Parallel (ipc) Patents (Class 180/65.25)
  • Patent number: 10948054
    Abstract: A combination starter-generator device is provided for a work vehicle having an engine. The starter-generator device includes an electric machine and a gear set configured to receive rotational input from the electric machine and engine. The gear set is configured to operate in one of at least a first, second, or third gear ratio in a first power flow direction and at least a fourth gear ratio in a second power flow direction. The starter-generator device further includes at least one clutch selectively coupled to the gear set to effect the gear ratios and an actuation assembly including at least one electromechanical solenoid device configured to selectively shift the at least one clutch from a disengaged position in which the at least one clutch is decoupled from the gear set into an engaged position in which the at least one clutch is coupled to the gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Lisa R. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 10946854
    Abstract: A control device of a hybrid vehicle includes a power consumption calculating part configured to calculate power able to be consumed in the electric heating type catalyst, and a power supply control part configured to select a route for supplying the regenerative power to the electric heating type catalyst and supply the regenerative power to the electric heating type catalyst. The power supply control part is configured to supply the regenerative power to the electric heating type catalyst without going through the battery if the power able to be consumed in the electric heating type catalyst is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and supply the regenerative power to the electric heating type catalyst through the battery if the power able to be consumed in the electric heating type catalyst is less than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hidekazu Nawata
  • Patent number: 10926622
    Abstract: A drive module for a motor vehicle includes a housing, an electric machine, a rotor carrier, and an angular position sensor. The electric machine is for generating a drive torque and includes a rotor. The rotor carrier is connected substantially rotationally fixed to the rotor and mounted such that it can be rotated at least radially. The angular position sensor is for measuring an angular position of the rotor carrier. The angular position sensor is arranged such that the angular position of the rotor carrier or a first component substantially rotationally fixed to the rotor carrier can be detected by the angular position sensor in relation to a second component fixed to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dirk Reimnitz
  • Patent number: 10919530
    Abstract: A method for decelerating a vehicle includes actuating an electric brake motor of an electromechanical braking mechanism in an event of a failure of a hydraulic vehicle brake to produce a braking force in an event of a failure of the hydraulic vehicle brake. The method further includes producing a decelerating torque in the drive train of the vehicle in the event of the failure of the hydraulic vehicle brake. The vehicle includes a brake system. The brake system has the hydraulic vehicle brake and the electromechanical braking mechanism with the electric brake motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Edith Mannherz, Tobias Putzer
  • Patent number: 10914349
    Abstract: A power unit of a utility vehicle includes a power source for travel of the utility vehicle, a continuously variable transmission, a gear transmission, and an output mechanism. The gear transmission includes a GT input shaft, a GT output shaft, and first and second GT intermediate shafts that transmit rotational power from the GT input shaft to the GT output shaft. The first GT intermediate shaft is disposed on one side with respect to the GT input shaft, and the second GT intermediate shaft is disposed on the other side with respect to the GT input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shouji Ozawa, Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Patent number: 10875521
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain or driveline that includes an engine and an integrated starter/generator are described. In one example, engine power is adjusted based on a time averaged transmission input shaft power so that the engine may operate in a power region where its performance is enhanced to support operation in an off-road environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Lars Niklas Pettersson
  • Patent number: 10843672
    Abstract: A power split hybrid powertrain includes an electrically actuated brake that selectively engages a ring gear attached to a flywheel. The ring gear may be, for example, a starter ring gear. Engagement of the brake while the engine is stopped permits use of both electric machines to provide torque to vehicle wheels, thereby increasing the electric torque capacity of the powertrain. The brake is mounted for movement relative to the ring gear, and a mechanical linkage is attached to the brake. In the event of a malfunction of the brake that prevents normal operation of the powertrain, the linkage is manually actuatable by a vehicle operator to move the brake to an override position wherein it cannot engage the ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Kucab
