Switching Type (ipc) Patents (Class 180/65.23)
  • Patent number: 9776628
    Abstract: A method of automatically starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle includes defining a rotational engine speed profile to represent a desired engine speed during a starting event with a hybrid system controller, and communicating the rotational engine speed profile to an engine controller. The internal combustion engine is rotated with an electric propulsion motor of the hybrid vehicle. A spark correction offset is calculated with the engine controller based on the rotational engine speed profile. The internal combustion engine is fired with the calculated spark correction offset for a pre-determined number of firing events, with the engine controller, as the rotational speed of the engine increases. The rotational speed of the internal combustion engine is controlled with the hybrid system controller after the pre-determined number of firing events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: R. Anthony Hansen
  • Patent number: 9772028
    Abstract: An electric motor damping module includes an electric motor, a motor damper continuously interconnected with the electric motor, and an input member continuously interconnected with the motor damper. A transmission includes these elements, plus an output member, first, second, and third planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, a first interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the first planetary gear set with the second member of the second planetary gear set, a second interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the second member of the first planetary gear set and the output member with the third member of the third planetary gear set, and a third interconnecting member continuously interconnecting the third member of the second planetary gear set with the second member of the third planetary gear set. The transmission also includes six torque transmitting mechanisms and a hydraulic pump. A sealing assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Norman Schoenek, Shawn H. Swales, Min-Joong Kim, Leonid Basin
  • Patent number: 9724992
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a first rotating electrical machine, a second rotating electrical machine, a clutch, an electrical storage device, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to control the first rotating electrical machine, the second rotating electrical machine, the clutch, and the internal combustion engine, such that the hybrid vehicle runs while making a changeover among a plurality of running modes. The plurality of the running modes includes series hybrid running and parallel hybrid running. The electronic control unit is configured to set a range of state of charge of the electrical storage device such that the range of state of charge that is set during the parallel hybrid running includes a region of state of charge that is higher than the range of state of charge that is set during the series hybrid running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kuniaki Niimi
  • Patent number: 9707968
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is a method of controlling a vehicle system including an engine, a transmission, and a control system in operative communication with and structured to control operation of the engine and the transmission. The method determines an operating point of the engine including an engine torque and an engine speed and evaluates a relationship between the operating point and a soft limit on engine torque. The method modifies the soft limit to permit operation outside a boundary of the un-modified soft limit. Modification of the soft limit is constrained by a non-adjustable limit. The operating point of the engine is adjusted to increase engine torque above the boundary of the un-modified soft limit. The method may mitigate a vehicle speed lug event and/or avoid a transmission shift event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: John Carson Wall, Vivek Anand Sujan
  • Patent number: 9702330
    Abstract: A vehicle including a combustion engine, a belt alternator starter, and a decouplable accessory power take-off for auxiliary units, wherein the accessory power take-off includes, as auxiliary units, at least an air-conditioning compressor and an electric motor as belt alternator starter that is usable as a motor and as a generator, wherein a coupling and a decoupling of the accessory power take-off occurs by means of a form-fitting clutch, and wherein at a standstill of the combustion engine during a short stop phase, a stationary air-conditioning operation occurs by means of a reverse rotation of the auxiliary units, and wherein a starting of the combustion engine after the short stop phase occurs by means of a reversal of the direction of rotation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Winkler, Mathias Goeckler, Juergen Kroll
  • Patent number: 9701303
    Abstract: A method and a system for shifting a gear of a hybrid electric vehicle are provided. The method includes following steps. A state of a battery is determined according to a remaining capacity of the battery, a required torque and a state of the hybrid electric vehicle, in which the state of the battery comprises a discharging state or a charging state. A plurality of optional target gears, a torque and a rotating speed of an engine corresponding to each optional target gear are determined according to the state of the battery and a speed of the hybrid electric vehicle. An optional target gear with a minimum fuel consumption of the engine is selected as a target gear from the plurality of optional target gears. It is determined whether to perform a gear shift by comparing with a current gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: BEIQI FOTON MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Weibin Yang
