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: 20180065622Abstract: A control device for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit, when switching a traveling mode of the vehicle, is configured to control an amount of torque change produced in a drive power source for traveling subjected to switching in operation upon switching of the traveling mode, such that the amount of torque change during manual driving is larger than that during autonomous driving.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akiko NISHIMINE, Tatsuya IMAMURA
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Patent number: 9896088Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takeshi Miyagawa, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
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Publication number: 20180022342Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2016Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kiyonori TAKAGI, Hidehiko BANSHOYA, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Toshiki KANADA, Atsushi TABATA
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Publication number: 20180022355Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2016Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidehiko BANSHOYA, Kiyonori TAKAGI, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Toshiki KANADA, Atsushi TABATA
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Publication number: 20180022204Abstract: 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 couplType: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA
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Publication number: 20180022203Abstract: A transmission unit is able to switch between a non-neutral state where power of an engine is transmitted via a path K1 and a neutral state where power of the engine is not transmitted via the path K1. A clutch is able to switch between an engaged state where power is transmitted from the engine to a first MG and a released state where transmission of power from the engine to the first MG is interrupted. When the transmission unit is controlled to the non-neutral state and, at the same time, the clutch is set to the released state, a vehicle is operable in series-parallel mode. When power is transmitted via the path K2 by directly coupling the engine to the first MG by the clutch and the path K1 is interrupted by controlling the transmission unit to the neutral state, the vehicle is operable in series mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2016Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hidehiko BANSHOYA, Kiyonori TAKAGI, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Toshiki KANADA, Atsushi TABATA
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Publication number: 20180015916Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2016Publication date: January 18, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hidehiko BANSHOYA, Kiyonori TAKAGI, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Toshiki KANADA, Atsushi TABATA
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Patent number: 9868437Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shigetsugu Iwata, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
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Publication number: 20180009432Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2016Publication date: January 11, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kiyonori TAKAGI, Hidehiko BANSHOYA, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Toshiki KANADA, Atsushi TABATA
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Patent number: 9815454Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle having an engine and a plurality of motors is provided. An operating mode of the hybrid vehicle is selected depending on a required driving force from a first mode where the vehicle is powered by the engine, a second mode where the vehicle is powered by the plurality of motors, and a third mode where the vehicle is powered by any one of the motors. The control system is characterized by a detection means that detects an output power of the prime mover, and a setting means that alters a selectability of the second mode in accordance with the output power of the prime mover.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Tatsuya Imamura, Isao Satou, Kazuyuki Shiiba, Tooru Matsubara
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Patent number: 9791001Abstract: Power from an engine of a hybrid vehicle is input to an input shaft (302) of a power split device. A one-way clutch (500) and the power split device are housed in a housing (600). A cover member (700) is provided inside the housing (600). The one-way clutch (500) includes an outer race (510), an inner race (520), and a sprag (530). The outer race (510) is spline-engaged to a protruding portion (701) of the cover member (700). The inner race (520) is spline-engaged to the input shaft (302), and is rotatably supported by the protruding portion (702) of the cover member (700) via a bushing (522). The input shaft (302) is rotatably supported by the cover member (700) via a first bearing (340), a rotating member (322A), and a second bearing (350).Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Koichi Okuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
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Publication number: 20170282901Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA
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Publication number: 20170274754Abstract: A power transmission system includes first differential mechanism connected to an engine, and second differential mechanism. The first differential mechanism includes a first rotating element connected to the engine, and second and third rotating elements. The second differential mechanism includes a fourth rotating element connected to second rotating element, fifth rotating element connected to a first electric rotary machine, and sixth rotating element that is an output element of the second differential mechanism. The power transmission system further includes at least one of a first clutch and brake, and a second clutch. The first clutch is configured to releasably couple two of the first, second and third rotating elements to each other. The brake is configured to releasably couple the third rotating element to a stationary element. The second clutch is configured to releasably couple the third rotating element to one of the fifth and sixth rotating elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA, Toshiki KANADA, Yuji YASUDA, Hiroshi KAWANISHI
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Patent number: 9771065Abstract: A vehicle control system for reducing shocks resulting from restarting an engine under EV running mode. The vehicle control system is applied to a vehicle including an engagement device that selectively connect the engine with the powertrain, and a motor adapted to generate a drive force and connected with the powertrain. In the vehicle, a first mode is selected to propel the vehicle by the motor while interrupting the torque transmission between the engine and the powertrain and stopping the engine, and a second mode is selected to propel the vehicle by the motor while allowing the torque transmission between the engine and the powertrain and stopping the engine. The vehicle control system selects the second mode if a control response of at least any of the engagement device and the motor is estimated to be out of a predetermine range when the vehicle is running while stopping the engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Tooru Matsubara, Yasuhiro Hiasa
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Patent number: 9771061Abstract: A control system is for a vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine. The control system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to limit an output of the internal combustion engine when the electronic control unit determines that the vehicle runs in an unmanned state, such that the output of the internal combustion engine is lower the vehicle runs in the unmanned state than when the vehicle runs in a manned state.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Haruhisa Suzuki, Koichi Okuda, Hiroyuki Tateno, Tatsuya Imamura, Kota Fujii
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Publication number: 20170240165Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenta KUMAZAKI, Kazuyuki SHIIBA, Atsushi TABATA, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Koichi OKUDA
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Publication number: 20170217302Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2015Publication date: August 3, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA, Yoshihito KANNO, Hiroki MORITA, Masaya YAMAMOTO, Shunya KATO
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Patent number: 9718459Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Hidehiko Banshoya
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Patent number: 9713955Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 11, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshiki Kanada, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
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Patent number: 9683658Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshiki Kanada, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura