Patents Examined by David J Hlavka
  • Patent number: 11260738
    Abstract: A hybrid starter and generator (HSG) cooling control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, and an HSG cooling control method thereof, the apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive driving information of an engine and a hybrid starter and generator (HSG), a cooling unit configured to cool the HSG, and a controller configured to control the cooling unit, wherein the controller determines whether the HSG is in an idle charging mode based on driving information of the engine and the HSG, determines whether the temperature of the HSG is greater than a first cooling-required temperature when the HSG is in the idle charging mode, and controls the cooling unit to be turned on when the temperature of the HSG is greater than the first cooling-required temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Geun Bae, Joong Woo Lee, Man Jae Park, Myung Won Lee
  • Patent number: 11260741
    Abstract: A hybrid power driving system includes an engine, a planetary gear device, a first motor, a clutch gear device, a brake device, an engagement device, an intermediate shaft, and a second motor, the engine and the first motor are connected by the planetary gear device which includes first, second and third rotating elements; the clutch gear device is disposed between the first motor and the planetary gear device, the clutch gear device includes a clutch and a clutch gear and an engagement element connected to the clutch, the clutch gear is connected to the intermediate shaft; the engagement device is configured to engage the third rotating element and the engagement element, or engage the third rotating element and the brake device, or only engage the third rotating element; the brake device is configured to brake or unlock the third rotating element; the second motor is connected to the intermediate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: GAC AION NEW ENERGY AUTOMOBILE CO. LTD
    Inventors: Gang Li, Hongzhong Qi, Anwei Zhang, Yong Yang, Jiangling Zhao, Yang Shang
  • Patent number: 11255430
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a gearing assembly including a rotary input member, a rotary output member and a gearing arrangement between the input member and the output member selectively engageable to effect a driving engagement between the input member and the output member through at least a first torque connection having a first gear ratio and a second torque connection having a second gear ratio. One of the rotary input member and the rotary output member includes a first shaft and the first torque connection includes a first dog clutch including a dog hub having a hub set of teeth and a surrounding dog ring including a ring set of teeth. The hub and ring sets of teeth are radially projecting and mutually engageable. The dog hub is mounted on the first shaft so as to allow axial movement of the dog hub relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: QINETIQ LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert William Thompson, Robert John Bonner Flaxman
  • Patent number: 11254200
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device includes: rotary electric machine; rotor support member; friction engagement device disposed at position on inner side in radial direction with respect to a rotor and at which friction engagement device overlaps rotor as viewed in radial direction along radial direction; and a first and second bearing that rotatably support rotor support member. Friction engagement device has a first and second engagement device disposed side by side in axial direction. First piston portion of first engagement device and a second piston portion of second engagement device are disposed separately on both sides in axial direction across a first and a second friction member. First bearing is disposed at a position at which first bearing overlaps first piston portion as viewed in the radial direction. Second bearing is disposed at a position at which second bearing overlaps second piston portion as viewed in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Omote, Keishi Morita, Kenta Tamabayashi, Hiroshi Ishiyama
  • Patent number: 11254299
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle may include, for a starting process of an internal combustion engine, transferring the separating clutch from a disengaged condition into an engaged condition or a slip state such that the electric machine accelerates the internal combustion engine to a starting speed. The method may further include actuating a torque-transmitting element between the electric machine and the output shaft to enter a slip state. The method may also include increasing the torque of the electric machine to reliably reach and hold the slip state of the torque-transmitting element. Additionally, the method may include operating the electric machine as a generator or as a motor depending on an expected load direction of the drive train during the starting process to reliably reach and hold the torque-transmitting element in the slip state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Alexander Jungaberle, Falko Platzer, Werner Wolfgang
  • Patent number: 11248699
    Abstract: An apparatus of an automatic transmission includes a control unit controlling engagement and release of engaging mechanisms. One of the engaging mechanisms is a mechanical engaging mechanism which can be switched to a first state and a second state in which rotation of a rotational element in both directions is restricted. In a reverse range, the mechanical engaging mechanism is set in the second state. If a shift range is switched to the reverse range when the mechanical engaging mechanism is in the first state, the control unit starts engagement corresponding to the reverse range after executing preparation processing. If the shift range is switched from the reverse range to a forward range in the preparation processing, the control unit establishes a forward gear range by controlling the engaging mechanisms according to a degree of progress of the preparation processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takahide Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11247663
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine restart operations occurring during a transmission shift in a hybrid vehicle. Engine speed is controller during cranking and run-up to approach a transmission input shaft speed that is based on the future gear of the transmission shift. Engine speed is controlled via adjustments to spark, throttle, and/or fuel, to expedite engine speed reaching the synchronous speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Xiaoyong Wang, Ming Lang Kuang, Scott Thompson, David Oshinsky, Dennis Reed, Adam Banker
  • Patent number: 11248665
    Abstract: A piston, comprising: a shaft side with a first circumferential groove, said first circumferential groove bounded by a continuous circumferential seal plateau, said seal plateau extending axially outward from said first circumferential groove, wherein a planar outboard surface extends radially outboard from said seal plateau; a clutch side having two grooves alternating with two lands; an inner circumferential surface having a seal groove formed therein; and an outer circumferential surface having a seal groove formed therein, wherein the sides and surfaces form a ring shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Belgium N.V.
