Control Of Battery Specific To Hybrid Operation Patents (Class 180/65.29)
  • Patent number: 8447450
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for specifying a boost control strategy of a hybrid vehicle drive. The method includes predefining a driving track (R) with a multiplicity of track sections (G1-G4; K1-K4); determining a dependency of a lap time gain (?t) on a boost energy quantity (Eboost) used, proceeding from a vehicle-specific lap time without boost assistance from the electric motor (G1, G2) for a plurality of predetermined track sections (G1-G4); and defining a respective partial boost energy quantity (EBoost1, EBoost2, EBoost3, EBoost4) for each track section (G1-G4) based on the determined dependencies, with a sum of the partial boost energy quantities (EBoost1, EBoost2, EBoost3, EBoost4) corresponding to a predefined available total boost energy quantity (EBoostm).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Hennings, Alexander Basler
  • Publication number: 20130119755
    Abstract: A housekeeping circuit configured to facilitate powering multiple loads is contemplated. The housekeeping circuit may include a transformer to regulate voltage output for using in powering the loads. A trickle circuit may be included to facilitate setting a minimum loading on the transformer. The minimum loading may be beneficial in insuring proper regulation of the transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Krzysztof Klesyk
  • Publication number: 20130124028
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle (100) includes a voltage step-up device (17). The voltage step-up device (17) is provided between driving devices (18, 20) and an electrical storage device (16), and steps up input voltages of the driving devices (18, 20) to a voltage of the electrical storage device (16) or above. An HV-ECU (36) determines whether it is possible to reduce a CO2 emissions for a predetermined travel route by increasing the voltage of the electrical storage device (16). Then, when it is determined that it is possible to reduce the CO2 emissions, the HV-ECU (36) controls an SOC of the electrical storage device (16) so as to increase the SOC at a start of the travel route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Wanleng Ang
  • Publication number: 20130110330
    Abstract: A configurable energy management system for recharging an electric vehicle. An in-vehicle renewable energy source generates electrical energy for recharging an in-vehicle energy storage device. The at least one off-vehicle renewable energy source provides electrical energy to the vehicle for recharging the in-vehicle energy storage device. A vehicle communication module transmits and receives data. An integration module integrates in-vehicle energy parameter data, in-vehicle renewable energy parameter data, off-vehicle renewable energy parameter data, user parameter data, and web-based data. A user interface device communicates user parameter data to the integration module. The user parameter data includes a prioritization of preferential parameters in re-charging the in-vehicle energy storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Prasad Atluri, Subhash B. Gullapalli
  • Patent number: 8433466
    Abstract: In a drive control apparatus, an information storing unit collects first and second information at predetermined intervals while the vehicle runs and the information storing unit stores the first and second information in a storage device. A schedule effective section extracting unit extracts a schedule effective section from a route from an origin to a destination based on the second information. A control index storage controlling unit defines the schedule of the control index of each of multiple predetermined sections within the schedule effective section based on the first information such that fuel consumption of the engine is reduced in the schedule effective section, wherein the defined schedule of the control index is stored in the storage device. An assist control process unit performs drive control of a motor and an engine based on the schedule of the control index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunao Yamada, Yusuke Mizuno, Tadashi Sakai, Yasushi Sakuma
  • Patent number: 8424624
    Abstract: The charge-discharge power demand is set to the charging power, when the state of charge of the battery is less than the reference value or when the state of charge of the battery is more than or equal to the reference value and less than the reference value while the vehicle power demand is less than reference value. The charge-discharge power demand is set to the discharging power, when the state of charge of the battery is more than or equal to the reference value or when the state of charge of the battery is more than or equal to the reference value and less than the reference value and while the vehicle power demand is more than or equal to the reference value. The charge-discharge power demand is set without change in value to the last set the charge-discharge power demand, when the state of charge of the battery is more than or equal to the reference value and less than the reference value while the vehicle power demand is more than or equal to the reference value and less than the reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shunsuke Oyama, Yuichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8428804
    Abstract: A temperature increase of a battery of a vehicle in a schedule effect road range is estimated based on an estimate of energy acquirable by regeneration in the schedule effect road range of the vehicle. A special value of the battery upper limit temperature is designated which is obtained by subtracting the temperature increase from a default value of the battery upper limit temperature. A battery upper limit temperature reduction road range is designated which is located just prior to the schedule effect road range. While the vehicle runs the battery upper limit temperature reduction road range, the battery upper limit temperature is set at the special value by being switched from the default value. When the vehicle completes running the battery upper limit temperature reduction road range and starts running the schedule effect road range, the battery upper limit temperature is returned to the default value from the special value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tadashi Sakai, Kazunao Yamada, Yusuke Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20130096762
