Parallel (ipc) Patents (Class 180/65.25)
  • Patent number: 10391854
    Abstract: A utility vehicle drive and cooling system having a combined generator and coolant circulating pump assembly and at least one combined hydraulic pump and circulating pump is disclosed herein, for use in powering and cooling a utility vehicle, such as a ride-on or stand-on mower. The generator and coolant circulating pump assembly may also include a pulley driven by the prime mover to provide output to other components of the vehicle. A plurality of coolant reservoirs may be provided on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Scott W. Keller
  • Patent number: 10384536
    Abstract: A power coupling system for electric vehicle, an electric vehicle having the same and a control method thereof are provided. Said power coupling system comprises a planet gear transmission mechanism comprising a sun gear, planet gears, a planet carrier and a ring gear, wherein the planet carrier is connected with the planet gears, and the planet gears mesh with the sun gear and the ring gear respectively; a clutch engaged with or disengaged from the ring gear in a controlled way; a main reduction gear set connected to an output shaft of the planet carrier; a differential connected to an output shaft of the main reduction gear set; a first motor for driving an input shaft of the sun gear of the planet gear transmission mechanism; and a second motor which drives the output shaft of the ring gear or the planet carrier in a controlled way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: NIO NEXTEV LIMITED
    Inventors: Wenke Xu, Changhong Chen, Bin He
  • Patent number: 10369982
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, a clutch, and a controller. The clutch is configured to couple the engine and transmission during engine starts. The controller is programmed to, in response to an actual engine start time being greater than an upper threshold time for an engine start event, alter an engine start torque apply schedule for the clutch such that the actual engine start time is less than the upper threshold time for a next engine start event. The controller may be further programmed to, in response to the actual engine start time being less than a lower threshold time for the engine start event, alter the engine start torque apply schedule for the clutch such that the actual engine start time is greater than the lower threshold time for the next engine start event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Xiaoyong Wang, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • Patent number: 10363804
    Abstract: A vehicle electrically driving assembly, connected to the rear or front axle half shaft of the vehicle, that includes: an electric motor, a speed reducer, an electromagnetic tooth-mounted clutch and a differential. The speed reducer has multiple stages of gears, an input shaft and an intermediate shaft; the differential is connected between the axle half shafts; the electromagnetic tooth-mounted clutch is installed on the input shaft or the intermediate shaft of the speed reducer or on the axle half shafts. When the electromagnetic tooth-mounted clutch is in engagement, driving force of the electric motor is transmitted to the vehicle axle via the speed reducer and the electromagnetic jaw clutch, to provide an auxiliary driving force to the vehicle. When the power of the entire vehicle is insufficient at the acceleration phase, the electrically driving assembly, by using the electromagnetic jaw clutch, provides an auxiliary driving force to the entire vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Jing-Jin Electric Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping Yu, Changqi Yang, Ting Wang, Jianwen Li, Xixian Yang
  • Patent number: 10343507
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system for a vehicle includes an electric machine, a gear set mechanically connected with the electric machine, and a clutch mechanically coupled with at least one of a primary and secondary driveline assembly. The electric machine is configured to selectively provide motive power to at least one of the primary and secondary driveline assemblies. The gear set is configured to permit differential rotation between the primary and secondary driveline assemblies. The clutch is configured to selectively transfer torque between the primary and secondary driveline assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: William Paul Perkins
  • Patent number: 10340830
    Abstract: An apparatus for variably controlling an alternator is provided. The apparatus includes a controller that determines a state of an engine of a vehicle and calculates a target generation rate. An alternator generates electricity based on the target generation rate and produces generation power. The alternator also variably adjusts responsiveness to the generation based on the determination of the state of the engine and a battery is configured to be charged by the generation power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Doo-Hyun Kim, Hyun Kim, Bon-Chang Koo
  • Patent number: 10322716
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle which may maximize a driving distance in an engine clutch failure situation and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. The method of controlling the hybrid electric vehicle provided with an engine clutch installed between a first motor and an engine includes, in response to a determination that failure of the engine clutch occurs, determining a state of the engine clutch just prior to the failure, in response to a determination that the state of the engine clutch just prior to the failure is an open state, driving the first motor alone, and in response to a determination that the state of the engine clutch just prior to the failure is not the open state, starting the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joon Young Park, Yeon Bok Kim
  • Patent number: 10316811
    Abstract: A method for guaranteeing starting performance of an engine for maintaining driving performance is provided. The method includes executing a quasi-failure mode in which the engine is changed to a driving state when an engine cranking apparatus state is maintained equal to or less than a threshold for a predetermined period of time. As a result, the engine is driven in the quasi-failure mode while the hybrid vehicle is driven in the EV mode to prevent the vehicle system from being aggravated and fundamentally preventing the degradation in the stability of the vehicle causing driver discomfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Seok-Min Jeong
  • Patent number: 10293674
    Abstract: Presented are engine disconnect clutches, methods for making/using such clutch devices, and vehicles with an engine that is coupled to/decoupled from a transmission and motor via a disconnect clutch. A vehicle includes a transmission with an input shaft connected with a transmission gearing arrangement, and an output shaft connecting the gearing arrangement with the vehicle's wheels. A torque converter pump housing drivingly connects to the vehicle's traction motor. A turbine is mounted inside the pump housing in fluid communication with an impeller. A turbine shaft connects the turbine to the transmission's input shaft. A clutch hub of a disconnect clutch drivingly connects to the vehicle's engine and selectively attaches to the pump housing. The disconnect clutch selectively connects the engine to the motor and transmission by drawing oil from the transmission's oil sump, through a turbine shaft channel and a pump housing port, and into a clutch hub cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC.
    Inventor: Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 10293708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recuperation based braking of a vehicle in which electrical energy generated during a braking process is decreased by operating at least one second electric machine of the vehicle in a zero slip mode in order to prevent overcharging of a traction battery of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Karl, Uwe Feldmann, Felix Winkelmeyr, René Daschner, Thomas Heckel
  • Patent number: 10280786
    Abstract: A Projectile Continuous Power Module (PCMP) is configured to take incoming or oncoming airflow of an inflight projectile and direct the airflow to a turbine for converting the airflow into electrical power. The PCMP is mounted within or otherwise coupled to an airframe of the projectile. The PCMP is coupled to the projectile in a manner such that an air inlet of the projectile is positioned to capture incoming or oncoming boundary layer airflow as the projectile travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Leigh Aerosystems Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Harris, Gordon L. Harris
  • Patent number: 10279657
    Abstract: An energy management system is applied to a vehicle having a first power source, a first converter, an electricity storage part, and a second power source. The energy management system has a second converter, a heat storage part, a mode switching part, and a controller. The mode switching part switches between a heat storage mode and a heat radiation mode. The heat storage part changes to a first phase in a solid state when a temperature of the heat storage part is lower than or equal to a phase transition temperature, and changes to a second phase in a solid state when a temperature of the heat storage part exceeds the phase transition temperature. The controller controls the operations of the second converter and the mode switching part based on at least one of an electricity storage condition of the electricity storage part and a conversion condition of the first converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Fuse, Shinya Kasamatsu, Yasushi Kouno
  • Patent number: 10272908
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling an engine clutch of a hybrid vehicle are provided. The method includes setting a target speed of an engine to change a driving mode of the hybrid vehicle from an EV mode to an HEV mode and operating a HSG to adjust an engine speed to reach the target speed. An engine clutch that connects the engine with a driving motor or disconnects the engine from the driving motor is engaged to start when the speed of the engine is maintained at the target speed. A kiss point generated when the engine clutch is in a slip state is detected to learn the kiss point of the engine clutch and an output of the engine is increased based on a driver required torque when the speed of the engine and a speed of the driving motor are synchronized after the kiss point is learned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Do Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 10272904
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for active vibration control of a hybrid electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jeong Soo Eo, Sung Jae Kim, Byunghoon Yang
  • Patent number: 10272906