  • Patent number: 9688263
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and a traction motor coupled to the engine by a coupling device or a clutch for providing torque to wheels of the vehicle. An inverter is electrically connected to the traction motor. A second coupling device or at least one clutch at least indirectly selectively couples the motor to the drive wheels. A controller controls the second coupling device based upon a temperature of at least one of the traction motor and the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Marvin Paul Kraska, Francis Thomas Connolly
  • Patent number: 9643595
    Abstract: An output shaft is arranged to be lateral and parallel to engine input shafts and a motor input shaft. An engine side gear mechanism for transmitting a power of the engine input shafts to the output shaft is provided. A motor side gear mechanism for transmitting a power of the motor input shaft to the output shaft is provided. An input side clutch engages and disengages the engine input shafts and the motor input shaft. When the input side clutch is engaged, the power transmission between a position where the engine side gear mechanism is arranged on the engine input shafts and a position where the motor side gear mechanism is arranged on the motor input shaft is invariably possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomonori Imamura, Shinichirou Koshimoto, Hiroshi Okada, Tomohiro Saito
  • Patent number: 9616769
    Abstract: A torque control apparatus and method for a drive motor is provided. The torque control method includes determining whether an input request torque is a rising torque or a falling torque. In addition, a controller is configured to select one of a rising rate map and a falling rate map based on a result of the judgment on the input request torque. Further, the controller is configured to adjust a rising rate of the rising torque using the rising rate map or a falling rate of the falling torque using the falling rate map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jae Won Jung, Kyu Il Lee, Sung Gone Yoon
  • Patent number: 9600611
    Abstract: A motor selection device includes a computer including a storage device and a calculation device. The storage device stores data of acceleration time, constant speed time, deceleration time, stop time, maximum output torque for each motor, dynamic friction torque, and constant load torque. To select selectable motors and to suggest an optimal operation pattern among motor operation patterns, the calculation device includes a central processing unit (CPU) and performs effective torque calculation by calculating torque in the acceleration time, in the constant speed time, in the deceleration time, and in the stop time based on data stored in the storing unit, and calculating the effective torque by giving a first torque, a second torque, a third torque, a fourth torque, the acceleration time, the constant speed time, the deceleration time, and the stop time to a predetermined formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Shota Miura
  • Patent number: 9568082
    Abstract: A power transmission system for a vehicle and a vehicle including the same are provided. The power transmission system includes an engine unit configured to generate power, input shafts to receive power from the engine unit, an output shaft configured to transfer the power from the input shafts, linked gears rotatable differentially relative to the output shaft and configured to mesh with driving gears on the input shafts, an output unit fixed on the output shaft and configured to transmit the power to the front wheels of the vehicle, a synchronizer disposed on the output shaft and configured to selectively engage with the linked gears, a first motor configurable to perform either direct or indirect power transmission with at least one of the input shafts and the output shaft, and one or more second motor generators configured to drive the rear wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Dongsheng Yang, Yubo Lian, Jintao Zhang, Hongbin Luo
  • Patent number: 9545916
    Abstract: When all conditions for increasing a regeneration amount are established, and when a motor temperature Tmg is lower than a predetermined temperature, and a rotation speed Nm1 of a motor MG1 is lower than a predetermined rotation speed, a motor requirement upper limit value VHlimmg is set by imposing a limit for reducing a drive voltage system voltage VH (S130). In so doing, the regeneration amount can be increased by suppressing heat generation by a diode of a lower arm of a step-up converter. When, on the other hand, the motor temperature Tmg equals or exceeds the predetermined temperature or the rotation speed Nm1 of the motor MG1 equals or exceeds the predetermined rotation speed, the motor requirement upper limit value VHlimmg is set by relaxing or canceling the limit for reducing the drive voltage system voltage VH (S130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kamatani, Takaya Soma, Takao Itoh, Etsushi Taguchi
  • Patent number: 9533676