    Abstract: A battery system includes a plurality of battery modules electrically coupled together in series. The battery system also includes a first electronic control unit (ECU) configured to act as a master ECU. The master ECU is electronically coupled to a first one of the plurality of battery modules. The battery system further includes a plurality of slave ECUs, wherein each slave ECU is electronically coupled to one of the other of the plurality of battery modules. The master ECU is configured to control whether electrical power is provided to each of the plurality of slave ECUs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls - SAFT Advanced Power Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Gary P. Houchin-Miller, Craig W. Rigby, Thomas J. Dougherty, James S. Symanski
  • Patent number: 8423210
    Abstract: When a mode signal from a running mode control unit indicates a charge depleting (CD) mode, a CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit calculates an electric power allocation ratio to be used during the CD mode. When the mode signal indicates a charge sustaining (CS) mode, a CS mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit calculates an electric power allocation ratio to be used during the CS mode. A switching unit switches between the electric power allocation ratios received from the CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit and the CS mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit in response to the mode signal, and outputs the electric power allocation ratio to an instruction generation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Norihiko Kato
  • Patent number: 8423217
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle wherein such a situation that the residual capacity of a battery drops significantly below the lower limit of a reasonable range is avoided while fuel efficiency is enhanced. The hybrid vehicle, including an engine, a generator, a battery, and an electric motor for driving, is further provided with a converter for supplying the voltage of the battery that has been boosted to the electric motor, an eco-switch for selecting a first mode or a second mode in association with the boosting operation of the converter, and a hybrid ECU for changing the upper limit of the voltage boosted by the converter from a first upper limit in the first mode to a second upper limit lower than the first upper limit when the second mode is selected by the eco-switch, and changing the upper limit of the voltage boosted by the converter from the second upper limit to the first upper limit when the residual capacity of the battery drops below a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasushi Kojima, Kensuke Takagi, Masatoshi Kimata
  • Patent number: 8423218
    Abstract: A travel controller for a hybrid forklift includes an acceleration command reference value generation unit, an acceleration limit value generation unit, an acceleration command value determination unit, and a travel motor control unit. The acceleration command reference value generation unit obtains an acceleration command reference value. The acceleration limit value generation unit obtains an acceleration limit value that limits an acceleration command value to a range that prevents discharge power of the battery from exceeding a battery discharge power limit value. The acceleration command value determination unit determines the acceleration command value for the travel motor from the acceleration command reference value and the acceleration limit value. The travel motor control unit controls the travel motor with the acceleration command value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Yukikazu Koide, Norihiko Kato
  • Patent number: 8418789
    Abstract: A fan motor is controlled via a switching circuit from the moment when a cooling fan control routine is started until the moment when the rotational speed of the fan motor reaches a control-switching speed so that the higher the detected auxiliary battery voltage is when the cooling fan control is started, the lower the command duty ratio that is set. Accordingly, it is possible to activate the fan motor more reliably and to avoid generating excessive operating noise by the cooling fan when the fan motor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kimihito Nakamura, Yoshiaki Kikuchi, Masahito Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8423219
    Abstract: An electric drive vehicle includes a vehicle main body 10, a battery 12, a power generating unit 11 that charges to the battery 12, an operating condition setting switch 40 capable of setting an operating condition of the power generating unit 11, a power-generating-unit side ECU 113 that operates the power generating unit 11 on the basis of the operating condition, a navigation system 30 that acquires a vehicle traveling condition, and a vehicle-side ECU 50 that estimates the amount of charge consumed in the battery 12 during traveling under the vehicle traveling condition. The vehicle-side ECU 50 turns on an alarm lump 46 when an estimated time necessary for charging the battery to make up the amount of charge estimated is longer than a desired time it takes to charge the battery to make up the amount of charge estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoko Tofukuji, Atsunori Kumagai, Hiroki Murata
  • Patent number: 8423211
    Abstract: A limited protection method for charging/discharging current of hybrid electric vehicle battery and a device and a system thereof is disclosed. Said method includes: receiving a power requirement and determining an original torque based on the power requirement; judging a charge/discharge state of the battery and acquiring a limited torque from an actual current and a predefined torque; comparing said original torque with the limited torque to select the smaller one as a final output requirement. The embody of the invention can achieve the real-time limited protection for charge/discharge current of hybrid electric vehicle battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang Li