    Inventors: Kurt Cattoor, Kathleen Derycker, Filip D. Schacht
  • Patent number: 11242900
    Abstract: A first engagement member includes a first meshing portion and rotates integrally with a first shaft. A second engagement member includes a second meshing portion configured to mesh with the first meshing portion and rotates integrally with a second shaft. An electric clutch device drives the first engagement member via a pressing member that extends and contracts in response to drive of a clutch actuator. When the electric clutch device is to be engaged, the first shaft command computation unit sets the first shaft rotation speed command value to be smaller than the rotation speed of the second shaft. Further, after the rotation speed of the first shaft matches the first shaft rotation speed command value, the first shaft command computation unit sets the first shaft rotation speed command value to be gradually closer to the rotation speed of the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeru Kamio
  • Patent number: 11236789
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle are provided. The drive train includes at least a first and a second shaft, a first clutch having at least one first friction surface pairing, and an electric drive, the first and the second shaft being coupleable to one another via the at least one first friction surface pairing, wherein for cooling the first clutch, a fluid is used via which a drag torque of the first clutch is influenced after the first clutch is disengaged, the method including: a) Rotating the first shaft and the second shaft when the first clutch is at least partially engaged; b) Disengaging the first clutch; c) Accelerating the first shaft by means of the electric drive and discharging the fluid from an area of the at least one first friction surface pairing; wherein the drag torque of the first clutch is reduced by the accelerated discharge of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd.
    Inventors: Dirk Güth, Jan Haupt
  • Patent number: 11236787
    Abstract: A torque assembly including an inner member; an outer member; a first torque member disposed between the inner member and the outer member; and a second torque member disposed radially exterior or interior to the first torque member; where upon rotation in a first circumferential direction, the first torque member is allowed to generally freely rotate and in a second circumferential direction, the first torque member is radially shifted to impede or prevent rotation, and where the second torque member provides a circumferential slip interface between the inner member and the outer member to allow rotation in the second circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LIMITED
    Inventors: James K. Burgess, Brandon S. Murphy
  • Patent number: 11230181
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes a clutch unit connectable to an input shaft of the transmission and an electric motor connected to the clutch unit for transferring torque from the electric motor to the input shaft through the clutch unit. The transmission has a first gear component driven by the electric motor and a second gear component rotationally locked to the clutch unit by an engagement means. The first and second gear components are engaged with each other for transferring torque from the electric motor to the clutch unit. The transmission further has at least one bearing arranged for journaling the second gear component and carrying radial load caused by the electric motor when torque is transferred from the electric motor to the clutch unit. The engagement means is designed to allow a radial run out of the clutch unit relative to the second gear component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO.