    Abstract: An electronic control unit included in a control system is configured to execute a change of a combustion mode in an inertia-phase period during a gear shift operation, or after the gear shift operation is completed, when a request for the change of the combustion mode and a request for a gear shift of the transmission mechanism overlap. The electronic control unit is configured to execute the change of the combustion mode in the inertia-phase period during the gear shift operation when conditions i) and ii) are established, and execute the change of the combustion mode after the gear shift operation is completed when conditions i) and iii) are established. The aforementioned conditions include: i) the change of the combustion mode is accompanied by an increase in engine power; ii) the power running mode is executed during the gear shift operation; and iii) the regeneration mode is executed during the gear shift operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Gohki Kinoshita, Yoshihito Kanno, Hiroki Morita, Daisuke Izuoka
  • Patent number: 9511761
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor, and a belt stepless speed changer device having a driving rotary body, a driven rotary body, a first shaft member supporting the driving rotary body with allowing rotation thereof in unison, a second shaft member supporting the driven rotary body with allowing rotation thereof in unison, and an endless belt wound around the driving rotary body and the driven rotary body. The vehicle further includes a transmission case configured to receive the powers from the engine and the motor via the belt stepless speed changer device and a centrifugal clutch incorporated in a power transmission line extending form the engine to the first shaft member. The motor is disposed on the side opposite the engine across the driving rotary body, and the driving power of the motor is inputted to the first shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Sumio Yagyu, Go Takaki, Shinichi Kawabata, Shigeki Hayashi, Shohei Nakai, Hiroki Bessho
  • Patent number: 9515597
    Abstract: An electric machine has a primary mechanical output or input, a plurality of electric sub-machine rotors each having an output or input shaft, a plurality of electric sub-machine stator magnets proximate the rotors, a drive train connecting each of the output or input shafts of the plurality of electric sub-machine rotors to simultaneously drive, or be driven by, the primary output shaft. Each sub-machine is selectively engaged or disengage depending on machine power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: RIFT TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: James O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9470302
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to piece-part, sub-assembly, assembly, and component levels of a differential composed of a sun gear configuration and utilized in an integrated drive generator. An integrated drive generator is a hydro-mechanical transmission that drives a synchronous salient pole generator. The integrated drive generator is a constant speed output, variable speed input transmission that includes the differential and a hydraulic unit. In general, the integrated drive generator utilizes the variable speed input from an accessory gear box of an engine to drive or control a hydraulic unit, which in turn drives or controls a churn leg member of the differential. As the differential is driven, speeds of each speed member of the differential are then summed to generate the constant speed output to drive the synchronous salient pole generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr., Aaron M. Finke, Doren C. Smith, Andrew P. Grosskopf, David S. Behling
  • Patent number: 9421856
    Abstract: Powertrain configurations for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: EFFICIENT DRIVETRAINS INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Joerg Ferchau, Leonhard Fahreddin, Julio Razo, Krishna Kumar, Anthony Serra
  • Patent number: 9421967
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle is configured to enter a driving mode in which a preset engine-start condition is met, and is configured to enter electric vehicle mode when a preset engine-stop condition is met, and includes an engine-start-condition-controlling device which, during travel in the electric vehicle mode, in the event that an electric vehicle travel zone expansion condition that has been set on the basis of vehicle speed VSP and torque demand information reflective of demand by the driver, and that expands the travel zone in the electric vehicle mode, is met, changes the engine-start condition from a baseline start condition, to an expansion engine-start condition for expanding the travel zone in the electric vehicle mode, doing so for the duration of a prescribed time thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Munetoshi Ueno
  • Patent number: 9409485
    Abstract: An apparatus for alleviating a voltage drop of a battery cell includes a battery having a plurality of battery cells, a sensor configured to sense the battery to generate sensing information, a calculator configured to calculate an allowable torque of a motor using the sensing information and calculate an expected voltage of the battery using the allowable torque and the sensing information, and a determinator configured to control a torque quantity of the motor using the expected voltage and a reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hee-Jin Lee, Jin-Cheol Shin, Yong-Chan Kim