  • Publication number: 20130090793
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for detecting a relay fusion in a battery system. In particular, the disclosed technique protects the battery system by being able to determine whether all of the relays in the battery system are fused without any omission. In particular, the disclosed technique alternates between two processes to ensure all relays are operating correctly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Do Sung Hwang, Hyun Soo Park, Kyung In Min
  • Patent number: 8417403
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery as a power storage device that can be charged and discharged, a booster unit, an inverter, and a motor generator operating as a vehicle driving unit receiving electric power supply from the battery to drive the vehicle, a coupling unit coupling the vehicle with an external power supply for charging the battery from the outside of the vehicle, and a control device performing control related to the battery. The control device determines whether or not a destination is a charging-available place where the battery can be charged from the outside of the vehicle, and if the destination is a charging-available place, performs control related to the battery so that the temperature of the battery is a charging-efficient temperature on arrival at the destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahide Iida, Masatoshi Takahara, Keisuke Kimura
  • Patent number: 8412476
    Abstract: A travel support system for a vehicle includes: a required power amount obtaining unit determining a required power amount in a rechargeable battery required for travel of a predetermined section of a route; a remaining power amount obtaining unit determining a remaining power amount as the amount of power currently remaining in the rechargeable battery; an excess power amount obtaining unit determining an excess power amount as a portion of the remaining power amount in the rechargeable battery in excess of the required power amount; and a communication unit notifying a user of the vehicle of information indicating the availability of an electrical component of the vehicle in traveling the predetermined section, based on the excess power amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuya Kato
  • Patent number: 8392041
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine that is an internal combustion engine, a motor generator that is a rotating electric machine used together with the engine for driving the vehicle, an output shaft transmitting power to a wheel, a transmission member coupled to the output shaft, a power split device splitting the output from the engine to the motor generator and transmission member, a detection device detecting irregularities on a road, and a control unit reducing, when the detected result by the detection device indicates generation of periodic torque variation at the output shaft, the output from the engine based on the detected result. Accordingly, a hybrid vehicle that does not require a torque limiter is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunori Uchiyama, Naoki Hakamada, Hideto Watanabe, Eiji Ichioka, Kunio Takeda
  • Publication number: 20130054061
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte battery has a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an insulating layer present between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolytic solution holding layer that composes the insulating layer and includes an electrolytic solution and a porous polymer compound, in which the electrolytic solution is held in the pores in the porous polymer compound and swells the porous polymer compound, the material of the porous polymer compound includes a vinylidene fluoride polymer, the vinylidene fluoride polymer is a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer or a copolymer including a vinylidene fluoride monomer unit and a hexafluoropropylene monomer unit, the mass composition ratio of the monomer units of the vinylidene fluoride polymer, or vinylidene fluoride monomer units:hexafluoropropylene monomer units, is 100:0 to 95:5, and the weight average molecular weight of the vinylidene fluoride polymer is 500,000 or more to less than 1.5 million.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 8386142
    Abstract: A motor vehicle control system for controlling a motor vehicle with a hybrid drive comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, with a strategy sub-component, a control sub-component and an actuator sub-component. The functional components include at least an internal combustion engine functional component, a transmission functional component, such that the strategy sub-component (8) of the hybrid functional component (4) comprises an operating status prescription module which determines a prescribed value for the operating status of the hybrid drive and transmits the prescribed value to the control sub-component (9) of the hybrid functional component (4) such that the control sub-component (9) of the hybrid functional component (4) comprises a first module (18) and a second module (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Winfried Fakler, Notker Amann, Christian Mittelberger, Mesut Er, Stefan Blattner, Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
  • Patent number: 8378688
    Abstract: A capacity maintenance ratio determination device includes an impedance measurement unit and a capacity estimation unit. An alternating signal is applied from a signal generator to a battery. Frequency characteristics of AC impedance are calculated by the impedance measurement unit based on a response signal output from the battery in response to the alternating signal. A feature frequency is determined from the calculated frequency characteristics. The capacity estimation unit includes a memory and a determination unit. A correspondence relationship among a temperature of the battery, the feature frequency and a capacity maintenance ratio is stored in the memory. The determination unit determines the capacity maintenance ratio of the battery based on the temperature of the battery detected by a temperature detector, the determined feature frequency and the correspondence relationship stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazumi Ohkura
  • Patent number: 8378627
    Abstract: Chargers are connectable with vehicles. An electric supply controller controls a switching circuit to connect an electric power supply line to one of the chargers. A storage unit of the electric supply controller associates information on a priority to each of the vehicles and stores the associated information therein. When the vehicles are simultaneously connected to different chargers, a control unit of the electric supply controller controls the switching circuit to connect the electric power supply line preferentially to one of the different chargers. The one of the different chargers is connected to one of the vehicles assigned with a highest priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshige Asada, Takashi Kanamori, Shinya Taguchi
  • Patent number: 8378617
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the current of a high-speed Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) using an inverter circuit including a first switching element, a second switching element, a first diode, a second diode and a reactor, wherein the first switching element and the first diode, the second diode and the second switching element are connected to a bridge circuit, and one end of the reactor is connected to the junction of the first switching element and the first diode, and the remaining end of the reactor is connected to the junction of the second diode and the second switching element; and excitation mode, free-wheeling mode-1, the excitation mode, and free-wheeling mode-2 are sequentially performed in a unit period T, and, when the control is terminated, demagnetization is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kyungsung University Office of Industry-Academy Cooperation
    Inventors: Jin-Woo Ahn, Dong-Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20130041530
    Abstract: A system, computer readable storage device and method for controlling torque in a hybrid electric vehicle. The method comprises determining a state of charge of an energy storage device, obtaining a reference state of charge, obtaining an error from a difference between the determined state of charge and the reference state of charge; and apportioning torque between a motor and an engine based upon the error. The motor is electrically coupled to the energy storage device and powered by the energy storage device. A state of charge (SOC) correction factor is determined based upon the error. The SOC correction factor is used to adjust a torque ratio of motor to engine torque that is determined for a given torque command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS CONTROLS INC.
    Inventors: Jurgen SCHULTE, Filippo MUGGEO, Derek MATTHEWS, Brendan PANCHERI, Erin T. HISSONG
  • Patent number: 8373389
    Abstract: A charging system which is particularly suitable for recharging the batteries of electrically powered motor vehicles using a charge head with multiple contacts that mate with an array of charge receiving electrodes onboard the vehicle being recharged. The charge head is supported from overhead, and may, using a power assisted system, be lowered, into place against the array of charge receiving electrodes onboard the vehicle. Switches may be spaced apart so that, like the grasping elements of the handle, use of both hands is required. The charge head causes breaking of series connections of batteries within the vehicle so that individual batteries may be charged in parallel. A battery temperature monitor is provided. An annunciator locally or remotely signals errors or indicates completion of charge. Payments are accepted near the charge head, thereby allowing for commercial operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Berkley C. Badger
  • Patent number: 8374740
    Abstract: A self-learning assisted hybrid vehicle system that includes a main power source for providing power to the vehicle, a supplemental power source for providing supplemental power for providing power to the vehicle and an electric motor or other mechanical system for driving the vehicle. The system also includes a self-learning controls unit that receives and stores information from a plurality of inputs associated with the vehicle. The self-learning controls unit uses the information to make predictions about future driving conditions of the vehicle to efficiently utilize the power sources of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Volker Druenert, Bruce J. Clingerman, William H. Pettit
  • Patent number: 8365852
    Abstract: A power supply system and method for powering a vehicle are provided that reduce or eliminate the need for a low voltage power storage unit. The system and method are configured to use power from a high voltage storage unit to support low voltage loads, including the load created by the activation of an ignition system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew DeDona, Majed Mohammed, Josephine Lee, Daryl Sitar
  • Publication number: 20130030619
    Abstract: A vehicle may include an electric machine that generates motive power for the vehicle, a plurality of cells that store energy for the electric machine, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may cause the cells to receive current for a period of time and, during the period of time, cause at least some of the cells to supply cell load current such that at the expiration of the period of time, the amount of energy stored by the cells is at least equal to a predetermined target energy level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Carvell Blakemore, Allan Roy Gale, Larry Dean Elie
  • Patent number: 8362721
    Abstract: A battery powered raise climber system is provided that uses Lithium ion batteries to drive a single or double electric drive for an existing raise climber. The batteries offer a faster, safer, quieter and cleaner way to move workers and their equipment to and from the work face in a raise and eliminates the need for adding lengths of hose as the raise climber ascends and eliminates the emission of harmful inhalants. The battery powered system also enables high efficiency area lighting to be used at the work face, and as the raise climber descends in the raise, the electric drives can reverse operation to recharge the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: J.S. Redpath Limited
