Patents by Inventor Tatsuya Imamura
Tatsuya Imamura 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: 20180264924Abstract: Provided is a drive unit for a hybrid vehicle which can increase selectable modes in an EV mode. A drive unit includes a first planetary gear unit connected to an engine, and a second planetary gear unit connected to a second rotary element of the first planetary gear unit. The drive unit includes a first engagement device which connects rotary elements of the first planetary gear unit, a third rotary element in the first planetary gear unit, a second engagement device which connects any one of a fifth rotary element and a sixth rotary element in the second planetary gear unit, and a third engagement device which can fix a first rotary element of the first planetary gear unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2018Publication date: September 20, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Hideaki KOMADA, Takahito ENDO, Kensei HATA, Akiko NISHIMINE
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Publication number: 20180264927Abstract: Provided is a drive unit for hybrid vehicles capable of reducing electric power consumption during propulsion in an EV mode. The drive unit includes a first planetary gear unit to which an engine is connected, and a second planetary gear unit connected to a third rotary element of the first planetary gear unit. The drive unit includes a first engagement device that connects a first rotary element of the first planetary gear unit and a sixth rotary element of the second planetary gear unit, and a second engagement device that connects a fourth rotary element and the sixth rotary element of the second planetary gear unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2018Publication date: September 20, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hideaki KOMADA, Takahito ENDO, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Kensei HATA, Akiko NISHIMINE
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Patent number: 10071727Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 10066718Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Koichi Okuda, Tooru Matsubara, Yasuhiro Hiasa, Keita Imai, Takeshi Kitahata
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Patent number: 10065633Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hidehiko Banshoya, Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Haruhisa Suzuki, Atsushi Kawamoto, Tatsuya Imamura, Kiyonori Takagi
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Patent number: 10059185Abstract: A control system for hybrid vehicles is provided to prevent reduction in drive force when propelling the vehicle backwardly while activating the engine. In the differential mechanism, a first rotary element is connected to an engine, a second rotary element is connected to a first motor, a third rotary element is connected to a second motor, and a fourth rotary element is connected to an output unit. A third motor is connected to the output unit. When propelling the vehicle backwardly while activating the engine, first motor and the second motor establish reaction torques against engine torque, and the third motor generates drive torque to propel the hybrid vehicle in the reverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kensei Hata, Hideaki Komada, Tatsuya Imamura, Takahito Endo
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Publication number: 20180236864Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2016Publication date: August 23, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA, Toshiki KANADA
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Publication number: 20180222308Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2016Publication date: August 9, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA, Toshiki KANADA, Hidehiko BANSHOYA
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Publication number: 20180208177Abstract: A control system for hybrid vehicles to eliminate the shortage of drive force within the low-to-mid speed range in the hybrid mode. In a differential mechanism, a first rotary element is connected to an engine, a second rotary element is connected to a first motor, a third rotary element is connected to a second motor, and a fourth rotary element is connected to an output unit. A third motor is connected to the output unit. When the controller determines that the hybrid vehicle is propelled by the torque of the engine, the first motor and the second motor generate torques in a same direction as an engine torque to propel the vehicle in a forward direction, and the third motor generates a torque in the forward direction to propel the vehicle together with the engine torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kensei Hata, Akira Murakami, Hideaki Komada, Tatsuya Imamura, Takahito Endo
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Publication number: 20180208044Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2015Publication date: July 26, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA, Koichi OKUDA, Keita IMAI
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Publication number: 20180201251Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA
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Patent number: 10023171Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Koichi Okuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Yasuhiro Hiasa, Takeshi Kitahata, Tatsuya Imamura, Masafumi Yamamoto, Keita Imai, Keisuke Oomuro
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Patent number: 10011271Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kiyonori Takagi, Hidehiko Banshoya, Atsushi Kawamoto, Haruhisa Suzuki, Tatsuya Imamura, Toshiki Kanada, Atsushi Tabata
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Publication number: 20180178642Abstract: A control system for hybrid vehicles is provided to prevent reduction in drive force when propelling the vehicle backwardly while activating the engine. In the differential mechanism, a first rotary element is connected to an engine, a second rotary element is connected to a first motor, a third rotary element is connected to a second motor, and a fourth rotary element is connected to an output unit. A third motor is connected to the output unit. When propelling the vehicle backwardly while activating the engine, first motor and the second motor establish reaction torques against engine torque, and the third motor generates drive torque to propel the hybrid vehicle in the reverse direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2017Publication date: June 28, 2018Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kensei HATA, Hideaki Komada, Tatsuya Imamura, Takahito Endo
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Patent number: 9975545Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hidehiko Banshoya, Kiyonori Takagi, Atsushi Kawamoto, Haruhisa Suzuki, Tatsuya Imamura, Toshiki Kanada, Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 9975540Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is provided with: an air-fuel ratio determinator configured to determine an air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine in a predetermined period until speed change by a transmission is actually performed; and a controller configured to control at least one of the internal combustion engine and an electric motor in such a manner that a possible amount of torque down of the internal combustion engine is increased if the air-fuel ratio of the internal combustion engine is lean in the predetermined period. By this, it is possible to avoid a detrimental effect, such as a torque shock, deterioration of durability of a friction material, and the like, which can occur in the speed change.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2014Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Tatsuya Imamura, Kazuyuki Shiiba
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Patent number: 9969381Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle controls a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle including: a power source including an internal combustion engine and an electric; a recirculating device configured to recirculate an exhaust gas from an exhaust side to an intake side of the internal combustion engine; and a recirculation amount adjusting device configured to adjust an amount of the recirculation by the recirculating device.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Yoshihito Kanno
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Patent number: 9950606Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Yoshihito Kanno, Hiroki Morita, Masaya Yamamoto, Shunya Kato
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Patent number: 9944275Abstract: A control device of a hybrid vehicle includes an electric motor outputting a running torque at the time of motor running and a starting torque at engine start, in a state of the motor running using even the starting torque, the control device being configured to give a notification of the state to a driver when a charging capacity is smaller than a first predetermined value, and to start an engine when the charging capacity is smaller than a second predetermined value which is smaller than the first predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Koichi Okuda, Kenta Kumazaki, Tatsuya Imamura, Keita Imai, Takeshi Kitahata, Shunya Kato, Yasuhiro Hiasa
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Patent number: 9944164Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus includes a transmission gear mechanism and a power split mechanism including a first rotation element connected to a first input member, a second rotation element connected to a rotary machine, and a third rotation element connected to the drive shaft via a first output member. The transmission gear mechanism is configured to transmit a torque to the first input member and the first rotation element via a second output member. The transmission gear mechanism and the power split mechanism are arranged on the same rotation axis as an output shaft of an engine. The transmission gear mechanism and the power split mechanism are arranged in the order of the transmission gear mechanism and the power split mechanism from the side closer to the engine. The second output member and the first input member are connected to each other by a spline or a serration.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshiki Kanada, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura