Control Of Motor Or Generator Specific To Hybrid Operation Patents (Class 180/65.285)
  • Patent number: 8740745
    Abstract: In a vehicle drive device including a transmission mechanism 54, a range changing mechanism 55, a motor generator MG1 or MG2, and a control device 200, 300, when a clutch sleeve 553 becomes unable to slide during a range changing process, the clutch sleeve 553 is restored as quickly as possible so that the clutch sleeve 553 can slide, whereby changing of ranges can be completed. The control device 200, 300 causes a connection target gear piece 551 or 552 to rotate in the same direction as the direction of input rotation to the transmission mechanism 54 in response to a range change request, and causes the clutch sleeve 553 to slide. When determining that the clutch sleeve 553 has become unable to slide during the range change process, the control device 200, 300 causes the motor generator MG1 or MG2 to rotate the connection target gear piece 551 or 552 in a direction opposite to the direction of input rotation to the transmission mechanism 54.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mai Murayama
  • Patent number: 8733481
    Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid powertrain includes commanding an engine start of an engine configured to operate at approximately zero engine speed. A spooling phase includes accelerating the first electric machine with the first machine torque, such that the first electric machine begins rotating. The first machine speed increases in magnitude from zero to non-zero, but engine speed is maintained at approximately zero. The mechanical energy of the rotating first electric machine is stored. A transfer phase includes commanding an increase in magnitude of the first machine torque and decelerating the first electric machine, such that the first machine speed decreases. The stored mechanical energy of the first electric machine is transferred to the engine to increase the engine speed to greater than zero, such that the engine starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Goro Tamai
  • Patent number: 8727049
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising providing a first adaptive threshold of charge for a battery within a hybrid vehicle and based upon the first adaptive threshold of charge for the battery, operating the hybrid vehicle in a mode of operation. The method also comprises automatically analyzing at least one condition and based upon the automatically analyzing at least one condition, automatically altering the first adaptive threshold of charge for the battery to provide a second adaptive threshold of charge for the battery that is different from the first adaptive threshold. Based upon automatically altering the first adaptive threshold of charge for the battery to provide a second adaptive threshold of charge for the battery, (i) a proportional use of power to be supplied by a fuel engine component and/or (ii) a proportional use of power to be supplied by an electric engine component is automatically altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Eitan Rosen
  • Patent number: 8731756
    Abstract: In a method for monitoring the operation of a vacuum pump in a brake system, the vacuum pump is operated between an activation pressure and a deactivation pressure to generate a vacuum, the evacuation period between the activation pressure and the deactivation pressure being measured and compared with a reference period. An error signal is generated if the evacuation period exceeds the reference period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Krueger, Karl Weidinger, Peter Damm
  • Publication number: 20140136037
    Abstract: A vehicle capable of traveling using electric power from a power storage device mounted thereon has an ECU executing, when traveling by electric power from the power storage device: the step of calculating a reference electric consumption based on an average operating point determined by an average vehicle speed and average driving force for every predetermined period; the step of calculating an actual electric consumption based on power consumption and travel distance during the period; the step of calculating a predicted electric consumption by a smoothing processing based on the reference electric consumption and actual electric consumption; and the step of calculating an allowed travel distance RMD that the vehicle can travel by the electric power remaining in the power storage device, based on the predicted electric consumption and the SOC of the power storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicants: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Itaru Seta
  • Publication number: 20140136035
    Abstract: A method of controlling transition of operating modes in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of providing a vehicle system having a generator coupled to an inverter and a motor coupled to an inverter. A switch box is disposed therebetween. The switch box includes a plurality of electrical switches that open and close to allow for direct electrical connection between the generator and the motor. The method detects a transfer condition using the vehicle system controller to transition from a first operating mode to a second operating mode. The transfer condition defines a predetermined efficiency threshold of the second operating mode being more efficient than the first operating mode. The method further preconditions the vehicle system by synchronizing electrical features between the generator and the motor. The method then actuates the switch box to close the plurality of switches allowing the generator and motor to electrically couple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Paul BOSKOVITCH, J. Axel RADERMACHER, Uday DESHPANDE, Michael GROENE
  • Patent number: 8725337
    Abstract: When a determination is made that the shift range is other than the R range, an ECU sets the system voltage for forward running. When a determination is made that the shift range is in the R range, the ECU sets the system voltage for backward running. The system voltage for backward running is set to become higher than the system voltage applied for forward running for an identical level of acceleration requirement for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keisuke Morisaki