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a hybrid vehicle has a first clutch device (1a) disposed in a drivetrain between an engine (E) and a driving wheel (D). A second clutch device (1b) disposed in a drivetrain extends from a motor (M) to the driving wheel (D). The oil pump (P), connected to the motor (M), supplies oil to a predetermined moving component disposed in the vehicle by using driving power of the motor (M). A transmission (A) is disposed in a drivetrain between the engine (E) and the motor (M) and the driving wheel (D). The transmission adjusts rotation speed of the motor (M). The power transmission device supplying oil by causing the motor (M) to rotate the oil pump (P) at an appropriate rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventor: Tatsuyuki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 10274053
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for vehicles is disclosed to improve power delivery performance and fuel efficiency by apply six engaging elements to reduce a drag loss of a clutch and a brake while achieving ten forward speed stages and one reverse speed stage. The planetary gear train includes: first, second, third, fourth, and fifth planetary gear sets disposed on the same axis; an input shaft; an output shaft; nine shafts connecting each rotational element of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth planetary gear sets; three clutches and three brakes as the six engaging elements; and a transmission housing. Some of the nine shafts fixedly connect rotation elements selected from the rotation elements of the five planetary gear sets to each other while some of the nine shafts selectively connect a rotation element with the transmission housing via the brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Dong Hwan Hwang, Jong Sool Park, Jong Soo Kim, Kyeong Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 10272903
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for active vibration control of a hybrid electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Jae Kim, Jeong Soo Eo
  • Patent number: 10274056
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission includes: input and output shafts; first to fifth planetary gear sets respectively having first to third, fourth to sixth, seventh to ninth, tenth to twelfth, and thirteenth to fifteenth rotational elements; a first shaft connected with the first rotational element and the input shaft; a second shaft connected with the fourteenth rotational element and the output shaft; a third shaft connected with the sixth and thirteenth rotational elements; a fourth shaft connected with the eighth, eleventh, and fifteenth rotational elements; a fifth shaft connected with the fifth rotational element; a sixth shaft connected with the twelfth rotational element; a seventh shaft connected with the second and fourth rotational elements; an eighth shaft connected with the third and seventh rotational elements; and a ninth shaft connected with the ninth and tenth rotational elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Dong Hwan Hwang, Jong Sool Park, Jong Soo Kim, Kyeong Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 10266171
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to active vibration control of a hybrid electric vehicle. One form provides a method that may include setting up a period of fast Fourier transform (FFT) and performing FFT of an engine speed or a motor speed corresponding to the period of the FFT from a reference angle signal; setting up a reference spectrum; extracting vibration components to be removed based on information of the reference spectrum; selecting and adding a removal object frequency from the vibration of each frequency and performing inverse FFT; determining a basic amplitude ratio according to the engine speed and the engine load; determining an adjustable rate which decreases an anti-phase torque as a change amount of the engine speed is decreased; and performing active vibration control of each frequency based on the information of the basic amplitude ratio, the adjustable rate, and the engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Jae Kim, Jeong Soo Eo
  • Patent number: 10266172
    Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle includes two electrical machines arranged between a combustion engine and an input shaft to a gearbox. The first electrical machine rotor is connected with a planetary gear component, and the input shaft of the gearbox is connected with another planetary gear component. The second electrical machine rotor is connected via a transmission with the output shaft of the combustion engine, which is connected with another planetary gear component. planetary gear's components may be locked together to rotate at the same rotational speed, and released wherein the components rotate at different rotational speeds. Further, the output shaft of the combustion engine may either be locked in position with or released from the additional planetary gear component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventors: Johan Lindström, Mathias Björkman, Mikael Bergquist, Niklas Pettersson
  • Patent number: 10246094
    Abstract: An example vehicle system includes a sensor and a processing device. The sensor is configured to identify a first location and a second location. The processing device is programmed to estimate a plurality of energy usages. Each energy usage is based at least in part on a speed of a host vehicle at the first location. The processing device is further programmed to select one of the plurality of energy usages as a target useable energy and control the host vehicle in accordance with the speed associated with the target useable energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Thomas G. Leone, William Paul Perkins, Douglas Raymond Martin
  • Patent number: 10230317
