Patents by Inventor Atsushi Tabata

Atsushi Tabata 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).

  • 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: 10161507
    Abstract: In a non-forward range, the same gear position as a forward first gear position is established in a stepped transmission. A hydraulic controller includes a second linear solenoid valve and third linear solenoid valve that respectively supply hydraulic pressure to a second clutch and first brake, and a selector valve that is provided in an oil passage upstream of the second and third linear solenoid valves and that switches between a state where hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil passage and a state where supply of hydraulic pressure is cut off. When the non-forward range is set or when a vehicle is moving backward, the selector valve cuts off supply of hydraulic pressure to the oil passage. Thus, when there is a failure in the second or third linear solenoid valve, it is possible to suitably establish a gear position wherein the vehicle is not allowed to move backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kota Fujii, Koichi Okuda, Atsushi Tabata, Haruhisa Suzuki, Tooru Matsubara, Kazuyuki Noda, Yoshimitsu Hyodo, Kousuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10155509
    Abstract: An engine, a transmission unit which is connected to the engine and is shifted by an engagement apparatus, and a differential unit which connects the transmission unit and a drive wheel are included. The differential unit includes a first rotary element connected to an output element of the transmission unit, a second rotary element connected to a first rotary machine, and a third rotary element connected to the drive wheel. When an output from the first rotary machine is limited, the engagement apparatus is slipped and an operation point of the engine is changed. The change of the operation point can cause an increase in torque of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Yasuhiro Hiasa, Tatsuya Imamura, Takeshi Kitahata
  • Patent number: 10124795
    Abstract: A driving force control system for a hybrid vehicle is provided to reduce a shock resulting from switching a travelling direction between the forward direction and the backward direction. The control system is applied to a hybrid vehicle in which an operating mode can be selected at least from a series mode and a series parallel mode. A travelling direction of the vehicle is switched by a shifting device between forward direction and backward direction. A controller is configured to maintain the previous operating mode after switching the travelling direction of the vehicle by the shifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawanishi, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Patent number: 10112601
    Abstract: A driving device for a hybrid vehicle includes a transmission unit configured to output a rotation of an engine while changing rotating speed of the engine; and a first rotating electric machine. The first rotating electric machine is configured to supply a torque for increasing the rotating speed of the engine at the time of starting up of the engine to the engine through the transmission unit. At the time of starting up of the engine, the gear shift stage of the transmission unit is switched to an overdrive state. Thus, a torque sufficient for starting up of the engine can be supplied to the engine, and hence the engine can be appropriately started up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Yasuhiro Hiasa, Tsuyoshi Kitahata
  • Patent number: 10093165
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle including a first differential portion, a second differential portion, and a second rotating machine, the first differential portion including a first rotating element, a second rotating element to which a first rotating machine is coupled in a power transmittable manner, and a third rotating element coupled to drive wheels, the first differential portion having a differential state controlled through control of the operational state of the first rotating machine, the second differential portion including a fourth rotating element to which an engine is coupled in a power transmittable manner, a fifth rotating element, and a sixth rotating element to which the first rotating element is coupled, the second rotating machine being coupled to the drive wheels in a power transmittable manner, the vehicle further including at least one engagement device out of a first engagement device and a second engagement device as well as a third engagement device, the first engagement device coupl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 10071727
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to i) calculate a target supercharging pressure of an intake air such that, when an internal combustion engine is operated through the homogeneous charge compression ignition, the internal combustion engine achieves a required output while satisfying a predetermined requirement, ii) control an output of the internal combustion engine such that the output approaches the required output in accordance with an actual supercharging pressure in process of changing the actual supercharging pressure to the target supercharging pressure that is achieved by a supercharger, and iii) control a rotary machine such that an output of the rotary machine compensates for part or all of a differential output between the required output and the output in process of changing the actual supercharging pressure to the target supercharging pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata
  • 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: 10066718
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a dynamic power transmission apparatus is provided. The dynamic power transmission apparatus includes a differential mechanism, an electric generator, an electric motor, and a fluid coupling. The electric motor is disposed at a position apart from a transmission path along which a dynamic power of an engine is transmitted to a driving wheel. The fluid coupling is disposed between the electric motor and the transmission path. The control apparatus includes an electronic controller configured to restrict a charge of an electric storage apparatus with an electric power generated by the electric generator, depending on a state of the electric storage apparatus, and control the fluid coupling to differentially rotate and to drive the electric motor by the electric power such that a dynamic power loss is generated in the fluid coupling, when restricting the charge of the electric storage apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Koichi Okuda, Tooru Matsubara, Yasuhiro Hiasa, Keita Imai, Takeshi Kitahata
  • Publication number: 20180236864
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a transmission unit and a clutch. The transmission unit is configured to be able to switch into a neutral state. The hybrid vehicle is able to transmit power of an engine through any one of a first path through which power is transmitted to a first MG from the engine via the transmission unit and a differential unit and another second path through which power is transmitted from the engine. The clutch is provided in the second path. The clutch switches between an engaged state where power is transmitted and a released state where transmission of power is interrupted. The controller sets the transmission unit to the neutral state and sets the clutch to the engaged state, and then starts the engine by increasing the rotation speed of the engine with the use of the first MG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA, Toshiki KANADA
  • Publication number: 20180222308
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a clutch and a transmission unit configured to be able to switch into a neutral state. The hybrid vehicle is able to transmit power of an engine through any one of a first path through which power is transmitted from the engine to a first MG via a transmission unit and a differential unit and another second path through which power is transmitted from the engine to the first MG. The clutch is provided in the second path, and switches between an engaged state and a released state. The controller controls the engine, the first MG, the transmission unit and the clutch. The controller sets the transmission unit to a non-neutral state, sets the clutch to the engaged state, and then causes the vehicle to travel by using driving force from the first MG and driving force from the second MG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA, Toshiki KANADA, Hidehiko BANSHOYA
  • Publication number: 20180208044
    Abstract: A vehicle drive unit to prevent a single phase lock of a motor as a prime mover to limit damage is provided. The drive unit includes: a first transmission route to deliver drive force of an engine to drive wheels; and a second transmission route to deliver drive force of a motor to the drive wheels. The second transmission route comprises an intermediate shaft that transmits the drive force of the motor to the first transmission route. A fluid coupling is disposed between the motor and the intermediate shaft. A lockup clutch is arranged parallel to the fluid coupling between the motor and the intermediate shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA, Koichi OKUDA, Keita IMAI
  • Publication number: 20180201251
    Abstract: A control system for hybrid vehicles configured to improve energy efficiency by controlling a speed difference in a coupling. The hybrid vehicle comprises: a power split mechanism; an engine connected to a first rotary element; a first motor connected to the second rotary element; a second motor connected to the third rotary element; drive wheels to which a torque is delivered from the third rotary element; and a coupling comprising a drive member and a driven member. A controller is configured to change the speed difference in the coupling, and to change a speed or a torque of at least one of the first motor and the second motor after changing the speed difference in the coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA
  • Patent number: 10023171
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes: an engine; a rotary machine; and an oil pump connected to each of a rotary shaft of the engine and a rotary shaft of the rotary machine through a one-way clutch. The power transmission device is configured to allow the rotary machine to rotate at a rotational speed higher than the rotational speed corresponding to a speed of the engine and lower than the rotational speed corresponding to an idling speed of the engine at the time of startup of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi Okuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Yasuhiro Hiasa, Takeshi Kitahata, Tatsuya Imamura, Masafumi Yamamoto, Keita Imai, Keisuke Oomuro
  • Patent number: 10024421
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control device of a vehicle driving device, the hydraulic pressure control device includes a range switcher having a first signal solenoid valve capable of supplying a first signal pressure and a spool switchable between a first position reached via the first signal pressure and a second position reached via a biasing force of a biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Noda, Yoshimitsu Hyodo, Kousuke Tanaka, Aito Ide, Kota Fujii, Atsushi Tabata, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Haruhisa Suzuki, Koichi Okuda
  • Publication number: 20180187767
    Abstract: A tolerance ring is arranged between an output-side rotary shaft and a rotor shaft. For this reason, even when looseness in a spline fitting portion of the output-side rotary shaft and rotor shaft is not filled, both the output-side rotary shaft and the rotor shaft are held by the tolerance ring so as not to rattle. Therefore, it is possible to reduce tooth hammer noise that occurs in the spline fitting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kota FUJII, Yuji YASUDA, Atsushi TABATA, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Koichi OKUDA, Hiroyuki TATENO
  • 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
  • Patent number: 10001206
    Abstract: A tolerance ring is arranged between an output-side rotary shaft and a rotor shaft. For this reason, even when looseness in a spline fitting portion of the output-side rotary shaft and rotor shaft is not filled, both the output-side rotary shaft and the rotor shaft are held by the tolerance ring so as not to rattle. Therefore, it is possible to reduce tooth hammer noise that occurs in the spline fitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kota Fujii, Yuji Yasuda, Atsushi Tabata, Haruhisa Suzuki, Koichi Okuda, Hiroyuki Tateno
  • 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