Series And Parallel (ipc) Patents (Class 180/65.225)
  • Patent number: 10056644
    Abstract: Batteries with high energy and high capacity are described that have a long cycle life upon cycling at a moderate discharge rate. Specifically, the batteries may have a room temperature fifth cycle discharge specific energy of at least about 175 Wh/kg discharged at a C/3 discharge rate from 4.2V to 2.5V. Additionally, the batteries can maintain at least about 70% discharge capacity at 1000 cycles relative to the fifth cycle, with the battery being discharged from 4.2V to 2.5V at a C/2 rate from the fifth cycle through the 1000th cycle. In some embodiment, the positive electrode of the battery comprises a lithium intercalation composition with optional metal fluoride coating. Stabilizing additive maybe added to the electrolyte of the battery to further improve the battery performance. The batteries are particularly suitable for use in electric vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Zenlabs Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Sujeet Kumar, James P. Buckley, Hang Shi
  • Patent number: 10046648
    Abstract: A power control system for a hybrid vehicle is provided. The system includes a rechargeable battery, a first motor that is connected to a driving wheel of the vehicle, and a second motor that is connected to the driving wheel of the vehicle. A first inverter is connected to the first motor and a second inverter is connected to the second motor. A converter has a first side connected to the battery and a second side connected to the first inverter. A neutral switch is connected between the first side of the converter and a neutral point of the first motor. A controller executes an on/off of the switch based on whether the first motor is operated and required power of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Kyu Kim, Jun Mo An, Su Hyun Bae, Mu Shin Kwak, Joo Young Park
  • Patent number: 9956954
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kensei Hata, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Koichi Kato, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Taro Moteki
  • Patent number: 9937782
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle having a drive system. The drive system includes an engine for providing electrical power for propelling the vehicle, an electrical energy storage device, a first motor for driving a rotation of a first shaft of the vehicle, and a second motor for driving a rotation of a second shaft of the vehicle. The drive system is configured to operate in a first mode, wherein in the first mode, power for each of the first motor and the second motor is provided exclusively by the electrical energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: KARMA AUTOMOTIVE LLC
    Inventors: Paul Boskovitch, Calvin Chunliang Lee
  • Patent number: 9893598
    Abstract: A magnet temperature estimation device includes: a voltage detector (1) for detecting a voltage at a time when a winding is energized; a high-order component detector (2) for detecting a high-order component of the voltage; a reference database (3) for storing in advance, as a table, a correspondence relationship between the high-order component and two or more parameters, which include a magnet temperature and another one or more parameters, as parameters affecting the voltage from which the high-order component is detected; a parameter value detector (4) for detecting a value of the another one or more parameters; and a magnet temperature estimator (5) for estimating a magnet temperature corresponding to the high-order component detected by the high-order component detector based on the another one or more parameters detected by the parameter value detector and the table stored in the reference database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Kayano, Masaya Inoue, Shinji Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9868435
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drive control method and a drive control device of a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes: obtaining a current gear position of the vehicle, a current electric charge level of a power battery and a slope of a road on which the vehicle is driving; determining whether the vehicle is within a taxiing start-stop interval according to the current gear position, the current electric charge level, and the slope; if the vehicle is within the taxiing start-stop interval, obtaining a current speed of the vehicle; if the current speed is greater than or equal to a first speed threshold, and less than a second speed threshold, causing the vehicle to enter a small load stop mode; and if the current speed is greater than or equal to the second speed threshold, and less than a third speed threshold, causing the vehicle to enter a small load stall mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yubo Lian, Dongsheng Yang, Jintao Zhang, Hongbin Luo
  • Patent number: 9855943
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hybrid electric vehicle, a drive control method and a drive control device of a hybrid electric vehicle. The drive control method includes: obtaining a current gear position and a current operating mode of the hybrid electric vehicle, a current electric charge level of a power battery and a slope of a road on which the hybrid electric vehicle is driving; determining whether the hybrid electric vehicle is within a taxiing start-stop interval according to the current gear position of the hybrid electric vehicle, the current electric charge level of the power battery, and the slope of the road; if the hybrid electric vehicle is within the taxiing start-stop interval, obtaining a current speed of the hybrid electric vehicle; and causing the hybrid electric vehicle to enter a small load stop mode or a small load stall mode according to the current speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yubo Lian, Dongsheng Yang, Jintao Zhang, Hongbin Luo