  • Patent number: 8725332
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a regenerative charging area detection section, a recovery loss estimation section, and a motor use ratio increase section. The regenerative charging area detection section detects arrival of a regenerative charging possible area in which a regenerative charging from a motor to a battery is possible. The recovery loss estimation section estimates a recovery loss of the regenerative charging based on a regenerative charge amount in the regenerative charging possible area and a current remaining battery amount in response to detection by the regenerative charging area detection section. In response to estimation by the recovery loss estimation section, before the arrival at the regenerative charging possible area, the motor use ratio increase section increases a use ratio of the motor so as to decrease a remaining battery amount while limiting the temperature of the battery to a predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunao Yamada, Takashi Naito, Toshiaki Niwa, Masatoshi Takahara, Fumiharu Ogawa, Hideaki Suganuma, Mamoru Kuraishi
  • Publication number: 20140125260
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an EHC (electrical heated catalyst), a first MG (motor generator) generating a counter electromotive force at the time of vehicle collision, a battery, a PCU (power control unit) having a converter and an inverter performing power conversion between the battery and the first MG, and an ECU. The PCU is connected to the battery through an SMR (system main relay). The EHC is connected between the converter and the inverter through EHC relay. The ECU determines whether or not vehicle collision has occurred. When the vehicle collision has occurred, the ECU opens the SMR to electrically separate the battery and the PCU and closes the EHC relay to electrically connect the EHC and the first MG, so that the counter electromotive force generated in the first MG at the time of vehicle collision is consumed at the EHC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keita Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8712616
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with at least one wheel and a motor that is coupled to the wheel. The motor is configured to provide regenerative brake torque. The vehicle also includes at least one controller that is configured to predict future powertrain oscillation based on input indicative of a wheel speed and a total brake torque. The controller is also configured to control the motor to reduce the regenerative brake torque prior to the powertrain oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William David Treharne, Jonathan Andrew Butcher, Dale Scott Crombez, Thomas Scott Gee
  • Patent number: 8712676
    Abstract: Probe data is analyzed to derive Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) and an Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) for each road segment or link in a digital map network. The Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) profiles are calculated during defined time spans whereas the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) is based on the LSP for the time span corresponding only to free flow traffic conditions. All of the LSPs can used to create a respective energy cost for each time span, or only the OLSP (18) can be used (or alternatively the RRDSL 16 or LRRDSL 17) to calculate an energy cost for the free flow conditions only. The energy cost can be used to predict the energy required by a vehicle to traverse the link. Navigation software can use the energy cost to plan the most energy efficient route between two locations in the digital map. Sensory signals can be activated if a driver strays from the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) to achieve extremely high levels of energy efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: TomTom Global Content B.V.
    Inventors: Volker Hiestermann, Robert Joannes Van Essen, Edwin Bastiaensen, Stephen T'Siobbel
  • Patent number: 8708074
    Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels is disclosed having a rear drive assembly having a first pair of axles extending from opposite sides of the vehicle, each axle of the first pair of axles drivingly engaged to one of the pair of rear wheels, a prime mover drivingly engaged to the rear drive assembly, a power source disposed on the vehicle, a front drive assembly in selective electrical communication with the power source and having a second pair of axles extending from opposite sides of the vehicle, each axle of the second pair of axles is drivingly engaged to one of the pair of front wheels and has a pivotable segment along its length, a steering mechanism in communication with the pivotable segment of each of the second pair of axles, an accelerator mechanism in communication with the rear drive assembly and the front drive assembly, a selector switch having a first position which prevents electrical communication between the front drive assembly and the pow
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: K. Mike McCoy, Christopher K. Wyatt
  • Patent number: 8706379
    Abstract: A technique for controlling coasting of a hybrid vehicle equipped with an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is disclosed herein. First, the amount of regenerative braking is varied based on the degree of manipulation of an accelerator pedal within the predetermined control range of a total degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal from when the accelerator pedal is not being manipulated. The amount of regenerative braking decreases as the degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal increases. The control range is used to perform control in such a way as to vary the amount of regenerative braking according to the amount of manipulation of the accelerator pedal. Further, the control range is set to within a range of initial 5 to 20% of the total degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sang Pil Jang
  • Patent number: 8701804
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle. The system includes electric and compressed gas modes, a plurality of electric motors/generators and compressed gas motors, battery arrays, and transfer switches. The plurality of electric motors/generators and compressed gas motors are operatively connected to the wheels of the vehicle. When the system is in the electric mode, a portion of the plurality of electric motors/generators operate as motors and propel the vehicle, while a remaining portion of the plurality of electric motors/generators operate as generators and charge the battery arrays. When the system is in the gas mode, a portion of the plurality of compressed gas motors operate as motors and propel the vehicle. The transfer switches determine automatically—based upon predetermined—when the system should operate in the electric or the compressed gas mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Craig L. Antrobus
  • Patent number: 8706337
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle having a first driven axle (10) that can be driven exclusively electrically by at least one first electric machine (14) assigned to the first axle (10), and having a second driven axle (12) that can be driven by at least one second electric machine (16) assigned to the second axle (12) and/or by an internal combustion engine (15) assigned to the second axle (12). During each current driving cycle of the hybrid vehicle a kilometer reading/mileage reading, or a variable representing the kilometer reading/mileage reading, of the hybrid vehicle is determined, and an operating strategy is determined for a subsequent new driving cycle of the hybrid vehicle on the basis of the kilometer reading/mileage reading, or the variable representing the kilometer reading/mileage reading, of the previous driving cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Rauner, Sebastian Neu
  • Publication number: 20140107878
    Abstract: An ECU is mounted on a vehicle including an engine and a motor that can generate cranking torque applied to a rotation shaft of the engine. Where a request for starting the engine is not issued, the ECU determines whether the engine is during coasting or not. The ECU changes cranking target torque in accordance with engine rotation speed. In this way, engine rotation speed during cranking can be reduced to and remain in the optimum region where misfire and resonance can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Takahashi, Keisuke Morisaki, Daisuke Itoyama, Hideaki Yaguchi, Shinichi Sugai
  • Publication number: 20140106921
    Abstract: An electric drive module for a motor vehicle includes an electric motor, a first input member, a first output member and a two-speed module selectively drivingly interconnecting the first input member and the first output member at one of two different drive ratios. A reduction unit includes a second input member being driven by the first output member and has a second output member being driven at a reduced speed relative to the second input member. A differential assembly has an input driven by said second output member. A first differential output drives a first output shaft, and a second differential output drives a second output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Noel R. Mack, John R. Forsyth, David W. Wenthen, Richard A. Bakowski, Mario Charles DeSantis, Kelly Rathnaw
  • Publication number: 20140100725
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a vehicle is provided including a variable voltage controller (VVC), an electric motor configured to provide an assistive torque to an engine, and a single controller configured to read a plurality of analog signals indicative of operating conditions of the vehicle. The controller may also perform, during each of a repeating sequence of time periods, analog to digital (ATD) conversions on the analog signals, and further provide command signals to the electric motor and the VVC based on the ATD conversions and readings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jami J. Miller, William Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8689921
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a motor-assisted bicycle detects a pedaling torque applied to a crankshaft with a pedaling force sensor, controls a motor unit of the motor-assisted bicycle in a regenerative control process to charge a battery if the torque value of the detected pedaling torque is equal to or smaller than a predetermined level, and controls the motor unit in an assistive control process if the torque value is greater than the predetermined level. The control apparatus switches between the assistive control process and the regenerative control process depending on the torque value which is detected, increases the predetermined level if the state of charge of the battery becomes lower than a first level, and restores the predetermined level if the state of charge of the battery becomes higher than a second level which is greater than the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Aoki, Tsutomu Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20140094342
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle drive configured with a power transfer path that includes a first engagement device, a rotary electric machine, and a second engagement device. These elements being arranged in this order from an input member coupled to an engine to an output member that is coupled to the wheels of the vehicle. A mode control unit switches among a first, second, third and fourth control modes in which the rotating electrical machine generates electricity with: (i) both the first and second engagement devices, (ii) both the first and second engagement devices, (iii) the first engagement device in the direct engagement state and with the second engagement device, and (iv) with the first engagement device in the slip engagement state and with the second engagement device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yuma Mori, Yomei Hakumura
  • Patent number: 8684885