    Abstract: A fan and a motor thereof are provided. The motor includes a motor drive device. The motor drive device includes a printed circuit board. A control management unit and a voltage converter are arranged on the printed circuit board, the control management unit classifies target rotation speed signals provided by an ECU into multiple rotation speed intervals, with each rotation speed interval corresponding to a fixed duty ratio. The control management unit receives a target rotation speed signal transmitted from the ECU in a real-time manner, and outputs a pulse width modulation signal having a duty ratio corresponding to the rotation speed interval to which the target rotation speed signal transmitted from the ECU belongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Rui Feng Qin, Xin Hui Guan, Kwok Kuen Tse, Tao Qu, Zhong Wan, Kai Qi Xu, Bao Yi Xu
  • Patent number: 10227020
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a drive motor, a fuel cell, an auxiliary machine, a secondary battery, a temperature sensor, a current sensor, and a control section. The control section controls the secondary battery for discharging by driving the drive motor or the auxiliary machine and for charging through power generation by the fuel cell or regeneration by the drive motor when a temperature measured by the temperature sensor is lower than a specified value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Fukami, Shinji Aso, Takao Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10214093
    Abstract: A transmission unit is able to switch between a non-neutral state where power of an engine is transmitted via a path K1 and a neutral state where power of the engine is not transmitted via the path K1. A clutch is able to switch between an engaged state where power is transmitted from the engine to a first MG and a released state where transmission of power from the engine to the first MG is interrupted. When the transmission unit is controlled to the non-neutral state and, at the same time, the clutch is set to the released state, a vehicle is operable in series-parallel mode. When power is transmitted via the path K2 by directly coupling the engine to the first MG by the clutch and the path K1 is interrupted by controlling the transmission unit to the neutral state, the vehicle is operable in series mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidehiko Banshoya, Kiyonori Takagi, Atsushi Kawamoto, Haruhisa Suzuki, Tatsuya Imamura, Toshiki Kanada, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 10202032
    Abstract: Propulsion unit for a hydraulic hybrid vehicle, comprising a transmission receiving power from a heat engine and from a second power source powered by hydraulic energy, to drive the wheels of the vehicle, characterized in that with the heat engine comprising no specific electric starter intended to drive same directly, one side of the casing (2) thereof, parallel to the axis, is fitted with an electric machine connected to a connecting shaft (12) which goes into the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: TECHNOBOOST
    Inventors: SĂ©bastien Faget, Pascal Gateau
  • Patent number: 10196056
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a primary power source such as an electric motor and a secondary power source such as an internal combustion engine, the electric motor and internal combustion engine each being connectable to a driveline of the vehicle. The system comprises a control unit operable to cause the internal combustion engine to be pre-emptively initiated and subsequently connected to the driveline. The control unit is configured and arranged to determine when the vehicle is in a first driving mode (wherein the internal combustion engine is not initiated and is disconnected from the driveline of the vehicle and wherein the electric motor and battery pack are delivering a torque to the driveline in response to a driver demanded torque).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventor: Simon Owen
  • Patent number: 10190518
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a current sensor that detects a current value of a battery; and a processing device that suppresses initiation of idling stop control in a vehicle non-stop state with a vehicle speed higher than 0, in the case where an abnormal state of the battery is detected based on an output signal of the current sensor in the vehicle non-stop state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Ito
  • Patent number: 10189344
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a transmission unit and a clutch. The transmission unit is configured to be able to switch into a neutral state. The hybrid vehicle is able to transmit power of an engine through any one of a first path through which power is transmitted to a first MG from the engine via the transmission unit and a differential unit and another second path through which power is transmitted from the engine. The clutch is provided in the second path. The clutch switches between an engaged state where power is transmitted and a released state where transmission of power is interrupted. The controller sets the transmission unit to the neutral state and sets the clutch to the engaged state, and then starts the engine by increasing the rotation speed of the engine with the use of the first MG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada
  • Patent number: 10160440
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain that includes an engine and a motor/generator are described. The systems and methods adjust torque converter clutch opening responsive to whether or not a motor/generator is available to provide a negative torque to a driveline. Further, the motor/generator and the vehicle's engine are operated to provide a desired amount of driveline braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Patent number: 10155511
    Abstract: A control system for a modular hybrid electric vehicle operates an internal combustion engine at a torque level above the driver demanded torque improving the engine's efficiency. A traction motor driveably connected to the engine is operated at a torque level such that the combined torque satisfies the driver demand. The traction motor torque is limited to avoid inefficient combinations of speed and torque at which the motor is inefficient. During idle operation, the traction motor is operated at a torque determined from a battery state of charge and the engine is operated to maintain a predetermined speed. If the engine speed drops below a threshold, motor torque is adjusted to reduce the load on the engine to avoid stalling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Christopher Alan Lear, Francis Thomas Connolly
  • Patent number: 10150461
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes applying both friction braking and powertrain braking when decelerating a vehicle to a stop, the applying in response to a driver lifting off an accelerator pedal. An exemplary assembly includes a powertrain brake, a friction brake, and a braking controller configured to command the powertrain brake to apply powertrain braking and the friction brake to apply friction braking to stop a vehicle in response to a driver lifting off an accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Scott Crombez
  • Patent number: 10141829
    Abstract: A power unit for producing both alternating current and direct current includes a switcher connected to a direct current source, wherein the switcher includes circuitry configured to produce both alternating current having first characteristics and direct current having second characteristics, wherein the circuitry comprises a plurality of insulated gate bipolar transistor circuits and drive circuits connected to the insulated gate bipolar transistor circuits. The switcher may receive variable voltage and frequency or constant voltage and frequency. In either case, the switcher circuitry is able to provide power of the desired characteristics. The power unit may be used to power aircraft when the aircraft is on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lynn Fullmer, Kirk Rodney Nelson
  • Patent number: 10131345
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a hybrid vehicle control device capable of shortening the time from an engine start request to the engine start. The hybrid vehicle control device is provided with an integrated controller configured to execute processing for starting an engine by bringing a first clutch into engagement, while slipping a second clutch, and by increasing a torque of a motor generator, when it has been determined that an engine start request is present, and a first clutch engagement control section, which is included in the integrated controller and configured to command a start of engagement of the first clutch once the difference between the torque of the motor generator and a second clutch transmitted torque capacity command value becomes greater than or equal to a preset slip prediction determination threshold value after having been determined that the engine start request is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Matsui, Hiroki Shimoyama
  • Patent number: 10124661
    Abstract: A power-split hybrid powertrain for a vehicle includes a first power-source configured to generate a first output torque, a second power-source configured to generate a second output torque, and a transmission assembly having a transmission input member. The powertrain also includes a planetary gear-set having first, second, and third nodes, wherein each of the three nodes is operatively connected to a separate one of the first power-source, second power-source, and transmission input member. The powertrain additionally includes a housing configured to retain the planetary gear-set. Also, the powertrain includes a first torque-transmitting device configured to selectively connect to the housing the node that is operatively connected to the first power-source. Furthermore, the powertrain includes a second torque-transmitting device configured to selectively connect the node that is operatively connected to the first power-source to the node that is operatively connected to the second power-source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Littlefield, Alan G. Holmes, Rebecca K. Risko Cattell
  • Patent number: 10112675
    Abstract: A control device (60) of a mobile body (1) calculates a center-of-gravity displacement degree index value representing an estimate of the degree of displacement of the center of gravity of the operator in the lateral direction from a prescribed reference position with respect to a vehicle body (2), and determines a control input for an actuator (15) which can cause a moment in the roll direction to act on the vehicle body (2) so as to reduce the degree of displacement of the center of gravity of the operator indicated by the center-of-gravity displacement degree index value. The control device (60) controls the actuator (15) in accordance with the control input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Kazushi Akimoto, Yuichi Uebayashi, Shinya Shirokura, Tomohiro Kawakami, Makoto Araki
  • Patent number: 10106147
    Abstract: A method for controlling torque intervention of a hybrid vehicle includes: during a torque phase time interval, reducing torque of an engine which is connected to a motor and generates a power transferred to a transmission by reducing an amount of air supplied to the engine in a state in which control for generating optimal combustion efficiency of the engine is maintained; increasing torque of the motor as much as the reduced torque of the engine during the torque phase time interval; and during an inertia phase time interval, reducing the increased torque of the motor by subtracting the reduced torque of the engine from an amount of torque intervention request for the transmission. The control for generating optimal combustion efficiency is obtained by controlling an ignition angle of the engine according to the amount of air supplied to the engine to maximize efficiency of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Joonyoung Park
