Control Of Motor Or Generator Specific To Hybrid Operation Patents (Class 180/65.285)
  • Patent number: 8277350
    Abstract: A two mode power-split electric hybrid system and a method of control said hybrid system. The hybrid system is comprised of an engine, a transmission, an energy storage device and a control system for effecting said control method. Said transmission is a reconfigurable power split system, comprising a power-splitting device and an output power path selecting device. The power splitting device includes a compound planetary gear system and two electric machines which form a local series electric hybrid system. Said transmission regulates the output power state of said hybrid system by controlling power flow within said local series hybrid system. The hybrid system provides at least two operating mode, an output power split mode and a compound power split mode. Said control system includes multiple controllers and control modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: AI, Xiaolin
    Inventors: Xiaolin Ai, Xiaozhi Ai, Rui Xue, Zhonghe Xue
  • Publication number: 20120245771
    Abstract: An example vehicle includes a motor and a gearbox. A controller is configured to identify oscillation peaks of a performance signal representing the rotational speed of the motor, the input speed of the gearbox, or the amount of torque generated by the motor or provided to the gearbox. The controller is configured to simultaneously detect unstable regular and irregular oscillations of the performance signal given the oscillation peaks identified and substantially dampen the unstable oscillations detected. An example method may include determining a mean of the performance signal and defining peak values, including peak moving average values or filtered peak values, representing a magnitude of at least two oscillation peaks. The method further includes simultaneously detecting the unstable regular and irregular oscillations of the performance signal using the defined values and substantially dampening the unstable oscillations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Houchun Xia, Robert L. Morris
  • Publication number: 20120242265
    Abstract: In a method for operating an electric machine of a drive device, which electric machine has a rotor and a stator, and which drive device has a drive unit, an angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator is determined on the basis of an angle-of-rotation encoder associated with the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Boyke Richter, Torsten Heidrich
  • Publication number: 20120245762
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive system of a vehicle in which an internal combustion engine and/or at least one electrical machine drive the vehicle, the electrical machine being supplied with energy from an energy reservoir or the electrical machine supplying the energy reservoir with electrical energy, and an operating point of the hybrid drive system being set in the context of a predefined operating strategy which depends on minimization variables that take into account the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine and the energy made available by the energy reservoir. In order to configure the operating strategy of the hybrid drive system in as variable a manner as possible, energy from an external energy source is delivered to the energy reservoir, the minimization variables to be taken into account as a result of the delivery of energy from the external energy source into the energy reservoir being evaluated in the operating strategy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jochen Fassnacht
  • Publication number: 20120245778
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and a generator motor, a capacitor, and a driving force assisting unit. Further, the control device includes a switching unit that selects an appropriate traveling range from a plurality of traveling ranges including at least a normal traveling range and a charging priority range for preferentially charging the capacitor and switches the range, and a threshold value increasing unit that increases, when the charging priority range is selected by the switching unit, the predetermined determination threshold value as compared to when the normal traveling range is selected by the switching unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keisuke GOTO, Toshihiko FUKUDA, Yohei OKAGAWA, Hiroshi ITO
  • Patent number: 8261864
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid powertrain includes an engine start detector that detects when an engine of the hybrid powertrain is activated via an electric motor during an auto start. An electric motor speed monitor determines a first speed of the electric motor for a first time and a second speed of the electric motor for a second time after detection of the engine in an active state. A control module determines a rate of change in speed of the electric motor based on the first speed and the second speed. The control module adjusts torque output of the electric motor during startup of the engine and based on the rate of change in speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Birendra P. Bhattarai, Bon Ho Bae, Leah Dunbar
  • Patent number: 8261862
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for a vehicle, which supplies more electric power to a motor which supplements the drive power of an engine and collects energy from an exhaust to be able to improve fuel consumption and reduce the total amount of the exhaust, is realized by comprising an engine coupled to a drive wheel to generate drive power for the vehicle, a generator motor coupled to an output shaft of the engine and the drive wheel, a battery, a power control unit, and a power generation unit which generates electric power using an exhaust of the engine, and selects a charge mode when the vehicle is braked and when an engine output is equal to or greater than an output needed to drive the vehicle, wherein the electric power generated by the generator is stored in the battery, and energy is collected from the exhaust using the power generation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Atsumitec
