Patents by Inventor Seitaro NOBUYASU
Seitaro NOBUYASU 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).
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Publication number: 20230382214Abstract: A driving apparatus of the present disclosure includes an electric motor including a stator and a rotor, a case accommodating the electric motor and mounted on a vehicle so as to partially overlap a side member as viewed from a vehicle width direction, a drive shaft connected to a wheel, a plurality of radial ribs respectively projecting in the vehicle width direction and extending radially, and a connecting rib projecting in the vehicle width direction and joining with center side ends of the plurality of radial ribs. At least part of the plurality of radial ribs reach a first region of the case that overlaps the side member and does not overlap with the wheel as viewed from the vehicle width direction. The driving apparatus improves strength of the case that accommodates the electric motor and is mounted on the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN CORPORATIONInventors: Sho ITO, Seitaro NOBUYASU, Hiroyuki TATENO, Yuki YAMADA
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Patent number: 11752856Abstract: A driving apparatus of the present disclosure includes an electric motor including a stator and a rotor, a case accommodating the electric motor and mounted on a vehicle so as to partially overlap a side member as viewed from a vehicle width direction, a drive shaft connected to a wheel, a plurality of radial ribs respectively projecting in the vehicle width direction and extending radially, and a connecting rib projecting in the vehicle width direction and joining with center side ends of the plurality of radial ribs. At least part of the plurality of radial ribs reach a first region of the case that overlaps the side member and does not overlap with the wheel as viewed from the vehicle width direction. The driving apparatus improves strength of the case that accommodates the electric motor and is mounted on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN CORPORATIONInventors: Sho Ito, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Hiroyuki Tateno, Yuki Yamada
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Publication number: 20230019963Abstract: A vehicle driving apparatus includes: a rotating machine; a cover covering the rotating machine and including a thick portion having a predetermined thickness in a direction of a rotation axis of the rotating machine; an oil pump attached to the cover; and a relief valve provided in the cover, and configured to discharge an oil supplied from the oil pump. The relief valve includes a cylinder room that is provided in the thick portion. The thick portion is provided with at least one cutout extending from an inner wall of the cylinder room in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. The cover is provided with at least one rib each of which is disposed in a position opposed to a corresponding one of the at least one cutout and extends in the direction of the rotation axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Sho ITO, Seitaro NOBUYASU
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Publication number: 20220266677Abstract: A driving apparatus of the present disclosure includes an electric motor including a stator and a rotor, a case accommodating the electric motor and mounted on a vehicle so as to partially overlap a side member as viewed from a vehicle width direction, a drive shaft connected to a wheel, a plurality of radial ribs respectively projecting in the vehicle width direction and extending radially, and a connecting rib projecting in the vehicle width direction and joining with center side ends of the plurality of radial ribs. At least part of the plurality of radial ribs reach a first region of the case that overlaps the side member and does not overlap with the wheel as viewed from the vehicle width direction. The driving apparatus improves strength of the case that accommodates the electric motor and is mounted on the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Applicants: c/o TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, c/o AISIN CORPORATIONInventors: Sho ITO, Seitaro NOBUYASU, Hiroyuki TATENO, Yuki YAMADA
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Patent number: 11215274Abstract: A lubrication mechanism for a vehicle drive-force transmitting apparatus including; first and second gears meshing with each other in a meshing region; and a casing storing therein the first and second gears. The lubrication mechanism includes a gutter that extends from an inner wall surface such that oil is received in the gutter and is then dropped from an end of the gutter. The gutter includes a flow-direction changing rib with which the received oil is to be collided whereby a flow direction of the received oil is changed to a direction toward the end of the gutter. The end of the gutter is located on upper side of the meshing region, between first and second vertical planes containing respective first and second axes about which the first and second gears to be rotated, and is located between opposite ends of the meshing region.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Seitaro Nobuyasu, Yu Hirai, Atsushi Kawamoto, Shigetsugu Iwata, Yuki Katayama, Kazuaki Kamiya
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Patent number: 10816080Abstract: In a vehicle power transmission device including a case housing a power transmission mechanism and a cover covering a side surface of the case in a vehicle width direction, the cover includes a stepped portion with a vehicle rear-side portion projecting outward in the vehicle width direction in a horizontal cross section, a front-side extending portion extending from the stepped portion to the vehicle front side and a plate-shaped inclined rib disposed at a corner portion between the stepped portion and the front-side extending portion, and inclined toward the front-side extending portion from a leading end portion of the stepped portion to the vehicle front side.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Marina Hirata, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Hiroshi Hata, Shigetsugu Iwata, Atsushi Kawamoto
