Patents by Inventor Hidehiro Oba

Hidehiro Oba 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: 20090314560
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle 20 includes an engine 22, motors MG1 and MG2, a power distribution integration mechanism 40, and a transmission 60. The power distribution integration mechanism 40 has a sun gear 41 connected with the motor MG1, a carrier 45 connected with the motor MG2, and a ring gear 42 connected with the engine 22. The transmission 60 has planetary gear mechanisms PG1 and PG2 and brakes B1 and B2. The planetary gear mechanism PG1 includes a sun gear 61 connected with the carrier 45 of the power distribution integration mechanism 40, a common carrier 64 connected with a driveshaft 69, and a ring gear 62. The planetary gear mechanism PG2 includes a sun gear 65 connected with the sun gear 41 of the power distribution integration mechanism 40, the common carrier 64 shared by the planetary gear mechanism PG1, and a ring gear 66. The brake B1 is configured to fix the ring gear 62, and the brake B2 is configured to fix the ring gear 66.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidehiro Oba, Yukihiko Ideshio
  • Publication number: 20090301800
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, motors, and a power distribution and integration mechanism that are coaxially arranged with respect to each other. The hybrid vehicle also includes a transmission including a transmission differential rotation mechanism that has a sun gear as an input element connected to a sun gear which is a first element of the power distribution and integration mechanism, a ring gear as a fixing element, and a carrier as an output element, and that is configured such that these three elements can differentially rotate with each other; and a clutch as a coupling mechanism capable of selectively coupling the sun gear of the transmission differential rotation mechanism and the carrier which is the second element of the power distribution and integration mechanism with a drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Hidehiro Oba, Yukihiko Ideshio
  • Publication number: 20090011887
    Abstract: In a hybrid driving apparatus, a gear mechanism (3) having a first rotating element (7), a second rotating element (4) and a third rotating element (5) is provided, and a first driving power source (2), a second driving power source MG1 and a third driving power source MG2 are linked to the elements of the gear mechanism (3). The speed change ratio of the gear mechanism (3) can be altered. A driven member (18) to which the power output from an output element of the gear mechanism (3) is transmitted is provided. A first power transmission path (9) that connects the second driving power source MG1 to the driven member (18) is provided. A second power transmission path (17) that connects the third driving power source MG2 to the driven member (18) is provided. In this hybrid driving apparatus, at least one of the first power transmission path (9) and the second power transmission path (17) is provided with a transmission (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Hideaki Komada, Yukihiko Ideshio, Tooru Matsubara, Takashi Ohta, Hiroyuki Shibata, Hidehiro Oba
  • Publication number: 20080318721
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle 20 of the invention is equipped with a power distribution integration mechanism 40 and a transmission 60. The power distribution integration mechanism 40 is a double pinion planetary gear mechanism constructed to include a carrier 45 connecting with a motor MG2, a sun gear 41 connecting with a motor MG1, and a ring gear 42 connecting with an engine 22 and to have a gear ratio of approximately 0.5. The transmission 60 includes a three element-type first change speed planetary gear mechanism PG1, a three element-type second change speed planetary gear mechanism PG2, a brake clutch BC1 configured to fix a ring gear 62 of the first change speed planetary gear mechanism PG1 in a non-rotatable manner and release the ring gear 62 in a rotatable manner, and a brake clutch BC2 configured to enable and disable power transmission via the second change speed planetary gear mechanism PG2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Hidehiro Oba, Yukihikio Ideshio, Takashi Kawai
  • Publication number: 20080312021
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle 20 of the invention is equipped with a power distribution integration mechanism 40 and a transmission 60. The power distribution integration mechanism 40 includes a carrier 45 connecting with a motor MG2, a sun gear 41 connecting with a motor MG1, and a ring gear 42 connecting with an engine 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Hidehiro Oba
  • Publication number: 20080300744
    Abstract: A motor MG1 is controlled so that the rotation speed deviation of the rotation speed of a first motor shaft 46 from the rotation speed of a second gear 62a matches a predetermined target rotation speed deviation and an actuator 92 is controlled so that a movable engaging member EM2 moves toward an engaging portion 62e for a predetermined time after the rotation speed has matched the target rotation speed deviation, if, for example, the movable engaging member EM2 is to be engaged with both of an engaging portion 46e and the engaging portion 62e of the second gear 62a to connect the first motor shaft 46 and the second gear 62a when the movable engaging member EM2 is engaged only with the engaging portion 46e of the first motor shaft 46.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Hiroshi Katsuta, Hidehiro Oba
  • Patent number: 7207404
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the electric motor and connected through a first clutch to an output member connected to vehicle drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second clutch to the output member, (d) a forward-motor-drive control device for engaging the first clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed has
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ito, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo, Kazumi Hoshiya
  • Patent number: 7168515
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the electric motor and connected through a first clutch to an output member connected to vehicle drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second clutch to the output member, (d) a forward motor drive control device for engaging the first clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed has
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ito, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo, Kazumi Hoshiya
  • Patent number: 7165638
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the electric motor and connected through a first clutch to an output member connected to vehicle drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second clutch to the output member, (d) a forward-motor-drive control device for engaging the first clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed has
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ito, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo, Kazumi Hoshiya
  • Publication number: 20060090940
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the electric motor and connected through a first clutch to an output member connected to vehicle drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second clutch to the output member, (d) a forward motor drive control device for engaging the first clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed has
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ito, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo, Kazumi Hoshiya