  • Patent number: 9834198
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a traction battery, and a hybrid electric powertrain including an electric motor powered by the traction battery and an electric generator coupled to the internal combustion engine and the traction battery. A control method includes determining minimum and maximum engine power limits based on desired wheel torque and traction battery charge and discharge power limits. A generator torque command is calculated to track engine speed to the desired engine speed. The generator torque command is limited based on the minimum and maximum engine power limits to limit engine power transmitted to the powertrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carol Louise Okubo, Shunsuke Okubo, Jonathan Andrew Butcher
  • Patent number: 9834203
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kensei Hata, Yuji Iwase, Yosuke Suzuki, Koichi Kato, Seitaro Nobuyasu, Taro Moteki
  • Patent number: 9834080
    Abstract: A transmission structure of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) may include an engine connected to a front wheel of the hybrid vehicle, a planetary gear part connected to the engine, a first motor generator connected to the planetary gear part, an overdrive brake connected to the first motor generator, and a second motor generator connected to a rear wheel of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chul Min Ahn, Seok Joon Kim, Jun Young Ha, Baek Yu Kim, Sung Gon Byun
  • Patent number: 9827981
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle includes a push-start mode and a motor start mode. The push-start mode transmits a driving force from driving wheels to the engine via a first transmission route at a speed detected by a speed detection means equal to or more than a predetermined speed to start the engine. The motor start mode starts the engine using a driving force of the motor at a speed equal to or less than the predetermined speed as well as in a stopped state. At a speed outside a speed range that either mode is executable when a start command of the engine occurs in driving only using the electric motor as the driving source, a control means performs the driving force reduction control for reducing a driving force transmitted from the electric motor to the driving wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Takeuchi, Atsushi Izumiura, Masanori Matsushita
  • Patent number: 9821805
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a controller configured to perform: ignition starting of an engine when a detected crank angle is within a first area in which the ignition starting of the engine may be performed with probability not smaller than a first predetermined value; and the ignition starting of the engine while increasing an engine speed by engaging a clutch to transmit torque of a drive wheel to a crankshaft when the crank angle is within a second area in which the ignition starting of the engine may be performed with probability not smaller than a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value and smaller than the first predetermined value, the instruction is output based on a signal indicating that a braking unit is turned on, and a gear of a transmission is not in neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koki Matsushita
  • Patent number: 9802615
    Abstract: Each of a first clutch and a second clutch is, for example, an electromagnetic clutch that is operated by an electromagnetic actuator, and is supplied with electric power from the same in-vehicle battery as a starter motor of an engine. An electronic control unit is configured to not change a drive mode during a stop of the engine, and, after a predetermined period has elapsed from a start of operation of the starter motor at a startup of the engine (for example, the startup has completed) and a battery voltage has been recovered, change the drive mode to any one of a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode with the first clutch and the second clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shunro Fukada
  • Patent number: 9718459
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Hidehiko Banshoya
  • Patent number: 9684037
    Abstract: Testing of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) is performed. In an active mode, the device provides or is connected with a programmable load capable of emulating the load of an electrical vehicle (EV). In passive mode, the load is an EV with the device being arranged in series between the EVCS and EV. In either case, energy delivery from the EVCS to the load is monitored by the device to determine energy measurement and billing accuracy of the EVCS. This enables a comparison to be made between a measured value of energy delivered and a metered value of energy delivered as given by the EVCS. Other measurements and safety tests may also be performed by the device. A programmable load controller is also provided for providing a variable effective load as seen by the EVCS based on one or more fixed loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Power Measrements, LLC
    Inventors: William H. Hardy, Johann Royce Moncal Uy, Marcial Tayactac Quintanilla, Jr., Filbert Bryant Aurillo Espinosa
  • Patent number: 9647590
    Abstract: A phase compensation apparatus in an inverter output voltage in a system is provided, whereby performance of an inverter can be enhanced by compensating a time delay of measured voltage of inverter output voltage detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seungcheol Choi, Anno Yoo
  • Patent number: 9581122
    Abstract: A stop control apparatus is applied to an internal combustion engine (11) whose crankshaft (11a) is connected to an input shaft (15) via a torsional damper (14), wherein the direction in which the crankshaft (11a) rotates while the operation of the internal combustion engine (11) is assumed to be the positively rotating direction, and a state of the torsional angle of the torsional damper (14) when the crankshaft (11a) is advancing in the positively rotating direction with respect to the input shaft (15) is assumed to be positive. When a predetermined engine stop condition is satisfied, a stop control for outputting torque from a first MG (12) such that the crankshaft (11a) decelerates is executed. The timing at which the torque is output from the first MG (12) is controlled such that the positive peak of the torsional angle of the torsional damper (14) occurs in the expansion stroke of the internal combustion engine (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuta Tsukada
  • Patent number: 9568561
    Abstract: Testing of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) is performed. In an active mode, the device provides or is connected with a programmable load capable of emulating the load of an electrical vehicle (EV). In passive mode, the load is an EV with the device being arranged in series between the EVCS and EV. In either case, energy delivery from the EVCS to the load is monitored by the device to determine energy measurement and billing accuracy of the EVCS. This enables a comparison to be made between a measured value of energy delivered and a metered value of energy delivered as given by the EVCS. Other measurements and safety tests may also be performed by the device. A programmable load controller is also provided for providing a variable effective load as seen by the EVCS based on one or more fixed loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Power Measurements, LLC
    Inventors: William H. Hardy, Johann Royce Moncal Uy, Marcial Tayactac Quintanilla, Jr., Filbert Bryant Aurillo Espinosa
  • Patent number: 9534544
    Abstract: A method and system for increasing regenerative energy available during deceleration by reducing engine pumping losses. The method includes a controller that reduces fuel delivery to the engine and closes an engine throttle during deceleration. The controller identifies the maximum kinetic energy available during deceleration and opens an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and engine throttle as necessary to reduce a vacuum in an engine intake manifold, thus minimizing engine pumping losses and increasing regenerative energy available during deceleration while ensuring that a catalyst temperature is above a catalyst temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignees: Denso International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhe Huang, Jonathan Logan, Nicholas Polcyn, Blaise Friery
  • Patent number: 9518638
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Jorg Muller, Rico Resch, Mirko Leesch
  • Patent number: 9512905
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Jorg Muller, Rico Resch, Mirko Leesch
  • Patent number: 9496804
    Abstract: Disclosed is an inverter-charger combined device for electric vehicles configured to drive a 3-phase motor by charging a high voltage battery in case of charging mode, and switching a power of the high voltage battery in case of operation mode, the device including a first power supply unit for supplying a power to drive a switching unit of the rectifier, and a second power supply unit for supplying a power to drive a switching unit of the inverter, where the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit are configured to independently supply a power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byung Woon Jang, Chun Suk Yang
  • Patent number: 9457684
    Abstract: A system includes a first battery configured to power at least one vehicle subsystem and a second battery configured to power an electric motor to propel a vehicle. A processing device is configured to detect an inadequate power level provided from the first battery to the at least one vehicle subsystem and selectively partition the second battery to power the at least one vehicle subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Jerome Charles Ivan, James Robert McBride, Wayne Williams, Paul Joseph Szuszman, Roger Arnold Trombley, Peter Worrel, Hai Yu
  • Patent number: 9415684
    Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle includes an engine, a transmission provided on a power transmission path between a main drive wheel and a subsidiary drive wheel, and a connection-disconnection mechanism provided on a power transmission path between the transmission and the subsidiary drive wheel to selectively connect and disconnect the power transmission path. A control device for the four-wheel drive vehicle includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to control a transmission torque of the transmission to be less than or equal to a predetermined value when a predetermined condition is satisfied during traveling, and to control the connection-disconnection mechanism so as to at least partially overlap a time during which the transmission torque of the transmission is controlled to be less than or equal to the predetermined value and a time during which the power transmission path is disconnected by the connection-disconnection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masayuki Arai