  • Patent number: 10836375
    Abstract: Powertrain configurations for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are disclosed. One powertrain comprises: a prime mover; an electric motor-generator, said electric motor-generator mechanically coupled to said prime mover via a first clutch; a transmission, said transmission mechanically coupled to said electric motor-generator via a second clutch; a battery, said battery electrically coupled to said electric motor-generator, said battery capable of supplying electrical energy to said electric motor-generator; and a controller, said controller capable of supplying control signals to said prime mover, said first clutch, said electric motor-generator, said second clutch and said transmission such that said controller is capable of dynamically affecting a plurality of operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: CUMMINS ELECTRIFIED POWER NA INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Kaufman, Chan-Chiao Lin, Andrew Frank
  • Patent number: 10837371
    Abstract: A vehicle power supply apparatus includes a generator, an electrical energy accumulator, a throttle valve, a power generation controller, a throttle plate position upper limit setting unit, and a throttle valve controller. The generator is coupled to an engine of a vehicle. The electrical energy accumulator is able to be coupled to the generator. The throttle valve is provided in an intake system of the engine. The power generation controller allows the generator to perform regenerative power generation on decelerated travel of the vehicle. The throttle plate position upper limit setting unit sets an upper limit of a throttle plate position of the throttle valve on the basis of a state of the electrical energy accumulator. The throttle valve controller controls the throttle plate position within a range downward from the upper limit, during the regenerative power generation by the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 10821964
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle controls a hybrid vehicle including a drive motor and an engine, both of which are linked to a driving wheel. The control apparatus includes: a regenerative controller; a fuel injection controller; a clutch controller; a condition satisfaction determiner; and a delay controller. The regenerative controller regeneratively drives the drive motor at the time of decelerating the hybrid vehicle. The fuel injection controller stops a fuel injection at the time of decelerating the hybrid vehicle. The clutch controller releases a clutch that switches a power transmission on and off between the engine and the driving wheel at the time of a regenerative driving by the regenerative controller. The condition satisfaction determiner determines whether execution conditions of diagnoses performed in a fuel cut state in which the clutch is engaged and the fuel injection is stopped are all satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Kaneko, Masahiro Ono
  • Patent number: 10780789
    Abstract: A charging apparatus for charging at least one electric energy storage, in particular of motor vehicles, comprising a plurality of charging units, each charging unit having an AC/DC converter, a DC interlink circuit, a high-voltage energy storage and a DC/DC converter, wherein the charging units can be connected up on the output side as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Götz, David Köhler
  • Patent number: 10780787
    Abstract: A control method of a fuel cell vehicle comprises estimating a load applied to an own vehicle that is the fuel cell vehicle and that runs on an estimated route by using current traffic flow information or the like in addition to the estimated route; determining whether an overload area is present on the estimated route by using the estimated load; and when it is determined that the overload area is present on the estimated route, performing an increasing process of increasing a cooling power of a cooling system to be greater than a cooling power set in an ordinary control mode before the own vehicle reaches the overload area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Bandai, Tomohiko Mizukoshi
  • Patent number: 10766349
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and a transfer case. The transfer case includes a primary output shaft, an electric motor, and a planetary gear set. The primary output shaft receives engine torque from the internal combustion engine. The electric motor includes a rotor and a stator. The planetary gear set includes a sun gear rotatably fixed to the rotor, a ring gear, planet gears arranged radially between and engaging the sun gear and the ring gear, and a planet carrier coupled to the planet gears and rotatably fixed to the primary output shaft. The ring gear is selectively groundable for selectively transferring torque between the electric motor and the primary output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Larry A. Pritchard
  • Patent number: 10746171
