Characterized By Control Of Gearing (e.g., Control Of Transmission Ratio) (epo) Patents (Class 903/945)
  • Publication number: 20090118950
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission includes a torque machine and an energy storage device connected thereto. The hybrid transmission is operative to transfer power between an input member and an output member and the torque machine in a continuously variable operating range state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellscheft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Tung-ming Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20090118971
    Abstract: An engine is coupled to an input member of a hybrid transmission and the hybrid transmission is operative to transfer torque between the input member and a torque machine and an output member to generate an output torque in response to an operator torque request. The torque machine is connected to an energy storage device. A method for controlling the engine includes determining a preferred input torque from the engine to the hybrid transmission based upon operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, determining maximum and minimum allowable input torques from the engine to the hybrid transmission, controlling the engine at the preferred input torque when the preferred input torque is within the maximum and minimum allowable input torques, and controlling the engine based upon the maximum and minimum allowable input torques when the preferred input torque is outside one of the maximum and minimum allowable input torques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Publication number: 20090118946
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, providing at least one operator torque request, determining preferability factors associated with the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and potential transmission operating range states and engine states, wherein determining preferability factors associated with potential transmission operating range states includes assigning biasing costs to operator torque requests which reside within a pre-determined range of possible operator torque requests for at least two of the potential transmission operating range states, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the transmission operating range state and engine state based upon stheaid preferability factors and th
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20090118923
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system includes monitoring an operator torque request, selecting a candidate powertrain system operating point, and determining a preferred engine torque range, a preferred torque machine torque range, and a preferred energy storage device output power range. The method further includes determining an engine torque, a torque machine torque, and an energy storage device output power based upon the operator torque request and the candidate powertrain system operating point. Power costs for operating the powertrain at the candidate powertrain system operating point are determined based on the determined engine torque, the determined torque machine torque, and the determined energy storage device output power range. Penalty costs are determined relative to the preferred engine torque range, the preferred torque machine torque range, and the preferred energy storage device output power range for operating the powertrain at the candidate powertrain system operating point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20090118915
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain includes operating the transmission in an operating range state wherein input speed can operate independent of output speed and wherein a reactive torque is transmitted through the transmission. The method further includes monitoring commands affecting a requested output torque, monitoring a calculated output torque, and prioritizing between an input acceleration of the transmission and an output torque of the transmission based upon whether operating the transmission in the operating range state is in transient operation or stable operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimier AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20090118929
    Abstract: A method for controlling torque in a hybrid powertrain system to selectively transfer mechanical power to an output member includes monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and to a brake pedal. An immediate accelerator output torque request, a predicted accelerator output torque request, an immediate brake output torque request, a predicted brake output torque request, and an axle torque response type are determined. An output torque command to the output member of the transmission is determined based upon the immediate accelerator output torque request and the immediate brake output torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, William R. Cawthorne
  • Publication number: 20090118930
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system including a transmission mechanically coupled to an engine and an electric machine to transfer power to an output member, the transmission selectively operative in one of a plurality of operating range states includes monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal, determining a preferred operating point of the powertrain based upon the operator inputs, determining a preferred operating range state of the transmission based upon the preferred operating point, determining lead control signals for the engine and the transmission based upon the preferred operating point and the preferred operating range state of the transmission, determining immediate control signals for the electric machine and the transmission, wherein the immediate control signals are based upon a lead period calibrated to a difference in control signal reaction times of the engine and the electric machine in order to effect changes to an actual electric machine output substantially simultaneou
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20090118880
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes determining an operator torque request, determining a time-based derivative of the operator torque request, determining a first future time, and predicting a change in the operator torque request based upon the operator torque request, the time-based derivative of the operator torque request, and the first future time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Jason J. McConnell, Kee Yong Kim, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Publication number: 20090118078