    Inventor: Rick T. Jylha
  • Patent number: 8360180
    Abstract: A method includes identifying a first operating sequence of a repeated operation of at least one non-traction load. The method also includes determining first and second parameters respectively indicative of a requested energy and output energy of the at least one non-traction load and comparing the determined first and second parameters at a plurality of time increments of the first operating sequence. The method also includes determining a third parameter of the hybrid energy system indicative of energy regenerated from the at least one non-traction load and monitoring the third parameter at the plurality of time increments of the first operating sequence. The method also includes determining at least one of an energy deficiency or an energy surplus associated with the non-traction load of the hybrid energy system and selectively adjusting energy stored within the storage device during at least a portion of a second operating sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Hoff, Sivaprasad Akasam
  • Publication number: 20130013136
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine having a cylinder provided with an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a piston configured to rotate the engine's crankshaft. The method includes determining whether deceleration of the vehicle is desired and also includes ceasing supply of fuel to the cylinder when such condition is satisfied. The method additionally includes selecting a fuel-off actuation arrangement for the intake valve via a mechanism configured to provide variable valve timing and lift, such that a magnitude of compression pulses in the cylinder during deceleration is limited. A system for controlling the hybrid vehicle and a vehicle employing such a system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: CRAIG D. MARRIOTT, BEN W. MOSCHEROSCH
  • Publication number: 20130013141
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle drive device, in particular a motor vehicle hybrid drive device, including an open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit, which is provided for controlling an energy store service unit for charging and/or discharging an energy store unit as a function of travel information items which are made available by a data assistance system, the control unit is adapted, in at least one operating state, to predictively calculate at least one state of charge (SOC) operating point of the energy store unit with an SOC derivative action as a function of the travel information items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Konstantin Neiss, Matthias Schlutter, Ralf Körber, Jan Kipping
  • Patent number: 8348804
    Abstract: A power train is provided having a power source for generating a power output. The power train also has a power storage device for storing and distributing power. The power train further has a controller configured to cause the distribution of power from the power storage device for assisting the power source when the rate of fuel entering the power source is above a threshold fuel rate. The threshold fuel rate is a fuel rate at which, assisting the power source increases the efficiency of the power train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William Henry Lane, Barry Mei, Michael John Barngrover, Baojun Peter Si
  • Patent number: 8344686
    Abstract: A method for charging electric vehicles through connecting an electric vehicle to a charging station for receiving electric energy. Different power supply offers can be selected particularly simple in that at least a state of charge of a battery and a desired duration of charge is determined in the vehicle, the energy required for fully charging the battery is determined in the vehicle, at least information concerning the required energy and the duration of charge is transmitted to the charging station by the vehicle and at least one power supply offer adapted to the information is received by the vehicle from the charging station which power supply offer has been determined from among a plurality of different power supply offers by means of the charging station using the information received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: RWE AG
    Inventors: Armin Gaul, Ingo Diefenbach, Benjamin Pehle
  • Patent number: 8344677
    Abstract: Power conversion equipment includes an electric power converting section that converts DC electric power to multiphase AC electric power and feeds the converted multiphase AC electric power to a multiphase AC motor. A first short-circuit section includes a first switch disposed between a first DC power supply and the electric power converting section. A second short-circuit section includes a second switch disposed between at least one of an electric power feeding section and the electric power input section in the first DC power supply, or between a multiphase AC output point of the electric power converting section and the multiphase AC motor. A switch control section controls the first switch and the second switch such that the first and second switches are prevented from being brought into the closed-state simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoki Takizawa
  • Patent number: 8342275
    Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle is provided that can suppress uneven torque. The fuel cell vehicle 1 includes a motor 4; a fuel cell 10; a battery 3; a battery drive unit 21 for driving the motor 4 using electricity from the battery 3 so as to serve as an battery drive mode, in which case the initialization of the fuel cell 10 to generate electricity is not complete; a fuel cell drive unit 22 for driving the motor 4 using electricity from the fuel cell 10 and battery 3 so as to serve as a fuel cell drive mode, in which case the initialization of the fuel cell 10 to generate electricity is complete; and a torque upper limit control unit 23 for controlling a torque upper limit value of the motor 4 under the battery drive mode and fuel cell drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuniaki Ojima, Yoshikazu Murakami, Dai Saitoh
