the output member (19). The element also comprises a casing (21) defining a housing (69) wherein are coaxially and concentrically mounted the first and second connecting clutches (89A, 89B). The axis of rotation (Y-Y?) of the rotor (26) is separate from the first axis (X-X?) and a transmission (121, 123, 135) connects in rotation the rotor (26) and the intermediate member (83). The invention is applicable to motor vehicle engine-transmission units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Lionel Chapelon, David Pierre
  • Patent number: 7690459
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle and powertrain include an engine operable to output torque in only one direction, and further includes a power transfer arrangement configured to provide output torque in two rotational directions. In one embodiment, the power transfer arrangement includes three gears and a single clutch, the configuration of which provides a simple mechanism for driving the vehicle in reverse using torque produced by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Schondorf, Brandon Masterson
  • Publication number: 20100078281
    Abstract: A hybrid drive device, which has a motor generator on a power transmission path between an engine and an automatic transmission apparatus, includes a fluid clutch having a pump impeller, to which a rotational force generated by the engine is inputted, and a turbine impeller being rotated when receiving a fluid from the pump impeller and outputting a rotational force to the automatic transmission apparatus, a clutch mechanism connecting the pump impeller and the turbine impeller to establish a power transmission therebetween and disconnecting the pump impeller and the turbine impeller to interrupt the power transmission therebetween, and an oil pump arranged on a power transmission path between the turbine impeller and the automatic transmission apparatus, integrally rotating with the turbine impeller and generating a hydraulic pressure for actuating the automatic transmission apparatus and the clutch mechanism, wherein the motor generator is integrally rotated with the turbine impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki KAJIGAI, Yasuo Shirai
  • Patent number: 7661495
    Abstract: A drive unit for motor vehicles with hybrid drive and a drive train in a longitudinal arrangement, between the internal combustion engine and the first axle, comprising a housing piece, a through driveshaft, an electric motor, surrounding the through driveshaft with a first clutch before the electric motor and a second clutch thereafter, whereby a second axle is also to be driven with minimal space requirement. A first electric motor is thus physically combined with the first clutch, surrounding a second electric motor and the through driveshaft and is connected to the second axle by means of a third clutch, an offset gear and a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Zöhrer, Konstantin Erjawetz, Peter Pichler
  • Patent number: 7641583
    Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is concerned with a series hybrid drive train for a vehicle comprising a traction motor, an electric generator, a three-position clutch (20) and a controller. The three-position clutch allows the generator to be connected to an internal combustion engine (12) of the vehicle, to the traction motor or to remain freewheeling. In a second aspect of the present invention, a four-position clutch is used to further allow the internal combustion engine to be connected directly to the wheels to thereby yield a series/parallel drive train. A third aspect of the present invention is concerned with a method of operating such a hybrid drive train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: TM4 Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Houle, Pierre Blouin, Louis-Philippe Bibeau, Jianhong Xu, Ghislain Lambert, Philippe Noël
  • Publication number: 20090283344
    Abstract: A starting clutch running in oil is present in the drive train of a motor vehicle which has an internal combustion engine and a starter generator. The rotor of the starter generator is supported on a clutch cover, at least indirectly, and the clutch cover is rotationally fixed to the clutch bell of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Johannes ARNOLD, Oliver NOEHL, Ivo AGNER
  • Publication number: 20090124450
    Abstract: An automotive transmission transitions from a drive gear to a neutral gear when an engine is shutdown. During a rolling pull-up, a crankshaft of the engine will be spun up to a desired speed and the transmission will transition from the neutral gear to an appropriate gear based on a shift schedule. A target transmission input speed is commanded to be a synchronous speed plus an offset to smoothly transition out of electric axle drive propulsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Silveri, Daniel Scott Colvin, Marvin Paul Kraska
  • Patent number: 7503865
    Abstract: An infinitely-variable power-branching transmission with two operating modes. The transmission components are distributed between two power paths connecting in parallel a heat engine to vehicle wheels, including at least first planetary trains, two electrical machines, and a reduction stage. A third planetary train co-operates with control members to establish the two transmission operating modes and to switch there between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Yves Pichon
  • Publication number: 20090062052
    Abstract: The present invention provides a layout of a power transmission device for a hybrid vehicle which provides a high damping force a high damping force against engine fluctuation at low RPM operation by an engine For this, the preset invention provides a power transmission device for a hybrid vehicle, in which an automatic transmission having an input shaft, a motor, an engine clutch, a flywheel, and an engine having an output shaft connected to a crank shaft of the engine are directly connected to the same axis, the power transmission device including: a motor support shaft, the outer end of which is supported by a motor rotor and the inner end of which extends toward the boundary between the output shaft of the engine and the input shaft of the automatic transmission; a motor housing arranged so as to surround the outer circumference and the left side surface of the motor rotor; a torsion damper disposed between the left side end of the motor housing and the motor rotor; an engine clutch, disposed between the
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kyung Ha Kim
  • Publication number: 20080305924
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle launch using a transmission having an input, a current gear, an input clutch associated with a target gear and an output, an engine and an electric machine for driving the input, includes the steps of determining a desired magnitude of torque to be produced at the transmission output, producing a predetermined magnitude of torque capacity of the input clutch, operating the engine such that a magnitude of torque at the transmission output is substantially equal to the desired transmission output torque, determining an crankshaft speed error, determining a desired change in torque at the transmission input that will reduce the crankshaft speed error, adjusting a magnitude of torque produced by the first electric machine such that the magnitude of torque at the transmission input is substantially equal to the desired torque at the transmission input, and engaging the input clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Deepak Aswani, Andrew J. Silveri
  • Publication number: 20080305907
    Abstract: An input brake assembly is provided for selectively grounding a transmission input member. The packaging location of the input brake assembly does not interfere with, and thus still allows the option of providing a bypass clutch for a flex plate-type flywheel connecting the engine with the transmission input member. The input brake assembly includes a flywheel, preferably a flex plate, for transferring rotary torque between the engine and the transmission input member and a ring gear secured to the outer periphery of the flex plate. A pinion gear is axially movable into and out of meshing engagement with the ring gear. A grounding device is operatively connected to the pinion gear and is operable to prevent rotation of the pinion gear, thereby braking the flex plate as well as the transmission input member operatively connected thereto when the pinion gear is in meshing engagement with the ring gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, John A. Diemer, Craig S. Ross, Michael H. Pohl, Robert K. Dunlap
  • Publication number: 20080274856
    Abstract: A method for compensating a transmitted torque of a clutch between a regulated drive motor, in particular an electromotor, and a combustion engine in the transition to an operation using only the drive motor, to hybrid operation in which an overall torque is supplied jointly by the drive motor and the combustion engine, and the engine speed of the drive motor is controlled with the aid of a manipulated variable; to implement the transition, the combustion engine is dragged by coupling it with the drive motor with the aid of a proportional clutch having a controllable transmitted torque, and the control of the engine speed of the drive motor is implemented as a function of the transmitted torque using which the drive motor is coupled with the combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Andreas Seel
  • Publication number: 20080264706
    Abstract: A power transmission system for a hybrid motor vehicle is disclosed, where the vehicle is alternatively drivable via one or the other of two motors which are independent of one another, in particular an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, or by combined operation of these motors. The system includes an input shaft connected to the internal combustion engine, which shaft can, via a clutch arrangement, on the one hand transmit rotation of the input shaft to an output shaft, which is connected to a transmission of the vehicle, and on the other hand transmit rotation of the electric motor to the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Roland Andersson