    Abstract: First and second engines ENG1 and ENG2; first and second transmissions TM1 and TM2 shifting the output of the first and second engines; first and second one-way clutches OWC1 and OWC2 that are provided in each output portion of the first and second transmissions; a driving target member 11 commonly connected to the output members 121 of the first and second one-way clutches via clutch mechanisms CL1 and CL2 and transmits the rotational power transmitted to the output members of the one-way clutches to the driving wheel 2; a main motor/generator MG1 connected to the member 11; a sub motor/generator MG2 connected to the output shaft S1 of the first engine; a battery 8 sending/receiving the electric power between both motor/generators; a synchronization mechanism 20 connecting/disconnecting the member 11 and the output shaft S2 of the second engine; and a controller 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Ichikawa, Fumiyasu Suga
  • Publication number: 20140080660
    Abstract: A method utilizing an integrated starter generator as a hybrid power source to an engine in a movable device is also disclosed. The impeller clutch activation decision may be based on load demand, more specifically, whether load demand for the engine is greater than the power from the engine at the current speed of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Benjamin A. Treichel, Evan Earl Jacobson, Koti Ratnam Padarthy
  • Patent number: 8672066
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine for driving one powertrain and a number of devices selectively drivable by the powertrain. The powertrain has a first section associated to the internal combustion engine, a second section and a first clutch for coupling the first and second sections. The electric machine and at least one of the devices are associated to the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Claas Tractor S.A.S.
    Inventor: Pascal Momal
  • Publication number: 20140074329
    Abstract: A method and system of dynamically displaying a plurality of electric drive range estimations for a vehicle having an electric motor and an energy storage system configured to provide electric power to the electric motor. The display providing information to a driver such that an electric drive range of the vehicle can be optimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Hong Yang, Steven L. Clark, Feisel Weslati, Carrie Okma
  • Publication number: 20140074335
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric machine, wherein the hybrid vehicle can be driven purely electrically if the internal combustion engine fails because, for example, a fuel tank for supplying the internal combustion engine with fuel is empty. In the event of failure of the internal combustion engine, continued purely electric travel of the hybrid vehicle is made possible only on condition that a restart of the hybrid vehicle is initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas KRAUSS, Thomas RAUNER, Marcos Remedios MARQUES
  • Publication number: 20140074337
    Abstract: A hybrid work machine includes an engine, a motor generator connected to the engine, an electric energy storage unit configured to store electric power generated by the motor generator, and a control part configured to control driving of the motor generator. The control part is configured to control the driving of the motor generator so that an assist output of the motor generator increases, based on an external condition of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO(S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideto MAGAKI, Noriyuki Sakai, Kiminori Sano
  • Patent number: 8667781
    Abstract: A vehicle control device applied to a vehicle including an internal combustion engine and an electrically heated catalyst which is warmed by applying a current, and includes a catalyst carrier supporting a catalyst and a carrier retention unit that retains the catalyst carrier and has an electrical insulation property. The control unit performs a control of suppressing a supply of an unburned gas from the internal combustion engine to the electrically heated catalyst so that the carrier retention unit is maintained at a lower temperature than the catalyst, when a condition for performing a fuel cut of the internal combustion engine during a deceleration is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a rapid cooling of the catalyst, and it becomes possible to maintain a temperature of the carrier retention unit at a lower temperature than a temperature of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Yoshioka, Noriaki Kumagai, Naoya Takagi
  • Publication number: 20140067173
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one electric machine and an inverter for selectively transmitting power to the electric machine. The inverter includes a power module. At least one controller controls the electric machine and the inverter. The controller at least temporarily disables the inverter during a power cycle such that power to the electric machine is inhibited. In response to the disabling of the inverter, the controller resets the duty cycle commands for the power module, and re-enables the inverter during the same power cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Rimma Isayeva, William Reynolds, Jonathan Andrew Butcher
  • Patent number: 8663858
    Abstract: A fuel cell system which prevents the deterioration of the fuel cell stack when feeding of the oxidant gas is paused under a load to perform a fuel conservation operation. Controller shuts down oxidant gas compressor and cooling water circulating pump to execute fuel conservation operation at a low fuel cell system load. The controller gives a current draw instruction to electric power controller. In the fuel conservation operation, electric power controller draws a current larger than zero from fuel cell stack, and keeps the total charge drawn per unit time constant or substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Ono, Takahiro Fujii, Takashi Iimori, Akira Matsunaga, Ryoichi Shimoi, Kazuo Saito, Hitoshi Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8662220
    Abstract: A power management system is provided for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine adapted to deliver power to vehicle drive wheels for propelling the vehicle and an engine powered component powered by the engine. The system includes a battery, a battery powered component powered by the battery, the battery powered component and the engine powered component being adapted to perform substantially the same functions, and a controller arranged to stop operation of the engine powered component so that additional engine power is available to the drive wheels, and to initiate operation of the battery powered component, when power sought to be delivered to the vehicle drive wheels from the engine reaches a predetermined percentage of maximum engine load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: Nelson Burkholder
  • Publication number: 20140058599
    Abstract: In a control of a motive power apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, the coil temperatures of first and second rotary electric machines and an air pressure index value are acquired, and upper limit values of the outputs of the machines are determined on the basis of the values acquired. If the output of one of the machines is restricted by the determined upper limit value of the output, the output of the other is increased. Alternatively, the upper limit values of the outputs of rotary electric machines are determined by applying the acquired coil temperatures to a relation between the coil temperature and the upper limit value of the output which relation is set for each air pressure index value. If the output of one of the first and the second rotary electric machines is restrained by the determined upper limit values, the output of the other is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiko MIYAMOTO, Mamoru KURAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8660726
    Abstract: A hybrid control system for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes a hybrid control module. The hybrid control module includes a first motor control module that controls output torque of a first motor. A second motor control module controls output torque of a second motor based on a second motor torque request signal. The second motor torque request signal is generated based on a transmission output torque request signal prior to startup of an engine of the HEV. An override module generates a torque override request signal during the startup. The first motor control module controls output torque of the first motor to crank the engine during the startup. The second motor control module adjusts output torque of the second motor based on the torque override request signal and not the transmission output torque request signal during the startup to minimize vehicle jerk during the engine start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Min-Joong Kim, Alan G. Holmes, Brendan M. Conlon
  • Patent number: 8660729
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle includes a motor configured to drive wheels, a high-voltage battery configured to supply electric power to the motor, and a battery charger configured to charge the high-voltage battery by using a power supply outside the vehicle. The control device further includes a failure detection unit configured to detect a specific failure, and a drive prohibition unit configured to prohibit driving of the vehicle. The drive prohibition unit prohibits the driving of the vehicle when the failure is detected by the failure detection unit in an initial check before start of driving of the vehicle and when the high-voltage battery is charged by using the power source outside the vehicle immediately before the initial check.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Shogo Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20140052364
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and a system for controlling a generation output of a starter generator connected to an engine to transmit a rotary force in a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes receiving, by a controller, vehicle state information for determining a driving mode of the vehicle after the vehicle starts, and determines the driving mode requiring an increase of the generation output from the vehicle state information; determining, by the controller, a need for the increase of the generation output to control a generation output variable for each driving mode; determining, by the controller, a torque command and a torque application time corresponding to a required output for each driving mode of the vehicle to control the generation output variable; and applying, by the controller, the determined torque command for the determined application time to control the generation output of the starter generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hyun Kim, Kyung Ha Kim, Jae Hyuk Suh, Seung Woo Ha, Yeon Ho Kim, Sam Gyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8655570
    Abstract: An apparatus for selecting operating conditions of a genset, the apparatus including a processor circuit configured to select a set of operating points from a plurality of operating points of the genset each comprising an engine speed in a generator electrical output value and a plurality of cost values associated with operating the genset at respective operating points such that the sum of the cost values associated with the operating points in said set is minimized and such that the engine speed increases or decreases monotonically with monotonically increasing or decreasing electrical power output values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Wei Liu, Nicolas Louis Bouchon
  • Publication number: 20140045648
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a tandem starter-generator construction that includes an induction motor-generator, a permanent magnet motor-generator and power transmission unit disposed adjacent to the motor-generators. The induction motor-generator is utilized predominantly as a motor to provide mechanical power at relatively high efficiency as a motor, and as a generator to provide electrical power during regenerative braking. The permanent magnet motor-generator is used predominantly as a generator for very high efficiency power conversion and to capture additional electrical power during regenerative braking to compensates for the regenerative energy captured at lower efficiency by the induction motor-generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: John F. Bangura, Lasse Moklegaard, Amitabh Saran
  • Patent number: 8649923
    Abstract: A pulse width modulation (PWM) Frequency Adaptation Mechanism (PFAM) is configured to receive vehicle state input, and in response to the vehicle state input, provide a PWM parameter for PWM switching of electronics in a power conversion circuit of an electric drive system (EDS) for a hybrid electric vehicle. In one example, a PWM parameter that reduces the audible noise generated by PWM switching can be designated by the PFAM. A PFAM can be configured to receive user input regarding user preference for a default mode or a noise reduction mode. Vehicle state input can include input related to vehicle motion, climate control system state, engine state, EDS state, vehicle body state and audio system state. By way of example, a PWM noise reduction parameter can comprise a high PWM switching frequency, or a random frequency hopping about a low PWM switching frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Venkateswa Sankaran, Joe Xiang
  • Patent number: 8649924
    Abstract: To enable a smooth transition from motor travel to hybrid travel despite the situation-of-charge of a battery and reduce shock at the time of engagement of a clutch element. A hybrid system uses a state map 70 for deciding target torques of an engine and a motor on the basis of an accelerator stroke position, a vehicle velocity and a battery state-of-charge SOC. In the map 70, there are defined a motor maximum torque line that demarcates a motor upper limit torque that changes depending on the SOC and a motor margin torque line that is a predetermined margin lower than the motor maximum torque line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Imaseki
  • Patent number: 8639405
    Abstract: In an electric motor drive system for an electric vehicle that includes a converter for performing direct-current voltage conversion and an inverter that converts the output voltage of the converter into alternating-current voltage, a control apparatus makes a required torque response determination to determine whether the electric vehicle is in a state in which high torque response is needed. Furthermore, in a drivability priority mode in which high torque response is needed, the control apparatus sets a voltage command value for the converter in a range where sine wave PWM control can be applied. On the other hand, in a fuel efficiency priority mode in which high torque response is not needed, the control apparatus sets the voltage command value for the converter such that power loss in the overall electric motor drive system is minimized, based on the operating state of an alternating-current electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Akiyoshi Morii, Hirofumi Kako
  • Publication number: 20140025242
    Abstract: There is provided a hybrid vehicle that reliably prevents an increase in size or a breakage of a mechanism for fixing an output shaft of an engine and handles utilization as a plug-in HEV by effectively increasing drive power in an EV mode. A hybrid vehicle includes a mechanism which outputs power generated from an engine and two motor generators to a drive shaft through a power transmitting mechanism and fixes an output shaft of the engine, the hybrid vehicle including: a control means which limits a torque generated from the two motor generators so that the torque acting on the mechanism for fixing the output shaft of the engine does not exceed an upper-limit value when the engine is stopped, the output shaft of the engine is fixed, and the vehicle runs only by the power generated by the two motor generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kuramoto, Yoshiki Ito
  • Publication number: 20140024492
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide control means for a hybrid electric vehicle, the control means comprising an energy management portion (EMP) configured to determine a required torque split between each of a first and at least a second actuator in dependence on a first set of one or more vehicle parameters, the required torque split being an amount of torque required to be provided to drive the vehicle by each actuator, the control means being configured to provide an actuator request control output whereby each actuator is controlled to provide an amount of torque according to the required torque split, the control means further comprising a powertrain mode manager (PMM) portion, the PMM portion being arranged to override the control output of the EMP in dependence on a value of a second set of one or more vehicle parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventor: Clement Dextreit
  • Patent number: 8626403
    Abstract: Heavy equipment is designed for operation in a substantially-repetitive work cycle that includes lifting, rotating, and lowering steps. The heavy equipment includes a generator, an electrical bus, an energy storage component, and working components. The generator provides a substantially constant electrical output to the electrical bus, which is communicated to the working components. As such, the working components of the heavy equipment are driven directly or indirectly by the electrical output of the generator. The controller selectively couples the energy storage component to the electrical bus, and the energy storage component is configured to store electricity provided by the generator, and to provide electricity to the working components by way of the electrical bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gordon Onsager, Joseph Helfrich, Dave L. Perugini, Wayne George Chmiel, Robert Weber, Peter James Miller
  • Publication number: 20140005864
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an electric motor with a rotatable rotor. A centrifugally-actuated clutch has a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member, and at least one actuator member attached to the first rotatable member. One of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member is operatively connected to the wheels. The other of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member is operatively connected to the rotor. The actuator member is configured to transfer torque between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member by an amount that decreases due to centrifugal force acting on the actuator member as a rotational speed of the first rotatable member increases. A method of control is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Min-Joong Kim, Steven A. Tarnowsky
  • Patent number: 8616321
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a motor-assisted bicycle detects a pedaling torque applied to a crankshaft with a pedaling force sensor, controls a motor unit of the motor-assisted bicycle in a regenerative control process to charge a battery if the torque value of the detected pedaling torque is equal to or smaller than a predetermined level, and controls the motor unit in an assistive control process if the torque value is greater than the predetermined level. The control apparatus includes a storage unit for storing an assisted state and a regenerated state in a single event of use of the motor-assisted bicycle by a user, and a control quantity corrector for correcting a control quantity of the assistive control process and a control quantity of the regenerative control process based on the assisted state and the regenerated state which are stored in the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Aoki, Satoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8606448
    Abstract: A system for controlling power in a machine includes a controller. The controller is configured to receive request signals indicative of requested operation of at least one of an electric device and a hydraulic device. The controller is further configured to determine a requested level of power required to meet the requested operation and determine an ability of the engine to supply the requested level of power. The controller is further configured to provide control signals to the at least one device to either supply power to the engine or receive power from the engine based on the ability of the engine to supply the requested level of power. The controller is also configured to provide control signals to the engine to control speed and output of the engine, wherein the control signals provided to the engine and the at least one device result in operation of the engine within a speed range of a target engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Anders, Corey L. Gorman
  • Publication number: 20130325236
    Abstract: Vehicle includes an engine, a first rotating electric machine and a control device controlling the rotational speed of the first rotating electric machine such that the rotational speed of the engine matches a target rotational speed. The control device calculates a torque command value of the first rotating electric machine based on an upper limit value of electric power discharged from a power storage device supplying electric power to the first rotating electric machine. The control device calculates the torque command of the first rotating electric machine based on a further restricted value of the upper limit value when a torque restricting condition including simultaneous operation of an accelerator pedal and brake pedal is met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Endo, Masaya Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130325232
    Abstract: In a vehicle having an all-wheel drive system in which the front axle and the rear axle of the vehicle can be driven with differently sized front-axle and rear-axle torques, a rotational-speed difference between a front-axle-side rotational speed and a rear-axle-side rotational speed is established from a torque difference between the front-axle and rear-axle torques. The vehicle includes a unit for determining a road friction coefficient, which unit measures the rotational-speed difference and determines the road friction coefficient based on a value pair derived from the rotational-speed difference and the torque difference or determined from a parameter correlating therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: Sebastian Strasser
  • Publication number: 20130325226
    Abstract: A trolley assist-capable electric drive truck includes a DC link with first, second and third contactors that may be opened and closed in different configurations to operate the truck in different modes. In a normal propel mode, the three contactors are open and electrical power is routed from an onboard electrical power source to electric propulsion motors. During normal retard mode, the three contactors are closed to route electrical energy generated by the electric propulsion motors through a grid resistor of the DC link. In a trolley mode, the first and second contactors are closed, but the third contactor is open, and electrical power is routed from the trolley lines to the motors for propulsion, or in a reverse direction for retarding the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Lewei Qian
  • Publication number: 20130325214
    Abstract: A system for controlling power of a hybrid vehicle may include a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a commanded acceleration for the hybrid vehicle and determine a potential for each of a power source, a generator, and an energy storage device to supply energy to achieve the commanded acceleration. The controller may be further configured to determine a cost associated with using each of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device to achieve the commanded acceleration, and determine a combination of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device that achieves the commanded acceleration at a lowest total cost. The controller may also be configured to provide a signal to at least one of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device to achieve the commanded acceleration based on the determined combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: David W. VOS
  • Patent number: 8596392
    Abstract: A method for operation of a hybrid vehicle is provided. The hybrid vehicle has a first drive apparatus for driving the wheels on a first axle by an internal combustion engine, a second drive apparatus having two electrical machines for driving the wheels on a second axle, and at least one electrical energy store that can be discharged when an electrical machine is being operated as a motor and can be charged when an electrical machine is being operated as a generator. The method includes operating at least one driver-operated control for causing at least one of the electrical machines to output additional electrical drive torque to the axle that is not driven by the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Hennings, Jochen Schmid, Daniel Armbruster