    Abstract: A control method for vehicular hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and a transmission gear selector, and determining an operator torque request based upon the operator inputs to the accelerator pedal and the transmission gear selector. Torque output from the electric machine is commanded based upon the operator torque request. Engine output is controlled based upon the operator torque request and the commanded torque output from the electric machine. Vehicle hood position is monitored and the engine output is controlled correlative to the operator input to the accelerator pedal when the monitored position of the vehicle hood is open and the operator input to the transmission gear selector is one of a PARK and a NEUTRAL position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marek L. Wilmanowicz, Matthew Leonard Kaufer, Mark J. Potter, Anthony H. Heap, William R. Cawthorne, Michael Bolton
  • Publication number: 20090115350
    Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission operative to transfer power between an input member and torque machines and an output member includes determining available power, motor torque constraints, and other constraints on torque transfer. Equations are provided, transformed to a second coordinate system and simultaneously solved. An achievable torque operating region is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Publication number: 20090118941
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a hybrid transmission device operative to transfer power between an input member and torque machines and an output member in one of a plurality of operating range states. The torque machines are connected to an energy storage device. A method for operating the powertrain system includes determining a permissible range of input operating points to the input member, determining ranges of motor torques for the torque machines, determining an available power range from the energy storage device, selecting a candidate input operating point within the permissible range of input operating points, and determining maximum and minimum achievable output torques transferable to the output member for the candidate engine operating point within the ranges of motor torques for the torque machines and within the available power range from the energy storage device in a candidate operating range state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Publication number: 20090118936
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an electromechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member through selective application of a plurality of clutches. A method for controlling the powertrain includes commanding a shift from a fixed gear operating range state to a second operating range state, commanding decreased reactive torque through an off-going clutch during a torque phase of said commanded shift, and decreasing said reactive torque through said off-going clutch through control of engine input torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Lawrence A. Kaminsky
  • Publication number: 20090111635
    Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission is provided with first and second motor/generators and three planetary gear assemblies. At least one of the planetary gear assemblies is a planetary gear assembly having multiple planetary gear sets. As a result, the gears for the planetary gear assembly can be represented on multiple radial planes. Each of the planetary gear assemblies has continuous interconnections, and selective connections via a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms, that provide three forward electrically-variable modes. Preferably, the planetary gear assemblies are connected to one another in such a manner as to allow shifting between one of the electrically-variable modes to occur at a point offset from a mechanical power flow of the transmission. This decreases the maximum power output required from the motor/generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: BRENDAN M. CONLON, KLAUS KERSTING, ANDREW W. PHILLIPS
  • Publication number: 20090112416
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes executing a shift, determining a plurality of input acceleration profiles for controlling an engine and an electric machine, determining an input speed profile, and controlling operation of the engine and the electric machine based upon the input speed profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellsschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20090112423
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hydraulic flow within a powertrain comprising an electromechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an engine adapted to selectively transmit power to an output, wherein the transmission utilizes a hydraulic control system serving a number of hydraulic oil consuming functions includes monitoring minimum hydraulic pressure requirements for each of the functions, determining a requested hydraulic pressure based upon the monitoring minimum hydraulic pressure requirements and physical limits of the hydraulic control system including a maximum pressure, determining a desired flow utilizing a hydraulic control system flow model based upon the requested hydraulic pressure, and utilizing the desired flow to control an auxiliary hydraulic pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: MICHAEL D. FOSTER, ERIC S. TRYON, JY-JEN F. SAH, ALI K. NAQVI
  • Publication number: 20090112419
    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: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20090112422
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electromechanical transmission includes monitoring a current hydraulic circuit oil temperature, monitoring a current state of flow management valves, monitoring a command for cooling of electric machines, monitoring a desired transmission operating range state, utilizing a state machine to determine a sequence for controlling positions of the flow management valves to achieve the desired transmission operating range state based upon the monitored properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Ali K. Naqvi, Michael D. Foster
  • Publication number: 20090112420
