Abstract: A structure for mounting a battery onto an electric vehicle comprises: a body member forming a body of the electric vehicle; a battery case containing a battery; a supporting member, which is projected outward from the battery case and is disposed under the body member, fixed to a bottom of said battery case; and a clash-proof block connecting between the battery case and the body member.

Abstract: A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.

Abstract: A motor wheel assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a radial flux brushless electric motor having a plurality of stator magnets arranged along a circumferential path; a wheel; first connecting means to connect motor to wheel in a torque transfer manner and second connecting means suitable for connecting motor to the motor vehicle. The motor wheel assembly defines a seat interrupting the sequence of stator magnets along the circumferential path and is suitable for housing a caliper of a braking system of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A main battery and an auxiliary battery are both mounted on a hybrid vehicle without narrowing a cargo room. A floor panel 102 includes a rising portion 102c that rises upward and extends in a widthwise direction of a vehicle 101, and a front portion 102a extending forward from the rising portion 102c. A rear seat 109 is mounted above the floor panel 102 in such a manner that a seat portion 109a is parallel to the front portion. The front portion 102a, the seat portion 109a of the rear seat 109, and the rising portion 102c form a housing space SP for mounting a main battery 110 and an auxiliary battery 111 side by side in the widthwise direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A differential comprises a differential case and electrical generator. The electrical generator comprises a first portion that is supported by the differential case and a second portion that is disposed in the differential case. The electrical generator is responsive to rotation of the differential case for generating electrical power. In another embodiment, the differential may further comprise a differential gear set, and the electrical generator comprises a first portion that is supported by the differential gear set and a second portion that is disposed in the differential case in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The electrical generator is responsive to movement of the differential gear set for generating electrical power. In another embodiment, an axle assembly includes a differential case and axle housing that together function as an electrical generator. The rotation of the differential case generates electrical power.

Abstract: A vehicle structure of a hybrid vehicle that contributes to compactly structuring the vehicle body, which is provided with: a battery disposed at the lower side in a vehicle up-down direction of a rear seat so as to overlap with the rear seat in plan view; and a fuel tank including a shallow profile portion that is disposed at the lower side of the battery such that a portion thereof overlaps with a floor face of the battery in plan view, and a deep profile portion that is made thicker in the vehicle up-down direction than the shallow profile portion and that is disposed at the rear side of the battery such that at least a portion thereof overlaps with a rear face of the battery in elevational view.

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.

Abstract: A drive unit includes an engine, a generator, an electric motor and a power distributing device. The engine drives the generator to generate electric power. The electric motor is driven by the electric power generated by the generator and rotates a drive wheel. The power distributing device distributes the drive power generated by the engine between the generator and the drive wheel. A crankshaft of the engine can extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The generator, the motor and the power distributing device are disposed on a shaft, which is different from the crankshaft and extends substantially parallel to the crankshaft. The power of the engine and the drive force of the motor are output from a portion of the shaft through the power distributing device and the rotor of the motor.

Abstract: A hybrid-electric vehicle has an engine compartment defined by a transverse rail extending generally parallel to a lateral axis of the vehicle, first and second side rails extending forwardly from the transverse rail, and a hood extending over the engine compartment. A hybrid-electric transmission is located in the engine compartment and an inverter system controller module (ISCM) is supported on an equipment shelf extending between the hybrid electric transmission and the hood. The equipment shelf includes an inclined portion attached to the transverse rail and extending upwardly and forwardly at an oblique angle; a generally horizontal tray projecting forwardly from the inclined portion above the hybrid electric transmission; and a lateral brace extending from a forward end of the tray laterally to the first side rail. The junction between the inclined portion and the tray forms a deformation trigger that absorbs crash loads.

Abstract: An engine assembly (6) of the type running on liquid air or another gas that is substantially inert in liquefied state, for a vehicle in general and for an urban motor vehicle in particular, such as a bus (1) or a taxi, comprises a Stirling engine (9), in which the gasification of the liquid air takes place, with transformation into kinetic mechanical energy of the latent heat relative to the change in state of the air from liquid state to compressed gas state, as well as a volumetric or flow motor (11), in which the air in compressed state expands up to a pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure, with transformation of the mechanical pressure energy into kinetic mechanical energy.

Abstract: A drive train includes an internal combustion engine (“ICE”) coupled to a transmission having a power takeoff port. A transfer device couples an electric motor to the transmission via the port. The electric motor is enabled in a certain configuration to selectively power the drive train during at least certain intervals when the ICE is powered off.

