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).

  • Publication number: 20170240165
    Abstract: Based on a determination result by a nitrogen concentration determination section, an electronic control unit changes a switching line used to switch between a differential state and a non-differential state of a differential mechanism and a gear shift line used to switch a gear stage of an automatic transmission mechanism. In conjunction with a change of an engine operation point to a high-speed side in a nitrogen-enriched state of intake air, a first motor rotational speed in the differential state of the differential mechanism becomes higher than that in a non-enriched state of the intake air. Thus, corresponding to the above, the differential mechanism is appropriately switched between the differential state and the non-differential state, and the gear stage of the automatic transmission mechanism is appropriately switched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenta KUMAZAKI, Kazuyuki SHIIBA, Atsushi TABATA, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Koichi OKUDA
  • Publication number: 20170227109
    Abstract: A tolerance ring is interposed between an output side rotary shaft and a rotor shaft. For this reason, even in a case where a backlash formed in a spline fitting portion between the output side rotary shaft and the rotor shaft is not eliminated, the rotary shafts of both of the output side rotary shaft and the rotor shaft are held by the tolerance ring without a backlash, and rattling noise can be suppressed. An oil supply groove for supplying a lubricant between an annular portion of the tolerance ring and the output side rotary shaft is provided inside an annular groove formed in the output side rotary shaft. With this, it is possible to suppress degradation of the durability of the tolerance ring without performing special processing on the tolerance ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kota FUJII, Atsushi TABATA, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Koichi OKUDA, Hiroyuki TATENO
  • Publication number: 20170217302
    Abstract: The start system related to the present invention is for an internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle is configured to use at least one of a differential mechanism and a transmission gear mechanism to temporarily change an engine speed in starting of the internal combustion engine. The start system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to determine a duration for which the engine speed needs to be changed in starting of the internal combustion engine. The electronic control unit is configured to determine a degree of change in the engine speed in starting of the internal combustion engine. The electronic control unit is configured to determine whether the engine speed needs to be changed by changing the gear position of the transmission gear mechanism based on the degree and the duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA, Yoshihito KANNO, Hiroki MORITA, Masaya YAMAMOTO, Shunya KATO
  • Patent number: 9718459
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a power transmission unit configured to switch a power transmission path between an engine, a first MG, and a second MG. The control device is configured such that, during execution of regenerative braking using at least one of the first MG and the second MG while the engine is stopped, when a state amount indicating a state related to a battery has reached a determination threshold, the control device executes a standby operation in which the state of the power transmission unit is brought from a current state closer to a state that enables an engine brake operation in which the engine in a fuel-cut state is rotated using an external force to generate a loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Hidehiko Banshoya
  • Patent number: 9713955
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus (TM) for a hybrid vehicle includes a power split mechanism (4), a transmission gear mechanism (17) and a support (118). The power split mechanism (4) includes a differential device provided with a first/second/third rotation elements. The power split mechanism (4) splits and transmits dynamic power to a drive force source and the drive shaft (126). The transmission gear mechanism (17) changes speed of an engine (1) and transmits a torque to the first rotation element (8), and the elements are arranged in an order of the transmission gear mechanism (17), a rotary machine (2), and the power split mechanism (4) from a side closer to the engine (1). The support (118) is arranged between the transmission gear mechanism (17) and the rotary machine (2), supporting a rotating shaft (2a) of the rotary machine (2), and configured to allow lubricant to enter (118b) the rotary machine side from the transmission gear mechanism side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiki Kanada, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Patent number: 9683658
    Abstract: A hybrid system includes an engine, a speed change device, a differential device, a rotary machine, a first engagement device, a case, and a cover wall. The first engagement device is configured to shift the speed change device, and be actuated by hydraulic pressure. The first engagement device includes a first oil chamber. The rotary machine is arranged between the first engagement device and the engine. The case houses the rotary machine, the speed change device, the differential device, and the first engagement device, and is connected to the engine and has an opening on the engine side. The cover wall covers the opening, and operating oil is supplied to the first oil chamber via the cover wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiki Kanada, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Patent number: 9682697
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle having an engine and motors is provided. The control system is configured to select an operating mode of the vehicle from a first operating mode in which the vehicle is powered by the engine, a second operating mode in which the vehicle is powered by two motors, and a third operating mode in which the vehicle is powered by the motor of the smaller number. The control system does not select the second operating mode when a required driving force is changed at rate greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Tatsuya Imamura, Isao Satou, Kazuyuki Shiiba, Tooru Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20170166191
    Abstract: A driving force control system for a hybrid vehicle is provided to reduce frequency of engagement and disengagement of engagement devices involved in a shifting operation to a hybrid mode. A controller is configured: to determine whether or not the engine is required to be started; to determine an operating mode to be established after starting the engine; to engage at least one of the first engagement device and the second engagement device to achieve the determined operating mode; and to start the engine while engaging said one of the first engagement device and the second engagement device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shigetsugu IWATA, Atsushi TABATA, Tatsuya IMAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170167592
    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: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kota FUJII, Yuji YASUDA, Atsushi TABATA, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Koichi OKUDA, Hiroyuki TATENO
  • Publication number: 20170167591
    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: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kota FUJII, Yuji YASUDA, Atsushi TABATA, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Koichi OKUDA, Hiroyuki TATENO
  • Publication number: 20170167593
    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. An output-side rotary shaft has oil passages for supplying lubricating oil to a tolerance ring. Lubricating oil is forcibly supplied through these oil passages to an annular space in which a tolerance ring is accommodated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kota FUJII, Yuji YASUDA, Atsushi TABATA, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Koichi OKUDA, Hiroyuki TATENO
  • Publication number: 20170170707
    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: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicants: 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
  • Publication number: 20170166200
    Abstract: A drive control system for a hybrid vehicle is provided to shift an operating mode smoothly to an electric vehicle mode in which an engine is stopped. A controller is configured to select the electric vehicle mode to be established from the first electric vehicle mode and the second electric vehicle mode upon satisfaction of the determination to shift the operating mode to the electric vehicle mode, to select the clutch to be engaged from the first clutch and the second clutch to establish the selected electric vehicle mode, and to stop the engine while engaging the selected clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi MIYAGAWA, Atsushi TABATA, Tatsuya IMAMURA
  • Patent number: 9677655
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle driving device includes: a first differential mechanism connected to an engine and transmitting a rotation of the engine; a second differential mechanism connecting the first differential mechanism and a drive wheel; engagement devices changing a speed of the first differential mechanism; and a valve arranged in a hydraulic circuit and regulating the engagement devices from simultaneously engaging. The second differential mechanism includes a first rotation element connected to an output element of the first differential mechanism, a second rotation element connected to a first rotating machine, and a third rotation element connected to a second rotating machine and the drive wheel. The valve regulates the engagement devices from simultaneously engaging at a time of traveling with the engine, and tolerates the engagement devices from simultaneously engaging at a time of traveling with the first rotating machine and the second rotating machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Tatsuya Imamura, Takeshi Kitahata, Yasuhiro Hiasa, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 9670971
    Abstract: A power transmission unit for a vehicle comprises: a motor arranged on an output side of an engine coaxially therewith in a housing adjacent to an outer face of the engine; an end cover arranged in the housing to cover an end portion of the motor to protect from the engine; a rotary shaft extending coaxially with the motor to be connected to an output shaft of the engine while penetrating through the end cover; and an engagement device disposed on an outer circumferential side of the rotary shaft between the motor and the engine to selectively restrict a rotation of the rotary shaft. A sub-cover to which the rotary shaft penetrates is attached to an end face of the end cover and a chamber is hermetically enclosed by the sub-cover, the end cover, and the rotary shaft. The engagement device is held in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kouichi Okuda, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Isao Sato, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Publication number: 20170137020
    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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi KAWANISHI, Atsushi TABATA, Tatsuya IMAMURA
  • Patent number: 9649926
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a hybrid vehicle includes: a transmission device that includes a carrier to which an engine rotation shaft is connected; a differential device that includes a plurality of rotation components individually connected to a drive wheel, an MG2 rotation shaft, an MG1 rotation shaft, and a ring gear of the transmission device; a gear shift adjustment device that is able to control the transmission device to a neutral state where the transmission of power between the carrier and the ring gear is not allowed or to a state where the transmission of power is allowed; and an HVECU that includes a first step of controlling the transmission device to the neutral state in a state where the transmission of power between the carrier and the ring gear is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shunya Kato, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura, Tooru Matsubara, Takeshi Kitahata, Kenta Kumazaki, Yasuhiro Hiasa, Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hiroyuki Shibata
  • Patent number: 9630487
    Abstract: A hybrid system includes an engine, a first rotary machine, a speed change device to which the engine is connected, a differential gear to which the speed change device and the first rotary machine are connected, a clutch and a brake causing the speed change device to change gears by engagement and disengagement between first plates and second plates, a casing configured to house therein these members except the engine and to be connected to the engine, and a cover wall configured to cover an opening of the casing which opening is provided on an engine side. The first rotary machine is placed on the engine side relative to the clutch and the brake, the clutch is placed inside a cylinder member of the brake, and the cylinder member is connected to a cover wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiki Kanada, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Publication number: 20170106872
    Abstract: A control system controls a power transmission system located between a motive power source and drive wheels. The power transmission system includes a fluid coupling and an engagement device. The control system includes an electronic control unit configured to: obtain information concerning vibration of the power transmission system; determine whether the vibration of the power transmission system is in a resonance region of the power transmission system; control the engagement device so that the engagement device slips, when the electronic control unit determines that the power transmission system is in the resonance region; and control the motive power source when the electronic control unit determines that the power transmission system is in the resonance region, so that a rotational speed of the motive power source increases as compared with a case where the power transmission system is not in the resonance region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA
  • Publication number: 20170096058
    Abstract: A drive unit for a hybrid vehicle an axial length thereof is shortened is provided. A power distribution device is disposed in an inner circumferential side of a cylindrical output gear, and at least a portion of a second clutch is also disposed in the inner circumferential side of the output gear while being adjacent to the power distribution device in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiki KANADA, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Yasuki YOSHIKAWA, Atsushi TABATA