    Inventor: Naoki Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20120226405
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is disclosed having an electric drive. The drivetrain is comprised of batteries, a motor, a transaxle driven by the motor, a rear differential driven by the transaxle, and a prop shaft which is driven by the transaxle and drives a front differential. The batteries are provided in two groups and are supported on the frame of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Gillingham, Joel M. Notaro, Amber P. Malone, Bradley R. Morisch, Josh J. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8257222
    Abstract: In a powertrain for a motor vehicle that includes a power source, a transmission driveably connected to the power source and wheels of the vehicle, an electric machine able to operate as an electric motor for transmitting power to at least some of the vehicle wheels, a method for controlling the powertrain includes operating the power source and the transmission in a desired gear to produce a first wheel torque in response to a demanded wheel torque, increasing the demanded wheel torque while turning the vehicle along a curved path, and using the electric motor to provide a second wheel torque, such that a combined magnitude of the first wheel torque produced in the desired gear and the second wheel torque is equal to or greater than the increased demanded wheel torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Silveri, Ihab S. Soliman
  • Patent number: 8253359
    Abstract: A control system includes an electric rotating machine; a driving circuit that is connected to a DC power supply, the driving circuit includes a frequency conversion unit configured such that, when the electric rotating machine is to be driven in a power running mode, the frequency conversion unit converts an output of the DC power supply into AC electric power, and when the electric rotating machine is to be driven in a regenerative operation mode, the frequency conversion unit converts an output of the electric rotating machine into DC electric power; and a control unit that controls the driving circuit, wherein the control unit judges whether a connection between the DC power supply and the driving circuit is being maintained, and is configured such that, when the connection is not being maintained, regenerative electric power generated by the electric rotating machine is reduced by controlling the driving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Tanaka, Daisuke Ogino, Subrata Saha, Jin Izawa
  • Patent number: 8251864
    Abstract: A control device for hybrid vehicle drive apparatus which executes an internal-combustion-engine rotation control for rotating an engine output shaft under a circumstance where a consecutive travel distance LM involved in a motor drive running mode exceeds a given consecutive travel distance determining value L1. The rotation of the engine output shaft results in an effect of accelerating the lubrication of an engine. Once the engine output shaft is rotated, no component parts of the engine actually take the completely same attitudes at time before and after such rotation. This avoids the component parts of the engine from continuously remaining contact with each other in the same attitudes when encountered with running vibrations during the motor drive running mode, minimizing adverse affect on durability of the engine due to the running vibrations occurring in the motor drive running mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Iwase, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Patent number: 8250864
    Abstract: A method is for controlling the torque of a hybrid drive unit, which includes a combustion engine and at least one electric machine capable of being operated alternatively as a motor or as a generator. The electric machine, when operated as a motor, is powered by an energy storage device and supplies a positive electric motor torque which together with a combustion engine torque of the combustion engine produces a total drive torque of the hybrid drive unit. A hybrid drive unit includes a respective torque control. In the event that a desired torque is greater than a consumption-optimized combustion engine maximum torque, the electric machine is operated as a motor having an electric motor torque. An electric motor maximum torque is specified as a function of at least one state parameter of the energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Ekkehard Pott, Matthias Holz, Michael Zillmer, David Prochazka
  • Patent number: 8248010
    Abstract: A voltage application unit applies voltage to windings of a motor without passing though an inverter unit. A first detection unit detects a short circuit failure in switching elements of the inverter unit based on a terminal voltage between each of the switching elements and a corresponding winding and a power voltage of a power supply. Before rotation of the motor, when no short circuit failure is detected and when a switching unit switches at least one of the high and low potential-side switching elements of the inverter unit on and subsequently switches all the switching elements off, a second failure detection unit determines whether the switching unit is incapable of rendering the switching element non-conductive based on the terminal voltage and the power voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Mukai, Nobuhiko Uryu
  • Patent number: 8249769
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors, when the battery temperature Tb is lower than the preset reference temperature Tbref, drive control prohibits the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft with warm-up control of the battery. When the battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Tbref and the cooling water temperature Tw is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Twref, drive control performs the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Itoh, Koji Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120208671