  • Publication number: 20060086545
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the electric motor and connected through a first clutch to an output member connected to vehicle drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second clutch to the output member, (d) a forward-motor-drive control device for engaging the first clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed has
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ito, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo, Kazumi Hoshiya
  • Patent number: 6994177
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the electric motor and connected through a first clutch to an output member connected to vehicle drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second clutch to the output member, (d) a forward-motor-drive control device for engaging the first clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed has
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ito, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo, Kazumi Hoshiya
  • Patent number: 6902512
    Abstract: The technique of the invention sets a relationship between the throttle opening (corresponding to the accelerator opening), the vehicle speed, and the target torque of a drive shaft, so as to enable a greater braking torque to be output in a working status of a cruise control system than a braking torque, which is output to the drive shaft in a full closed position of the accelerator opening in a non-working status of the cruise control system. This arrangement ensures output of a sufficient braking force to the drive shaft even under the condition of a relatively large drive load applied to the drive shaft, for example, during a downslope run, thus enabling the vehicle speed to be certainly kept at a preset level under the control of the cruise control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kensuke Kamichi, Hidehiro Oba
  • Publication number: 20050082098
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the electric motor and connected through a first clutch to an output member connected to vehicle drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second clutch to the output member, (d) a forward-motor-drive control device for engaging the first clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed has
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ito, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo, Kazumi Hoshiya
  • Publication number: 20040060753
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the electric motor and connected through a first clutch to an output member connected to vehicle drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second clutch to the output member, (d) a forward-motor-drive control device for engaging the first clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed has
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ito, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo, Kazumi Hoshiya
  • Patent number: 6655485
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system including (a) an engine, (b) an electric motor, (c) a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to the engine, a second rotary element connected to the electric motor and connected through a first clutch to an output member connected to vehicle drive wheel, and a third rotary element connected through a second clutch to the output member, (d) a forward-motor-drive control device for engaging the first clutch and releasing the second clutch to thereby establish a forward motor drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in a forward direction by the electric motor, (e) a forward-engine-drive control device for engaging at least the second clutch to establish an engine-drive mode in which the vehicle is driven in the forward direction by the engine, and (f) a second-clutch control device operable upon switching of a vehicle drive mode from the forward motor drive mode to the forward engine drive mode, for engaging the second clutch only after the engine speed has
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ito, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo, Kazumi Hoshiya
  • Patent number: 6637530
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a hybrid automotive vehicle including an engine and an electric motor as drive power sources for driving the vehicle, and an electric generator operable by the engine to charge a battery while the vehicle is driven by the engine. The control apparatus includes a charging opportunity selecting device operable to determine whether the battery should be charged by the electric generator, on the basis of at least one of a required charging amount of electric energy with which the battery is charged and an energy conversion efficiency of said electric generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroatsu Endo, Hidehiro Oba, Kazumi Hoshiya, Mitsuhiro Umeyama
  • Publication number: 20030176256
    Abstract: The technique of the invention sets a relationship between the throttle opening (corresponding to the accelerator opening), the vehicle speed, and the target torque of a drive shaft, so as to enable a greater braking torque to be output in a working status of a cruise control system than a braking torque, which is output to the drive shaft in a full closed position of the accelerator opening in a non-working status of the cruise control system. This arrangement ensures output of a sufficient braking force to the drive shaft even under the condition of a relatively large drive load applied to the drive shaft, for example, during a downslope run, thus enabling the vehicle speed to be certainly kept at a preset level under the control of the cruise control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Kensuke Kamichi, Hidehiro Oba
  • Patent number: 6409623
    Abstract: An apparatus for rear-driving an automotive vehicle having a drive power source, an output member operatively connected to a drive wheel, a gear type synthesizing/distributing device including a housing, and a first, a second and a third rotary element, the first and second rotary elements being rotated in respective opposite directions when the third rotary element is stationary, and connected to the drive power source and the output member, respectively, and a brake or fixing the third rotary element to the housing, wherein the brake is a frictional coupling device capable of effecting a slipping engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumi Hoshiya, Hidehiro Oba
  • Patent number: 6383114
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a hybrid vehicle with a power transmitting system including a transmission and a planetary gear device having a first rotary element connected to a first drive power source such as an engine, a second rotary element connected to a second drive power source and to the transmission through a first clutch, and a third rotary element connected to the transmission through a second clutch, the apparatus including a neutral-mode determining device operable when the first and second clutches are in a released state, for determining whether the power transmitting system is placed in a first or a second neutral state, depending upon which one of the first and second clutches is to be engaged when a driving of the hybrid vehicle is subsequently initiated, a first synchronizing device operable when the power transmitting system is placed in the first neutral state, for synchronizing speeds of a pair of friction members of the first clutch with each other, and a second synchronizing device ope
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumi Hoshiya, Hidehiro Oba, Hiroatsu Endo