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Publication number: 20200332881Abstract: A lubrication mechanism for a vehicle drive-force transmitting apparatus including; first and second gears meshing with each other in a meshing region; and a casing storing therein the first and second gears. The lubrication mechanism includes a gutter that extends from an inner wall surface such that oil is received in the gutter and is then dropped from an end of the gutter. The gutter includes a flow-direction changing rib with which the received oil is to be collided whereby a flow direction of the received oil is changed to a direction toward the end of the gutter. The end of the gutter is located on upper side of the meshing region, between first and second vertical planes containing respective first and second axes about which the first and second gears to be rotated, and is located between opposite ends of the meshing region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Seitaro Nobuyasu, Yu Hirai, Atsushi Kawamoto, Shigetsugu Iwata, Yuki Katayama, Kazuaki Kamiya
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Patent number: 10328817Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, a clutch being provided in a power transmission path leading from an engine to drive wheels, the clutch transmitting torque between the engine and the drive wheels when engaged, the clutch interrupting the transmission of torque between the engine and the drive wheels, the control apparatus including an ECU configured to execute drive control for consuming electric power of a storage device by driving a first motor, when the clutch is kept in a released state and the clutch cannot be engaged and an amount of electrical charge of the storage device is higher than a prescribed first threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kensei Hata, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Koichi Kato, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Taro Moteki
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Publication number: 20190107190Abstract: In a vehicle power transmission device including a case housing a power transmission mechanism and a cover covering a side surface of the case in a vehicle width direction, the cover includes a stepped portion with a vehicle rear-side portion projecting outward in the vehicle width direction in a horizontal cross section, a front-side extending portion extending from the stepped portion to the vehicle front side and a plate-shaped inclined rib disposed at a corner portion between the stepped portion and the front-side extending portion, and inclined toward the front-side extending portion from a leading end portion of the stepped portion to the vehicle front side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Marina HIRATA, Seitaro NOBUYASU, Hiroshi HATA, Shigetsugu IWATA, Atsushi KAWAMOTO
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Patent number: 10197111Abstract: An installation structure of a one-way clutch in which torque transmission is limited to one direction includes a flywheel, first and second rotary structures, housing and stopper plates, and a rivet. The first rotary structure is arranged coaxially with the flywheel while connected to an engine block. The second rotary structure is arranged coaxially with the first rotary structure while connected to the flywheel. The housing plate is disposed between the flywheel and the first and second rotary structures and arranged coaxially while connected to the second rotary structure. The stopper plate is attached to the second rotary structure to hold first rotary structure with the housing plate. The rivet fastens the stopper plate, the second rotary structure, and the housing plate. A first clearance between one face of the flywheel and a top face of a head of the rivet is narrower than a thickness of the stopper plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takahito Endo, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Yosuke Suzuki, Koichi Kato, Yuji Iwase
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Patent number: 10017040Abstract: A drive unit for a hybrid-vehicle to realize a variety of drive modes for covering various running conditions. A first planetary gear unit is included of a first carrier, a first sun gear, and a first ring gear. A second planetary gear unit is included of a second carrier, a second sun gear, and a second ring gear. A first clutch connects the engine selectively with the first carrier. A first motor is connected with the first sun gear, the second motor is connected with the second sun gear, and the first ring gear and the second ring gear are individually connected with an output member. The drive unit is with a second clutch for connecting the first carrier selectively with the second sun gear. In the drive unit, a reverse stage fixing-mode to propel the vehicle backwardly while changes the output member speed in accordance with the engine speed.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kensei Hata, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Koichi Kato, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Taro Moteki
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Patent number: 10000198Abstract: In a control system and a control method, an electronic control unit is configured to crank an engine by setting a clutch to a half engaged state in a state where operation of the engine is stopped during traveling. The half engaged state is a state where the clutch is engaged with a slip. The electronic control unit is configured to, after a rotation speed of the engine has reached an ignition permission rotation speed or higher, increase a transmitted torque capacity of the clutch to a transmitted torque capacity that satisfies the following conditions i) and ii): i) the transmitted torque capacity is larger than a transmitted torque capacity before the rotation speed of the engine has reached the ignition permission rotation speed; and ii) the transmitted torque capacity allows the clutch to be kept in the half engaged state.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kensei Hata, Makoto Funahashi, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Koichi Watanabe, Shojiro Oya, Yuta Oshiro
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Patent number: 9956954Abstract: A control system for hybrid vehicle for extending a possible travelling distance of the vehicle in the event of clutch failure is provided. The control system is configured to select a first drive mode in which the vehicle is powered by an engine in case an estimated torque transmitting capacity of the clutch in trouble is larger than a first threshold value, and to select a second drive mode in which the vehicle is powered by a motor in case the estimated torque transmitting capacity of the clutch in trouble is smaller than the first threshold value. The control system is further configured to reduce an engine torque to be smaller than the estimated torque transmitting capacity of the clutch in case the first drive mode is selected.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kensei Hata, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Koichi Kato, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Taro Moteki
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Patent number: 9944279Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle configured to promptly shift a drive mode. In the single-motor mode, the vehicle is powered by a second motor while bringing an engagement device into disengagement and stopping the engine. In the dual-motor mode, the vehicle is powered by both a first motor and the second motor while bringing the engagement device into engagement and stopping a rotation of the output shaft of the engine by a stopper device. When shifting the drive mode from the single-motor mode to the dual-motor mode, the control system controls the first motor in a manner such that a speed difference between an input speed and an output speed of the engagement device is reduced while increasing a torque transmitting capacity of the engagement device.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kensei Hata, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Koichi Kato, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Taro Moteki
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Patent number: 9849874Abstract: A control system of a hybrid vehicle, in which a driving power source for travel includes an engine that is started by cranking, a motor that can control a torque, and a clutch that is coupled with the motor and in which a transmission torque capacity continuously changes depending on a change of a control amount is configured to estimate a torque of the clutch based on the torque that the motor outputs, and change rates of the rotational speed of the motor and the clutch caused by changing the control amount, when the torque that the motor outputs is transmitted by the clutch that is in a slip state by changing the control amount.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kensei Hata, Makoto Funahashi, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Hirotatsu Kitabatake, Seitaro Nobuyasu
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Patent number: 9834203Abstract: A vehicle control system for preventing malfunction of the clutch for selectively connecting the engine with the power train. The vehicle control system is applied to a vehicle having an engine, a motor disposed on a power train, and a clutch interposed therebetween. In order to prevent a malfunction of the clutch, the vehicle control system is configured to engage the clutch while causing a slip but without starting the engine if the engine has not yet been started.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kensei Hata, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Koichi Kato, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Taro Moteki
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Patent number: 9783191Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a first motor, a second motor, a differential mechanism, and a clutch. The control system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to: (a) set an EV mode in which a vehicle travels at least by drive power of the second motor among the first motor and the second motor in a state that the engine stops, (b) prohibit setting of the EV mode in a state that the clutch is fully engaged when a vehicle speed is at least equal to a predetermined first vehicle speed threshold value, and (c) prohibit setting of the EV mode in a state that the clutch is disengaged when the vehicle speed of the vehicle that travels in the EV mode is at most equal to a predetermined second vehicle speed threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kensei Hata, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Koichi Kato, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Taro Moteki
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Patent number: 9758161Abstract: At the time of changing from an EV mode, in which a hybrid vehicle travels with the use of a second motor provided on an output side of a differential mechanism while torque that acts on any one of rotating elements of the differential mechanism is interrupted by a clutch, to an HV mode, in which the hybrid vehicle travels while transmitting output torque of an engine to a drive wheel, when the engine is started in a state where the clutch is slipped and torque is transmitted from the engine so as to increase the rotation speed of the first rotating element while the clutch is slipped, torque starts being output from a first motor such that torque input from the first rotating element to the differential mechanism to increase the rotation speed of the drive wheel is output from the third rotating element.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kensei Hata, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Koichi Kato, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Taro Moteki
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Patent number: 9719566Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first rotational member, a second rotational member, and a first rotational body. The second rotational member has plural first through holes in which bolts are inserted. A dimension of the first through hole in a circumferential direction is larger than a dimension of the first through hole in a radial direction. A first region and a second region are obtained by dividing the first through hole into two regions in the circumferential direction. The first region is located ahead of the second region in a rotatable direction of the second rotational member. The bolts are inserted such that the each of the bolts is located in the first region of the first through hole, and the second rotational member and the first rotational body are fastened by the bolts.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Seitaro Nobuyasu, Yosuke Suzuki, Takahito Endo, Suguru Hirai, Yuji Iwase, Koichi Kato
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Publication number: 20170182997Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle configured to promptly shift a drive mode. In the single-motor mode, the vehicle is powered by a second motor while bringing an engagement device into disengagement and stopping the engine. In the dual-motor mode, the vehicle is powered by both a first motor and the second motor while bringing the engagement device into engagement and stopping a rotation of the output shaft of the engine by a stopper device. When shifting the drive mode from the single-motor mode to the dual-motor mode, the control system controls the first motor in a manner such that a speed difference between an input speed and an output speed of the engagement device is reduced while increasing a torque transmitting capacity of the engagement device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2015Publication date: June 29, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kensei HATA, Yuji IWASE, Yosuke SUZUKI, Koichi KATO, Seitaro NOBUYASU, Taro MOTEKI