    Abstract: A method to monitor integrity of a signal output from an operator-manipulable transmission range selector for a powertrain system includes equipping the transmission range selector with a range encoder and a direction encoder, determining a range state and a direction state based upon signals from the range encoder and the direction encoder, determining a discrete position of the transmission range selector based upon the range state and the direction state, and performing back rationality to verify the discrete position of the transmission range selector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hanne Buur, Richard E. Robinette, Peter E. Wu
  • Publication number: 20090111637
    Abstract: A method for controlling hydraulic line pressure for component lubrication in a transmission includes monitoring a speed of an engine and an electric machine, determining a minimum line pressure required to lubricate the engine based upon the speed of the engine, determining a minimum line pressure required to lubricate the electric machine based upon the speed of the electric machine, controlling a minimum line pressure of a hydraulic control system to at least satisfy a larger value of the minimum line pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kristin L. Day, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20090112417
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain including an electro-mechanical transmission coupled to an engine and an electric machine includes monitoring a desired input speed; signal processing the desired input speed to create a lead control signal to control the engine, wherein the signal processing includes low pass filtering the desired input speed and applying system constraint limits upon the desired input speed; signal processing the desired input speed to create an immediate control signal to control the electric machine, wherein the signal processing includes delaying the desired input speed by a lead period, low pass filtering the desired input speed, and applying system constraint limits upon the desired input speed; and controlling the powertrain through a powertrain transition based upon the lead control signal and said immediate control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20090112421
    Abstract: A method for controlling hydraulic line pressure of a hydraulic control system in transmission includes determining an available flow from a plurality of hydraulic pumps, determining a flow consumption of functions served by the hydraulic control system, determining an estimated hydraulic line pressure based upon the flow from the pumps and the flow consumption, determining a desired hydraulic line pressure, and controlling the hydraulic pumps based upon the desired hydraulic line pressure and the estimated hydraulic line pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Ali K. Naqvi
  • Publication number: 20090105914
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes torque generative devices to transfer power to an output member. An operator torque request, a rotational direction and speed of the output member, and a signal output from a transmission range selector are monitored. When a change in a direction of intended motion is determined, the powertrain system can change rotational direction of the output member when the speed of the output member is less than a threshold. The powertrain can inhibit a change in the rotational direction of the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hanne Buur, William R. Cawthorne
  • Publication number: 20090100965
    Abstract: A hybrid drive device including a drive device input shaft coupled to an engine, a rotary electrical machine, a transmission shifting and outputting rotary drive transferred from the rotary electrical machine or the drive device input shaft or the both of them, a transmission case accommodating the transmission, and a rotary electrical machine case having a joint surface joining with the transmission case, a step portion with a diameter which is reduced when seen from an input shaft input end side is provided in an inner peripheral portion of the rotary electrical machine case, and a partition wall supporting the rotary electrical machine from the input shaft input end side is fixed to the step portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Sanji, Nobukazu Ike
  • Publication number: 20090093335
    Abstract: A transmission includes: a plurality of rotating elements interposed between a driving source and an output portion; a rotating member that rotatably supports one of the rotating elements and is formed at a radially outer portion thereof with a plurality of recesses or protrusions; a support member having a surface, that is facing the rotating member, and a plurality of protrusions or recesses that are formed in a radially inner portion thereof and engage with the recesses or protrusions of the rotating member, the rotating member being mounted in the support member such that the rotating member is not able to rotate; and a friction producing mechanism that is provided between the rotating member and the above-indicated surface of the support member and is arranged to produce a frictional force between the rotating member and the surface of the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu YOKOUCHI, Hideto Watanabe, Kunio Takeda, Masayuki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20090088291
    Abstract: There is provided a control device for a vehicular power transmitting apparatus of equipped with a differential portion is provided for suppressing a durability decrease of the differential portion or component parts related thereto upon preventing a rotary element of the differential portion from reaching a high-speed rotation. Rotation-stop determining means 72 makes a query as to whether the first rotary element RE1 is lowered in a rotation speed to be stopped during an engine drive mode. If the answer is YES and differential-portion rotation speed determining means 74 makes a positive determination, then engaging-element control-executing means 78 executes engaging element control. This allows a third rotary element RE3 of the differential portion 11, connected to drive wheels 38 via an engaging element of an automatic shifting portion 20, to approach a state available to freewheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku
  • Publication number: 20090088937
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission system has a first electric motor, a differential section, a power interruption element forming part of a power transmission path, a second electric motor connected to a power transmission path, and a control device that maintains the output rotational speed of the differential section at a predetermined constant value or at a value within a predetermined range until the engagement of the power interruption element is completed, so as to control a rotational speed of a primary power source by the first electric motor during the period when the state of the vehicle power transmission system is being switched front a non-drive mode to a drive mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku
  • Publication number: 20090088290
    Abstract: A vehicle drive apparatus is disclosed having a differential mechanism and an electric motor provided in the differential mechanism for miniaturizing the drive apparatus or improving fuel consumption while suppressing the occurrence of shifting shocks. A switching clutch C0 or switching brake B0 is provided for placing a shifting mechanism 10 in a continuously variable shifting state and a step variable shifting state, enabling the drive apparatus to have combined advantages including a fuel economy improving effect of a transmission, enabled to electrically change a speed ratio, and a high transmitting efficiency of a gear type transmitting device enabled to mechanically transmit drive power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • Publication number: 20090082151
    Abstract: A vehicular drive system including a first electric motor, a power distributing mechanism, and a second electric motor disposed on a first axis, and an automatic transmission portion disposed on a second axis parallel to the first axis, and a power transmitting member at an end of the first axis remote from an input rotary member and a rotary member at an end of the second axis remote from the input rotary member are connected to each other through a drive linkage, thereby a total axial dimension of the first electric motor, power distributing mechanism, and second electric motor and an axial dimension of the automatic transmission portion are substantially equal to each other, whereby the axial dimension of the drive system is reduced. A housing of the vehicular drive system includes mutually separate first, second, third, and fourth casing portions, so the drive system can be easily assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Kamada, Yutaka Taga
  • Publication number: 20090082154
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including (a) an electrically controlled differential portion having a differential mechanism and operable to control a differential state between its input and output speeds by controlling an operating state of an electric motor connected to a rotary element of the differential mechanism, and (b) a transmission portion which constitutes a part of a power transmitting path between the electrically controlled differential portion and a drive wheel of a vehicle, the control apparatus including a non-iso-power shifting control portion configured to implement a non-iso-power shifting control of the vehicular drive system (differential portion) when a required special shifting action of the transmission portion not according to a shifting boundary line map should be restricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji Iwase, Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Atsushi Tabata
  • Publication number: 20090076694
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system arranged to electrically transmit a portion of an output force of an engine through an electric path, which control apparatus is configured to reduce loads of components associated with the electric path and to restrict a temperature rise of the components associated with the electric path, making it possible to reduce the required size of a cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • 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: 20090069147
    Abstract: When shifts are performed at the same time in first and second transmitting portions and the gear ratios of those transmitting portions change in opposite directions, a simultaneous shift control unit controls the shift in the first transmitting portion using a first electric motor and controls the shift in the second transmitting portion using a second electric motor such that the shift in one transmitting portion, from among the first and second transmitting portions, ends while the shift in the other transmitting portion is being performed. The shifts in the two transmitting portions will not end at the same time so the amount of shift shock felt by an occupant can be reduced. Also, the shifts in the two transmitting portions are controlled by the first and second electric motors so the progress of the shifts in those transmitting portions can be actively adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20090062062
    Abstract: A method for controlling an idle stop mode in a hybrid electric vehicle is disclosed. The control method accords an oil pressure drain time that a continuously variable transmission clutch oil pressure is fully drained, a final off time of an engine, and a final control time of a motor when a hybrid electric vehicle enters an idle stop mode, thereby preventing a shock or shaking of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yong Kak Choi
  • Publication number: 20090062070
    Abstract: In a control device for a vehicular power transmitting device, if engine torque TE generated with using a fuel other than a basic fuel by an internal combustion engine (8) connected to a shifting mechanism (10) for power transmitting capability, exceeds torque TES generated with using a basic fuel, a downshift is initiated at a lower accel-opening than that at which the downshift is initiated with using the basic fuel. That is, the shifting is performed at a shift point enabling the suppression of a torque increase in consideration of an increase in engine torque TE generated by the internal combustion engine, thereby preventing rotary elements of the shifting mechanism (10) from reaching high-speed rotations during a transition in downshift. This minimizes a drop in durability of the shifting mechanism (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Kenta Kumazaki
  • Publication number: 20090048050
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for vehicle is disclosed having a coupling device (switching clutch B0 or switching brake C0) operative to switch a transmission mechanism 10 between a continuously variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state with both advantages including improved fuel consumption achieved by a transmission, enabled to electrically control a speed ratio, and increased power transmitting efficiency provided by a gear-type transmitting device in which drive power is mechanically transmitted. With the transmission mechanism 10, switching control means 50 allows a differential portion 11 to be maintained in the continuously variable shifting state or the differential portion 11 is preferentially placed in the continuously variable shifting state during a start-up of an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Kamada, Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue
  • Publication number: 20090048747
    Abstract: A fast automated gear shift operation is performed using a powertrain in a hybrid vehicle, the powertrain including a gear box, an engine, at least one controllable motor, a torque ripple damping device, a mechanical connecting device for connecting or disconnecting the engine to or from, respectively, wheels of the vehicle. In the gear shift operation the motor is controlled to perform a sequence of steps in which different torques are delivered by the motor to temporarily change the speed thereof. The torques are selected so that they to reduce the mechanical tension over at least one elastic part of the powertrain. Hence it can be achieved, that during at least a period during the gear shift operation torques over mechanical elements in the gear box cooperating in the current gear and/or over the mechanical connecting device are eliminated or at least strongly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Stridsberg Powertrain AB
    Inventor: Lennart Stridsberg
  • Publication number: 20090043467
    Abstract: The invention is an intelligent advisory system, which may be based on fuzzy rule-based logic to guide a vehicle driver in selecting an optimal driving strategy to achieve best fuel economy. The advisory system includes separate controllers for providing advisory information regarding driver demand for power and advisory information regarding vehicle braking, which are conveyed to the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dimitar Petrov Filev, Fazal Urrahman Syed
  • Publication number: 20090037061
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including a differential mechanism including an electric motor. The drive system includes a switching clutch and switching brake to switch the transmission mechanism between a continuously-variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state. A shifting control mechanism changes a manner of controlling shifting action of the transmission mechanism during shifting action of an automatic transmission portion, for reducing a shifting shock, depending upon whether a differential portion is placed in the continuously-variable shifting state in which engine speed is variable due to differential function irrespective of rotating speed of power transmitting member, or the non-continuously-variable shifting state in which the engine speed is more difficult to be variable than in the continuously-variable shifting state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • Publication number: 20090036263
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a power transmitting system of a hybrid vehicle including (a) a differential portion which has a differential mechanism operatively connected to an engine and a first electric operatively connected to the differential mechanism, and a differential state of which is controlled by controlling an operating state of the first electric motor, and (b) a differential-state switching device which is incorporated in the differential mechanism and which is operable according to a differential-state switching condition, to switch the differential mechanism between a differential state in which the differential mechanism is operable to perform a differential function and a non-differential state in which the differential mechanism is not operable to perform the differential function, the control apparatus including a differential-state-switching-condition changing portion operable to change a differential-state switching condition for switching the differential-state switching device to switch the
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji Iwase, Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata
  • Publication number: 20090037060
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a combustion engine, an electric machine arrangement, a gearbox operable to receive motive power from at least one of the combustion engine and the electric machine arrangement for providing motive power to a load of the powertrain. The powertrain is configurable in operation so that its combustion engine is switchable between an inactive state and an active state. The combustion engine is cranked to switch it from its inactive state to its active state. Application of cranking torque to the combustion engine is controlled in operation to substantially temporally coincide with a gear change in the gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: VOLVO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lars Carlhammar, Svante Karlsson, Helene Panagopoulos
  • Publication number: 20090029819
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism including a switching clutch or brake that is switchable between a continuously-variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state, and has both an advantage of improved fuel economy provided by a transmission, the speed ratio of which is electrically variable, and an advantage of high power transmitting efficiency provided by a gear type power transmitting device constructed for mechanical transmission of power. While a clutch-to-clutch shifting action of an automatic transmission portion is in a tie-up state, a differential portion is placed in a continuously-variable shifting state by switching control, and engine speed is changed under the control of hybrid control, so as to prevent a drop of the engine speed for thereby reducing a shock of the shifting action, unlike in a non-continuously-variable shifting state of the differential portion in which the engine speed is directly influenced by the tie-up state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Atsushi Kamada, Yuji Inoue
  • Publication number: 20090029824
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for vehicle, available to be minimized, is provided. A first planetary gear set (differential device) 24 through which an output of a drive power source is distributed to a first electric motor M1 and a transmitting member 18, and a switching clutch C0 and a switching brake B0 operative to selectively place the first planetary gear set 24 in a differential state to function as an electrically continuously variable transmission and a locked state, are disposed between the first electric motor M1 and a second electric motor M2. This enables a power transmitting state to be performed in a broad range. Additionally, as the first planetary gear set 24 is placed in the locked state under a high output region of an engine to transfer the engine output to drive wheels mainly through a mechanical power transmitting path, an electrical reaction force to be guaranteed with the first electric motor M1 can be reduced, enabling the first electric motor M1 to be minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga, Terufumi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7470210
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C Miller, David J Allen, Robert A Smithson
  • Publication number: 20080305922
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system is provided for a vehicle. The hybrid drive system includes, but is not limited to a traction battery, an internal combustion engine and an electric drive. The internal combustion engine and the electric drive provide propulsion drives and are configured to be operatively and selectively coupled to a transmission. The internal combustion engine includes, but is not limited to a heater for pre-heating a selected portion of the internal combustion engine. The traction battery is coupled to the heater and configured so as to be able to provide electric power to the heater whilst the propulsion drives are switched off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Lars HOFFMANN
  • Publication number: 20080297073
    Abstract: An electric force transmission device employs a differential device, having at least three rotating members and having two degrees of freedom that, when rotating states of two of the rotating members are determined, a rotating state of the other is determined, and in which differential device an output to a drive system is connected to the rotating member located on an inside on an alignment chart among the rotating members, two motor generators are coupled to the rotating members located on both sides of the rotating member related to the output on the alignment chart, and the drive system is driven by only a power from the motor generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Kazuo Yatabe, Yuusuke Minagawa, Tomoya Imazu
  • Publication number: 20080257619
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle is provided. The hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a mechanical torque transmission device for transmitting engine torque to at least one wheel, the mechanical torque transmission device having a lash region, an electric energy conversion device connected downstream of the mechanical torque transmission device, and a control system. The control system, adjusts the electric energy conversion device to meet a desired vehicle response, adjusts the internal combustion engine torque to transition through the lash region, and then adjusts the electric energy conversion device torque and the internal combustion engine torque to meet the desired vehicle response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20080236912
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle according to the invention, upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition with regard to a gearshift position or a drive mode, a virtual gearshift position according to a driving condition is set to a tentative target gearshift position SPtmp (steps S471 and S472). An object gearshift position SP* is set based on the tentative target gearshift position SPtmp and a boundary value Srt to have a gentle change with a variation of smaller than 1 (step S473).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Kiyoshiro Ueoka, Noriaki Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 7426972
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicular drive system including (a) a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine (8) to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, (b) a second electric motor disposed in a power transmitting path between the power transmitting member and a drive wheel of a vehicle, and (c) a differential-state switching device operable to place the differential mechanism selectively in one of a differential state in which the differential mechanism is operable to perform a differential function and a locked state in which the differential mechanism is not operable to perform the differential function, the control device including an engine-stop switching control portion operable to control the differential-state switching device to place the differential mechanism in the differential state, upon stopping of the engine, so that the engine speed can be rapidly lowered to zero by controlling the first electric motor in the differential state of the differential mech
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga
  • Publication number: 20080207375
    Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus includes a switching device that switches between a hydraulic servo of the plurality of hydraulic servos of the first friction engaging element and a hydraulic servo of the plurality of hydraulic servos of the second friction engaging element so as to supply a control pressure from the one pressure regulating solenoid valve to each of the plurality of hydraulic servos, wherein the switching enables a control of an engagement and disengagement of the first friction engaging element and the second friction engagement element using the one pressure regulating solenoid valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Kazuyuki Noda, Kazunori Ishikawa, Satoru Kasuya, Tooru Matsubara, Masahiro Kojima, Ryuji Ibaraki, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 7407462
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus for a continuously variable transmission includes a continuously variable transmission for transmitting power of an engine to a driving wheel; a shift actuator for changing a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission; and a gear ratio controller for controlling the shift actuator such that the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission exhibits a predetermined shift pattern. The shift controller further includes a battery monitor for detecting remaining charge of a battery charged by a generator connected to the engine, and the shift pattern is changed according to the remaining charge of the battery. The shift control apparatus ensures an operating feel similar to that during ordinary running regardless of remaining charge of a battery. A method of controlling a continuously variable transmission in a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tsukada, Hiroyuki Kojima, Takashi Ozeki, Hiroaki Uchisasai