  • Patent number: 9409565
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for a hybrid electric vehicle having an engine (121) and first (123C) and second (123B) electric machines operable as propulsion motors. The second electric machine is arranged to be drivably coupled to the engine, the engine being arranged to be drivably coupled to a driveline of the vehicle by clutch means (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Baptiste Bureau, Clement Dextreit, David McGeoch
  • Patent number: 9387755
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling charging of a hybrid vehicle are provided. The method includes generating a request to charge a battery by driving a hybrid starter generator (HSG) with power of an engine in an electric vehicle (EV) mode of the hybrid vehicle. In addition, the method includes decreasing torque of the engine to HSG charging engine torque, maintaining the torque of the engine at the HSG charging engine torque, and shifting torque of the HSG into charging-target HSG torque. A pressure of a clutch disposed between the engine and a driving motor of the vehicle is released to interrupt transference of power from the engine to the driving motor. The battery is then charged with power output from the HSG while the HSG is rotating by driving power output from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang-Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 9390062
    Abstract: A system includes a computing device for receiving information representative of activities of an operating first vehicle that includes a propulsion system. The computing device is configured to produce one or more control parameters from the received information in combination with information received from other vehicles, and, provide the one or more control parameters to control operations of a second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: XL Hybrids
    Inventors: Justin Ashton, Neal Ennis Brenner
  • Patent number: 9376005
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Roth, Markus Goehring
  • Patent number: 9368269
    Abstract: A hybrid battery charger is disclosed that includes a linear battery charging circuit for providing vehicle starting current and battery charging and a high frequency battery charging circuit that provides battery charging current. The linear battery charging circuit and the high frequency battery charging circuits are selectively enabled to provide vehicle starting current, maximum charging current and optimum efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Schumacher Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Xiao Ping Chen, Matthew Heins, Shenzhong Zhu
  • Patent number: 9346463
    Abstract: During engine startup and engagement of a transmission clutch in response to an EV?HEV mode-switch demand, the transmission clutch is engaged, which precedes initiation of self-sustaining running by the engine. During the clutch engagement, high engine torque is not input to the transmission clutch, and no large torque differential arises in relation to the torque at the output side of the transmission clutch, which during EV operation is a low value about equal to the low motor torque of an electric motor. Additionally, due to cranking during engine startup, the input/output rotation difference of the transmission clutch is small, and when the transmission clutch is engaged, engagement of the transmission clutch may be carried out with reduced shock, as the input/output torque differential and the input/output rotation difference are small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Koike, Kengo Kubo, Yoshiaki Kato
  • Patent number: 9346461
    Abstract: A switching vehicle speed determination section (21) judges a traveling mode requested by a driver on the basis of switch position information of a traveling mode switch operated by the driver and determines a switching vehicle speed for switching a hybrid type from a series mode to a parallel mode. A series/parallel modes switching determination section (22) determines switching between the series mode and the parallel mode on the basis of the switching vehicle speed set for the traveling mode determined by the switching vehicle speed determination section (21) and a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor. A clutch control section (23) controls engagement/disengagement of a clutch on the basis of a determination result of the series/parallel modes switching determination section (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Jun Saito
  • Patent number: 9254833
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for charging a battery of a hybrid electric vehicle driven with power of an engine and/or a motor, the method including detecting an accelerator pedal position by an accelerator position detector, detecting a brake pedal position by a brake position detector, determining, by a controller, when the vehicle is coasting based on manipulation of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal; determining when a state of charge of the battery is a charged state having a value equal to or smaller than a set value; and maintaining the engine in a driving state and rotating the driving motor with engine power to charge the battery with generated power of the driving motor when the state of charge of the battery is the charged state having the value equal to or smaller than the set value and the hybrid electric vehicle is coasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dongjun Shin, Gum Jin Park, Yong Kak Choi
