Hybrid Vehicle (ipc) Patents (Class 180/65.21)
  • Patent number: 8620508
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is driven by a power unit which includes: a first rotating machine including a first rotor, a first stator, and a second rotor, wherein the number of magnetic poles generated by an armature row of the first stator and one of the first rotor and the second rotor are connected to a drive shaft; a power engine, wherein an output shaft of the power engine is connected to the other of the first rotor and the second rotor; a second rotating machine; a capacitor; and a transformer that steps up an output voltage of the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Akutsu, Noriyuki Abe, Kota Kasaoka, Masashi Bando, Satoyoshi Oya
  • Patent number: 8620507
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is driven by a power unit which includes: a first rotating machine including a first rotor, a first stator, and a second rotor, wherein the number of magnetic poles generated by an armature row of the first stator and one of the first rotor and the second rotor are connected to a drive shaft; a power engine, wherein an output shaft of the power engine is connected to the other of the first rotor and the second rotor; a second rotating machine; and a capacitor. A traveling mode of the hybrid vehicle includes an EV traveling mode and an ENG traveling mode, wherein the hybrid vehicle travels with a motive power from at least one of the first rotating machine and the second rotating machine in the EV traveling mode, and the hybrid vehicle travels with a motive power from the power engine in ENG traveling mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Akutsu, Noriyuki Abe, Kota Kasaoka, Masashi Bando, Satoyoshi Oya
  • Patent number: 8615336
    Abstract: A system for controlling power of a hybrid vehicle may include a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a commanded acceleration for the hybrid vehicle and determine a potential for each of a power source, a generator, and an energy storage device to supply energy to achieve the commanded acceleration. The controller may be further configured to determine a cost associated with using each of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device to achieve the commanded acceleration, and determine a combination of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device that achieves the commanded acceleration at a lowest total cost. The controller may also be configured to provide a signal to at least one of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device to achieve the commanded acceleration based on the determined combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Vos
  • Patent number: 8614555
    Abstract: An actuator control system includes a controller and a buck-boost circuit. The controller is configured to direct power from a power source to an actuator. The actuator is coupled to a control device to apply a force related to operation of a vehicle. The buck-boost circuit is configured to direct excess power generated by the actuator to an energy storage device when an actuator power level satisfies an anticipated power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James J. Sheahan, Jr., Thomas W. Omohundro, James L. Peck, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130333963
    Abstract: To ensure that an electric power cable and a signal cable are laid easily over short distances while suppressing an effect of electromagnetic wave noise on the signal cable, an electric power cable is laid along a route that passes through only a right outside space in a lower position than an upper end of a right vertical plate, while a signal cable is laid along a bypass route that extends from a generator motor in a lower position than the upper end of the right vertical plate, passes through a rear portion cable insertion hole into an intermediate space between the right vertical plate and a left vertical plate, and returns to the right outside space from the intermediate space through a front portion cable insertion hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Naoki Goto
  • Publication number: 20130333958
    Abstract: A crawler vehicle having a first and second track driven by a first and second drive wheel respectively; an internal combustion engine; a mechanical power transmission assembly extending from the internal combustion engine to the first and second drive wheel; an electric power transmission assembly; a mechanical power connection configured to transfer energy between the mechanical power transmission assembly and the electric power transmission assembly; and at least one mechanical power transmission configured to transfer energy between the electric power transmission assembly and the mechanical power transmission assembly; the electric power transmission assembly extending from the mechanical power connection to the mechanical power transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Klaus Kalmbach, Mathias Lutz, Gianluca Milan, Alberto Giacometti, Martin Runggaldier
  • Patent number: 8610401
    Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided. A driver can remotely monitor battery charging associated operations and control a necessary function, thereby improving convenience of the driver of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Yun Kim, Ji-Hwon Kim, Hyun Cheol Bae, Hun Joung Yoon