Abstract: A power source pack is arranged on a floor in such a manner that the vehicle front side is positioned higher than the vehicle rear side. Specifically, the front side of the power source pack is placed on a cross member qualified as a structural member that is fixed to traverse the vehicle on the floor. By such a configuration, it is possible to provide a structure for mounting a power source pack that is configured to be less vulnerable to the heat penetrating from a lower surface of the floor to the interior of a cabin even if the power source pack is arranged on the floor.

Abstract: A software algorithm (FIG. 3) determines the strategy by which a controller (34) will manage state of charge (SOC) of a battery pack (32) in a hybrid electric vehicle but always gives the driver the opportunity to make his/her own selection instead. The algorithm causes one of two strategies to be selected each time that the ignition switch is operated from “off” position to “on” position. The manner in which the algorithm executes depends on the value of a calibratable parameter electronically programmed into the controller of the particular vehicle when the vehicle is being built at the factory.

Abstract: A hybrid prolusion system comprising a first energy storage unit operable to supply power to a traction drive motor. A second energy storage unit is coupled with the first energy storage unit to provide additional power on demand to the traction drive motor. An auxiliary power unit (APU) is used to charge the first battery to maintain a desired voltage across the first energy storage unit.

Abstract: When the driver steps on an accelerator peal to a certain depth and practically keeps the accelerator pedal at the certain depth to maintain a substantially constant accelerator opening, a target additional torque, a maximum reflection rate, and an increment of a reflection rate are set based on the accelerator opening and a vehicle speed. The reflection rate is gradually increased by the increment to the maximum reflection rate after elapse of a preset time period since a start of decreasing a base torque demand affected by the accelerator opening and the vehicle speed. An object torque demand is computed as the sum of the base torque demand and an additional torque, which is given as the product of the target additional torque and the gradually increasing reflection rate. The operations of an engine and two motors are then controlled with the setting of the object torque demand.

Abstract: A plug-in vehicle management system enables charging of a plug-in vehicle from a power supply station through an electric power line and power line communication between the power supply station and the vehicle. When a vehicle-side connector and a station-side connector are connected to enable the power-line communication between a vehicle-side power line communication section and a station-side power line communication section, a vehicle-side security control section and a station-side security control section cooperate so that one of a vehicle-side input/output section and a station-side input/output section receives an input signal and transmit it to the other of the vehicle-side input/output section and the station-side input/output section.

Abstract: A vehicular drive system which includes a first electric motor, a power distributing mechanism (first gear device), a second electric motor, and a step-variable automatic transmission (second gear device), and in which the first electric motor and the power distributing mechanism constitute a first unit, while the second electric motor and the automatic transmission constitute a second unit, and wherein the power distributing mechanism has an output shaft, and the automatic transmission has an input shaft which is connected to the output shaft, whereby a drive force can be transmitted between the first unit and the second unit. The individually prepared first unit and the second unit are assembled together into the vehicular drive system such that the output shaft of the power distributing mechanism and the input shaft of the automatic transmission are connected to each other. Accordingly, the drive system has an improved efficiency of assembling.

Abstract: A method for arranging an accumulating device in proximity of a floor of a vehicle forming a bottom wall of a passenger compartment of the vehicle itself; the accumulating device has a heating base wall which is free from heat insulation, and a non-heating base wall which is parallel and opposite to the heating base wall and is provided with a heat-insulating material layer; and the method provides for the steps of arranging the accumulating device in a seating obtained in proximity of the floor; and implementing the accumulating device with a symmetry allowing the reversal of the accumulating device itself within the seating obtained in proximity of the floor in such a way that the heating base wall may be equally either facing upwards and then towards the passenger compartment or facing downwards and then towards the external environment.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a hybrid electro-mechanical transmission and a power source. A planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member connects the power source with a first and a second motor/generator. A battery is operatively connected to the motor/generators for receiving power therefrom and delivering power thereto. An input member rotates with the first member, the first motor/generator rotates with the second member, and the second motor/generator rotates with the output member. A first torque-transmitting mechanism is engagable to connect the second motor/generator for rotation with the third member. The battery and the second motor/generator provide an electric-only operating mode to power the output member when the first torque-transmitting mechanism is not engaged; the power source, planetary gear set and first motor/generator thereby being disconnected from the output member during the electric-only operating mode to prevent parasitic drag.

Abstract: A vehicle is a hybrid vehicle including an engine driven by fuel, and the vehicle includes a motor-generator driven by electric power and a charge plug to which a connector is removably connected, the charge plug being capable of at least one of being supplied with electric power from the connector and supplying electric power to the connector. An engine is arranged to be offset toward one side surface and the charge plug is provided in the other side surface.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a rear floor panel, a cross beam, a rear seat, a battery pack and a fuel tank. The rear floor panel is formed with a raised portion located behind the rear seat. The cross beam is disposed in a region located below the raised portion. The battery pack is disposed between the rear seat and the rear floor panel. The fuel tank is disposed in the region located below the raised portion, and is composed of a body located behind the cross beam and a projecting portion projecting forward from upper side surfaces of the body to extend into the space located between a second rear cross member and the cross beam.

Abstract: An element comprises a rotary input member (15), a motion output member (19), an electrical machine (14) including a stator (27) and a rotor (26), a first connecting clutch (89A) between the input member (15) and an intermediate member (83) rotating about a first axis (X-X?). The intermediate member (83) is connected in rotation to the rotor (26), and a second connecting clutch (89B) is positioned between the intermediate member (83) and the output member (19). The element also comprises a casing (21) defining a housing (69) wherein are coaxially and concentrically mounted the first and second connecting clutches (89A, 89B). The axis of rotation (Y-Y?) of the rotor (26) is separate from the first axis (X-X?) and a transmission (121, 123, 135) connects in rotation the rotor (26) and the intermediate member (83). The invention is applicable to motor vehicle engine-transmission units.

Abstract: A hybrid driving unit (7) is mounted to a vehicle by coupling a coupling section (14d) at the front end of a casing member (14) with an internal combustion engine (5) and by mounting a mounting section (14c) at the rear end of the casing member (14) to a part (4a) of a body (4). Still more, a second electric motor (23), i.e., a heavy device, is disposed in the rearmost part among a first electric motor (20), a power splitting planetary gear (21), the second electric motor (23) and a transmission disposed on an axis (13) in the casing member (14). Thereby, the vibration occurring in the casing member (14) is suppressed.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle 20, when the ECO switch 88 is turned on, Step S140 determines whether or not a driving state is an economy driving state based on an ECO mode driving state determination map having a tendency not to regard the driving state as the economy driving state in comparison with a normal driving state determination map. A determination result of Step S140 is displayed on a meter display unit 90 in the form of an illumination or an extinction of an ECO mark 95 so as to inform the driving state is the economy driving state or not (Step S180).

Abstract: A vehicle (1) includes a plurality of chargeable and dischargeable batteries (B1, B2), a load device, a bus for supplying electric power to the load device, a plurality of voltage step-up converters (12-1, 12-2) provided in association with a plurality of batteries (B1, B2) respectively, a charging line (PCL) for supplying electric power provided from outside the vehicle to a connection point of the first battery (B1) and the first voltage step-up converter (12-1), and a control device (30). When charging from an external source is started, the control device (30) causes the first voltage step-up converter (12-1) to perform a rectifying operation for supplying electric current from the charging line to the bus in a case where a voltage of the bus is lower than a voltage of the charging line, and causes the first voltage step-up converter (12-2) to connect the bus and the second battery (B2).

Abstract: A vehicle is mounted with a drive device provided with a plurality of rotating electrical machines, and a drive unit driving the plurality of rotating electrical machines. A drive control device for the vehicle includes an electrical leak detector detecting electrical leak in the drive device, and a control device. The control device identifies an electrical leak location by receiving a result of the detection made by the electrical leak detector, and determines which rotating electrical machine out of the plurality of rotating electrical machines is allowed to operate when the vehicle is driven next time, in accordance with the electrical leak location, while the vehicle is stopped.

Abstract: In an OFF condition of an ECO switch, a stop decision reference value Wstop is set to a value W1 (step S420). In an ON condition of the ECO switch, the stop decision reference value Wstop is set to a value W2 (step S430). When an output limit Wout of a battery set according to a battery temperature and a state of charge of the battery is not less than the set stop decision reference value Wstop, the engine is permitted to stop (step S450). When the output limit Wout is less than the set stop decision reference value Wstop, the engine is prohibited from stopping (step S460). The value W1 is specified as a value of electric power required for a smooth restart of the engine after its stop during a drive of the vehicle. The value W2 is specified to be close to a value of minimum electric power required for a restart of the engine after its stop during a drive of the vehicle and is set to be smaller than the value W1.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle 20, when the ECO switch 88 is turned on, a maximum allowable charging power Pcmax is set based on a vehicle speed and an ECO mode maximum allowable charging power setting map that is a second relationship having a tendency to allow charging of a battery 50 in comparison with a normal maximum allowable charging power setting map (Step S130), and an engine 22, motors MG1 and MG2 are controlled so that the battery 50 is charged with an effective charge-discharge power demand Pb* as a charging power demand set at Step S140 in accordance with state of the battery 50 within a range of the maximum allowable charging power Pcmax and a torque demand Tr* for driving is ensured (Steps S150-S280).

Abstract: A battery mounting structure for hybrid vehicles is provided, which can easily mount a battery structure in a vehicle and easily change the position of the battery package between a vertical position and a horizontal position.

Abstract: A vehicle (100) includes: a battery (B1, B2); a motor generator (MG2) driven by electric power stored in the battery (B1); a coupling unit (41) for electrically coupling the battery (B1, B2) to an external commercial power supply (55); and a controller (60) for operating an electrical component (43) and performing failure diagnosis of the electrical component (43) in a case where the vehicle and the external power supply can be electrically coupled by operating the coupling unit (41). As a result, there can be provided a vehicle that can be charged from outside and allows early detection of a failure without reducing a distance that can be traveled, and a method for failure diagnosis of the vehicle.

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: A front end portion of an output shaft is supported by a bearing mounted to an inner peripheral surface of a partition that separates a power distributing planetary gear and a speed change unit. A rear end portion of the output shaft is supported via a bearing which is interposed along a portion of the same plane along which also lies a mounting surface of a bearing in a rear wall that supports a rear end portion of a rotor of a second motor. As a result, the output shaft is supported by a twin support structure via the bearings by the partition and the rear wall.

Abstract: A cable fastening system for high power cables that operates within a heavy duty vehicle is described. The cable fastening system comprises at least three conductive high-power cables and a cable spacer. The high-power cables include a cable cross-sectional center, and a cross-sectional diameter that is similar for each cable. The cable spacer includes three fixed arms and three arcuate edges. The three fixed arms are disposed at equidistant angles from one another. The three arcuate edges are disposed at equidistant angles from one another and each of the arcuate edges is configured to interface with one of the conductive high-power cables. The cable cross-sectional centers and oriented in a triangular formation and the cable spacer is configured to separate the cables so that the distance between two adjacent cable cross-sectional centers is less than one times the cross-sectional diameter.

Abstract: A control device includes a target rotation speed determination unit that determines a target rotation speed of an engine, a filtering process unit that receives an output of the target rotation speed determination unit, changes the received output such that the target rotation speed changes gently, and outputs the changed output, a property switching control unit that switches properties of the filtering process unit in accordance with a vehicle state, and a first torque value calculation unit that calculates a target torque of a motor generator in accordance with a difference between the output of the filtering process unit and an actual rotation speed of the engine. Preferably, the property switching control unit increases a time constant of the filtering process in accordance with a shift switch instruction to switch a vehicle state from a traveling state to a neutral state.

Abstract: A trans axle includes motor generators with central rotation axes of respective rotors arranged coaxially, a power split device arranged coaxially with the central rotation axis of a crank shaft and between motor generators, and a power control unit controlling the motor generators. The power control unit is arranged such that a reactor is positioned at least on one side and a smoothing capacitor is positioned on the other side of the central rotation axis of motor generator. The motor generators, the power split device and the power control unit are housed and integrated in a metal case, and fixed on a body of a vehicle (1000) by means of an engine mount.

Abstract: A software algorithm (FIG. 3) determines the strategy by which a controller (34) will manage state of charge (SOC) of a battery pack (32) in a hybrid electric vehicle but always gives the driver the opportunity to make his/her own selection instead. The algorithm causes one of two strategies to be selected each time that the ignition switch is operated from “off” position to “on” position. The manner in which the algorithm executes depends on the value of a calibratable parameter electronically programmed into the controller of the particular vehicle when the vehicle is being built at the factory.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine disposed in an engine compartment provided with a hood, and also an electrical machine for at least assisting in driving the vehicle and generating electric energy, and a power electronics system for controlling the electric power supply to, and from the electric machine during operation of the motor vehicle by the internal combustion engine and/or the electrical machine, the power electronics system is arranged in the engine compartment above the internal combustion engine and below the hood.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes two front wheels, two rear wheels, an internal combustion engine, a first motor/generator, and a second motor/generator. The first motor/generator may be rotatably coupled to the internal combustion engine, and the second motor/generator may be rotatably coupled to at least one wheel of the hybrid vehicle. The first motor/generator, the second motor/generator and a gear transmission are housed within the engine compartment and are located between two front wheels and arranged in a substantially linear manner.