  • Patent number: 9242644
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle illustrated as a representative example of an electrically-powered vehicle includes a chargeable/dischargeable power storage device, a motor configured to generate a vehicle drive force by receiving supply of power from the power storage device, an internal combustion engine as a drive force source, and a generator configured to generate charging power for the power storage device by power generation using an output of the internal combustion engine. If the generator cannot be operated normally, the control unit causes the electrically-powered vehicle to perform limp-home mode traveling by traveling using only the motor. During the limp-home mode traveling, the control device calculates a remaining travelable distance in the limp-home mode traveling, based on at least a remaining capacity of the power storage device and a vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiko Hirasawa, Keiji Kaita
  • Patent number: 9246419
    Abstract: A method for controlling a motor to enable drive assist of an engine with a high torque in a low rotation speed range as well as synchronized driving in a high rotation speed range. The method includes controlling a motor connected to a low voltage battery. The motor has a reluctance torque higher than a magnetic torque at a time of a highest torque generation. The motor includes a rotor connected to an output shaft of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinari Murayama, Futoshi Yamane
  • Patent number: 9221460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, having an internal combustion engine, having an electric machine, having a transmission unit, in particular a manual transmission, and having a clutch unit. The clutch unit comprises a first clutch actuable by a driver of the motor vehicle and a second clutch automatically actuable by a control unit. The electric machine can be coupled in terms of drive to the transmission unit by means of the first clutch and the internal combustion engine can be coupled in terms of drive to the electric machine by means of the second clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Pawertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Markus Bichler, Werner Eisenhauer, Konrad Gagla
  • Patent number: 9199637
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a first axle, a second axle, an engine having a crankshaft, a transmission having an input member that is operatively connected to the crankshaft and an output member that is operatively connected to the first axle, a first motor having a first rotor operatively connected to the crankshaft, a second motor having a second rotor that is operatively connected to the second axle, and a controller being operatively connected to the engine, the first motor, and the second motor. The controller is configured to selectively cause the engine to enter a deceleration fuel cut off mode, cause the transmission input torque to increase to zero, cause the torque of the second motor to decrease as the transmission input torque increases such that the sum of the first axle torque and the second axle torque remains substantially constant as the transmission input torque increases to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Min-Joong Kim, Lan Wang, Todd Thor
  • Patent number: 9156468
    Abstract: Provided is a control device for a hybrid vehicle capable of attaining an assist torque generated by a clutch mechanism at an appropriate timing, upon starting the engine. Since an electronic control device outputs an engagement command for engaging a clutch (clutch mechanism) at a time preceding an (ignition) start command time for igniting an engine by a preceding-sending time, the clutch becomes engaged when the engine speed starts to increase, and the assist torque generated by the clutch mechanism can thus be obtained at an appropriate timing. Because the engine speed that was once increased upon starting the engine is not decreased, the energy that was consumed for starting the engine can be effectively used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Susumu Kojima, Naoki Nakanishi, Akihiro Sato
  • Patent number: 9126576
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The clutch arrangement has a first clutch, a second clutch, and a hydraulic actuator arrangement. The actuator arrangement has a first hydraulic cylinder for actuating the first clutch and a second hydraulic cylinder for actuating the second clutch. The actuator arrangement has an actuator pump which is driven by means of an electric motor and which can be operated in two directions of rotation. The actuator pump has a first port, which is connected to the first hydraulic cylinder, and a second port, which is connected to the second hydraulic cylinder. The actuator arrangement actuates the first or the second clutch depending on the direction of rotation of the actuator pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe—und Zahnradfabrik Harmann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Günter Rühle, Mark Schweiher
  • Patent number: 9102318
    Abstract: A method for a hybrid vehicle includes outputting from an engine at least an elevated engine power while a driver demand power is greater than the elevated engine power. The method further includes outputting just the elevated engine power from the engine while the driver demand power is less than the elevated engine power and transferring from the engine to a traction battery an extra engine power between the elevated engine power and the driver demand power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hai Yu, Ming Lang Kuang, Ryan Abraham McGee