  • Patent number: 9199527
    Abstract: A drive train (1) of a purely electrically all-wheel drivable motor vehicle has a first axle (2) having a differential (23), a second axle (3) having a differential (26), and at least one electric machine (11, 32) for driving the two axles (2, 3). The at least one electric machine (11, 32) is arranged transversely to the direction of travel (4) of the motor vehicle and is connected to the first axle (2) of the drive train (1) via a spur gear (12). The first axle (2) and the second axle (3) each have a crown wheel (25). The crown wheels (25) are connected to each other via a shaft (27) that has pinions (28) at its respective ends, which engage into a respective crown wheel (25). The drive train allows retrofitting the drive train with simple construction, from an initial state with only one driven axle to all-wheel drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Daniel Knoblauch
  • Patent number: 9168836
    Abstract: A non-traction battery controller, and applications thereof. In an embodiment, the non-traction battery controller includes a main processor, a battery management module, a vehicle communication module, and a charge control module. During operation, when the vehicle communication module signals the processor that an engine of a vehicle is operating and the battery management module signals the processor that a connected battery has a value less than a first control value, a computer program code stored in a memory coupled to the processor causes the processor to signal the charge control module to charge the connected battery. When the vehicle communication module signals the processor that the vehicle engine is operating and the battery management module signals the processor that the connected battery has a value between first and second control value, the computer program code causes the processor to signal the charge control module to selectively charge the connected battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Powin Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Kyle David Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 9102314
    Abstract: The invention relates to an onboard network (1) for a vehicle (32), in particular a motor vehicle. The onboard network (1) comprises an electric machine (10) designed for operating in generator mode. The onboard network (1) further comprises a voltage transformer (12) that is at least indirectly connected to the electric machine (10) on the input side and a first energy accumulator (14) connected to the voltage transformer (12) on the output side, in particular an accumulator. The electric machine (10) is designed for the recuperation operation. The voltage transformer (12) is designed to detect or limit a charge state of the first energy accumulator (14) and to regulate the charge state of the first energy accumulator (14) such that the first energy accumulator (14) has a reserve capacity (15) during generator operation, preferably when driving the vehicle in an energy-consuming manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Mueller, Christian Prag
  • Patent number: 9050974
    Abstract: Provided are a drive system and a method for controlling the drive system which reduce a shock to a third shaft at the start of an internal combustion engine during EV driving. The drive system includes an engine, a first shaft connected to a crankshaft, a second shaft, a first clutch, a motor generator, a third shaft, a first transmission, a one-way clutch, and an ECU for controlling a gear ratio of the first transmission and the first clutch. The first transmission includes a rotating ring, a rocking portion, and a rotation radius variation mechanism. If an angular velocity of the rocking portion is higher than or equal to a rotational speed of the third shaft, the one-way clutch transmits a power in only one direction of the rocking portion to the third shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsunehiro Kobayashi, Mitsuhiro Iwadare, Satoshi Kodo
  • Patent number: 9017203
    Abstract: A gear-train for transferring torque from multiple power sources includes first, second, and third input members, and an output member. The first and second input members rotate about a first axis, the third input member rotates about a second axis, and the output member rotates about a third axis. The gear-train additionally includes a first gear-set connected to the first input member. The gear-train also includes a second gear-set connected to the second input member. The gear-train additionally includes an intermediate shaft that rotates about a fourth axis. Furthermore, the gear-train includes a third gear-set connected to the intermediate shaft. In the third gear-set, first member is connected to the intermediate shaft and to the third input member, second and third members are set coaxially relative to the intermediate shaft and configured for asynchronous rotation with each other, and the third member is also connected to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Shawn H. Swales, Norman Schoenek