  • Patent number: 10093303
    Abstract: A vehicle may include an engine and electric machine each configured to generate motive power for the vehicle, a battery configured to store energy for the electric machine, and a tank configured to store fuel for the engine. The vehicle may further include one or more controllers configured to determine a vehicle drive range based on an amount of fuel in the tank and an available charge depletion energy in the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Duane M. Grider, Bruce Carvell Blakemore
  • Patent number: 10077040
    Abstract: A control system of a hybrid electrical vehicle and a control method for a hybrid electrical vehicle are provided. The control system of the hybrid electric vehicle includes: a transmission device connected with wheels of the hybrid electrical vehicle; an engine power subsystem connected with the transmission device; a motor power subsystem connected with the transmission device; and a control module configured to control the hybrid electrical vehicle to operate in a hybrid electrical-economical mode by controlling the engine power subsystem and the motor power subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Hao Chen, Ou Ruan
  • Patent number: 10077073
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a parking process of a vehicle. The method including setting an upper speed limit; using a speed-limiting device to limit the speed of the vehicle at a parking speed that is less than or equal to the upper speed limit speed; suppressing an accelerator pedal speed increase request that increases the vehicle speed over the upper speed limit; and performing the assisted parking operation while limiting the vehicle speed and terminating the suppression of the increase in speed when the accelerator pedal is depressed by more than a predetermined value. Wherein the predetermined value is selected as a function of a slope on which the vehicle is located. The invention also relates to a steering system for an assisted parking procedure of a vehicle and a vehicle with such a steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregor Allexi, Claudia Kunze, Torsten Wey, Mike John Mould, Stefan Kappes, Mithat Ceylan
  • Patent number: 10065631
    Abstract: A method for the online adaptation of a characteristic of a hybrid vehicle having a hybridized drive train with an electric drive that can be supplied with electricity from an electrical energy storage arrangement. The characteristic is used for the selection of an operating mode and/or for determining an operating point of the drive train. The characteristic is adapted by establishing partition boundaries that divide a range of states of charge into a plurality of regions, at least one of the partition boundaries can be variably determined during the operation of the vehicle; predetermining a profile of the characteristic depending on a state of charge of the energy storage arrangement, and online adaptation of the characteristic in the event of a shift of at least one of the variable partition boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: MAN Truck & Bus AG
    Inventors: Johannes Nuber, Elmar Kirchensteiner, Manuel GĂ¼nnewicht, Matthias Hierlmeier, Sebastian Ovari
  • Patent number: 10065493
    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: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Kochidomari, Takashi Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 10059329
    Abstract: At least one electric motor is employed for propelling an electric or hybrid vehicle with a shiftable transmission. Upon reaching a shift threshold, a shift operation is performed in the transmission of the vehicle, wherein a value specifying the shift threshold is varied depending on at least one parameter. As the at least one parameter, a speed is used, at which a power provided by the at least one electric motor for propelling the vehicle has a maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: AUDI CHINA
    Inventors: Andreas Petz, Sebastian Heber, Benjamin Knoeferl, Arne Herrmann, Gerald Rieder, Roman Strasser
  • Patent number: 10053081
    Abstract: The invention relates to a controller for a hybrid electric vehicle having an engine, electric propulsion means powered by energy storage means and electric generator means operable to be driven by the engine to recharge the energy storage means, the controller being operable to: receive a signal indicative of a required hybrid driving mode; receive a signal indicative of a state of charge of the energy storage means; determine which of a plurality of powertrain operating modes is appropriate for vehicle operation at a given moment, the powertrain operating modes including an engine charging mode in which the engine drives the generator means to recharge the energy storage means and an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the engine is switched off and the electric propulsion means is operable to develop drive torque to drive the vehicle; and cause the powertrain to assume the appropriate powertrain operating mode and the required hybrid driving mode, wherein the controller is operable to determine which of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Hancock, Steve Liggins, Simon Message, Manoj Lao, Geoff Hannis
  • Patent number: 10046647
    Abstract: An electronic device including an electronic switch M1, an electrical pre-charge circuit and a measurement, command and diagnosis module. The main electronic switch M1 has a first electrical terminal D1, a second electrical terminal S1, and a main driving terminal G1. The main electronic switch M1 is adapted to take, based on a driving signal DRV, depending on the command signal CMD and on an enabling signal ENB, a closed condition or an open condition, wherein the first electrical terminal D1 is respectively connected to or disconnected from the second electrical terminal S1. The pre-charge electrical circuit is adapted to carry out, based on the command signal CMD, a pre-charge operation, aimed at equalizing the electric potentials (V1, V2) of the first and second terminals of the device, before the main electronic switch M1 takes a closed condition, upon of a transition from the open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNETI MARELLI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Danilo Pritelli, Franco Ciampolini, Rosanna Suglia, Gianluca Aurilio
  • Patent number: 10040444
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for active vibration control of a hybrid electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jeong Soo Eo, Sung Jae Kim, Byunghoon Yang
  • Patent number: 10040443
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to active vibration control of a hybrid electric vehicle. One form provides a method that may include setting up a period of fast Fourier transform (FFT) and performing FFT of an engine speed or a motor speed corresponding to the period of the FFT from a reference angle signal; setting up a reference spectrum; extracting vibration components to be removed based on information of the reference spectrum; selecting and adding a removal object frequency from the vibration of each frequency and performing inverse FFT; determining a basic amplitude ratio according to the engine speed and the engine load; determining an adjustable rate which decreases an anti-phase torque as a change amount of the engine speed is decreased; and performing active vibration control of each frequency based on the information of the basic amplitude ratio, the adjustable rate, and the engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Jae Kim, Jeong Soo Eo
  • Patent number: 10040508
    Abstract: This motor driving control apparatus includes (A) a driving unit that drives a motor, and (B) a regeneration control unit that controls the driving unit so as to generate a regenerative 5 braking force in accordance with a vehicle acceleration, a vehicle speed and a pedal-rotation converted speed that is obtained from a pedal rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignees: MICROSPACE CORPORATION, TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Tanaka, Yasuo Hosaka, Kazuo Asanuma, Hiromi Hagiwara, Satoru Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10035505
    Abstract: A controller includes control means for controlling an electric motor such that a pulsation compensation torque corresponding to a pulsation component of a torque of an internal combustion engine, which appears in a drive shaft, is supplied to the drive shaft as a damping torque for suppressing vibrations of the hybrid vehicle, and determination means for determining whether a torque of the electric motor, excluding the pulsation compensation torque, is smaller than a predetermined value. When it is determined that the torque excluding the pulsation compensation torque is smaller than the predetermined value, the control means controls the electric motor such that the sum of the pulsation compensation torque and a pressing torque corresponding to the predetermined value is supplied to the drive shaft as the damping torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kawai, Takuro Kumada
  • Patent number: 10024423
    Abstract: A braking reduction and transmission control system is implemented in a vehicle or machine having a power source and an automatic transmission connected by a torque converter providing a fluid coupling between a power source output shaft and a transmission input shaft. A lock-up clutch operatively connect to the torque converter is locked when the shafts are rotating at approximately the same speed. The braking reduction and transmission control system unlocks the lock-up clutch when operating conditions of the machine indicate that a transmission downshift will occur, such as when a combination of a brake input device displacement and a machine ground speed compared to a transmission downshift schedule indicate that the downshift will occur. Prior to downshifting the transmission and unlocking the torque converter, the drivetrain assists the service brakes in slowing the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Lewis Wynkoop, Matthew James Sirovatka, Sairam Gopalan Velamakanni
  • Patent number: 10023173
    Abstract: An electromotive drive system including a small motor and a small-capacity battery more effectively improves the fuel economy of an engine-driven vehicle. An electromotive drive system includes: a motor for driving a vehicle; a battery storing electrical energy to rotate the motor; an inverter; a converting mechanism transmitting rotation of the motor to a drive shaft at a predetermined conversion ratio independently of a conversion ratio at which an engine is driven; and a control unit controlling an operation of the inverter. The control unit is configured so that upper vehicle speed limits, to which the motor is allowed to operate, can be set separately during powering and during regeneration, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Yukawa, Yoshihide Nii