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure supply system includes a mechanical oil pump; an electric oil pump; an electric motor that drives the electric oil pump; a control device that controls the operation of the electric oil pump; and a hydraulic pressure measurement circuit that measures a hydraulic pressure of the outlet-side pipe of the electric oil pump. The control device starts supplying electric power to the electric motor to thereby start drive of the electric oil pump before the mechanical oil pump stops operating, and limits the power-supply current to the electric motor to a first current or less during a time period between the start of the drive of the electric oil pump and the time when the hydraulic pressure measured by the hydraulic pressure measurement circuit exceeds a prescribed outlet hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaaki Komori, Satoshi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 10744867
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a transaxle, a battery and a load carrying bed. The transaxle includes a casing incorporating a drive train and supporting an axle and includes an electric motor mounted on the casing to drive the axle via the drive train. The battery is provided for supplying electric power to the electric motor. The transaxle and the battery are disposed below the load carrying bed so as to overlap the load carrying bed when viewed in plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Kochidomari, Takashi Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 10738868
    Abstract: A power train and related vehicle have a multi-mode power transmission with a first continuously variable power source (“CVP”) that may convert rotational power received by the engine for transmission to a second CVP. A variator assembly may receive rotational power from the second CVP at a first input and directly from the engine at a second input. A control assembly may include one or more output components and a plurality of clutch devices arranged between the one or more output components and the variator assembly and engine. In a first state of the control assembly, the plurality of clutch devices may collectively provide direct power transmission between the engine and the one or more output components. In a second state of the control assembly, the plurality of clutches may collectively provide power transmission between the variator and the one or more output components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Reginald M. Bindl
  • Patent number: 10737680
    Abstract: An electrified axle system includes a pair of wheels, a super positioning torque vectoring differential coupled between the wheels, and a controller. The super positioning torque vectoring differential includes a traction motor and a vectoring motor. The controller operates the vectoring motor in speed control mode to reduce a speed difference between the wheels responsive to the difference exceeding a threshold, and operates the vectoring motor in torque control mode responsive to the difference falling within a target range and an accelerator pedal position achieving a value that depends on lateral acceleration associated with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Joseph Jay Torres, Peter James Barrette, Rajit Johri, Ming Lang Kuang, Corwin Stout, Jonathan Craig Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10730394
    Abstract: An electromechanical integrated machine (EIM) according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an internal rotor coupled to a vehicle wheel and an external rotor coupled to a flywheel. An electrified vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first EIM associated with a first wheel, a second EIM associated with a second wheel, a battery having energy to power the first and second wheels, and a flywheel to receive energy from the first and second EIMs during braking. Each EIM includes an internal rotor coupled to the respective first or second wheel and an external rotor coupled to the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alejandro Ayala, Francisco Javier Quintero Perez, Ruben Ochoa
  • Patent number: 10724493
    Abstract: A device for increasing torque of a crankshaft pulley includes: a pulley surrounding a crankshaft and connected to engine accessories; a planetary gear set having first, second, and third rotary elements, wherein the rotary element is always fixed to the pulley, the second rotary element is always fixed to the crankshaft, and the third rotary element is operated as a selective fixed element; a one-way clutch disposed between the first rotary element and the second rotary element to transmit rotational force only in a direction from the first rotary element to the second rotary element; and a first bearing disposed between the crankshaft and the first rotary element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Sambo Motors Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kum Lim Choi, Hyun Chan Kim, Eun Je Seong
  • Patent number: 10717352
    Abstract: A motor vehicle comprises a primary drive machine with a primary drive shaft for receiving or outputting power, a secondary drive machine with a secondary drive shaft for outputting power, and a secondary torque transmission device having an input side and an output side. A torque initiated by the input side and discharged by the output side can be influenced by the secondary torque transmission device. The vehicle further comprises an energy storage device and an output device which supplies the power output to the vehicle. The primary drive machine can be operated in a first operating state in which power is output by the primary drive shaft, and a second operating state in which power is received by the secondary drive shaft via the primary drive shaft and said power can be stored as energy in the energy storing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: IVD PROF. HOHENBERG GMBH