  • Patent number: 8612077
    Abstract: A path-dependent control of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes segmenting an original route into segments. A virtual route based on the remaining portion of the original route is generated once the HEV reaches a current segment of the original route. The virtual route includes a first segment corresponding to the current segment of the original route and a last segment representing at least two other segments of the remaining portion of the original route. Battery SoC set-points for the segments of the virtual route are generated. The vehicle is controlled according to the battery SoC set-point for the first segment of the virtual route as the vehicle travels along the current segment of the original route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Mark Phillips, Georgia-Evangelia Katsargyri, Ming Lang Kuang, Ilya Vladimir Kolmanovsky, John Ottavio Michelini, Munther Abdullah Dahleh, Michael David Rinehart
  • Patent number: 8608616
    Abstract: A clutch control of a hybrid vehicle can engage a clutch which not otherwise possible due to temporary factors, and can determine whether engaging members of the clutch have been successfully engaged. The clutch control controls the clutch having a pair of the engaging members which are provided in a power transmission path of the vehicle, and which are moved in the axial direction and engaged or released when switching is performed between power from a motor and power from an engine. The clutch control device has a rotation control unit for synchronizing the rotations of the engaging members when the clutch is shifted from a disengaged an engaged state, and a clutch engagement control unit for determining whether the engaging members have been engaged, based on rotational speed of the engaging members a predetermined time after axial movement of the engaging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukihiro Nissato
  • Patent number: 8612078
    Abstract: A system, computer readable storage device and method for controlling torque in a hybrid electric vehicle. The method comprises determining a state of charge of an energy storage device, obtaining a reference state of charge, obtaining an error from a difference between the determined state of charge and the reference state of charge; and apportioning torque between a motor and an engine based upon the error. The motor is electrically coupled to the energy storage device and powered by the energy storage device. A state of charge (SOC) correction factor is determined based upon the error. The SOC correction factor is used to adjust a torque ratio of motor to engine torque that is determined for a given torque command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS Controls Inc.
    Inventors: Jurgen Schulte, Filippo Muggeo, Derek Matthews, Brendan Pancheri, Erin T. Hissong
  • Publication number: 20130327581
    Abstract: A divided dual inlet housing for an air-based hybrid battery thermal conditioning system which is configured such that HVAC air entering at the HVAC air inlet is prevented from partly backflowing out the cabin air inlet via a dividing wall disposed therein so that all the HVAC air exits the divided dual inlet housing at the air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Foos, Ronald A. Swartz, Brooksie J. Pollack, Teresa A. Walczyk
  • Patent number: 8602933
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes a planetary gear set and a first and a second connecting mechanism. The planetary gear set receives power from a power source and outputs it to a power-driven member. The first connecting mechanism connects a first and a second rotor of the planetary gear set through a separate path. The second connecting mechanism connects the second rotor and a third rotor of the planetary gear set through a separate path. The controller is operable selectively in a first operation mode in which the second connecting mechanism is engaged, while the first connecting mechanism is disengaged and a second operation mode in which the second connecting mechanism is engaged, while the first connecting mechanism is disengaged. This ensures suitable mechanical connections among the power source, the power-driven member, and the power split mechanism which match with an operating condition of the power transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kawasaki, Takenori Matsue, Yuji Tokudome
  • Patent number: 8606443
    Abstract: A method of providing assistance for an internal combustion engine in providing driving power for a vehicle using an electric motor coupled to the engine is provided. The method comprises selectively operating the motor to provide assistance to the engine at predetermined operating conditions of the engine. The assistance provided to the engine at one or more of the predetermined operating conditions is determined based on one of a plurality of motor assistance profiles. The motor assistance profile upon which the assistance is determined is selected from among the plurality of motor assistance profiles based on an expected driving range provided by a user of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: KPIT Cummins Infosystems, Ltd.
