Characterized By Control Of Driveline Clutch (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/946)
  • Publication number: 20120290163
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission device includes an input member coupled to a combustion engine and a rotary electric machine; an output member coupled to wheels; a speed change mechanism with a plurality of friction engagement elements and that provides a plurality of shift speeds; and a control device that controls the speed change mechanism. When a during-regeneration downshift is performed while the rotary electric machine is outputting regenerative torque, the control device sets a target increase capacity, which is a target value of a transfer torque capacity of an engagement-side element to be engaged after an increase, increases the transfer torque capacity of the engagement-side element to the target increase capacity over a predetermined torque capacity increase period, and decreases a transfer torque capacity of a disengagement-side element, which is to be disengaged, over a predetermined torque capacity decrease period that at least partially overlaps the torque capacity increase period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Inagaki, Hiroya Ueno, Shigekazu Hase, Nobuhiro Iwai, Hiroshi Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 8292012
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle engine and a transmission. A first electric motor is driveably connected to the transmission. A second electric motor is driveably connected to the vehicle engine. At least one selectively engagable clutch is located between the engine and the transmission to provide slip. The at least one clutch is engaged after the engine reaches a predetermined speed differential with the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Victor M. Roses, Randy Lewis Melanson
  • Patent number: 8280582
    Abstract: A device is provided for identifying overrun phases of a vehicle in advance. The device includes at least one processing unit, which processes altitude position data of a route that is traveled by a vehicle or will be traveled by a vehicle and calculates a prediction of the probable occurrence of future overrun phases of the vehicle, taking into consideration the altitude position data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Leinung
  • Patent number: 8280571
    Abstract: A drive controller for hybrid vehicles, the hybrid vehicle comprising: an engine; a motor which is able to assist the driving force from the engine; an automatic clutch mechanism which is able to engage/disengage the transmission of the driving force between the engine and the motor; an automatic transmission disposed downstream of the motor; a filter for collecting particulates in exhaust gas; and a controller for controlling operations of these devices, wherein the controller operates in such a way that, for regenerating the filter, the idling speed while the vehicle is halted is set higher, and the predetermined rotational speed for initiating the clutch engagement is set higher than the rotational speed at the time of non-regeneration of the filter in light of increase in the engine rotational speed for the fast-idle control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
    Inventor: Kunio Sakata
  • Patent number: 8234025
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid powertrain determines operator demands, a powertrain operating state, and operating conditions based upon the inputs; selects an operating strategy based upon the operator demands, the powertrain operating state, and the operating conditions; determines a preferred powertrain operating state; and controls the powertrain to the preferred powertrain operating state based upon the selected operating strategy, the operator demands and the operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Alan G. Holmes, Edward D. Tate, Jr., Eric M. Rask
  • Patent number: 8219271
    Abstract: A method for controlling a drivetrain for a hybrid vehicle is provided. The drivetrain has at least one internal combustion engine, a torque converter and an operational link to at least one drivable axle, an electrical energy store, and an electrical machine, which is usable as a generator for charging the electrical energy store during a recuperation operation. The electrical machine is provided on the pump wheel and the operational link being provided on the turbine wheel of the torque converter. A torque is introduced from the drivable axle via the operational link and through the turbine wheel into the liquid of the torque converter in recuperation operation in order to be dissipated as heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.f. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Marco Fleckner
  • 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: 20120158224
    Abstract: An example vehicle includes an engine and a motor-generator configured to generate a torque in a first direction. A torque limiter clutch is configured to dissipate a torque in a second direction that opposes the first torque. The torque in the second direction may be caused by a force event. A control processor is configured to detect a possible force event and control the torque limiter clutch in response to detecting the possible force event. A method of controlling the torque limiter clutch includes detecting a possible force event, reducing fluid pressure to the torque limiter clutch in response to detecting the possible force event, confirming the possible force event, maintaining the reduced fluid pressure to the torque limiter clutch if the force event is confirmed, and increasing the fluid pressure to the torque limiter clutch if the force event is not confirmed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ali K. Naqvi, Pinaki Gupta
  • Publication number: 20120142490
    Abstract: A gear shifting method of a hybrid vehicle may include releasing a clutch and brake of a transmission and determining a neutral condition status, controlling torque of an engine connected to one operational element of a first planetary gear set in a neutral condition, and controlling speed of a first motor/generator connected to the other operational element of the first planetary gear set. Accordingly, a speed of the first and second motor/generator are controlled and a torque of the engine is controlled in a neutral or parking state of a shift lever such that a mode change becomes easy and the torque of the engine is continuously controlled to improve a shift quality and a driving performance and to save fuel, while the neutral or parking state is changed to a drive or reverse state or the drive or reverse state is changed to the neutral or parking state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Seok Young Yun
  • Patent number: 8186464
    Abstract: In a method for operating a parallel hybrid drive of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, having an electric machine and an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine is started in the driving state of the vehicle with the aid of the electric machine by engaging a disconnecting clutch. It is provided that at least one performance quantity of the parallel hybrid drive is detected and compared with an appropriate model performance quantity of a model of the parallel hybrid drive, the model not including the internal combustion engine, and that a deviation resulting from the comparison is compensated for, at least partially, by the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jens-Werner Falkenstein
  • Publication number: 20120109438
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle has a first mode in which slippage of a clutch between an electric motor and a driving wheel is allowed and controlled by rotational speed control of the electric motor and a second mode in which the slippage of the clutch is allowed and controlled by rotational speed control of an engine. When the vehicle is stationary in the first mode, a controller reduces a control setpoint of hydraulic pressure of the clutch from an initial point. The controller identifies a reference point of the control setpoint with which actual output torque of the electric motor is substantially constant with respect to the reduction of the control setpoint. Then, the controller increases the control setpoint to a precharge point, and reduces the control setpoint to a corrected point that is lower than or substantially equal to the initial point and higher than the reference point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Hiromichi AKEBONO, Hideharu Yamamoto, Kota Miura, Hisashi Saito
  • Publication number: 20120088621
    Abstract: A speed change device configured with an input member and an output member. The speed change device includes a speed change mechanism in which a plurality of shift speeds are established in accordance with respective engagement states of a plurality of friction engagement elements to transfer rotation of the input member to the output member. A slip travel mode is provided in which the vehicle is run while transferring torque from the input member to the output member with one of the friction engagement elements for establishment of each of the shift speeds caused to slip. A slip engagement element is the friction engagement element to be engaged commonly for establishment of at least a forward start shift speed and a reverse start shift speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Kasuya, Masashi Kitou, Yuichi Seki, Yusuke Takahashi, Ryosuke Kondo
  • Publication number: 20120071294
    Abstract: A drive device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine and a motor generator. A one-way clutch is provided between the engine and the motor generator. Power is transmitted from the engine to the motor generator, while power from the motor generator to the engine is blocked. As a result, the electric motor can be operated without operating the engine. Furthermore, a torque converter is connected to the motor generator, and the engine is connected to the torque converter via a starting clutch. As a result, if a one-way clutch is provided, the motor generator can serve as a starter motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatoshi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8113309
    Abstract: A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The drivetrain includes at least a hybrid drive with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, a clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, and a transmission arranged between the hybrid drive and a drive output. When the vehicle is at rest, the clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is filled at least with filling pressure and then, when the vehicle is started, if the starting torque desired by the driver is above a limit value, the internal combustion engine is immediately turned over and started up by the electric motor, whereas, when starting, if the starting torque desired by the driver is below the limit value, then on starting, the internal combustion engine is not turned over by the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Bernd Allgaier
  • Publication number: 20120035794