Abstract: A hybrid conversion kit is configured for attachment to a pre-existing vehicle. The kit includes a frame assembly, an auxiliary wheel, a generator/motor, an energy storage device, and a controller. The frame assembly is adapted to be connected to the vehicle. The auxiliary wheel is mounted to the frame assembly and is positioned to contact a ground surface. The generator/motor is connected to the auxiliary wheel. The controller is configured to direct energy from the energy storage device to the generator/motor and thence to the auxiliary wheel when a vehicle is accelerating or moving at a constant, non-zero speed. The controller is further configured for causing the generator/motor to convert rotary motion of the auxiliary wheel into a different form of energy and to cause the energy so converted to be stored in the energy storage device as a vehicle decelerates. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: In an OFF condition of an ECO switch, a stop decision reference value Wstop is set to a value W1 (step S420). In an ON condition of the ECO switch, the stop decision reference value Wstop is set to a value W2 (step S430). When an output limit Wout of a battery set according to a battery temperature and a state of charge of the battery is not less than the set stop decision reference value Wstop, the engine is permitted to stop (step S450). When the output limit Wout is less than the set stop decision reference value Wstop, the engine is prohibited from stopping (step S460). The value W1 is specified as a value of electric power required for a smooth restart of the engine after its stop during a drive of the vehicle. The value W2 is specified to be close to a value of minimum electric power required for a restart of the engine after its stop during a drive of the vehicle and is set to be smaller than the value W1.

Abstract: A hybrid drive is disclosed, having at least two primary assemblies and a hydraulic or electric machine; one primary assembly and the hydraulic or electric machine are operatively connected to a drive train, and the hydraulic or electric machine, with this primary assembly, forms a parallel hybrid drive, and with the other primary assembly, it forms a serial hybrid drive.

Abstract: A cover accommodates a power converter receiving high voltage. A connector assembling portion to which a connector of an external power line is assembled is arranged external to the cover and secured by a securing member to a vehicle's main body. A support member is arranged at a lower surface of the cover and connector assembling portion, rather than that portion of casing connecting the connector assembling portion and the power converter's main body, between the cover and the connector assembling portion and thus binds them together.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an electric power source in a transmission includes a transmission housing, and an electric machine including a rotor and a stator secured to the housing. A first member is secured to the rotor, extends radially toward an axis of rotation, and is formed with a first pilot surface. A second member, secured to the rotor and the housing, extends from the housing toward the axis and is formed with a second pilot surface that is aligned axially with the first pilot surface. An anti-friction bearing, located at an axial rearward side or axially frontward side of a torque converter, is engaged with the first pilot surface and the second pilot surface. A second balanced bearing is located either in the driving engine or the driven transmission.

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.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an economical method of easy conversion of any internal combustion fueled vehicle into a fuel saving plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) by an add-on kit, without replacing the engine and with a minimal modification of the vehicle body. The converted vehicle substantially saves fuel as compared to the vehicle before this conversion.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A countershaft transmission in the powertrain delivers power from an engine through countershaft gearing. Electric power from a single motor-generator complements engine power and may drive front traction wheels. Regenerative power is recovered during power delivery to rear traction wheels.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle powered by a hybrid drive system configured to improve ergonomics within an operator compartment, minimize engine noise within the operator compartment, and/or reduce the transmission of heat associated with the drive system into the operator compartment is disclosed. The operator compartment is carried and/or supported on a chassis relative to the hybrid drive system. The hybrid drive system is coupled to the chassis and comprises an engine coupled to a generator portion. When coupled to the chassis, the generator is positioned in front of the engine. In one embodiment, the vehicle is a refuse vehicle.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle drive arrangement oil is supplied to a drive gear mechanism and other drive elements by an oil pump which is driven only by an electric motor and is arranged in a space in which one or more torque transmission devices such as a hydrodynamic torque converter, an operable drive clutch and at least one electric motor for forming a hybrid drive are disposed and which is formed between the oil pump and electric motor, on the one hand, and the vehicle travel drive motor on the other, the oil pump is disposed around a shaft transmitting the drive torque to the transmission and is surrounded by the electric motor driving the pump.

Abstract: A plurality of electric devices constituting an electric vehicle control device (6) are arranged as a unitary block of a frame and a case. A fixed unit (6a) is arranged at several positions on a horizontal plane between the upper end and the lower end of the electric control device mounted on an electric vehicle (1). The electric devices are arranged so that the center of gravity of the electric vehicle control device (6) is substantially on the horizontal plane of the fixed unit (6a). Since it is possible to suppress vibration during travel of the electric vehicle, it is possible to reduce the strength of the electric vehicle and reduce its weight.