    Inventors: S. B. (Ravi) Pandit, Tejas Krishna Kshatriya
  • Patent number: 8606482
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a combustion engine, an electric machine arrangement, a gearbox operable to receive motive power from at least one of the combustion engine and the electric machine arrangement for providing motive power to a load of the powertrain. The powertrain is configurable in operation so that its combustion engine is switchable between an inactive state and an active state. The combustion engine is cranked to switch it from its inactive state to its active state. Application of cranking torque to the combustion engine is controlled in operation to substantially temporally coincide with a gear change in the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lars Carlhammar, Svante Karlsson, Helene Panagopoulos
  • Patent number: 8606441
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of: setting a creep torque reflection ratio; if brake is applied and the vehicle is currently stopped, updating the creep torque reflection ratio to 0; if brake is not applied and despite that the brake fluid's pressure is larger than a hydraulic pressure value, determining that brake hold control is currently exerted, and reducing the creep torque reflection ratio, as based on a map having the brake fluid's pressure as a parameter, to update the creep torque reflection ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyoshiro Ueoka
  • Patent number: 8606444
    Abstract: A machine includes a power system having a prime mover drivingly connected to an electric generator, a power line operably connected to the electric generator, and a first electrical energy storage device operable to exchange electricity with the power line. The power system may also include a second electrical energy storage device and power-system controls. The power-system controls may include a power regulator and at least one information processor configured to receive information related to at least one operating parameter of the power system and control the power regulator based on the received information, including selectively controlling the power regulator to receive electricity from the second electrical energy storage device and supply the electricity to the first electrical energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Andris
  • Patent number: 8602142
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for hybrid power system braking. In one embodiment, a vehicle weight input is received by a brake controller. In response to receiving the vehicle weight input, a maximum negative braking torque is determined. Regulation of negative braking torque according to vehicle weight is accomplished by one or both of a regenerative braking device and mechanical braking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Books, Praveen Muralidhar
  • Patent number: 8602141
    Abstract: A power distribution system comprises at least one fuel cell that is selectively operated in response to conditions to provide power to electrical loads and/or to charge an electrical storage device such as a vehicle battery. One form of an alternator can be selectively engaged or disengaged to provide power to the electrical loads and/or to charge the electrical storage device. Either or both of the fuel cell and alternator can be operated to provide electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
    Inventors: Justin Yee, Mark S. Woolley, Cristin Paun, Shivkumar Duraiswamy, Maik Ziegler, Derek James Rotz, Matthew C. C. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8598852
    Abstract: A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) for a hybrid electric vehicle includes a power supply module that includes at least one battery. A startup module includes N supercapacitors arranged in parallel with the at least one battery, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal 1, and an adjustable power supply arranged in series with at least one of the N supercapacitors and in parallel with the at least one battery, wherein the adjustable power supply maintains a voltage across the N supercapacitors below a predetermined voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Curt Douglas Gilmore
  • Patent number: 8596390
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle hybrid propulsion system is described. During a vehicle speed control operation where a speed of the vehicle is maintained at a desired speed, in response to acceleration resulting in vehicle speed beyond the desired speed, the acceleration not caused by vehicle operator input, the torque output of an upstream and/or downstream electric energy conversion device provides brake torque to a drive wheel to decelerate the vehicle to the desired speed. The selection of the electric energy conversion device may be based on an operating condition to achieve improved control and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Deepak Aswani
  • Patent number: 8596392
    Abstract: A method for operation of a hybrid vehicle is provided. The hybrid vehicle has a first drive apparatus for driving the wheels on a first axle by an internal combustion engine, a second drive apparatus having two electrical machines for driving the wheels on a second axle, and at least one electrical energy store that can be discharged when an electrical machine is being operated as a motor and can be charged when an electrical machine is being operated as a generator. The method includes operating at least one driver-operated control for causing at least one of the electrical machines to output additional electrical drive torque to the axle that is not driven by the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Hennings, Jochen Schmid, Daniel Armbruster
  • Patent number: 8600615
    Abstract: A method of heating a cabin in a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine employing a coolant to remove engine heat, and a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system using the coolant to heat the cabin is disclosed. The method includes detecting a request to achieve a predetermined temperature inside the cabin. The method also includes selecting a first baseline mode of engine operation to supply thermal energy to the coolant, and selecting a second mode of engine operation to supply additional thermal energy to the coolant if the predetermined temperature has not been achieved via the first mode of operation. The method additionally includes selecting a third mode of engine operation if the predetermined temperature has not been achieved via the second mode of operation. The predetermined temperature may also be maintained by supplying thermal energy to the coolant after the predetermined temperature has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ryan D. Martini, Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20130313031
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle having an engine with an exhaust heat recovery system, includes generating a signal to control exhaust gas flow through an exhaust gas heat exchanger, and generating a diagnostic code based on the signal and a rate of change of coolant temperature. A vehicle has an engine and an exhaust heat recovery system with an exhaust gas heat exchanger and a temperature sensor. A controller for the vehicle is configured to (i) generate a signal to control exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas heat exchanger, and (ii) generate a diagnostic code based on the signal and a rate of change of coolant temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Douglas Raymond Martin
  • Patent number: 8594867
    Abstract: An engine and a second power generating device transmit power through a transmission to a driveline to a wheel. A control module determines a regenerative braking axle torque capacity and a regenerative braking torque. Power output from the second power generating device is controlled based upon a regenerative braking axle torque request. A brake control module determines a total braking torque request and generates the regenerative braking axle torque request based upon the total braking torque request, the regenerative braking axle torque capacity, and the regenerative braking torque. The brake control module controls a friction brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, William R. Cawthorne, Seamus T McGrath, Timothy M. Karnjate, William K. Manosh
  • Patent number: 8593101
    Abstract: A power converting device is disclosed that can reduce switching loss occurring in a voltage source inverter that drives an AC motor. It is possible to supply DC power to the voltage source inverter from both a voltage source rectifier, which converts AC power from an AC generator into DC power, and a battery. A first switching circuit is inserted between the voltage source rectifier and the AC generator, and the battery is connected to the output side of the voltage source rectifier. A second switching circuit is inserted between the battery and the voltage source inverter. A third switching circuit and a reactor are inserted in series between the input side of the voltage source inverter and the input side of the voltage source rectifier. At least one of an upper arm and a lower arm of the voltage source rectifier can be chopper controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michio Iwahori
  • Patent number: 8590495
    Abstract: In a control device 1 for a clutch unit 20 for transmitting rotation of a crankshaft 18 of an engine 100 to a water pump 2 for circulating cooling water within the engine 100, it is determined that whether engagement or disengagement of the clutch unit 20 when a request to start the engine 100 is made, and the clutch unit 20 is caused to be in an engagement state based on a determination result before cranking of the engine 100 starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Kobayashi, Kunihiko Hayashi, Akihito Hosoi, Masahide Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20130311021
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: an electrical storage device configured to supply electric power to a power receiving system outside the vehicle; a power generating device configured to supply electric power to the electrical storage device and the power receiving system; an engine that is a power source of the power generating device and that has a catalyst for purifying exhaust gas; and a control device. The control device is configured to control the vehicle such that a catalyst temperature becomes a first target value when there is a request to warm up the catalyst while the vehicle is travelling, and the control device configured to control the vehicle such that catalyst temperature becomes a second target value different from the first target value when there is a request to warm up the catalyst while electric power is being supplied to the power receiving system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Noritake MITSUTANI
  • Publication number: 20130306394
    Abstract: A universal chassis apparatus for an automotive vehicle includes a battery and/or fuel storage compartment in a rigid backbone structure. In another aspect, a vehicle chassis that incorporates the engine structure, transaxle structure and a backbone structure provided as a unitary structure onto which other components of a vehicle, such as suspension, steering, body and crash absorbers may be attached. The backbone structure is a closed tubular structure in which a relatively rigid drive shaft can be supported for rotational power delivery between the engine and the transaxle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Theodore & Associates LLC
    Inventor: Chris P. Theodore
  • Patent number: 8589011