  • Patent number: 9067587
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a powertrain in a hybrid vehicle having an engine and a traction motor include commanding the engine to provide an engine torque corresponding with a desired performance characteristic at a current engine speed. The method additionally includes commanding the motor to provide a motor torque to compensate a difference between an operator torque request and the engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Wei Liang, Christopher Alan Lear, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Xiaoyong Wang, Ming Lang Kuang, Ryan Abraham McGee
  • Publication number: 20150148172
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission providing multiple modes of operation in a compact arrangement is provided and includes first and second planetary gear sets and first and second electric machines. An electric machine shaft directly couples the first planetary gear set to the second planetary gear set and the second electric machine to the second planetary gear set. The second electric machine is selectively directly coupled to an output shaft via a first clutch mechanism, and indirectly coupled to the output shaft via the second planetary gear set and a drive shaft, which extends parallel to the electric machine shaft and external to the second electric machine. A second clutch mechanism selectively couples the first electric machine to a carrier of the second planetary gear set and a third clutch mechanism selectively couples a ring gear of the second planetary gear set to a hybrid drive unit housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Scott A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20150148171
    Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input device including a first input shaft receiving torque of the engine and a second input shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first input shaft, a planetary gear set including a first rotation element directly connected to the second input shaft, a second rotation element directly connected to the first input shaft, and a third rotation element, a supplemental input device including a first intermediate shaft and a second intermediate shaft, a friction member selectively connecting the first intermediate shaft to a transmission housing, an output device operably connected to the input device and the supplemental input device and outputting torque transmitted from the input device or the supplemental input device, and a final reduction device decelerating torque transmitted from the output device and outputting the decelerated torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Baekyu KIM, Chulmin AHN, Seok Joon KIM, SungGon BYUN
  • Patent number: 9027679
    Abstract: A series-parallel coupling control method and system for a hybrid driver are suitable for a hybrid power vehicle. The hybrid driver is used to produce a driving force to drive a load. The hybrid driver includes a first power generation unit, a second power generation unit, and a main controller. The main controller selectively controls the system to drive the load in a series power coupling mode or a parallel power coupling mode. The main controller switches between the series coupling mode and the parallel coupling mode by using rotation speed compensation or torque/power compensation. Therefore, the driven load will not suffer from sudden thrust or jerk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yi-Hsuan Hung, Chien-Hsun Wu, Bing-Ren Chen, E-In Wu
  • Publication number: 20150120103
    Abstract: A drive and control system is provided for a towing vehicle pulling a towed implement, such as a tractor pulling a scraper. The drive system includes an engine which drives a generator for generating electric power. A towing vehicle electric drive motor is connected to driven wheels of the towing vehicle through a transmission. An assist or implement electric drive motor is drivingly connected to driven wheels of the implement. A power distribution unit controls distribution of electric power from the generator to the towing vehicle and implement drive motors. A control unit controls the power distribution unit as a function of an operator set power split, an operator set maximum wheel slip, sensed wheel slip and other sensed parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: GARY S. KEYS, II, Christopher D. TURNER, Joe L. SCHUTTE
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9020677
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle including a second clutch capable of switching between input and output shafts connecting state in which a motor-generation is connected. The control apparatus drives the wheels by the motor-generation so a torque transmitted to the wheels does not fluctuate in case the gear shift is executed to the transmission when is in the output shaft connecting state of the second clutch, and synchronizes the input and output shafts at the gear shift by the motor-generation in case the gear shift is executed to the transmission when the second clutch state is in the input shaft connecting state. The second clutch state is switched to the output shaft connecting state when a drive power to the vehicle is equal or less than a value. The second clutch state is switched to the input shaft connecting state when the drive power is greater than the value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaaki Tanaka, Shinya Harada, Hiroshi Toyoda
