Patents by Inventor Atsushi Kawamoto

Atsushi Kawamoto has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20190061824
    Abstract: A dash cross member which extends in a vehicle width direction is provided at a dash panel. A hinge-pillar reinforcing member which rigidly connects a hinge pillar to a side sill is provided at a lower end portion of the hinge pillar. A load-transmission portion (a dash reinforcement) to transmit a load which is inputted to the hinge-pillar reinforcing member in an inward direction of the vehicle width direction to the dash cross member is provided at the dash panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuki UCHIBA, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Hiroto KIDO, Yasushi ISHIKAWA, Daisuke KANAMARU
  • Publication number: 20190061823
    Abstract: A frame (extension frame) extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction on an outward side, in a vehicle width direction, of a powertrain mounted at a front portion of a vehicle includes front-side and rear-side high strength portions which are spaced apart, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, from each other and a low strength portion which is positioned, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, between the both high strength portions. The low strength portion has a lower bending strength than each of the both high strength portions. A specified portion which is a part of the low strength portion is positioned on the outward side, in the vehicle width direction, of and in front of a part of the powertrain (oil pan) which is located at the same level as the specified portion of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke KANAMARU, Hiroto KIDO, Yasushi ISHIKAWA, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Yuuki UCHIBA
  • Patent number: 10214093
    Abstract: A transmission unit is able to switch between a non-neutral state where power of an engine is transmitted via a path K1 and a neutral state where power of the engine is not transmitted via the path K1. A clutch is able to switch between an engaged state where power is transmitted from the engine to a first MG and a released state where transmission of power from the engine to the first MG is interrupted. When the transmission unit is controlled to the non-neutral state and, at the same time, the clutch is set to the released state, a vehicle is operable in series-parallel mode. When power is transmitted via the path K2 by directly coupling the engine to the first MG by the clutch and the path K1 is interrupted by controlling the transmission unit to the neutral state, the vehicle is operable in series mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidehiko Banshoya, Kiyonori Takagi, Atsushi Kawamoto, Haruhisa Suzuki, Tatsuya Imamura, Toshiki Kanada, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 10189505
    Abstract: A side body structure of a vehicle is provided, which includes a hinge pillar having a hinge pillar member forming, in a side part of the vehicle, a closed section space extending continuously in vertical directions of the vehicle, a side sill having a side sill member forming, on a rear side of the hinge pillar in the side part of the vehicle, a closed section space extending continuously in longitudinal directions of the vehicle, and a closed section space component forming, in a connecting part between a lower end part of the hinge pillar and a front end part of the side sill, a closed section space extending continuously in the longitudinal directions and connecting to the closed section space of the side sill on the rear side, the closed section space of the closed section space component having a vertical dimension that increases toward a front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Narahara, Morihide Yamada, Takahiro Aonuma, Masaya Nishimoto, Nobuhiko Yokoyama, Atsushi Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 10193414
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus includes a first electric motor, a power split mechanism, a second electric motor, a case, a support wall, and a breather mechanism. The case accommodates the first electric motor, the power split mechanism, and the second electric motor. The support wall is provided between the power split mechanism and the second electric motor. The breather mechanism is located in a rotational angle range that is at least equal to 90 degrees and is smaller than 180 degrees. The breather mechanism has a through hole and a breather chamber. The breather chamber is provided at a case inner side end of the through hole and is opened in a direction that does not oppose a virtual surface that passes through the rotational axis at a rotational angle of 90 degrees of the second electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyonori Takagi, Hidehiko Banshoya, Atsushi Kawamoto, Haruhisa Suzuki, Kuniaki Ishii, Tooru Matsubara, Kazuyuki Shiiba, Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Yasuda, Junji Matsushita, Katsutoshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10173515
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is able to select series-parallel mode by engaging a clutch (C1) or a brake (B1) and releasing a clutch (CS), and is able to select series mode by releasing both the clutch (C1) and the brake (B1) and engaging the clutch (CS). The hybrid vehicle includes a simultaneous supply prevention valve (550) that prevents simultaneous engagement of the clutch (CS) and at least one of the clutch (CI) or the brake (B1). When a signal pressure of at least one of hydraulic pressure for engaging the clutch (C1) or hydraulic pressure for engaging the brake (B1) is input to the simultaneous supply prevention valve (550), the simultaneous supply prevention valve (550) is switched to a state where supply of hydraulic pressure to the clutch (CS) is cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidehiko Banshoya, Kiyonori Takagi, Atsushi Kawamoto, Haruhisa Suzuki, Tatsuya Imamura, Toshiki Kanada, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 10166955
    Abstract: A manual release device for a parking lock mechanism includes an operating lever, a cable and an idle motion mechanism. The idle motion mechanism includes a body portion, a lever provided on the body portion, a helical compression spring, and a contact portion provided on the shaft. The cable is coupled to the lever. A distal end of the lever is arranged below a turning center of the lever. The parking lock mechanism is configured, when the parking lock mechanism is in a locked state, to be switched into an unlocked state as the body portion contacts the contact portion to cause the shaft to turn when the lever is turned against an urging force of the urging member as a result of operation of the operating lever to cause the body portion to turn from the normal position to the actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tateno, Kiyonori Takagi, Koichi Okuda, Atsushi Kawamoto, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Haruhisa Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10065633
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an electronic control unit configured to, when the drive mode is changed from one of the series-parallel mode and the parallel mode to the other one of the series-parallel mode and the parallel mode and the speed stage is changed from one of the low speed stage and the high speed stage to the other one of the low speed stage and the high speed stage, selectively execute either one of a first control and a second control. The first control is control in which the drive mode and the speed stage are changed by passing through the series mode. The second control is control in which one of the drive mode and the speed stage is changed and then the other one of the drive mode and the speed stage is changed without passing through the series mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidehiko Banshoya, Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Haruhisa Suzuki, Atsushi Kawamoto, Tatsuya Imamura, Kiyonori Takagi
  • Patent number: 10011271
    Abstract: A control process including the following steps is executed. The control process includes, at the time of switching from series-parallel mode to series mode, a step of reducing an engine torque, a step of releasing a clutch, a step of reducing a reaction torque of a first rotary electric machine and a step of increasing a torque of a second rotary electric machine, and, when synchronization is started and a step of increasing a positive torque of the first MG, a step of starting engagement of a clutch, and, when a rotation speed of the first rotary electric machine and a rotation speed of an engine are synchronous with each other, a step of engaging the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kiyonori Takagi, Hidehiko Banshoya, Atsushi Kawamoto, Haruhisa Suzuki, Tatsuya Imamura, Toshiki Kanada, Atsushi Tabata
  • Publication number: 20180141525
    Abstract: A manual release device for a parking lock mechanism includes an operating lever, a cable and an idle motion mechanism. The idle motion mechanism includes a body portion, a lever provided on the body portion, a helical compression spring, and a contact portion provided on the shaft. The cable is coupled to the lever. A distal end of the lever is arranged below a turning center of the lever. The parking lock mechanism is configured, when the parking lock mechanism is in a locked state, to be switched into an unlocked state as the body portion contacts the contact portion to cause the shaft to turn when the lever is turned against an urging force of the urging member as a result of operation of the operating lever to cause the body portion to turn from the normal position to the actuated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki TATENO, Kiyonori TAKAGI, Koichi OKUDA, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Ryuji IBARAKI, Yuji YASUDA, Haruhisa SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 9975545
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine (10), a first motor generator (MG1), a second motor generator (MG2), a transmission unit (power transmission unit) (40), a differential unit (50), a clutch (CS) and a mechanical oil pump (501). The hybrid vehicle is able to switch between series-parallel mode in which power of the engine is transmitted via the transmission unit and the differential unit and series mode in which power of the engine is transmitted via the clutch. The differential unit (50) is a planetary gear mechanism including a sun gear (S2) connected to the first motor generator (MG1), a ring gear (R2) connected to the second motor generator (MG2), and a carrier (CA2) connected to a ring gear (R1) that is an output element of the transmission unit (40). The mechanical oil pump (501) is driven by power that is transmitted from the carrier (CA2) of the differential unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidehiko Banshoya, Kiyonori Takagi, Atsushi Kawamoto, Haruhisa Suzuki, Tatsuya Imamura, Toshiki Kanada, Atsushi Tabata
  • Publication number: 20180135753
    Abstract: A manual unlocking device for a parking lock mechanism includes an operation lever that rotates when the parking lock mechanism is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state. The operation lever is arranged outside an occupant space of a vehicle cabin and is configured that a tool can be coupled to a rotation center thereof from the occupant space. The manual unlocking device for the parking lock mechanism is configured to switch the parking lock mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state by integral rotation of the operation lever with the tool when the tool, which is coupled to the operation lever, rotates in a state where the tool is arranged on the rotation center of the operation lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYODA IRON WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki TATENO, Kiyonori TAKAGI, Koichi OKUDA, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Ryuji IBARAKI, Yuji YASUDA, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Hideki MATSUBO, Junya ABE
  • Publication number: 20180022342
    Abstract: A control process including the following steps is executed. The control process includes, at the time of switching from series-parallel mode to series mode, a step of reducing an engine torque, a step of releasing a clutch, a step of reducing a reaction torque of a first rotary electric machine and a step of increasing a torque of a second rotary electric machine, and, when synchronization is started and a step of increasing a positive torque of the first MG, a step of starting engagement of a clutch, and, when a rotation speed of the first rotary electric machine and a rotation speed of an engine are synchronous with each other, a step of engaging the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kiyonori TAKAGI, Hidehiko BANSHOYA, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Toshiki KANADA, Atsushi TABATA
  • Publication number: 20180022203