    Inventors: Shabbir Adil, Johannes Larsson
  • Patent number: 11231076
    Abstract: A first engagement member rotates integrally with a first shaft. A second engagement member rotates integrally with a second shaft. An electric clutch device drives the first engagement member with a pressing member that extends and contracts in response to drive of the clutch actuator. The drive control unit performs a position control to control the clutch actuator, such that a drive amount of the first engagement member becomes a target stroke amount, when the first engagement member and the second engagement member are separated from each other and performs a pressing force control to control the clutch actuator, such that the pressing force between the first engagement member and the second engagement member becomes a target pressing force, when the first engagement member and the second engagement member are engaged with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeru Kamio
  • Patent number: 11220254
    Abstract: A hybrid drive transmission unit for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor for the drive part, includes a power-split transmission with sub-transmissions and a torsion-damping unit with a gyrating mass interconnected between the internal combustion engine and the power-split transmission. A clutch is interconnected between the internal combustion engine and the torsion-damping unit, by which the internal combustion engine can be activated, switching from the electromotive operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Hoess, Thomas Jung, Sebastian Kobler
  • Patent number: 11215241
    Abstract: Transmissions and clutch assemblies for transmissions are disclosed herein. A transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a clutch assembly. The input shaft is configured to receive rotational power. The output shaft is configured to transmit rotational power to a load. The clutch assembly is coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft to selectively transmit rotational power therebetween in use of the transmission. The clutch assembly includes a housing, a piston, and a disc spring. The piston is movable relative to the housing and cooperates with the housing to at least partially define a first cavity that is configured to receive hydraulic fluid such that a first centrifugal pressure force is created in use of the clutch assembly. The disc spring is movable relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: John L. Tysman, Jason Ellis, Evan Chivington, Mickey Hunt
  • Patent number: 11215245
    Abstract: A coupling assembly has a second coupling member mounted for rotation and a first coupling member having a speed sensor to sense a speed of rotation of the second coupling member. The coupling assembly further has a forward and a reverse locking element movable between (i) a coupling position in which the locking elements engage the second coupling member to thereby prevent rotation of the second coupling member in opposite first and second directions and (ii) a non-coupling position. Upon the speed of rotation of the second coupling member decreasing to be lower than a hill-hold speed threshold, the reverse locking element is moved to the coupling position while the forward locking element is maintained in the non-coupling position. Irrespective of a Park command, the locking elements are maintained in the non-coupling position while the speed of rotation of the second coupling member is greater than a park speed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kimes, Philip B. Woodley
  • Patent number: 11214242
    Abstract: A drive train for a hybrid motor vehicle having a gearbox input shaft operatively connected to a first electric machine and an internal combustion engine via a first partial drive train to transmit torque and which is operatively connected to a second electric machine via a second partial drive train to transmit torque. The second electric machine is permanently connected to the gearbox input shaft for torque transmission and the first electric machine and the internal combustion engine can be connected to the gearbox input shaft in a coupleable manner to transmit torque. The first electric machine and the second electric machine are arranged coaxially to one another, and driven shaft of the first electric machine is arranged radially inside a driven shaft of the second electric machine. The driven shaft of the first electric machine is mounted on the driven shaft of the second electric machine via a bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Steffen Lehmann, Andreas Trinkenschuh, Frank Müller
  • Patent number: 11209080
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a control device of an automatic transmission for vehicle, which can improve the responsiveness to switching to a reverse stage. The automatic transmission includes: planetary gear mechanisms which transmit the driving force input to an input shaft to an output member; and first to third clutches and first to fourth brakes as engagement mechanisms capable of establishing shift stages by switching a transmission path of the driving force in the planetary gear mechanisms. The control device executes a reverse preparation process for starting engagements of the first and third clutches and the third brake and stopping rotation of the input shaft when the reverse stage is selected when the fourth brake (mechanical engagement mechanism) is in a unidirectional rotation allowed state (first state) and the vehicle is traveling at a vehicle speed greater than a highest vehicle speed at which the reverse stage is establishable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuya Tachibanada, Kazuma Sasahara, Makoto Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11207962
    Abstract: An electric drive axle including a first shaft in driving engagement with an electric motor. A first gear and a second gear are coupled with the first shaft. A second shaft is disposed offset from the first shaft. A third gear is selectively coupled with the second shaft, and the third gear is meshed with the first gear. A fourth gear is selectively coupled with the second shaft, and the fourth gear is meshed with the second gear. A fifth gear is coupled with the second shaft and meshed with a sixth gear coupled with a differential case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: DANA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Eric M. Engerman
  • Patent number: 11203260
    Abstract: A clutch device includes a clutch input hub which is connectable to a drive unit (24), a clutch output hub which is connectable to an electric machine and/or to a transmission, a clutch via which the clutch input hub can be selectively brought into rotary driving connection with the clutch output hub, and an actuating piston for hydraulically actuating the clutch, a chamber to which fluid may be applied being assigned to said actuating piston, wherein fluid can be applied to the chamber via a first rotary feedthrough between a stationary component and the clutch input hub and via a second rotary feedthrough between the clutch input hub and the clutch output hub. The first rotary feedthrough and the second rotary feedthrough are designed on the side of clutch input hub facing outward in radial direction. A drivetrain having the clutch device is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Frederik Johann Metzdorf