    Inventor: Guenter Hohenberg
  • Patent number: 10703215
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a vehicle powertrain includes an engine and an electric machine mechanically coupled by a clutch. The powertrain also includes a torque converter configured to fluidly couple the electric machine to an output shaft. A controller is programmed to command a rotational speed output of the electric machine to the torque converter based on a predicted torque delivered across the clutch. The controller is further programmed to modify the command based on a difference between the commanded rotational speed output and an actual rotational speed output of the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Xiaoyong Wang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Ming Lang Kuang, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 10704614
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive apparatus, including a prime-mover-output-shaft, a transmission-input-shaft and a motor-rotor provided therebetween, each rotatable around an axis-line, a first-clutch connecting/disconnecting the output-shaft and the motor, a second-clutch connecting/disconnecting the motor and the input-shaft, a case-member having a radially extending non-rotating-sidewall-member and a non-rotating-shaft-member extending around the axis-line, and a rotor-support-member having a rotating-shaft-member rotatably fitted on the non-rotating-shaft-member and a rotating-sidewall-member facing the non-rotating-sidewall-member and extending radially outward from the rotating-shaft-member, and cantilevering the rotor, wherein the first/second-clutch has first/second-plates alternately and rotatably arranged in the axial-direction, a clutch-hub supporting the first-plates movably in the axial-direction, and a clutch-drum supporting the second-plates movably in the axial-direction, the clutch-hub of the first-clu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kohei Iizuka
  • Patent number: 10688982
    Abstract: A method controlling a state of a drivetrain including a set of couplers and reducers between a powertrain of a motor vehicle and one or a plurality of drive wheels of the vehicle, the drivetrain configured to take up a plurality of kinematic states each defined by a diagram of engagements of the couplers and reducers making it possible to link an engine of the powertrain to at least one drive wheel, the method including: calculating, before changing the kinematic state, depending on a current speed of the vehicle, a current kinematic state of the vehicle, and an intended kinematic state that is different from the current state, a change-of-state end speed; and comparing the change-of-state end speed with a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Gregory Planche, Frederic Roudeau, Aurelien Lefevre
  • Patent number: 10668801
    Abstract: A powertrain (12) for a vehicle (10) is disclosed. The powertrain (12) comprises: a combustion engine (24), (ii) a drivetrain (14) having a torque converter (32) with a first state of operation in which the input (34) of the torque converter (32) is locked to the output (36) of the torque converter (32) and a second state of operation in which the input (34) of the torque converter (32) is not locked to the output (36) of the torque converter (32) for allowing slippage. The drivetrain also has a final drive (44) for supplying torque to the drive wheel (16) from the torque converter (32), wherein the final drive (44) is coupled to the torque converter (32) at a fixed gear ratio. The powertrain (12) further comprises: (iii) a first electric motor (28) configured to supply torque to the drivetrain (14) on the output-side of the torque converter (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: ALPRAAZ AB
    Inventor: Christian von Koenigsegg
  • Patent number: 10673358
    Abstract: An electric drive system includes an energy storage system (ESS), a power conversion system, and an alternating current (AC) traction system. The ESS provides or receives electric power. The ESS includes a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit. The power conversion system is electrically coupled to the ESS for converting an input power to an output power. The AC traction system is electrically coupled to the power conversion system for converting the output power of the power conversion system to mechanical torques. The AC traction system includes a first AC drive device and a second AC drive device. An energy management system (EMS) is in electrical communication with the ESS, the AC traction system, and the power conversion system for providing control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jian Zhou, Fei Xu, Dong Liu, Hai Qiu, Pengju Kang
  • Patent number: 10661813