  • Patent number: 9002551
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a combustion engine, an electric motor, and a drive train that is optionally connectible to the electric motor or the combustion engine. An operating mode of the hybrid vehicle is determined automatically as a function of a setpoint torque and an operating state of the hybrid vehicle, the operating mode specifying whether the combustion engine, the electric motor, or the combustion engine and the electric motor is/are used as the drive mechanism of the hybrid vehicle. The operating mode is determined at least such that an efficiency of the drive train including the drive mechanism selected in accordance with the determined operating mode is at a maximum. Depending on the determined operating mode, the combustion engine and/or the electric motor is/are coupled automatically to the drive train for operating the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Benjamin Krafzig, Norbert Weiβ, Vasoontara Thiamtong, Kai Philipp
  • Publication number: 20150087458
    Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, first and second electric motors and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The hybrid vehicle is selectively placed in a plurality of drive modes according to respective combinations of engaged and released states of the clutch and the brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Harada, Masato Terashima, Koji Hayashi, Tomohito Ono, Hiroyuki Ishii
  • Publication number: 20150087457
    Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, first and second electric motors and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The hybrid vehicle is selectively placed in a plurality of drive modes according to respective combinations of engaged and released states of the clutch and the brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Hayashi, Masato Terashima, Hiroyasu Harada, Tomohito Ono, Hiroyuki Ishii
  • Publication number: 20150075324
    Abstract: A hybrid drive of a motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission. The transmission is a multi-stage shifting transmission including two subtransmissions, each of which has a separate input shaft and a common output shaft. The first input shaft of a first subtransmission can be coupled to the internal combustion engine via a friction-locking clutch in such a way that when the clutch is engaged the internal combustion engine is coupled to the first input shaft and thus to the first subtransmission, and when the clutch is disengaged the internal combustion engine is decoupled from the first input shaft and thus decoupled from the first subtransmission. A second input shaft of a second subtransmission is rigidly coupled to the electric machine, and both input shafts can be coupled selectively to the common output shaft via form-locking shift elements of the subtransmissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Uwe Griesmeier
  • 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: 8948943
    Abstract: A drive control system in a series-hybrid utility vehicle comprises a motor for driving a wheel; a battery; an engine electric generator for generating the electric power charged into the battery; and a controller configured to estimate an SOC value of the battery, and control the motor and the engine electric generator in accordance with an HV mode or an EV mode; wherein when the estimated SOC value is less than a predetermined low threshold, the controller stops electric power supply from the battery to the motor; and when the estimated SOC value is less than a predetermined medium threshold greater than the predetermined low threshold, the controller sets the HV mode, and controls the motor and the engine electric generator such that a driving power of the motor is suppressed in a state where the motor is supplied with the electric power from the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Izumi Takagi
  • Publication number: 20150014072
    Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, first and second electric motors and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20150008057
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering power to a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes an apparatus for delivering power to a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle including a powertrain having a power take-off coupling, the powertrain including an engine and a transmission. The apparatus includes an electric motor operable to generate a torque, the motor being coupled to transmit a starting torque through the power take-off of the powertrain for starting the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Mong Ling Lo, Jacek Gromadzki, Nicolas Louis Bouchon, Martin Alexander Strange, Victor Woo
  • Patent number: RE46017
    Abstract: A split serial-parallel hybrid dual-power drive system, comprised of two or more than two separation drive systems allowing independent operation to respectively drive the load, or all loads driven individually are incorporated in a common frame to drive land, surface, underwater transportation means or aircraft, industrial machines and equipment or any other load drive by rotational kinetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang