Abstract: A vehicle battery diagnosis system diagnoses the state of use of a battery of a vehicle, and includes: an information accumulation portion that accumulates diagnostic information that includes a use condition regarding the battery; a control plan presentation portion that presents a plurality of control plans about the vehicle for increasing the service life of the battery on the basis of the diagnostic information; and an information changing portion that changes control information regarding the control of the vehicle which is retained in a vehicle-mounted ECU of the vehicle so that the control information corresponds to a control plan selected from the plurality of control plans.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a braking system of a hybrid vehicle that can be driven by an internal combustion engine and an electrical machine. A brake pressure for a mechanical brake in the braking system is reduced during braking with recuperation, in comparison to the brake pressure during braking without recuperation. A braking system and a vehicle having a braking system that functions in accordance with the method also are provided.

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.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling regenerative braking in a hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle includes an energy-storage device, a motor/generator configured to retard the vehicle via regenerative braking, and a controller arranged to control regenerative braking. The method includes receiving a regenerative braking request, and detecting whether the energy-storage device is between first and second predetermined states of charge. The method additionally includes retarding the vehicle via the motor/generator and directing electrical energy from regenerative braking to an energy dissipating device, if the energy-storage device is at or above the first predetermined state of charge, or at or below the second predetermined state of charge. Furthermore, the method includes retarding the vehicle via the motor/generator and directing electrical energy from regenerative braking to the energy-storage device, if the energy-storage device is between the first and second predetermined states of charge.

Abstract: The present invention compensates a regenerative braking amount by applying a target shift step and a shift phase in a case that the vehicle is in deceleration according to a brake demand and regenerative braking is performed. A regenerative braking torque compensation method of a hybrid vehicle may include a step of determining a regenerative braking operation amount to control regenerative braking torque while regenerative braking is needed, a step of applying a real shift ratio to determine a regenerative braking operation amount if shifting is detected during the regenerative braking, a step of applying a target shift step and a shift phase according to the shifting to decide a regenerative braking compensation amount, and a step of applying the regenerative braking operation amount to the regenerative braking compensation amount to control final regenerative braking torque.

Abstract: Electrical power from a dynamic braking process in an off-highway vehicle is used to power an auxiliary system in the vehicle. The auxiliary system may be a urea storage container heating unit or a particulate filter regeneration heating unit. When dynamic braking electricity is unavailable, and to the extent the dynamic braking electricity is insufficient for powering the auxiliary system, electrical power from an energy device on board the vehicle is used to power the auxiliary system. The energy device may be an auxiliary energy storage device, devoted for use in powering the auxiliary system.

Abstract: A deceleration control apparatus for a hybrid electric vehicle in which an electric motor conducts regenerative braking when the vehicle is to be decelerated comprises a braking unit for applying a braking force on a drive member transmitting drive power converted by a parallel axes-type automatic transmission to wheels, and a control unit for controlling the braking unit to apply a braking force on the drive member while a downshift is being conducted in the automatic transmission in the process of deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling restart of an engine in a hybrid electric powertrain, includes engaging a gear of a transmission, releasing a brake pedal, maintaining fluid pressure at an adaptively determined magnitude in a wheel brake, initiating a restart the engine, and reducing fluid pressure in the wheel brake when the engine restarts.

Abstract: In an electric drive system for a vehicle, an alternator is driven by an engine to generate electric power which is used to drive a motor to generate a driving force. During a retardation of the vehicle, the motor is operated as an alternator to convert kinetic energy to electric energy which is used to retard the vehicle. A retard resistor is provided for absorbing electric energy generated during the retardation state. The retard resistor is cooled down by an AC blower.

Abstract: A method for controlling regenerative braking of a vehicle including at least one thermal engine and/or at least one electric motor, including calculating a GMP braking force setpoint at the wheel, including a regenerative braking force, that is independent from a relation between the brake pedal depression and the braking force applied to the wheels by the main brakes of the vehicle.

Abstract: Required torques that individual wheels are required to generate are computed on the basis of vehicle behavior. With respect to the computed required torque of each wheel, a torque value provided uniformly for the wheels is set as a value of the friction braking torque that the wheel is caused to generate by friction control means (18), and a torque value provided for each wheel independently of each other is set as a value of the driving torque or the regenerative braking torque that the wheel is caused to generate by a corresponding one of electric motors (12) of the wheels. At this time, the amount of remaining charge of a vehicle-mounted battery (14) is measured, and the distribution between the friction braking torque by the friction control means (18) and the driving torque or the regenerative braking torque by each electric motor (12) is altered according to the measured amount of remaining charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a braking method for a hybrid vehicle (1) comprising a drivetrain (3) controlled by a drivetrain computer (12), and a hydraulic braking system (15) controlled by a braking computer (21). In this method, as soon as the drivetrain computer (12) detects that the electrical braking torque is decreasing, this drivetrain computer (12) informs the hydraulic braking computer (21) of the value of the reduction in electric braking torque. The braking computer (21) then operates the hydraulic braking system (15) in such a way that the hydraulic braking torque applied to the wheels (2) by the brakes (17) compensates for this reduction in electric braking torque.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle is arranged such that a driving force of an electric motor can be transmitted to driving wheels and that a rotary shaft of the electric motor can be coupled with an output shaft of an engine. The vehicle comprises a starter motor provided separately from the electric motor, an electric power source provided separately from a battery that supplies power to the electric motor, to supply power to the starter motor, and a braking force maintaining device configured to be activated by power from the power source to maintain a braking force on the vehicle. When a request for starting the engine is made, if a specified abnormal condition which makes the starting of the engine by the electric motor impracticable is detected, an ECU causes the engine to be started by the starter motor when the braking force maintaining device is not active.

Abstract: During vehicle drive under an EV mode, a battery charge state SOC becomes smaller than a SOC(L) at time t0. As a result, EV?HEV mode change is carried out. After time t1, deceleration is desired, and an accelerator opening APO is kept at 0. At time t3, the SOC increases and becomes greater than or equal to a SOC(H) by the HEV mode. In this case, after time t1 of release of an accelerator pedal, the SOC(H) is cleared at time t2 at which a vehicle operating condition is judged to be a low load drive condition in which a motor/generator performs regenerative braking. By making a judgment of HEV?EV mode change based on the SOC(L) instead of the SOC(H), the HEV?EV mode change is carried out before time t3. A regenerative braking time ?t with the engine dragged is therefore shortened, and a regenerative braking time with no-engine drag can be correspondingly lengthened, improving an energy recovery performance.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus obtains a required braking force using a hydraulic braking force in combination with a regenerative braking force. The brake control apparatus includes a hydraulic brake unit that controls the hydraulic braking force. When the deviation of an actual hydraulic pressure from a target pressure falls outside a permissible range (d), the hydraulic brake unit controls the actual hydraulic pressure in such a manner that the deviation falls within the permissible range. On the other hand, when the deviation is within the permissible range (d), the hydraulic brake unit maintains the actual hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic brake unit includes a control unit that detects timing (Ta) at which usage of the hydraulic braking force needs to be started to compensate for a deficiency from the required braking force, and that raises (r) the target pressure at the detected timing (ta).

Abstract: A power supply of equipment onboard a motor vehicle equipped with a micro-hybrid system that can operate in a regenerative braking mode during which the energy recovered by a reversible rotary machine (1) of the micro-hybrid system is stored in an auxiliary energy storage unit (4). The micro-hybrid system provides a dual-voltage network including, on the one hand, a low voltage (Vb) for supplying a battery (3) of the vehicle and, on the other hand and at the terminals of said auxiliary energy-storage unit, a floating voltage (Vb+X) higher than the low voltage. The floating voltage (Vb+X) is used for powering the onboard equipment of the vehicle that may require high currents during short periods of time for the dynamic operation thereof. The power supply is particularly useful for powering an electric-assistance turbocharger.

Abstract: A micro-hybrid system (1) including an electric energy storage unit (12) and an electronic control unit (14). The storage unit includes a plurality of elementary cells mounted in series. A method includes the steps of: reading the elementary electric voltages of the elementary cells; deriving information on the state of the storage unit from the read voltages; and taking into account in the control unit the state information for defining an optimal driving of the micro-hybrid system. An electric energy storage unit and a micro-hybrid system with braking recovery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for controlling a start-stop operation of a vehicle having a hybrid drive with an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor, a service brake with an ABS and an electric parking brake, includes: determining, monitoring and analyzing performance parameters of the vehicle, the internal-combustion engine, the electric motor, the service brake and the electric parking brake; automatically releasing the electric parking brake in the case of a starting prompt because of determined performance parameters; driving the vehicle by the electric motor for the start; starting the internal-combustion engine by the electric motor if the internal-combustion engine is switched off; driving the vehicle by the electric motor and the internal-combustion engine; activating a generator operation of the electric motor in the case of a braking prompt because of determined performance parameters; activating the service brake; and automatically locking the electric parking brake when the vehicle is stopped after a prev

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.

Abstract: A shift controller for an automatic transmission mechanism is configured such that when the engine is in a driven state in which the engine is driven by a travel inertia force or the like and an accumulated pressure amount of the accumulator is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the excessive engine brake force, which is generated due to the accumulation of at least a portion of the hydraulic pressure generated from the mechanical hydraulic pump in the accumulator, is inhibited or reduced by conducting upshifting that relatively decreases the gear ratio of the automatic transmission mechanism. Therefore, the generation of the excessive engine brake force can be inhibited or reduced even when the engine is in the driven state and pressure accumulation is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a wheel motor is provided. A plurality of switches is provided for controlling a direction of current through motor coils of the wheel motor. A brushless motor control circuit is connected to each of the plurality of switches. Responsive to a request to adjust one of an angular velocity and an angular acceleration of the wheel motor, the plurality of switches are activated to place the motor coils in a predetermined configuration to maximize torque or reduce a total back electromotive force (BEMF) from the motor coils.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid electric vehicle method and system including an internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric traction motor/generator, and a controller. A control strategy is provided to prevent unpredicted or undesired engine starts by anticipating the need for the vehicle engine, while avoiding “false starting” the engine or allowing an annoying lag in performance that will occur if the engine is not started in advance of an actual requirement. The invention anticipates the need for engine starts and electromotive driving by monitoring vehicle speed and driver commands and their rates of change. The invention allows consistent performance and establishes seamless transitions between engine driving and electromotive driving.

Abstract: An HV-ECU includes a regenerative braking control unit that controls a regenerative braking system based on the target regenerative braiding force indicated by a signal received from a brake ECU, a regeneration stop timing determination unit that determines a regeneration stop timing, and a regenerative braking stop unit that stops the regenerative braking system when the regeneration stop timing determination unit determines that the regeneration stop timing has been reached.

Abstract: A hydraulic energy storage system (comprising a hydraulic pump/motor, a high pressure hydraulic accumulator, a low pressure hydraulic accumulator/reservoir, and interconnecting hydraulic lines) is incorporated into a EV, HEV, or PHEV to provide hydraulic regenerative braking and propulsive assistance for the vehicle. Implementation of the low cost and long-lasting hydraulic energy storage system in the vehicle, together with the electric energy storage system (comprising a motor/generator and battery pack) of the vehicle, allows significantly reduced demands and higher operating efficiencies for the battery pack, thereby facilitating a more cost-effective, efficient and/or durable overall energy storage system for the vehicle.

Abstract: In a braking system and a method for braking a vehicle having a hybrid drive, at least one wheel, preferably at least the wheels of one axle, is brakable by a regenerative brake and by a service brake. The braking system includes a vehicle stability control system, which ascertains state variables describing a driving dynamics of the vehicle, for which there exist threshold values and/or threshold value combinations. The vehicle stability control system is arranged such that when reaching, exceeding and/or undershooting one of the threshold values or one of the threshold value combinations a wheel-specific braking force control is effected. A predefined maximum regenerative braking force is determined on the basis of the state variables ascertained by the vehicle stability control system and the regenerative brake is controlled such that the regenerative braking force exerted on the at least one wheel does not exceed the determined predefined maximum regenerative braking force.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: an electric motor that outputs power to a drive shaft that is coupled to a first wheel, which is a primary drive wheel; an electrical storage device that exchanges electrical power with the electric motor; a braking system that can independently apply a braking force to the first wheel and a second wheel that is a free rolling wheel or a drive wheel other than the first wheel, regardless of a braking request by a driver; and a control unit that controls the braking system and the electric motor such that the braking system applies the braking force only to the second wheel and that output torque of the electric motor becomes equal to or lower than specified torque until rotational speed of the electric motor reach specified revolution when a start-up request is made by the driver while the vehicle is at a halt on a driving road surface whose inclination, which is acquired by an inclination acquisition device, is larger than or equal to specified inclination.

Abstract: A power system is provided that includes a first voltage bus, a traction motor configured to generate electrical power during a regenerative braking mode and to supply the generated electrical power to the first voltage bus, and an auxiliary system coupled to the first voltage bus. The auxiliary system comprises a second voltage bus and a power interface unit coupling the first voltage bus to the second voltage bus. The auxiliary system also comprises an energy storage device coupled to the second voltage bus and configured to store energy supplied to the second voltage bus and configured to supply stored energy to the second voltage bus and an auxiliary load configured to receive power based on power in the second voltage bus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for braking a hybrid vehicle (1) including a thermal engine and an electric machine (3) defining a traction chain. According to this method, when the depression of the brake pedal is detected, an additional electric braking torque is added (Cf_recup), and the additional electric braking torque is modulated according to the position of the brake pedal as measured by a pedal stroke sensor (42) and/or to the braking hydraulic pressure as measured by a braking pressure sensor (43).

Abstract: A propulsion system is provided that includes an electric drive, a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive through a direct current (DC) link, and a second energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive. The propulsion system further includes a multi-channel bi-directional boost converter coupled to the first energy storage system and to the second energy storage system such that the second energy storage system is decouplable from the DC link, wherein the second energy storage system comprises at least one battery coupled in series with at least one ultracapacitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for braking and stopping a vehicle whose powertrain includes an electric drive. The electric drive is used to generate braking torque which is used to decelerate the vehicle down to a full stop. The braking torque is achieved using any of several closed loop speed control systems. The system can be used as a substitute for or as a supplement to conventional friction bakes.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle behavior controller capable of stabilizing a behavior of a vehicle with a high response when an unstable state of the vehicle is judged. The vehicle behavior controller includes: a running state detecting unit for detecting a running state of the vehicle; an unstable state judging unit for judging the unstable state of the vehicle based on the running state; a motor generator connected to an engine of the vehicle, the motor generator operating as a power generator for using an output of a prime mover to generate power and an electric motor for assisting the output of the prime mover; and a control unit for controlling an operation of the motor generator based on r.p.m. of the motor generator, in which the control unit controls the operation of the motor generator to generate braking torque when the unstable state is judged.

Abstract: A retarding system for an electric drive machine (100) includes a direct current (DC) link (312), at which a DC voltage is developed, disposed between a rectifier (206) and an inverter (208). A first contactor switch (216) electrically communicates with a first rail of the DC link (312), and a second contactor switch (216) electrically communicates with a second rail of the DC link (312). A first resistor grid (214) is connected in series between the first contactor switch (216) and the second contactor switch (216). The first resistor grid (214) dissipates electrical energy in the form of heat by conducting a current between the first rail and the second rail of the DC link (312) when the first contactor switch (216) and the second contactor switch (216) are closed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a deceleration rate of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes measuring an applied regenerative braking torque (RBT) during a threshold regenerative braking event (RBE), and automatically applying an offsetting friction braking torque (OFBT) from a hydraulic braking system during the threshold RBE to provide the vehicle with a substantially constant deceleration rate. An HEV having a regenerative braking capability includes a friction braking system adapted to selectively apply an OFBT to slow the HEV in one manner, an energy storage system (ESS), an electric motor/generator, and a controller having a braking control algorithm or method. The method anticipates an impending let up in the RBT based on a plurality of vehicle performance values including a threshold vehicle speed, and selectively activates the friction braking system to apply the OFBT when the impending let up in the RBT is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: A regeneration and brake management system includes a prime mover, an energy storage device associated with the prime mover, and a regenerative braking system including a controller and at least one friction brake, wherein the regenerative braking system is configured to at least partially disable the at least one friction brake during regenerative braking.

Abstract: If an accelerator pedal is released, when a flag indicates 1, a vehicle travels in a traveling environment reflected operation mode where an engine and two motors are controlled in such a manner that a required torque is output to a drive shaft while the engine, in which fuel injection is stopped, is operated by the motor. If a vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a threshold at the time or after the flag is changed from 1 to 0, the vehicle travels in a normal operation mode where the engine and the two motors are controlled in such a manner that the required torque is output to the drive shaft with engine rotation stopped. If the vehicle speed is higher than the threshold when the flag is changed from 1 to 0, the vehicle travels in the traveling environment reflected operation mode until the vehicle speed becomes equal to or lower than the threshold.

Abstract: In a method for recovering energy in a braking process of a hybrid vehicle which has an internal combustion engine and an electric drive, as well as a hydraulic or pneumatic braking system, the exploitation of the electric drive is able to be optimized if the braking system includes at least one pressure reduction valve, using which the braking pressure exerted by the driver is able to be reduced as a function of the deceleration proportion of the electric machine.

Abstract: A braking method and device with energy recovery for a hybrid traction vehicle, which, according to the requested braking target, regulates the intervention of the engine-generator and the connection or disconnection of the endothermic engine from the transmission line.

Abstract: A method for controlling braking in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of determining a value of a variable pertaining to operation of the hybrid vehicle and applying regenerative braking based at least in part on the value of the variable. The variable comprises a speed of the hybrid vehicle, a steering angle of the hybrid vehicle, or a rate of change of the steering angle.

Abstract: A method for controlling shifting between a plurality of operating modes in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of obtaining a plurality of throttle position values, generating a comparison between a first throttle position value of the plurality of throttle position values and a second throttle position value of the plurality of throttle position values, and selectively allowing a shift between at least two of the plurality of operating modes, based at least in part on the comparison between the first and second throttle position values.

Abstract: A method for wear-free braking of a vehicle having an electrodynamic drive system including an electric machine and a planetary gearset with a crankshaft of the combustion engine being connected with a first element of the gearset, the electric machine connected to a second element of the gearset and a transmission input shaft connected to a carrier of the gearset. The friction clutch serves as a bridging clutch to detachably connect two elements of the gearset such that when the clutch is engaged, the gearset is locked and the combustion engine operating in thrust mode applies braking torque to the drive train, the clutch is disengaged and a transmission input speed exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the speed of the combustion engine is raised to a maximum speed by appropriate control of the electric machine.

Abstract: This invention provides a vehicle control apparatus constructed so that during the control of a downshift for deceleration, braking shocks can be reduced and the amount of energy regenerated can be increased, and a hybrid vehicle equipped with the control apparatus. The hybrid vehicle 1 includes wheels 14, an engine 12, a motor 11, a multi-stage transmission 20 that reduces motor torque and transmits the reduced torque to the wheels, and a brake 15 that brakes the wheels. During deceleration downshift control, a hybrid control module 100 provides distribution control of the regenerative torque of the motor 11 and the braking torque of the brake 15 so that the total braking force of the vehicle during gear shifting matches a target value.

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 machines in a fixed gear operating range state.

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.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes a transmission operative to transfer power between an input member and a torque machine and an output member coupled to a driveline coupled to a wheel including an actuable friction brake. The torque machine is operative to react torque transferred from the wheel through the driveline to the output member of the transmission. The torque machine is connected to an energy storage device.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an engine and a torque actuator coupled to a driveline to transfer tractive power to a wheel including a friction brake. A method includes monitoring an operator braking request and determining a request for regenerative braking torque. Operation of the torque actuator to react tractive power is inhibited when a fault is detected in the monitored request for regenerative braking torque and achieved regenerative braking torque.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for charging a battery in the least possible time in the presence of competing energy demands. A single source of energy is used to charge a battery and also to provide energy to one or more devices. Circuitry insures that the maximum possible amount of energy is being delivered to the battery at all times, consistent with the energy demands of the other devices.

Abstract: The regenerative torque shifter is a system for electric/hybrid electric vehicles that includes a driver-operated control device mounted in the vehicle and a control unit linked to a motor controller. The driver sets a level of regenerative braking desired by manipulating the control device. Based on output from the control device, the control unit directs the motor controller to apply a corresponding level of regenerative braking action by varying the amount of load seen by the motor.

Abstract: During braking, lower limits are set based on an input limit of a battery and a brake pedal position, and the set lower limits limit regenerative torques output from motors. This prevents an output of an excessive braking force and torque shock caused by a hydraulic brake being not able to follow sudden changes in the regenerative torques output from the motors when the vehicle speed is reduced.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle drive device includes an engine (200), a motor generator (MG1) driven by the engine (200) and generating power, a motor generator (MG2) driving the vehicle and generating electric power at the time of regenerative braking, a battery (B) capable of exchanging power to/from the motor generators (MG1, MG2), a temperature sensor (10) detecting temperature of the battery (B), and a controller (30) controlling the motor generators (MG1, MG2). If reduction in a required driving torque value of the motor generator (MG2) is detected, the controller changes start timing of regenerative braking by the motor generator (MG2) dependent on an output of the temperature sensor (10).