    Abstract: A system for moving electrically powered apparatuses is described, comprising at least one fixed supporting track along which the apparatuses are moved. The track is made by a tubular section bar having an opening extending for its whole length and at least one carriage is movably housed inside the track. The system further comprises at least one motor for moving the carriage in the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: I MOD S.A.S DI CECCATO LUIGI & C
    Inventors: Luigi Ceccato, Miro Vlasanovic′
  • Patent number: 10641241
    Abstract: A negative pressure air suction type fluid-driven power machine comprises a fluid pressure accumulation bin, a necking port, a flow inlet, a flow guiding cover, a fluid-inlet flow guiding cover, turbine driving blades, a turbine housing, a turbine shaft, a turbine bracket, nozzles surrounding peripheries of the turbine driving blades, a turbine fluid outlet, a fluid negative-pressure flow guiding cover, a fluid negative-pressure outlet, an external driving fluid inlet, an external driving fluid flow guiding cover, and nozzles. The negative pressure air suction type fluid-driven power machine is formed using a gravity acceleration fluid generated by a fluid flowing to a direction opposite to operation of an object as a main driving power source and using a fluid air suction phenomenon as an auxiliary power source, and can replace some effects of steam engines, internal combustion engines, motors and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Zijie Wang
  • Patent number: 10641358
    Abstract: An automated manual transmission may include an input shaft selectively provided with torque from an engine through a clutch; an output shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft; a shifting device including a plurality of gear pairs, which have different gear ratios and are engaged with each other on the input shaft and the output shaft, and selecting at least a gear pair out of the plurality of gear pairs, by using a coupling member; wherein the at least a gear pair corresponds to a speed of a vehicle a motor shaft connected to a motor and provided with torque from the motor; and clutch devices disposed between the motor shaft and the input shaft to transmit torque in a first direction thereof and between the motor shaft and the output shaft to transmit torque in a second direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Soon Ki Eo, Kun Sa Ryu, Hong Suk Suh
  • Patent number: 10626953
    Abstract: There is provided a variable speed increaser including a planetary gear transmission device which changes the speed of a rotational driving force of the electric driving device and transmits the changed rotation driving force to a driving target, and a rotation rate controller. The electric driving device includes a constant-speed motor having a constant-speed rotor, and a variable-speed motor having a variable-speed rotor and driven in a regenerative mode and in a power mode. A rotation rate of the output shaft varies within an operation range between a maximum rotation rate and a minimum rotation rate. The constant-speed motor has a rated torque which allows the output shaft to have the maximum rotation rate by itself. The rotation rate controller changes the rotation rate of the output shaft rotating within the operation range by driving the variable-speed motor only in the regenerative mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Okamoto, Hiroyuki Miyata, Hideki Tonaka
  • Patent number: 10612609
    Abstract: A mechanical front wheel drive roller wedging control system includes a 4WD switch in a vehicle operator station, a roller cage drag mechanism electrically activated by the 4WD switch and providing a drag on a roller cage if the 4WD switch is in an on position, and a throttle pedal switch actuated by the throttle pedal and that deactivates the roller cage drag mechanism when the throttle pedal is released. In an alternative embodiment, a controller may deactivate the roller cage drag mechanism when a throttle position sensor or engine speed sensor is below a minimum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Jesse A. Braun, Jeffrey A. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 10576816
    Abstract: A transmission for electric vehicles may include a first input shaft receiving a rotational force from a first motor; a second input shaft receiving a rotational force from a second motor; a one-way clutch mounted between the first and second input shafts, transferring only a forward rotation of the first input shaft to the second input shaft, and transferring only a reverse rotation of the second input shaft to the first input shaft; an output shaft disposed in parallel to the first and second shafts; a gear shifting device coupled to the first input shaft and the output shaft and coupled to the second input shaft and the output shaft, wherein the gear pairs have different shift ratios, and a gear pair corresponding to a driving speed is selected by a clutch device; and an idler gear coupled between gears coupled to the second input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Soon Ki Eo, Seong Wook Hwang, Chon Ok Kim, Il Han Yoo, Jong Yun Park, Seong Wook Ji
  • Patent number: 10562519
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a hybrid vehicle having an engine and an eMachine coupled by a clutch using a hybrid controller is presented. The method determines an idle fuel rate of the engine, determines a hybrid efficiency index for the hybrid vehicle, determines an expected energy storage rate increase for an operating condition where the engine is decoupled from a vehicle transmission using said clutch, multiplies the expected energy storage rate increase by the hybrid efficiency index to determine an expected fuel rate reduction of the engine in the operating condition; and decouples the engine from the vehicle transmission using the clutch if the expected fuel rate reduction is greater than the idle fuel rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. West, Aaron Rues
  • Patent number: 10557527
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive unit connectable with first and second motor/generators includes an output member, a stationary member, a gear-train, and a torque-transmitting device. The drive unit also includes a compound planetary gear arrangement having a ring gear structure, first and second sun gears, and a carrier structure. The gear arrangement includes first, second, third, and fourth junction points and has a double-pinion assembly having a first pinion gear in mesh with the first sun gear member and a second pinion gear in mesh with the first pinion gear and with the ring gear structure. The gear arrangement is operatively connected to the second motor/generator at the first junction point via the gear-train and to the first motor/generator at the fourth junction point. The output member is operatively connected to the second junction point. Furthermore, the torque-transmitting device is engageable to ground the third junction point to the stationary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 10550921
    Abstract: A power train and related vehicle have a multi-mode power transmission with a first continuously variable power source (“CVP”) that may convert rotational power received by the engine for transmission to a second CVP. A variator assembly may receive rotational power from the second CVP at a first input and directly from the engine at a second input. A control assembly may include one or more output components and a plurality of clutch devices arranged between the one or more output components and the variator assembly and engine. In a first state of the control assembly, the plurality of clutch devices may collectively provide direct power transmission between the engine and the one or more output components. In a second state of the control assembly, the plurality of clutches may collectively provide power transmission between the variator and the one or more output components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Reginald M. Bindl
  • Patent number: 10538237
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle system comprises an internal combustion (IC) engine and an electric engine providing power to a drive shaft of the vehicle. The IC engine receives a fuel from a fuel tank. Exhaust gases from the IC engine are treated at an exhaust treatment apparatus including a reagent tank containing a reagent. A controller monitors a quality of the fuel in the fuel tank and the reagent in the reagent tank and if needed, initiates fuel degradation reduction event or a reagent degradation reduction event. These events can include running the IC engine even if a battery supplying power to the motor is not discharged. The fuel degradation reduction event includes dosing the fuel tank with an antioxidant to reduce the rate of degradation of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer K. Light-Holets, Cliffton J. Burbrink, Xu Chen
  • Patent number: 10527019
    Abstract: A method for starting an engine for a hybrid electric vehicle that includes a starter connected to the engine by a gear to start the engine and a motor-generator connected to the engine by a belt to start the engine or produce electricity include determining whether a start signal is input, determining whether a predetermined cold start condition is satisfied when it is determined that the start signal is input, starting the engine by use of the starter in a predetermined cold start mode when the cold start condition is satisfied, determining whether a predetermined cooperative control start condition is satisfied when the cold start condition is not satisfied, and starting the engine by use of the starter and the motor-generator in a predetermined cooperative control start mode when the cooperative control start condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jong Hyuck Kim
  • Patent number: 10525967
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is couple to a transmission in response to a transmission upshift to reduce transmission output shaft torque disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 10513251
    Abstract: Presented are engine-disconnect clutches with attendant control logic, methods for making/operating such disconnect clutches, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) equipped with an engine that is coupled to/decoupled from a transmission and electric motor via a disconnect clutch. A representative method for controlling an HEV powertrain includes receiving an HEV powertrain operation command, then determining a clutch mode of a multi-mode clutch device to execute the HEV powertrain operation. This multi-mode clutch device is operable in: a lock-lock mode, in which the clutch device transmits torque to and from the engine; a free-free mode, in which the clutch device disconnects the engine's output member from the transmission's input member, preventing torque transmission to and from the engine; a lock-free mode, in which the clutch device transmits torque from but not to the engine; and, a free-lock mode, in which the clutch device transmits torque to but not from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Neeraj S. Shidore, Dongxu Li, Norman K. Bucknor, Farzad Samie, Derek F. Lahr
  • Patent number: 10513195
    Abstract: A dual energy recovery, storage and use system comprising an electrically operated machine capable of regenerative electrical energy recovery, an electrically driven hydraulic regenerative energy recovery system which utilizes regenerative electrical energy to drive an electrically driven hydraulic pump/motor as a pump to pressurize hydraulic fluid in an accumulator, then uses the previously stored pressurized fluid to drive a hydraulic pump/motor as a motor to operate an electric motor/generator as a generator providing electricity to operate/assist in operating an electrically operated machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Inventor: Charles E. Hughey
  • Patent number: 10486521
    Abstract: A hybrid drivetrain (100) is provided. The hybrid drivetrain comprises a power source (102), a first motor generator assembly (104), and an electric axle drive unit (106). The first motor generator assembly includes a primary clutch (114) for drivingly engaging the power source with a first motor-generator (116). The electric axle drive unit comprises at least a second motor generator (140) drivingly engaged with the first motor generator and a pair of wheel assemblies (112). The power source, the first motor generator assembly, and the electric axle drive unit facilitate operating the hybrid drivetrain as a series-parallel hybrid drivetrain in a plurality of operating modes. The hybrid drivetrain meets the exacting needs of commercial vehicles while providing fuel efficiency improvements for vehicles incorporating the hybrid drivetrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond J. Haka, Krishna Kumar, Steven J. Wesolowski, James F. Ziech
  • Patent number: 10479367
    Abstract: An apparatus for active vibration control of a hybrid electric vehicle including an engine and a motor is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a position sensor to detect position information of the engine or the motor; and a controller to select a reference angle signal based on a signal from the position sensor. The controller performs fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis by generating a reference angle, extracts a vibration component of each frequency through the FFT analysis, generates a reference signal by performing inverse FFT, and performs active vibration control of each frequency by reflecting a basic amplitude ratio, an adjustable rate according to an engine load, and an engine torque to the reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sung Jae Kim, Jeong Soo Eo
  • Patent number: 10480353
    Abstract: Various examples are provided for cryogenic power extraction. In one example, among others, a system for cryogenic power extraction includes a heat exchanger that can heat a cryogenic working fluid using exhaust heat from a heat source, and a turbine that can generate power from the heated cryogenic working fluid. In another example, a method includes heating a cryogenic working fluid with waste heat from a heat source and driving a turbine with the heated cryogenic working fluid. Power produced by the turbine can be used drive a mechanical load and/or generate electricity for use by an electrical load. For example, waste heat from a combustion engine of a vehicle can be used to generate power for driving mechanical loads of the engine and/or to generate electricity for charging a battery of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Charles R. Cook, William E. Lear, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10479185
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission for a motor vehicle is provided. The hybrid transmission includes a primary shaft, an electric motor power transmitting mechanism, an electric motor drive shaft, a combustion engine drive shaft, and a combustion engine power-transmitting mechanism. The electric motor drive shaft can be driven by an electric motor and is connected to the primary shaft in a power-transmitting manner via the electric motor power-transmitting mechanism. The combustion engine drive shaft is a crankshaft or is rotatably connected with a crankshaft, and is arranged, at least in sections, in the region between the primary shaft and the electric motor drive shaft. The combustion engine power-transmitting mechanism is arranged adjacent to the electric motor power-transmitting mechanism. A hybrid vehicle including such a hybrid transmission is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ralf Kleid
  • Patent number: 10471820
    Abstract: A drivetrain system for a vehicle is described, and includes an internal combustion engine, a geartrain, an electric machine, a power take-off unit, and a driveline. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the geartrain via a disconnect clutch and a torque converter. The geartrain includes a transmission and a differential gearset, including an output member of the transmission coupled to an input member of the differential gearset. The input member of the differential gearset is coupled to a rotor of the electric machine and the power take-off unit. The differential gearset is coupled to first and second intermediate driveshaft members of the driveline to transfer propulsion power to vehicle wheels that are arranged in a front-wheel configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Derek F. Lahr, Farzad Samie, Norman K. Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Chandra S. Namuduri, Alexandru Rajala
  • Patent number: 10471951
    Abstract: Propulsion for a vehicle is provided by a hybrid powertrain that includes a torque converter coupled to an electric machine and selectively coupled to an engine. The hybrid powertrain further includes a controller programmed to, responsive to a loss of speed feedback of the electric machine while the engine is disconnected from the torque converter and the torque converter is open, operate one or more of a gearbox, the electric machine, and the engine based on an impeller speed of the torque converter derived from a torque of the electric machine and a speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Fazal Urrahman Syed
  • Patent number: 10431791
    Abstract: An exemplary battery assembly includes a shield having a floor and walls extending transversely away from the floor. The shield provides a cavity configured to receive a battery pack of an electrified vehicle. The cavity is larger than the traction battery pack so that there is a gap between at least some of the walls and the traction battery pack within the cavity. An exemplary shielding method includes securing a shield to a vehicle frame to enclose a traction battery pack held within a cavity of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Olivia Lomax, Patrick Daniel Maguire, Stephen Liptak
  • Patent number: 10428922
    Abstract: A hybrid module configured for arrangement in a torque path upstream from a transmission and downstream from an internal combustion engine includes a drive unit including an electric motor and a housing, a torque converter connected to the electric motor and at least one baffle blade extending axially from the housing radially outside of the electric motor and the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: John Ramsey, Markus Steinberger, Matthew Payne
  • Patent number: 10410512
    Abstract: The present invention provides a switch for outputting adjustment signal by interruption linear signal, comprising: a base; a moving element, one part of the moving element extending outside of the base; a gear set, which is rotated by moving the moving element and has an output gear; an interruption gear, rotated in a clockwise direction or an anticlockwise direction by driving the output gear, wherein the interruption gear has a plurality of interruption teeth distributed on periphery of the interruption gear; and at least one linear signal transceiver including an emission end and a reception end, wherein the emission end and reception end are respectively set two sides of the interruption teeth, when the interruption gear is rotated, signal delivery between the emission end and reception end is optionally interrupted by the interruption teeth, and a signal is emitted when the emission end and reception end are interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiung Chu
  • Patent number: 10399554
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes a combustion engine, and an electric machine and storage battery coupled to one or more controller(s) configured to respond to various signals from a driver and vehicle components. In response, such controller(s) enable an automatic or auto ICE start stop capability that is managed for optimal HEV lifecycle operation, and fuel economy and efficiency. The controller(s) automatically start and stop the ICE in response to one or more of a torque demand signal, a vehicle speed signal, a steering torque power signal, and a brake signal. The controller(s) inhibit automatic stop of ICE responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a stop threshold, and in contrast initiate or enable automatic start responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a start threshold. The start threshold is calibrated and adjusted to exceed the stop threshold by a stability factor that is predetermined and/or adjusted by the controller(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, Hussam Makkiya, Jonathan Edward Gunger, Kirt Eschtruth, Ahmed Awadi
  • Patent number: 10391999
    Abstract: A control apparatus includes a diesel engine having a throttle valve and a fuel injection valve, an electric driving machine that assists in drive of the engine, and a controller configured to stop the engine automatically when a first condition for automatically stopping the engine is established during an operation of the engine. At this time, the controller is configured to operate the throttle valve to a closing side in response to establishment of a second condition that is established prior to establishment of the first condition, and stop supply of fuel by the fuel injection valve in response to subsequent establishment of the first condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Murakami