  • Publication number: 20150107805
    Abstract: An electric vehicle powertrain according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a thermal barrier secured relative to an engine, a transaxle, or both to retain thermal energy generated during operation of an electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Quazi Hussain, William Samual Schwartz, Mark John Jennings, David Richens Brigham
  • Patent number: 8965613
    Abstract: A system includes a hybrid power train comprising an internal combustion engine and electrical system, which includes a first and second electrical torque provider, and an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to first and second electrical torque provider. The system further includes a controller structured to perform operations including determining a power surplus value of the electrical system; determining a machine power demand change value; in response to the power surplus value of the electrical system being greater than or equal to the machine power demand change value, operating an optimum cost controller to determine a power division for the engine, first electrical torque provider, and second electrical torque provider; and in response to the power surplus value of the electrical system being less than the machine power demand change value, operating a rule-based controller to determine the power division for the engine, first, and second electrical torque provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
  • Patent number: 8894527
    Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft receiving engine torque, a first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft, and including a first sun gear selectively connected to a transmission housing, a first ring gear, and a first planet carrier directly connected to the input shaft, a second planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft, and including a second sun gear, a second ring gear directly connected to the first ring gear and directly connected to an output gear, and a second planet carrier selectively connected to the first planet carrier and selectively connected to the transmission housing, a first motor/generator directly connected to the first sun gear, and a second motor/generator directly connected to the second sun gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Woulsun Choi, Jae Young Choi, Seok Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 8892315
    Abstract: A method for controlling a continuously variable ratio transmission is described. The method may include controlling a continuously variable ratio unit (“variator”) having rotary input and output members through which the variator is coupled between an engine and a driven component, the variator receiving a primary control signal and being constructed and arranged to exert upon its input and output members torques which correspond directly to the control signal. The method may also include determining a target engine acceleration, determining settings of the variator's primary control signal and of an engine torque control for providing the required engine acceleration and adjusting the control signal and/or the engine torque control based on these settings, predicting a consequent engine speed change, allowing for engine and/or transmission characteristics, and correcting the settings of the control signal and engine torque based on a comparison of actual and predicted engine speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Gibson Field, Stephen William Murray, Matthew Piers Burke
  • Publication number: 20140299395
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine and a first electric machine, to which a common input shaft of a transmission is assigned, for driving a first axle of the hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle also has a second electric machine for driving a second axle of the hybrid vehicle, and a traction battery is provided for the two electric machines. The electric machines have a total power greater than the power of the internal combustion engine. The method includes operating the first electric machine in a generator mode for charging the traction battery when the hybrid vehicle is driven exclusively by internal combustion engine. The method ensures, with a high level of electrification, a long electromotive travelling range of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Roth, Markus Goehring
  • Publication number: 20140299394
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle (1) has an internal combustion engine (2), an electric machine (3) and a transmission (4) for driving a rear axle (5) of the vehicle (1). The internal combustion engine (2) and the electric machine (3) are assigned a common input shaft (6) of the transmission (4). The internal combustion engine (2), the electric machine (3) and a traction battery (19) for the electric machine (3) or a tank for the internal combustion engine (2) are arranged in a rear region of the vehicle (1), transversely with respect to the direction of travel. The electric machine power is greater than the power of the internal combustion engine (2). A high level of electrification of the hybrid drive is possible with optimum utilization of space in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Goehring, Martin Roth, Werner Huefner
  • Patent number: 8845482
    Abstract: A hybrid power driving system is provided, comprising an engine; a first motor; a first reducing mechanism, a second clutch, a first wheels group, a second motor, a second wheels group, a second reducing mechanism, an energy storage device, a clutch, an engine controller, and a motor controller. The motor controller may be configured to: start or stop at least one of the first motor or the second motor; and control the clutch controller and the engine controller according to a running mode of the hybrid power driving system. A driving method for the driving system as described hereinabove is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen BYD Auto R&D Company Limited, BYD Company Limited
    Inventors: Xinxin Zhang, Yinmei Zhou, Song Li, Fei Luo
  • Publication number: 20140256505
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a hybrid vehicle drive system for a vehicle comprising a first prime mover, a first prime mover driven transmission, a rechargeable power source, and a PTO. The hybrid vehicle drive system further includes a hydraulic motor in direct or indirect mechanical communication with the PTO and an electric motor in direct or indirect mechanical communication with the hydraulic motor. The electric motor can provide power to the prime mover driven transmission and receive power from the prime mover driven transmission through the PTO. The hydraulic motor can provide power to the prime mover driven transmission and receive power from the prime mover driven transmission through the PTO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Dalum, Matthew J. Jarmuz, Daniel Francis Myers, Joseph Mario Ambrosio
  • Patent number: 8793045
    Abstract: A hybrid drive device includes a speed change mechanism, a motor drivingly coupled to an input shaft, and a clutch interposed between an engine and an input shaft. Upon engine start during engine traveling, the clutch is engaged, and rotation of the engine is increased. A control device of the hybrid drive device includes start upshift control means that, according to the engagement control of the clutch upon engine start, upshifts the speed change mechanism to output inertia torque. Thus, when the engine is started, output torque as the sum of driving torque of the motor and the inertia torque is output to the driving wheel, which reduces hesitation upon engine start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Ueda, Yoshinori Ono, Masaki Nomura, Wataru Shiraishi, Hiroaki Kioka
  • Publication number: 20140116793
    Abstract: The hybrid vehicle can have a heat engine driving a first pair of wheels and an electric motor on another pair of wheels. The electric motor is selected to have a greater power than the heat engine, such as corresponding to the maximum power requirement of the vehicle, whereas the heat engine can have a power corresponding to a cruise power requirement of the vehicle. A generator is coupled to the heat engine and can be designed to have a generator capacity corresponding to the power of the heat engine. The electric motor can be used for propulsion during city driving conditions, and the heat engine can be used for propulsion during long range highway conditions, for instance. The design can be considered a power split through the road approach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: PREVOST, UNE DIVISION DE GROUPE VOLVO CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Martin Pelletier, Alain Dulac, Christophe Lemarechal
  • 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.
  • 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: 8541972
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for suppressing a speed ripple occurring during an operation of an AC motor by using a torque compensator based on an activation function. The method includes the steps of calculating a speed error ?err based on a reference speed ?ref and an actual speed ?act; calculating a controller output Trm by using the speed error ?err as an input of a PI control and an operation of a compensated torque Tcom; and determining a torque variation based on the controller output Trm and a reference torque Tref and operating the torque variation in relation to an anti-windup gain Ka to use torque variation as an input of an integral (I) control. The method suppresses the speed ripple by compensating for the torque ripple through a controller which calculates the compensated torque by taking the signs of the speed error and the differential speed error into consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Kyungsung University Industry Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Dong Hee Lee, Jin Woo Ahn
  • Publication number: 20130206491
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a highly aerodynamic body for two passengers side by side with two non-steering front wheels spaced apart across the body and covered by exterior panes and a single rear steering ground wheel The bottom panel is planar and the rear wheel is carried in a disk in the plane which rotates to steer with a self centering cam. A hybrid drive system includes batteries and ultra-capacitors charged by regeneration operated by a separate foot pedal. The body includes a full width door that hinges at the front 45 and opens to near vertical to allow the passengers to step over the frame onto the floor in front of the seat with the steering wheel and pedals moved away. Wiring is contained in flat compartments in the interior walls. The batteries are contained in a temperature controlled container located at the front which also acts as a crush zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: KOR ECOLOGOIC INC.
    Inventors: James Kor, Bruce Sewart, Jim Shewchuk, Ken Butt, John Vukelic, Blaine McFarlane, Terry Halajko, David Berhardt, Jack Slivinski, Jim Dunn
  • Patent number: 8494732
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission is operative to transfer power between an input member and a torque machine and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system during a braking event includes evaluating candidate input torques. An output torque reactable through the transmission to the driveline and limited within the range of permissible output torques is determined for the candidate engine input torque. A preferred input torque is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 8480522
    Abstract: A power plant which is capable of enhancing the driving efficiency and the power-generating efficiency thereof. A rotating machine includes a first rotor having a magnetic pole row that has each two adjacent magnetic poles, a stator having an armature row that is disposed in a manner opposed to the magnetic pole row, for generating a rotating magnetic field between the armature row and the magnetic pole row by a predetermined plurality of armature magnetic poles, and a second rotor having a soft magnetic material element row that is formed by a plurality of soft magnetic material elements arranged in a manner spaced from each other. The ratio between the number of the armature magnetic poles, the number of the magnetic poles, and the number of the soft magnetic material elements is set to 1:m:(1+m)/2 (m?1.0).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Akutsu, Noriyuki Abe, Satoyoshi Oya, Kota Kasaoka
  • Patent number: 8424622
    Abstract: A hybrid drive unit includes a power distribution mechanism for distributing a power from an engine to a first electric motor and to an output shaft; a transmission, which is arranged between the output shaft and a second electric motor in a manner to transmit a torque therebetween, and which is capable of setting an overdrive ratio where a speed of the output shaft is higher than that of a predetermined input element; and an engagement mechanism for connecting the engine selectively with the input element of the transmission, and for setting a speed change ratio of the transmission to the overdrive ratio. The hybrid drive unit is capable of setting an overdrive mode and is easy to be downsized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Hideaki Komada, Yoshihiro Iijima
  • Patent number: 8414437
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission is provided that is configured to shift between the hybrid series operating mode and the compound-split operating mode synchronously, without slipping any torque-transmitting mechanisms. The transmission includes an input member operatively connected with the engine, an output member, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. A gearing arrangement and first and second motor/generators operatively connected with the gearing arrangement are also provided. A first of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is engaged to establish a hybrid series operating mode between the input member and the output member, and a second of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is engaged to establish a compound-split operating mode between the input member and the output member. The shift between the hybrid series operating mode and the compound-split operating mode is synchronous without slipping the torque-transmitting mechanisms and occurs while the engine is on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20130073135
    Abstract: It is known to charge the battery in a hybrid vehicle with a generator such that the efficiency (electric power per fuel quantity) is maximal. It is known that the consumption-optimized mode can be terminated in order to charge the battery faster. A mathematical calculation rule is applied to the optimal value of the efficiency in order to determine a value for an efficiency which then indicates a load point shift for the internal combustion engine. In particular, constant percentages can be used which are applied to the inverse efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Boris Blasinski, Rene Kasteneder
  • Publication number: 20130047753
    Abstract: A tractor (100) comprises an internal combustion engine (107) for delivering torque, wheels (10-104) or tracks for imparting a propulsive force to the ground, and a power takeoff shaft (110) for delivering torque to implements attached thereto. The power takeoff shaft is driven by a mechanical drive connection to the engine. An electrical motor/generator (115) is drivingly connected to the engine, and at least one electrical motor (121-124) is arranged to deliver a propulsion force to the wheels or tracks. The motor is electrically connected to, and powered by, the electrical motor/generator. A battery (120) is connected to the electrical motor/generator and to the electrical motor so that electrical energy can be passed therebetween. The motor/generator can also operate as a motor so that the power takeoff shaft is at least partially powered by electrical energy from the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: AGCO SA
    Inventors: Geoffroy Husson, Malcolm Shute, Gabriel Menier
  • Patent number: 8378617
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the current of a high-speed Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) using an inverter circuit including a first switching element, a second switching element, a first diode, a second diode and a reactor, wherein the first switching element and the first diode, the second diode and the second switching element are connected to a bridge circuit, and one end of the reactor is connected to the junction of the first switching element and the first diode, and the remaining end of the reactor is connected to the junction of the second diode and the second switching element; and excitation mode, free-wheeling mode-1, the excitation mode, and free-wheeling mode-2 are sequentially performed in a unit period T, and, when the control is terminated, demagnetization is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kyungsung University Office of Industry-Academy Cooperation
    Inventors: Jin-Woo Ahn, Dong-Hee Lee