    Abstract: A power control system comprises a power accumulating system including a storage cell charged with electric power supplied from a power generating system and supplying a vehicle with electric power, and a control device controlling a cumulative power amount that is an amount of electric power accumulated in the storage cell. The power control system accepts drive schedule data representing whether or not the vehicle is to be used during a predetermined period. The power control system charges the storage cell till the cumulative power stored in the storage cell reaches a first threshold when the drive schedule data represents the vehicle is to be used during the period, or otherwise, it charges the storage cell till the cumulative power stored in the storage cell reaches a second threshold smaller than the first threshold when the drive schedule data represents the vehicle is not to be used during the period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Yasuda, Tetsuo Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 8587253
    Abstract: A method for recharging an electric vehicle having an electric battery for powering a vehicle drive system is provided. The method includes recharging the electric vehicle during a first period at a first electrical power and recharging the electric vehicle during a second period shorter than the first period at a second electrical power higher than the first electrical power. The recharging includes delivering coolant to the electric vehicle to cool the electric battery during the second period. Other methods of recharging an electric vehicle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lightening Energy
    Inventors: Christopher K. Dyer, Michael L. Epstein, Duncan Culver
  • Patent number: 8585521
    Abstract: A transmission includes a first motor/generator with a first rotor connected for rotation with a first member of a first planetary gear set. A second electric motor/generator has a second rotor connected for rotation with a second member of the first planetary gear set. The second member of the first planetary gear set is connected for common rotation with the output member. The first member of a second planetary gear set rotates with the input member, and the third member of the second planetary gear set is grounded to a stationary member. A first torque-transmitting mechanism establishes torque flow between the first member of the second planetary gear set and the third member of the first planetary gear set. A second torque-transmitting mechanism establishes torque flow between the second member of the second planetary gear set and the third member of the first planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Darrell Lee Robinette, Clyde A. Bulloch
  • Publication number: 20130300126
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a range extender for a hybrid vehicle configured to be driven by an electric machine. The range extender includes a generator configured to generate electrical energy, an internal combustion engine configured to drive the generator which generates a number N of generator output voltages, and an N-phase rectifier configured to rectify the number N of generator output voltages to form a rectified output voltage. The range extender further includes a direct voltage converter configured to convert the rectified output voltage of the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicants: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Butzmann
  • Patent number: 8583305
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a wake-up module and a failure detection module. The wake-up module selectively powers on a vehicle control module, wherein the vehicle control module controls sub-systems of the vehicle. The failure detection module detects a failure of the wake-up module during a period when the vehicle control module is powered off and an enable condition is met, wherein the failure is detected based on (i) whether an internal wake-up is requested or an external wake-up is requested during a first predetermined period and (ii) whether a run/crank (R/C) operation is requested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Voytek Novak, Anthony E. Cubr, Vivekananda Shripathy
  • Patent number: 8583310
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a wheel-driving motor, a motor inverter that supplies electric power to the wheel-driving motor, a pump that delivers a cooling medium to at least one of the motor inverter and the motor, a capacitor that stores a counter electromotive force generated by the pump, and a pump inverter that supplies electric power to the pump to drives the pump. When a vehicle controller receives a signal indicating a collision of the vehicle, the vehicle controller stops a supply of electric power from the pump inverter to the pump and connects the pump inverter to the capacitor. The pump inverter converts AC power generated by the counter electromotive force of the pump into DC power to store the DC power in the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hironobu Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20130296115
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a hybrid vehicle powertrain during a change from a two-wheel drive mode to a four-wheel drive mode is provided. In response to a request to couple the second pair of wheels to the powertrain, a driveline controller commands an increased torque from the electric motor to be applied to the first pair of wheels The increased torque from the electric motor is based on an AWD engagement torque of the second pair of wheels to counteract an engagement torque of a second pair of drive wheels before changing from the two-wheel drive mode to the four-wheel drive mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter John Grutter, Andreas E. Perakes, Nicholas E. McCubbin
  • Publication number: 20130296125
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a driveline disconnect clutch is adjusted to compensate for clutch wear and manufacturing tolerances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, James William Loch McCallum, Seung-Hoon Lee, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii
  • Patent number: 8573339
    Abstract: A hybrid industrial vehicle performs steering operation and the like during idling stop, without using a complicated mechanism. The hybrid industrial vehicle configured to transmit power of a first electric motor (23) and power of an engine (21) to a drive wheel (34) through a first gear train (32) comprises: a second electric motor (24) actuated when supplied with electric power from a battery (22); a first hydraulic pump (26) supplying pressure oil to a cargo handling hydraulic system; a second gear train (28) interposed among the engine and the second electric motor and the first hydraulic pump and capable of mutual power transmission among the engine, the second electric motor and the first hydraulic pump; a second hydraulic pump (27) supplying pressure oil to a steering hydraulic system; and a third electric motor (25) actuated to drive the second hydraulic pump when supplied with electric power from the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Nichiyu Forklift Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensuke Futahashi, Masataka Kawaguchi, Kiyomitsu Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8575869
    Abstract: A transport system includes a motor for moving the transport appliance and a power supply circuit of the motor. The power supply circuit is connected between the motor and a power source that is limited (Plim) in its dimensioning. An energy storage that is limited (Elim) in its capacity is fitted in connection with the power supply circuit of the motor. The control arrangement includes a determination of the charging status (EQ) of the energy storage; a determination of the movement reference of the transport appliance; and a control of the movement of the transport appliance as a response to the determined movement reference of the transport appliance. The movement reference of the transport appliance is determined on the basis of the amount of energy that can be discharged from the energy storage and/or on the basis of the amount of energy that can be charged into the energy storage as well as on the basis of the travel distance of the transport appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Antti Kallioniemi, Esko Aulanko
  • Publication number: 20130289814
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a drive unit that generates a driving force for driving a driving wheel, and an accelerator pedal. In the vehicle, the driving force generated by the drive unit is controlled on the basis of an operation amount of the accelerator pedal, which is operated by a user. It is determined whether or not the vehicle carries out coasting with the drive unit unactivated. It is determined whether a predetermined condition that an activation command for the drive unit be received from the user with the accelerator pedal operated is fulfilled during the coasting. An actual driving force that is transmitted from the drive unit to the driving wheel is limited with respect to a driving force that is required by the user, in comparison with a case where the vehicle travels in a state other than the coasting, if the predetermined condition is fulfilled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Tanaka, Masahiro Naito
  • Patent number: 8567543
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided in which a case (14) for housing an electrical component including at least a battery module is disposed underneath a floor of a luggage compartment interposed between left and right rear side frames (12) immediately to the rear of a fuel tank (42) disposed beneath a floor panel (41) of a hybrid vehicle, and a canister (48) is disposed on one of left and right sides of the case (14). Since the canister (48) is disposed further inside than the outer end of the rear side frame (12) in the left-and-right direction and further forward than the rear end of the case (14), when the vehicle is involved in a collision from the side the case (14) and the canister (48) can be protected by the rear side frame (12), and when the vehicle is involved in a collision from the rear the fuel tank (42) and the canister (48) can be protected by the case (14) while guaranteeing the capacity of a luggage compartment of a rear part of a vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Kubota, Harumi Takedomi, Kazuyuki Kumakura, Mitsushige Goto
  • Patent number: 8569994
    Abstract: A charging device includes a power conditioning device configured to be coupled to an electric power source by an electrical distribution bus. The power conditioning device is further configured to receive alternating current (AC) volt-amperes from the electric power source, convert a first amount of the AC volt-amperes received into direct current (DC) power, and supply the DC power to at least one load. The charging device also includes a controller coupled to the power conditioning device. The controller is configured to determine a second amount of volt-amperes that the charging device has a capacity to supply in addition to the DC power supplied, and control the power conditioning device to supply volt-amperes reactive to the electrical distribution bus using at least a portion of the second amount of volt-amperes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John James Dougherty
  • Patent number: 8565957
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes: a catalytic device configured to be electrically heatable to purify exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine; a main power supply device that supplies the motor drive unit with power supply voltage; a power supply device provided for a catalyst, and receiving electric power from the main power supply device and supplying the catalytic device with electric power to heat the catalytic device; and a control device. The control device has a first control mode and a second control mode more immune to variation of the power supply voltage than the first control mode as modes applied to control the motor drive unit. If electric power supplied to the catalytic device from the power supply device for the catalyst is to be changed, the control device previously controls the motor drive unit in the second control mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Wanleng Ang
  • Patent number: 8565947
    Abstract: A method for regulating a charging state of an energy accumulator for a vehicle with a hybrid drive includes detecting a driving speed variable value of the vehicle and determining a nominal charging state of the energy accumulator as a function of the driving speed variable value by a control unit, detecting an actual charging state of the energy accumulator, comparing the actual charging state with the nominal charging state by the control unit, switching on an energy consumer by a charging state regulator, for at least partially discharging the energy accumulator when the actual charging state exceeds the nominal charging state, tabulating a first nominal charging state value as a function of the driving speed variable value by a characteristic curve, in order to determine the nominal charging state of the energy accumulator, and adapting the characteristic curve by the control unit when the vehicle is braked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 8561737
    Abstract: A charging cable-housing device includes: a charging cable that supplies electric power from an external electric power source to a vehicle; a bobbin which is rotatable, and on which the charging cable is wound, and which is disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle; a casing that houses the bobbin, and that has an extraction opening through which the charging cable is extracted out; and a guide member that guides the charging cable led out from the bobbin from above the extraction opening toward the extraction opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 8566013
    Abstract: A method of operating a parallel hybrid electric drive train may include manually selecting a first mode by a user. The first mode include an electric mode that provides for propelling a vehicle using only an electric motor. The method may also include propelling the vehicle in the electric mode, limiting an allowed vehicle acceleration below a predetermined acceleration value, detecting a battery state of charge, and preventing an engine start during operation in the electric mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Scott William Davis, Thomas R. Connolly, Zhanjiano Zou, Richard A. Nellums
  • Patent number: 8556008
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement in power transmission of a forest machine (1), the forest machine including a primary power source (5) for generating power required for moving and controlling the forest machine and/or actuators (6, 7) therein. In the present method and arrangement, at least part of the power generated by the primary power source (5) is converted into electric energy by a generator arrangement (8). This electric energy can be stored at least partly in an electricity storage unit (9), from which part thereof can be used, when required, for generating pressure medium-transmitted power for implementing a pressure medium-transmitted function of the forest machine (1) or at least one actuator (6, 7) therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Ponsse Oyj
    Inventors: Kalle Einola, Pentti Hukkanen, Veikko Rintamaki
  • Patent number: 8558512
    Abstract: An electrical generator has an engine that provides a mechanical output that is converted to electrical current by an alternator. The engine is started by a battery-powered motor starter. The battery is charged during running of the electrical generator by a portion of the electrical current output by the alternator. The battery is charged according to a charging profile based on the temperature of the battery at start up of the electrical generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Iles, Alan Dietrich, Steven Wilcox, Greg Wischstadt, David Thimmesch
  • Patent number: 8560155
    Abstract: A powertrain control system for a plugin hybrid electric vehicle. The system comprises an adaptive charge sustaining controller; at least one internal data source connected to the adaptive charge sustaining controller; and a memory connected to the adaptive charge sustaining controller for storing data generated by the at least one internal data source. The adaptive charge sustaining controller is operable to select an operating mode of the vehicle's powertrain along a given route based on programming generated from data stored in the memory associated with that route. Further described is a method of adaptively controlling operation of a plugin hybrid electric vehicle powertrain comprising identifying a route being traveled, activating stored adaptive charge sustaining mode programming for the identified route and controlling operation of the powertrain along the identified route by selecting from a plurality of operational modes based on the stored adaptive charge sustaining mode programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Gurunath Kedar-Dongarkar, Feisel Weslati
  • Patent number: 8558502
    Abstract: An assembly for electrically recharging vehicles, to which individual radio units are assigned, having a parking space for a vehicle, a recharging station assigned to the parking space for cable-connected recharging of a vehicle located therein, and a transceiver connecting to the recharging station for communication with a radio unit, wherein the transceiver clears the recharging station for the recharging process depending on the communication with the radio unit, and the transceiver has a communication zone, which is restricted to the region of the parking space or can locate a radio unit as being located in this restricted region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kapsch Trafficcom AG
    Inventor: Oliver Nagy
  • Patent number: 8556021
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle in which an electric motor is disposed in the vicinity of a center of a vehicle body to reduce lateral expansion. The hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power of the engine and the motor to a rear wheel. The engine is suspended on the vehicle body in a non-swingable manner with a cylinder extending in a substantially horizontal direction and a crankshaft provided to be oriented in a vehicle width direction. The electric motor is located in front of and above the crankshaft of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akifumi Nomura, Kazuyuki Nakai, Kenichi Ohmori, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Tsutsumizaki, Shinichi Wagatsuma