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a clutch set, a tank with fluid, an auxiliary battery, an electric fuel pump, and a controller. The electric fluid pump delivers some of the fluid from the tank to a designated oncoming clutch of the clutch set. The controller calculates a predicted flow value for the oncoming clutch during the shift event, and selectively controls the speed of the pump using the predicted flow value during the shift event. The controller controls the pump using an actual flow value when the vehicle is not executing a shift event, i.e., when holding torque. The speed of the electric fluid pump is increased to a first calculated speed determined using the predicted flow value when the shift event is initiated and before filling of the oncoming clutch commences, and is reduced to a second calculated speed determined using the actual flow value when the shift event is complete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ali K. Naqvi, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 8100240
    Abstract: A first clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. A generator has a generator shaft associated with the first clutch assembly. A second clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. A transmission has a transmission shaft directly or indirectly associated with the second clutch assembly. A third clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. An engine has an engine shaft associated with the third clutch assembly. A controller establishes an operational mode of the vehicle by controlling the states of the first clutch assembly, the second clutch assembly, and the third clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Chris Alan DeRoo, Larry Dean Swanson
  • 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: 20110301796
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus for a hybrid vehicle can transmit the driving force of engine E to the motor M or reversely the driving force of motor M to the engine E when the vehicle is stopped while avoiding transmission of the driving force of either of them to the driving wheels D such that the vehicle remains stopped. In some embodiments, a power transmitting apparatus for a hybrid vehicle can comprise a first clutch operatively posited between an engine mounted on a vehicle to driving wheels in a power transmission system and configured to transmit or cutoff driving force of the engine to or from the driving wheels; a second clutch operatively positioned between a motor mounted on a vehicle to the driving wheels in a power transmission system and configured to transmit or cut off driving force of the motor to or from the driving wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F.C.C.
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Ohashi, Shouji Asatsuke, Akio Oishi, Ryouhei Chiba, Jun Ishimura, Keiichi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20110290608
    Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first race secured against rotation and fitted with a coil, a second race supported for rotation, a coil carried by one of the races, and struts supported by one of the races, each strut driveably connecting and disconnecting the races in response to a magnetic field induced by current in the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Norman J. Bird, Gregory D. Gardner, David A. Janson, Matthew T. Trent
  • Patent number: 8060284
    Abstract: A work machine includes an internal combustion (IC) engine having an output, and an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) coupled with the IC engine output. The IVT includes a hydraulic module and a mechanical drivetrain module. A pressure transducer is associated with and provides an output signal representing a hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic module. At least one electrical processing circuit is configured for controlling the IC engine output, dependent upon the output signal from the pressure transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Alec Benjamin Hendryx
  • Patent number: 8056663
    Abstract: A hybrid module interconnects an engine and a dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The hybrid module includes a first carrier, a second carrier, and a first clutch. The first carrier is operatively connected to the DCT and is rotatable about the axis at a first rotational velocity. The second carrier is operatively connected to the engine and is rotatable about the axis at a second rotational velocity. The first clutch surrounds the axis and operatively interconnects the first carrier and the second carrier. The first clutch overruns such that they rotate independently when the first rotational velocity of the first carrier is less than the second rotational velocity of the second carrier. The first clutch also engages and locks rotation of the carriers when the second rotational velocity is equal to the first rotational velocity such that the second carrier drives the rotation of the first carrier about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Norman Schoenek
  • Publication number: 20110269598
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid drive unit includes a pressure regulator valve, a first variable bleed solenoid valve for controlling a stationary clutch and a second variable bleed solenoid valve for controlling a rotating clutch. The control system controls the stationary clutch and the rotating clutch to operate the hybrid drive unit in four different modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John R. Czoykowski, Michael L. Duhaime, Chinar S. Ghike, Mark A. Vernacchia
  • Publication number: 20110246008
    Abstract: A control device controlling a hybrid vehicle drive apparatus that includes an internal combustion engine, a rotary electric machine drivingly connected to a wheel and a clutch selectively drivingly connecting the internal combustion engine with the rotary electric machine. The control device performs control such that, when a start request of the internal combustion engine is issued in the state in which the clutch is released and combustion of the internal combustion engine is stopped, a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine is raised to a rotational speed of the rotary electric machine by transmitting driving torque of the rotary electric machine to the internal combustion engine by increasing a torque transfer capacity of the clutch, and, after the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine is synchronized with the rotational speed of the rotary electric machine, the combustion of the internal combustion engine is started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi YOSHIDA, Yomei HAKUMURA, Saoto TSUCHIYA, Hiroaki KIOKA
  • Publication number: 20110172044
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a speed variation transmission device for a motor vehicle powertrain comprising an epicyclic gear train (26) with a sun gear (36) and a crown (50) connected to shaft (12) of thermal engine (10) of said vehicle, as well as a planet gear carrier (58) connected by a motion transmission track (102) to drive axle (16) of this vehicle. According to the invention, sun gear (36) and crown (50) are connected each to engine shaft (12) by a controlled coupling (28, 30) and to a fixed part (48a, 48b) of the vehicle powertrain by a one-way coupling (32, 34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Stéphane VENTURI
  • Patent number: 7977896
    Abstract: A method to determine a limit torque associated with an electro-mechanical transmission includes determining electric motor torque constraints and battery power constraints. A limit torque function and a standard form of the limit torque function are determined. The limit torque function and the motor torque constraints and the battery power constraints are transposed to the standard form to determine a limit torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Tung-Ming Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7954581
    Abstract: A drive state shift control apparatus and method switches a hybrid drive (HEV) mode to an electric drive (EV) mode without engine stoppage shock or eliminates gearshifting shock in an electric vehicle. In response to a decrease in accelerator opening APO, a request for fourth-to-fifth upshift is issued, then request for HEV-to-EV mode shift is issued. At the time of the upshift, a direct clutch D/C is disengaged. At a first time interval after the mode shift is issued, a first clutch is disengaged. At a second time interval after the mode shift is issued, the engine begins to stop and the rotational speed of the motor-generator is controlled so that the speed falls to a predetermined rotational speed close to an after-gearshift rotational speed within a target shifting time interval. When the rotational speed reaches the predetermined rotational speed, a front brake Fr/B is engaged to perform a fourth-to-fifth upshift, and the torque of the motor is controlled so as to engage the one-way clutch smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaori Tanishima
  • Publication number: 20110120788
    Abstract: A hybrid power output system fore outputting the power to the wheel driving shaft (8), comprising an engine (1), a first motor (2), a second motor (3), a battery (6), a first clutch (4), a second clutch (5) and a third clutch (11), wherein: the first motor (2) and second motor (3) are connected electrically with the battery (6); the engine (1) is connected to the first motor (2) via the first clutch (4); the first motor (2) is connected to a wheel driving shaft (8) via the second clutch (4); the second motor (3) is connected to the wheel driving shaft via the third clutch (11); the second clutch and the third clutch are arranged between the first motor and second motor. This hybrid power output system is compact in structure, can increase the power efficiency and reduce the fuel consumption, and can realize multiple drive modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: BYD Company Limited
    Inventors: Chuanfu Wang, Hongbin Luo, Wei Chen, Jianhua Zhang, Yunhao Liao, Youchuan Song
  • Patent number: 7938209
    Abstract: A method for adapting torque characteristic in a disengaging clutch arranged in a vehicle hybrid drive train between an internal combustion engine and an electrical machine connected to a driven wheel, include the following steps: deciding the engine can be disconnected; switching the engine off and opening the clutch; detecting the time gradient of rotational speed of the engine with it switched off and the clutch opened; partially closing the clutch when rotational speed of the engine falls below a predetermined value, and detecting the time gradient of rotational speed of the engine with the clutch partially closed; determining the clutch torque transmitted by the partially closed clutch by evaluating detected time gradients of rotational speed of the engine; and adapting the characteristic of the clutch with the aid of the determined clutch torque transmitted by the partially closed clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Dilzer, Michael Reuschel, Thomas Eggert
  • Patent number: 7935022
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle power transmitting system including a switching portion operable to switch a power transmitting path between a power transmitting state and a power cut-off state in response to an operation of a shift lever, the control apparatus including (a) an operating-state estimating portion configured to estimate an operating speed of an electric motor which constitutes a part of the power transmitting path or a rotating speed of a coupling element of the coupling portion, which speed is established after switching of the power transmitting path from one of the power transmitting and cut-off states to the other, and (b) a switching restricting portion configured to restrict a switching operation to switch the power transmitting path between the two states, when the estimated operating or rotating speed of the electric motor or coupling device is higher than a predetermined upper limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Iwase, Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Atsushi Tabata
  • Publication number: 20110071000
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain for an automotive vehicle includes determining a desired flywheel torque, determining, with reference to the desired flywheel torque, a desired torque capacity torque of a clutch through which torque is transmitted between the flywheel and wheels of the vehicle, operating the clutch to produce the desired clutch torque capacity, determining a slip error across the clutch, and changing a gear ratio of a continuously variable transmission located in a drive path between the clutch and said wheels to a gear ratio that reduces the slip error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Walter J. Ortmann
  • Patent number: 7896114
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor/generator, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and a transmission disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. The transmission includes an input clutch which is selectively engagable for facilitating torque transfer between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, the motor/generator is operated, and a start mode for the engine is determined based on a number of vehicle parameters. The transmission input clutch is partially disengaged to at least partially isolate the vehicle drive wheels from engine torque disturbances when the engine is started. The disconnect clutch is engaged, and the engine is fueled, thereby facilitating torque production by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Brandon Masterson, Marvin Kraska, Andrew Silveri
  • Publication number: 20110040435
    Abstract: In a high speed mode of operating and electric-gas hybrid car, the combustion engine is directly engaged to the wheels without a transmission and that vehicle speed is controlled without a throttle by electric generator loading of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Marsaili Gillecriosd
  • Publication number: 20110028269
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing backlash vibrations in a hybrid electric vehicle, in which the backlash vibrations generated between a motor and a driving wheel can be easily reduced by slipping a clutch in an automatic transmission when the direction of a motor driving torque is changed while the hybrid electric vehicle is running in electric vehicle (EV) mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Joon Young Park
  • Patent number: 7881834
    Abstract: The present invention essentially concerns a method for a motor vehicle speed ratio shift. Said method uses a power transmission device (1.1) comprising a traction chain consisting of a heat engine (2), a clutch (3), an electrical machine (4), a gearbox (5), and wheels (6). The invention is characterized in that, upon shifting, the heat engine (2) is started before, during or after the torque (CMEL) observable on the shaft (11) of the electrical machine (4) is canceled, by means of a starter system (7) mechanically independent of the electrical machine (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Yvan Le Neindre, Gaetan Rocq, Olivier Boury
  • Publication number: 20110009237
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method which controls the hydraulic pressure of a clutch (an engine clutch) disposed between an engine and a drive motor, thus reducing gear shifting shock and vibration. The method comprises a slip preparation step of determining that gear shifting is required and reducing the hydraulic pressure of the clutch to a preset target hydraulic pressure from a point in time at which the gear shifting is required. The method further comprises a slip maintaining step of feedback-controlling the hydraulic pressure of the clutch such that a slip rate of the clutch is maintained constant after the hydraulic pressure of the clutch reaches the target hydraulic pressure; and a clutch lock-up completing step of increasing the hydraulic pressure of the clutch, from a point in time at which the gear shifting is completed, to a maximum hydraulic pressure for making a lock-up state of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sang Joon Kim, Sang Hee Shin
  • Publication number: 20110009236
    Abstract: A multi-mode hybrid transmission including a selectable one-way clutch and first and second torque machines transitions to operating in a target continuously variable mode including applying a selectable one-way clutch and controlling input torque and motor torques of the first and second torque machines using a second kinematic relationship. A multi-step process is executed to transition the first clutch to a deactivated state, transition the second selectable one-way clutch to the applied state, and transition to using the second kinematic relationship to achieve a preferred output torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Hong Yang, Shawn H. Swales, Joel M. MaGuire
  • Patent number: 7846061
    Abstract: A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having in the force flow direction and in the following order an internal combustion engine, a clutch, an electric motor, a transmission and an axle gearset, or an internal combustion engine, a clutch, an electric motor, a transmission input shaft, a transmission and an axle gearset. The electric motor is used for pre-lubricating and warming the transmission such that, with the vehicle clutch disengaged, the lubricant pump of the transmission is driven by the electric motor so bearings are supplied with lubricant before the engine is started, and the heat, produced by splashing the lubricant, additionally warms the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Mario Steinborn, Ulrich Reith
  • Publication number: 20100304912
    Abstract: A transmission configured for receiving power from an engine is provided with a normally-closed clutch in order to permit operation in modes requiring closure of the clutch even when hydraulic power from a pump powered by the engine or by rotation of a transmission member is not available, or is not of a sufficient pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Karl Andrew Sime
  • Publication number: 20100304924
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that provides engine starting from an electric-only mode with a reduced torque load on the motor/generator. The powertrain includes an engine and a motor/generator, which may be a single motor/generator in a strong or full hybrid, but is not limited to such. The motor provides propulsion torque in an electric-only operating mode, and is configured to apply torque to a transmission input member. A first clutch is selectively engagable to connect the engine output member for common rotation with the transmission input member. An engine starting mechanism is provided that multiplies motor torque used to start the engine so that less is diverted from propelling the vehicle, enabling a smaller motor/generator to be used. A method of controlling such a powertrain is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Anthony L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100298089
    Abstract: A method of actuating a clutch includes commanding a shift, monitoring slip speed, beginning synchronization, filling to a pre-fill volume, and holding at the pre-fill volume. After slip speed reaches a trigger point, the clutch is filled to a first predicted touch point volume, which is greater than the pre-fill volume. The pre-fill volume is approximately 80 to 90 percent of the first predicted touch point volume. The method may determine slip speed derivative, and set the trigger point based thereupon. The method may monitor actual touch point volume and calculate a flow model, which is used to determine when the pre-fill volume has been reached. Filling the clutch to the pre-fill volume may begin simultaneously with commanding the shift. Pressure is generated by an auxiliary pump, which receives power from sources other than an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 7828696
    Abstract: A method for controlling engine torque of a hybrid electric vehicle with an electronic throttle control when an engine is restarted after an idle-stop state includes: transmitting torque restriction information to an engine control unit, outputting a restricted torque from the engine control unit using the torque restriction information, transmitting an input torque of the engine to a continuously variable transmission by a clutch operation according to a control of the engine control unit, and supplying a clutch control hydraulic pressure based on the input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Yong Kak Choi
  • Patent number: 7823471
    Abstract: The method of the present invention provides a variety of vehicle performance characteristics depending on the mode of operation. A first routine is initiated to provide an optimal balance of powertrain responsiveness and fuel economy for any given combination of vehicle speed and deceleration rate. The first routine may, according to a preferred embodiment, include a plurality of routines that are each configured to provide an optimal balance of powertrain responsiveness and fuel economy within a predefined range of vehicle speeds and deceleration rates. A second routine is initiated if said deceleration rate is within a predefined range. The second routine includes running the electric motor/generator while the hybrid vehicle is being stopped in order to control the driveline lash and thereby minimize disturbances during a subsequent engine re-start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, William L. Aldrich, III, Birendra P. Bhattarai, Donald D. Crites, Tony T. Hoang
  • Publication number: 20100263952
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle, which has a first and a second drive unit, in which the second drive unit is started by at least a portion of the operating energy generated by the first drive unit. In order to improve the driving comfort of the hybrid vehicle during the startup of the second drive unit while driving, the second drive unit, which is at rest, is started using kinetic energy obtained from a driving movement of the hybrid vehicle, while the hybrid vehicle is driven by the first drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Boyke Richter, Michael Lehner, Herbert Prickarz, Torsten Heidrich
  • Publication number: 20100261565
    Abstract: The current invention discloses a dual-mode electro-mechanical variable speed transmission. Said transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft system, a planetary gear system having at least three co-axial rotating members, two electric machines along with the associated controllers for the electric machines, and at least a clutch. Said planetary gear system has at least three branches; each branch corresponds to a co-axial rotating member. The first branch couples to the first electric machine with a fixed speed ratio; another branch couples to the input shaft with a fixed speed ratio; and yet anther branch couples to the output shaft system with a fixed speed ratio; the second electric machine couples selectively to two of the branches in the planetary gear system with different speed ratios. Said two branches are not the first branch and one of the said two branches is connected to the output shaft system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Xiaolin Ai, Rui Xue, Zhonghe Xue, Xiaozhi Ai
  • Publication number: 20100261575
    Abstract: A dynamically-shiftable multi-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for operative connection to an engine and to an electric motor in a hybrid vehicle is provided. The DCT includes a first clutch, a second clutch and a third clutch. The first clutch is configured to transmit torque of the engine and withstand energy of the vehicle at launch from rest. The second clutch is configured to select a first set of forward speed ratios. The third clutch is configured to select a second set of forward speed ratios alternating with the speed ratios of the first set. The second and third clutches are each configured to withstand combined torque of the electric motor and torque of the engine during shifts into the respective set of forward speed ratios, but not to withstand torque of the engine at launch or energy of the vehicle at launch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC
    Inventor: Norman Schoenek
  • Publication number: 20100261574
    Abstract: An automatic variable transmission with normally engaged disc clutches includes a main transmission pump connected to the transmission and at least one clutch located within the transmission. The clutch is in an engaged position when the main transmission pump is not operating. The clutch assembly includes a piston moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position and at least one spring is operably connected to the piston. The piston is operable to move the at least one spring between the engaged position and a disengaged position. A plurality of clutch plates may transfer torque when the at least one spring is in the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Gary L. Jones, Andrew L. Bartos
  • Publication number: 20100250037
    Abstract: A hybrid drive device includes a transfer torque estimation unit for estimating a transfer torque transferred by the lock-up clutch with the lock-up clutch slipping; and a target rotational speed determination unit for determining the target rotational speed of the rotary electric machine to be achieved in the rotational speed control on the basis of the transfer torque estimated by the transfer torque estimation unit, a target transmission device input torque of the transmission device determined on the basis of an operating state of a vehicle, and a turbine speed of the turbine runner, wherein the engine startup control device starts up the engine by controlling the rotational speed of the rotary electric machine to the target rotational speed determined by the target rotational speed determination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Yoshida, Yomei Hakumura, Hideki Hisada, Yoshinori Ono
  • Publication number: 20100230187
    Abstract: A device and a method for generating a vacuum in a brake system of a vehicle equipped with a hybrid drive. The hybrid drive includes an internal combustion engine and at least one electric drive, which is selectively uncoupled from the internal combustion engine with the aid of a clutch. A vacuum pump having an adjustable pumping capacity is mechanically connected to the at least one electric drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Dieter Kraft, Michael Bildstein
  • Publication number: 20100227735
    Abstract: A multi-mode, electrically variable, hybrid transmission and improved shift control methods for controlling the same are provided herein. The hybrid transmission configuration and shift control methodology presented herein allow for shifting between different EVT modes when the engine is off, while maintaining propulsion capability and minimum time delay for engine autostart. The shift control maneuver is able to maintain zero engine speed while producing continuous output torque throughout the shift by eliminating transition through a fixed gear mode or neutral state. Optional oncoming clutch pre-fill strategies and mid-point abort logic minimize the time to complete shift, and reduce the engine start delay if an intermittent autostart operation is initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Brendan M. Conlon
  • Publication number: 20100210411
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clutch engaging control method in a hybrid power output device, wherein the device comprises an engine, a first motor, a clutch and a second motor that are connected in sequence, a battery, and a speed reducing mechanism and a drive shaft that are connected to the output end of the second motor; the method comprises: (a) detecting the rotation speed ?2 of the second motor and setting the rotation speed ?2 as the target rotation speed ?0 of the first motor, when the vehicle is driven by the second motor and the engine is required to be started to provide assistance to the second motor; (b) starting the first motor to drive the engine, and controlling the actual rotation speed ?1 of the first motor to be close to the target rotation speed ?0; (c) switching the state of the first motor from a driving motor to a power generator when the actual rotation speed ?1 of the first motor is approximately equal to the target rotation speed ?0; and (d) engaging the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Xiaohua Tang, Nan Liu, Jian Gong, Ming Yu, Yingwu Xu, Kai Liu, Xianhong Jiang, Qiaoqiao Wu