    Abstract: A series/parallel dual motor dual-clutch hybrid electrical driving unit for vehicle includes: a main traction motor (17), an integrated starter-generator (4), a differential (7), a main shaft (8), a first stage decelerating device (9), a primary clutch (16) and a first clutch (15). Said traction motor (17) is connected with said first stage decelerating device (9) via said first clutch (15). A series/parallel dual motor triple clutch hybrid electrical driving unit for vehicle further includes a second clutch (12) and a second stage decelerating device (5) based on the above described series/parallel dual motor dual-clutch hybrid electrical driving unit. The hybrid electrical driving unit according to the invention is compact in structure arrangement, high efficient and rational in connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Shanghai E-Propulsion Auto Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun ZHU, Weimin Gao, Jiangang Lu, Hailong Ge, Sidong Luo, Jian Wang
  • Patent number: 8240413
    Abstract: A method and a device control a hybrid vehicle drive. The device contains a multiplicity of control parameter sets having different recovery torques for a conversion control device which sets a recovery torque of the electric motor in an overrun phase, which recovery torques are assigned a respective driving mode indicator. A definition device is provided for defining a current driving mode indicator, as a result of which a control parameter set corresponding to the defined current driving mode indicator can be used to control the conversion control device in an overrun phase of the hybrid vehicle drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marco Fleckner, Markus Göhring, Dieter Kraxner, Nils Sauvlet
  • Patent number: 8244421
    Abstract: When the low SOC control request is output and the catalyst warming request is not output, the low SOC control mode is set as a control mode and the state of charge (SOC) of the battery is controlled according to the managing center SOC* set as the smaller value S2 than the value S1 for the normal time. When the catalyst warming request is output, the catalyst warming mode is set as a control mode regardless of the low SOC control request and the engine is controlled to perform the self sustained operation (no-load operation) at the idling rotation speed Nidl with the spark-retard state. Namely, when the battery temperature is low and the catalyst temperature is also low, the catalyst warm-up is given a higher priority than the low SOC control and prevents the exhaust emission from becoming worse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanori Aoki, Koji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8242627
    Abstract: A path for charging a main battery from an external power source is established by turning on a first relay and a second relay. This charging path is provided independently of an electric path between a motor generator for generating a vehicle driving force and the main battery established by turning on a third relay. Further, an auxiliary load system including an auxiliary battery is not connected to the above-mentioned electric path, but receives operating power through a power line between the second relay and a power converter so as to be operable even with the third relay turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20120203415
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is driven by a power unit which includes: a first rotating machine including a first rotor, a first stator, and a second rotor, wherein the number of magnetic poles generated by an armature row of the first stator and one of the first rotor and the second rotor are connected to a drive shaft; a power engine, wherein an output shaft of the power engine is connected to the other of the first rotor and the second rotor; a second rotating machine; a capacitor; and a transformer that steps up an output voltage of the capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Akutsu, Noriyuki Abe, Kota Kasaoka, Masashi Bando, Satoyoshi Oya
  • Publication number: 20120203414
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is driven by a power unit which includes: a first rotating machine including a first rotor, a first stator, and a second rotor, wherein the number of magnetic poles generated by an armature row of the first stator and one of the first rotor and the second rotor are connected to a drive shaft; a power engine, wherein an output shaft of the power engine is connected to the other of the first rotor and the second rotor; a second rotating machine; and a capacitor. A traveling mode of the hybrid vehicle includes an EV traveling mode and an ENG traveling mode, wherein the hybrid vehicle travels with a motive power from at least one of the first rotating machine and the second rotating machine in the EV traveling mode, and the hybrid vehicle travels with a motive power from the power engine in ENG traveling mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Akutsu, Noriyuki Abe, Kota Kasaoka, Masashi Bando, Satoyoshi Oya
  • Publication number: 20120203405
    Abstract: A method for monitoring an electrically-powered torque machine configured to generate torque in a hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring signal outputs of a resolver configured to monitor rotational position of the torque machine. Upon detecting a fault warning state associated with the signal outputs of the resolver, a motor torque capacity of the torque machine is derated. Upon a clearing of the fault warning state, a torque ramp-up state to increase the motor torque capacity of the torque machine is executed. Notice of an incidence of a fault associated with the signal outputs of the resolver is provided only when the motor torque capacity fails to achieve a threshold motor torque capacity within a threshold recovery time period while executing the torque ramp-up state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wei D. Wang, Bon Ho Bae, Leah Dunbar, Kevin P. Houle, William R. Cawthorne, Andrew M. Zettel, Hanne Buur, Steven E. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20120197474
    Abstract: A motor vehicle comprising an electric motor, at least one battery, and an electronic regulation unit connected to a potentiometer of the accelerator to regulate the power supply of the electric motor. The stator of the electric motor is rotatably mounted on two fixed supports joined to the frame of the vehicle, an axle shaft of a wheel is connected to the stator and the axle shaft of the other wheel is connected to the rotor. The vehicle additionally comprises a rotation reversing device to reverse the rotation of one of the two axle shafts of the wheels with respect to the rotation of the rotor or stator, respectively, an endothermic motor, an electric generator connected to the battery and a three way clutch to couple the endothermic motor to the generator and/or stator of the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: PIERALISI MAIP SOCIETA' PER AZIONI
    Inventor: Gennaro Pieralisi
  • Publication number: 20120197473
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular power assisting system. In particular the present invention relates to a modular electric power assisting system that is adaptable to a vehicle/engine driven system so as to be operated/powered by electric system and/or its original power system. The synergistic combination of the motor system; motor control system and energy storage device coupled to the regenerative braking system of the present invention enables the power assisting system of the present invention to adapt to the vehicle/engine without involving substantial modifications in engine, power train, drive train and vehicle. The engine and electric motor exploits advantages of each of the power source based on the operating conditions of the vehicle/engine driven system by selectively responding to the engine's power demands so as to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce undesirable emissions and provide better drivability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Tejas Krishna Kshatriya
  • Patent number: 8230955
    Abstract: A method controls an overrun operation in a motor vehicle, wherein, in the presence of predetermined switch-off conditions, an overrun switch-off of the internal-combustion engine takes place by interrupting the fuel feed, and wherein, when a predetermined restoring speed is reached or fallen below, the fuel feed is resumed. Starting from an operating state with an activated overrun switch-off, the transmission line between the output of the engine and the input of the transmission device is monitored as to whether a torque difference is occurring which is greater than or equal to a predetermined limit torque. In such a case, the internal-combustion engine is driven by an electric machine coupled with the crankshaft of the internal-combustion engine such that a rotational speed of the internal-combustion engine is adjusted to be greater than or equal to the restoring speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Joachim Froeschl
  • Patent number: 8234031
    Abstract: A parallel hybrid vehicle launches from rest or near rest with its electric motor and blends in its internal combustion engine at a vehicle speed such that the electrical energy provided to the motor from an energy storage device is only as much energy as can be recovered during deceleration of the vehicle to rest or near rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: John Jerwick
  • Patent number: 8225893
    Abstract: The application is directed to solving the problem of generation of overdischarging from a power storage device according to compensation for reduction in electrical power generated by a first motor generator (MG1) corresponding to reduction in the revolution speed of the MG1. When detection is made of reduction in the revolution speed of the MG1 corresponding to reduction in the engine speed, any of the four following operations is carried out: (1) modifying the output torque of the MG1 such that electrical power generated by the MG1 increases; (2) modifying the output torque of a second motor generator (MG2) such that power consumption by the MG2 is reduced; (3) forcing the control mode of the MG1 to be changed to PWM control from one-pulse switching control; and (4) reducing the DC voltage command value for the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Takeshi Itoh
  • Patent number: 8229612
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked to the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors. When a cooling water temperature Tw of the engine is lower than a threshold Twref, the intermittent operation of the engine is prohibited, and a controller performs a warm-up control on a condition that a battery temperature Tb is a preset reference temperature T?, while performing a low state of charge control on condition that a battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to a preset reference temperature T? and lower than a preset reference temperature T?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Itoh, Koji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8226525
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes an engine having a crankshaft, and a hybrid transmission having an input member, an output member, and at least one motor/generator operable to provide or receive torque. A damper connects the crankshaft with the input member. A bi-directional rotational position sensing system operatively connects with either the crankshaft or an input side of the damper, and is configured to sense the rotational position and direction of the crankshaft, and provide a position signal indicative thereof. At least one controller is configured to receive the position signal and to provide a torque command to the motor/generator based at least in part on the position signal. The torque command is operable to cause the motor/generator to substantially cancel an expected engine torque pulse associated with the sensed rotational position during starting of the engine with the damper open. A method for controlling the hybrid powertrain is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Hong Yang, Antonio E. Bartolomeo
  • Publication number: 20120185120
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle includes a system control unit for putting the state of an electric power supply line into an interrupted state when a first condition on the state of the vehicle is satisfied, a battery ECU for, in parallel with the operation of the system control unit, detecting a state of charge of a battery for traveling and transmitting the detected state of charge to the system control unit and for putting the state of the electric power supply line into the interrupted state when a second condition on the state of the battery for traveling is satisfied, and a power supply interrupting unit for putting the state of the electric power supply line into the interrupted state with an SMR in response to a request from at least either one of the system control unit and the battery ECU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kouji Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20120185119
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor, the engine and the motor being driving sources, a first traveling mode in which the vehicle is driven utilizing an output of the engine, and a second traveling mode in which the vehicle is driven through an output of the motor with the engine stopped. The hybrid vehicle further includes an air density detecting section configured to detect an air density of an environment under which the vehicle travels and, in a case where the detected air density is reduced with respect to a standard air density, the motor output in the second traveling mode is reduced with respect to the motor output in a standard air density such that a driving force of the vehicle in the second traveling mode when the traveling mode is switched approaches the driving force of the vehicle in the first traveling mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Takeshi Ohno, Toshio Honda, Takeshi Hirata, Munetoshi Ueno
  • Patent number: 8220572
    Abstract: Various control options are applied for selecting the number of operating power sources for a multi-power source vehicle having a number of prime power sources and, optionally including energy storage systems. This system and method are applicable to large vehicles such as locomotives, mining trucks, tugboats and large cranes. Selectable operating modes are provided for different locomotive speed ranges and work loads. The system and method are based on a common DC bus electrical architecture so that prime power sources need not be synchronized. Multiple-engine locomotives are included in which the engine systems may be electrically connected in parallel or in series or in combinations of parallel and series to a DC bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Railpower, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Wegner Donnelly
  • Publication number: 20120179316
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction motor, a transmission, a speed encoder for the motor, and a control system. The control system compensates for angular wobble in an encoder signal. The control system receives, via a hybrid control processor (HCP), the encoder signal from the speed encoder, and determines a set of wobble characteristics of the encoder signal below a threshold motor speed. The control system also calculates a wobble-compensated speed value via the HCP using the wobble characteristics, and uses the wobble-compensated speed value as at least part of the input signals when controlling the motor. A lookup table tabulates a learned wobble value relative to the angular position value, and a learned wobble value is subtracted from a current angular wobble value to generate an error-adjusted wobble value. A method compensates for wobble in the encoder signal using the above control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Morris
  • Publication number: 20120179320
    Abstract: There is provided a power output system 1 comprising an internal combustion engine 6, an electric motor 2 and a transmission 20 including two transmission shafts 11, 16 which are connected to the internal combustion engine 6. The electric motor 2 includes a stator 3, a primary rotor 4 and a secondary rotor 5. The primary rotor 4 is connected to either of the two transmission shafts 11, 16. The secondary rotor 5 is connected to drive shafts 9, 9. And, the other transmission shaft of the two transmission shafts 11, 16 transmits power to the drive shafts 9, 9 without involving the electric motor 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Abe, Shigemitsu Akutsu
  • Patent number: 8215426
    Abstract: In a 2-motor drive mode with connection of both motors with a driveshaft by means of a transmission, a hybrid vehicle specifies one of the motors as a main motor of preferentially outputting power. Torque commands of the motors are then set to make the motor specified as the main motor preferentially output the power over the other motor specified as an auxiliary motor and to ensure output of a torque equivalent to a torque demand to the driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Katsuta, Hidehiro Oba
  • Patent number: 8215429
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling engine starting in a hybrid electric vehicle that includes a battery, an engine and a generator acting as a motor control generator power during engine starting so that generator torque complements or assists the engine to develop a stable running speed throughout an engine start event, particularly a cold engine start event, without violating battery power limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Paul Stephen Bryan, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Kenneth Frederick, Shunsuke Okubo
  • Publication number: 20120173066
    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: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Akiyoshi Morii, Hirofumi Kako
  • Patent number: 8212510
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a controlling an electric motor that is at least partially disposed within a motor housing. The rotational speed and position of the electric motor are sensed, and a temperature of the electric motor is sensed. The sensor signals are converted to optical signals and are propagated in a fiber optic cable. The electric motor is controlled based, at least in part, on the propagated optical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Campbell, Jim R. Switzer, Steven E. Schulz
  • Patent number: 8210294
    Abstract: A method is provided for shutting down an internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle that includes a motor and a generator operatively connected to an engine crankshaft. The method includes the steps of reducing compression in at least one engine cylinder and operating the motor or generator to influence motion of the engine crankshaft during engine shutdown to attenuate oscillations in and expedite reduction of engine crankshaft speed. A system for shutting down a hybrid vehicle internal combustion engine is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Hughes, Matthew R. Busdiecker
  • Patent number: 8210290
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a generator connected to an electrical energy storage unit in a vehicle power train. An engine is connected to a drive shaft of the vehicle through a transmission and with an interrupting device with which the transmission of torque from the engine to the drive shaft is interruptible. When the transmission of torque between the engine and the drive shaft is interrupted the generator is driven from the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Emmanuel Simon, Oswald Friedmann, Christian Lauinger
  • Patent number: 8214094
    Abstract: A hybrid system for powering a vehicle and a method of controlling the hybrid system. The hybrid system has both an internal combustion engine and a motor/generator. The vehicle is controlled in response to the combination of states of five control parameters of the vehicle: polarity of the MG (positive or negative), relative rotor/stator speed, fueling of engine (on or off), clutch (on or off), and transmission shift position (drive, reverse, park). A control unit receives data from the vehicle representing these states, and determines an associated control mode. In at least one of the control modes, the engine both drives the vehicles and provides power to the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Shizuo Sasaki, Jayant V. Sarlashkar
  • Patent number: 8212505
    Abstract: A method and system for operating an automotive electric motor having first and second components is provided. A desired frequency of vibration for the electric motor is selected. A current is caused to flow through at least one of the first and second components such that the second component moves relative to the first component. The current is modulated such that the motor vibrates at the desired frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James M. Nagashima, Steven E. Schulz, Yo Chan Son, Jonas Bereisa
  • Publication number: 20120160202
    Abstract: A method and a device for starting an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the internal combustion engine exerting a drive torque on a crankshaft in one direction of the internal combustion engine, a starting motor exerting a starting torque on the crankshaft during a starting process to achieve a minimum rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and a control unit regulating the starting torque. The control unit regulates the starting torque in a time-dependent manner between a positive maximum starting torque and a negative minimum starting torque during the starting process, a positive starting torque acting on the crankshaft in one direction and a negative starting torque in the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Henning Vogt, Uwe Hinrichsen, Andreas Schwenger
  • Patent number: 8205697
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method comprising: a thermal traction chain (50) including a front axle (12), a thermal engine (18) coupled by a coupling member (20) to a gearbox (22) for transmitting to the front axle (12) and via a front transmission (24) a vehicle traction power for different gear reduction ratios of the gearbox, at least one front electric machine (42, 46) coupled to the thermal engine (18) and ensuring at least the starting thereof, an electric traction chain (60) including a rear axle (62), at least one rear electric machine (68) mechanically coupled via a rear transmission (70) to the rear axle (62), at least one power electric network (74) connecting the rear electric machine (68) to electric energy storage means (40), and control means (44) for driving the thermal traction chain (50), the electric traction chain (60), and the electric energy storage means (40) in order to take into account all the life situations of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Xavier Delisle, David Calmels, Vincent Basso
  • Patent number: 8204640
    Abstract: Past limit electric power generation costs and past limit electric assist costs are stored as pieces of planning information, based on each of which a fuel consumption amount is estimated assuming that a vehicle travels according to a past traveling pattern. An average estimated fuel consumption amount is computed by averaging the fuel consumption amounts estimated for the pieces of planning information. The piece of planning information including the lowest average estimated fuel consumption amount is selected for the next traveling. An improvement amount during electric power generation and an improvement amount during assistance are computed based on the selected piece of planning information (limit electric power generation cost), the limit electric assist cost, and the present generating and electric assist costs required actually while the vehicle is traveling. An engine and a motor/generator of the vehicle are controlled based on the two improvement amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Tani, Akira Sakamoto, Tadashi Sakai
  • Patent number: 8198836
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a power generator that generates electric power using power from an internal combustion engine; a motor that outputs power for travel of the hybrid vehicle; a first inverter connected to an electric power storage device and the motor to drive the motor; a second inverter connected to the electric power storage device; and a large drive power determination portion that determines whether the hybrid vehicle is in a large-drive-power required state in which drive power equal to or larger than a predetermined value is required for the travel of the hybrid vehicle. When it is determined that the hybrid vehicle is not in the large-drive-force required state, the second inverter is connected to the power generator. When it is determined that the hybrid vehicle is in the large-drive-force required state, the second inverter is connected to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tadayoshi Kachi, Hiroaki Ono
  • Patent number: 8196688
    Abstract: A method of carrying out a shift operation with traction force interruption during hybrid operation when the electric machine has failed or the energy accumulator is full in a parallel hybrid vehicle having an automated transmission. During an upshift, the power inverter, connected to the electric machine, is actuated with an active short-circuit whereby a torque is generated, at the electric machine, which is used for synchronizing the transmission input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Stefan Wallner
  • Publication number: 20120143422
    Abstract: A hybrid drive apparatus includes: a drive power source that includes an internal combustion engine, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor; a power transmission mechanism that includes a carrier, a sun gear, and a ring gear, and that is configured to rotate the output shaft of the internal combustion engine by the first electric motor; and plural bearings that each includes an outer ring member and an inner ring member fitted to the outer ring member through a rolling element, and that are provided apart from each other in an axial direction of the output shaft with the carrier being positioned between the bearings. An inner periphery of the outer ring member is positioned more inward in a radial direction of the ring gear relative to a meshing portion between inner teeth of the ring gear and outer teeth of one of the pinion gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi KITAHATA, Tatsuo OBATA, Takeshi KUWAHARA, Hiromichi KIMURA, Toru SAITO, Masahiro TANAE
  • Publication number: 20120143426
    Abstract: In a drive controller for a vehicle including: a drive source configured to output a drive force to a first axle serving as one of front and rear wheel axles; an electric motor configured to output a drive force to a second axle serving as the other of the front and rear wheel axles; a one-way power transmission device disposed on a power transmission pathway between the second axle and the electric motor so as to transmit a power drive force from the electric motor to the second axle; a two-way power transmission device that transmits a rotation power from the second axle to the electric motor or transmits the power drive force and a regeneration drive force from the electric motor to the second axle, the drive controller includes: a first detector that detects a speed of the vehicle or a rotation speed of the second axle; a target rotation speed determination section that determines a target rotation speed of the electric motor based on the speed of the vehicle or the rotation speed of the second axle; a se
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Yamamoto, Tomokazu Katayama, Yoshihiro Kanamaru, Sei Shinohara, Nobuyuki Hiramatsu
  • Publication number: 20120143409
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a drive mode switch is provided that is configured to move in a rotary motion, a substantially fore-and-aft motion and a substantially cross-vehicle motion. The switch sends a signal that corresponds to each of the motions. A controller is provided that receives the signals from the switch and includes programmed software that correlates the signals to various vehicle motion outputs, such as forward and reverse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: APTERA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: James Anthony Curtis, Paul Thomas Geantil
  • Patent number: 8195350
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle 20, when the ECO switch 88 is turned on, a maximum allowable charging power Pcmax is set based on a vehicle speed and an ECO mode maximum allowable charging power setting map that is a second relationship having a tendency to allow charging of a battery 50 in comparison with a normal maximum allowable charging power setting map (Step S130), and an engine 22, motors MG1 and MG2 are controlled so that the battery 50 is charged with an effective charge-discharge power demand Pb* as a charging power demand set at Step S140 in accordance with state of the battery 50 within a range of the maximum allowable charging power Pcmax and a torque demand Tr* for driving is ensured (Steps S150-S280).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunihiko Jinno