    Abstract: A transmission unit is able to switch between a non-neutral state where power of an engine is transmitted via a path K1 and a neutral state where power of the engine is not transmitted via the path K1. A clutch is able to switch between an engaged state where power is transmitted from the engine to a first MG and a released state where transmission of power from the engine to the first MG is interrupted. When the transmission unit is controlled to the non-neutral state and, at the same time, the clutch is set to the released state, a vehicle is operable in series-parallel mode. When power is transmitted via the path K2 by directly coupling the engine to the first MG by the clutch and the path K1 is interrupted by controlling the transmission unit to the neutral state, the vehicle is operable in series mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidehiko BANSHOYA, Kiyonori TAKAGI, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Toshiki KANADA, Atsushi TABATA
  • Publication number: 20180022355
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is able to select series-parallel mode by engaging a clutch (C1) or a brake (B1) and releasing a clutch (CS), and is able to select series mode by releasing both the clutch (C1) and the brake (B1) and engaging the clutch (CS). The hybrid vehicle includes a simultaneous supply prevention valve (550) that prevents simultaneous engagement of the clutch (CS) and at least one of the clutch (CI) or the brake (B1). When a signal pressure of at least one of hydraulic pressure for engaging the clutch (C1) or hydraulic pressure for engaging the brake (B1) is input to the simultaneous supply prevention valve (550), the simultaneous supply prevention valve (550) is switched to a state where supply of hydraulic pressure to the clutch (CS) is cut off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidehiko BANSHOYA, Kiyonori TAKAGI, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Toshiki KANADA, Atsushi TABATA
  • Publication number: 20180015916
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine (10), a first motor generator (MG1), a second motor generator (MG2), a transmission unit (power transmission unit) (40), a differential unit (50), a clutch (CS) and a mechanical oil pump (501). The hybrid vehicle is able to switch between series-parallel mode in which power of the engine is transmitted via the transmission unit and the differential unit and series mode in which power of the engine is transmitted via the clutch. The differential unit (50) is a planetary gear mechanism including a sun gear (S2) connected to the first motor generator (MG1), a ring gear (R2) connected to the second motor generator (MG2), and a carrier (CA2) connected to a ring gear (R1) that is an output element of the transmission unit (40). The mechanical oil pump (501) is driven by power that is transmitted from the carrier (CA2) of the differential unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidehiko BANSHOYA, Kiyonori TAKAGI, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Toshiki KANADA, Atsushi TABATA
  • Publication number: 20180009432
    Abstract: A control process including the following steps is executed. The control process includes, at the time of switching from series-parallel mode to series mode, a step of reducing an engine torque, a step of releasing a clutch, a step of reducing a reaction torque of a first rotary electric machine and a step of increasing a torque of a second rotary electric machine, and, when synchronization is started and a step of increasing a positive torque of the first MG, a step of starting engagement of a clutch, and, when a rotation speed of the first rotary electric machine and a rotation speed of an engine are synchronous with each other, a step of engaging the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kiyonori TAKAGI, Hidehiko BANSHOYA, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Toshiki KANADA, Atsushi TABATA
  • Publication number: 20170313357
    Abstract: A side body structure of a vehicle is provided, which includes a hinge pillar having a hinge pillar member forming, in a side part of the vehicle, a closed section space extending continuously in vertical directions of the vehicle, a side sill having a side sill member forming, on a rear side of the hinge pillar in the side part of the vehicle, a closed section space extending continuously in longitudinal directions of the vehicle, and a closed section space component forming, in a connecting part between a lower end part of the hinge pillar and a front end part of the side sill, a closed section space extending continuously in the longitudinal directions and connecting to the closed section space of the side sill on the rear side, the closed section space of the closed section space component having a vertical dimension that increases toward a front side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Takashi Narahara, Morihide Yamada, Takahiro Aonuma, Masaya Nishimoto, Nobuhiko Yokoyama, Atsushi Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20170262203
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a memory and a processor configured to obtain information on a relation between virtual volumes used by a virtual machine and physical volumes provided in a storage apparatus from a management machine configured to manage allocations of the virtual volumes to the physical volumes; store the obtained information into a management information stored in the memory; and in response to receiving a copy request, obtain information on a first physical volume allocated to the first virtual volume designated as a copy participant in the copy request from the management information when the information on the first virtual volume is present in the management information, and send the storage apparatus a copy instruction designating the first physical volume as a copy participant. Obtain the information on the relation is performed when the information on the first virtual volume is not present in the management information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Akio Yamaguchi, Atsushi Kawamoto, YOSHINARI SHINOZAKI
  • Publication number: 20170178774
    Abstract: A composition for bonded magnets according to the present invention contains from 88% by mass to 91% by mass (inclusive) of a samarium-iron-nitrogen magnet powder having an average particle diameter of from 1.8 ?m to 2.8 ?m (inclusive), from 0.5% by mass to 2.5% by mass (inclusive) of a polyamide elastomer having a tensile elongation at break of 400% or more and a bending modulus of elasticity of 100 MPa or more, from 0.5% by mass to 2.0% by mass (inclusive) of carbon fibers having fiber diameters of from 10 ?m to 12 ?m (inclusive) and from 0.3% by mass to 1.0% by mass (inclusive) of a carboxylic acid ester, with the balance made up of a polyamide resin which is composed of a polyamide 12 having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of from 4,500 to 7,500 (inclusive) as determined by molecular weight distribution measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Hideki Matsuda, Kenji Muraoka, Toshiya Iwai, Junichi Ishii, Atsushi Kawamoto, Naoki Kitahara, Isao Shibuya, Yasuhiro Yamagata