  • Patent number: 8336651
    Abstract: A state estimation value indicating a battery state is successively calculated from time to time according to a battery model capable of dynamically estimating the internal state of the secondary battery by using an inspection value of a sensor group indicating the secondary battery behavior. By using the sate estimation value at each moment estimated by the battery model expression at each predetermined cycle, an I/O-enabled time is predicted when a predetermined power is continuously inputted (charged) or outputted (discharged) from the current moment. A load operation instruction of the secondary battery is set so as to avoid overcharge and over-discharge of the secondary battery according to the operation request to the load and by considering the predicted characteristics between input/output power and input/output-allowed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Nishi, Tomokazu Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20120323422
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle that includes a battery includes a controller that controls a charge amount of the battery. The controller limits the charge amount of the battery at a time of low vehicle speed even when a state of charge of the battery has fallen. The controller relaxes a limitation on the charge amount when a power driving mode, in which higher priority is given to responsiveness of a driving force than at a time of a normal driving mode, is selected as a driving mode of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Eiji FUKUSHIRO
  • Patent number: 8335547
    Abstract: The described method and system allows for the utilization of a telematics unit on a telematics-equipped vehicle to prevent the unauthorized discharge of a vehicle battery. A user may communicate an authorization request for allowing discharge of the vehicle battery through a telematics unit or telematics service provider (TSP) call center. If approved by the TSP call enter or telematics unit, an authorization, which may include an authorization code, is communicated to a charge controller which controls the discharge of the vehicle battery. Alternatively, the user may communicate an authorization code directly to the telematics unit which passes it on to the charge controller for approval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventor: Scott W. Otterson
  • Patent number: 8330415
    Abstract: A charge/discharge control apparatus includes: a charge/discharge reward information receiving unit for receiving charge/discharge reward information representing a reward given to a charge/discharge action of a customer and a restriction in conducting a charging/discharging from a charge management central server; a computing unit for creating a charge/discharge plan including a total charging quantity in a time zone and an estimated use start time of an electric vehicle such that a reward is maximized, based on the charge/discharge reward information; a charge/discharge instruction transmitting unit for instructing the electric vehicle to start or finish a charging/discharging according to the charge/discharge plan; a charge/discharge quantity monitoring unit for monitoring the charging/discharging; and a charge/discharge results transmitting unit for transmitting results of monitored charging/discharging including contents of the conducted charging/discharging and individual identification information for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Sato, Takao Matsuzaki, Masahiro Watanabe, Yasushi Tomita
  • Publication number: 20120303193
    Abstract: The invention relates to vehicles for transporting persons and/or goods, which vehicles travel on roads or alternatively on rails and at least partially use electrical energy using electric motors as drive units, wherein the electrical energy used is predominantly or substantially produced within the vehicle by converting kinetic energy, in particular components of the kinetic energy that are caused on the vehicle bodywork as gravitation effects and components of the kinetic energy from curve centrifugal forces and acceleration motions of the vehicle body, the vertical dynamic acceleration motions of the wheels and wheel suspensions, and other components, wherein the electrical energy generated in such away is temporarily stored in chemical energy stores (batteries) and/or other suitable storage media, for example, high-power capacitors or flywheel stores, until the electricity is used in the vehicle drive motors and/or other loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: INTERTRONIC GRESSER GMBH
    Inventor: German Gresser
  • Publication number: 20120296503
    Abstract: A cranking torque control apparatus (100) is mounted on a hybrid vehicle provided with: an engine (11), a motor (MG1) coupled with the engine and capable of cranking the engine, and a battery (21) capable of supplying an electric power to the motor. The cranking torque control apparatus is provided with: a setting device (22) capable of setting an output limit value which is a limit value for the electric power outputted from the battery in accordance with an electric power deviation when the motor cranks the engine; and a controlling device (22) for controlling said setting device not to set the output limit value under a condition that a voltage of the battery falls below a lower limit voltage associated with the battery due to resonance of the engine or due to a first fire of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Miwa, Takashi Kawai
  • Publication number: 20120296504
    Abstract: In an in-vehicle charging system, a charging display function is improved while versatility of the system is ensured, and usability is improved by enhancing charging display content. An EV controller (4) calculates a charge amount and outputs the calculated charge amount and a state of charge of a battery (2) to a communication line (9). A meter device (6) calculates a time required for completing charging of a battery based on the charge amount and the state of charge of the battery received via the communication line (9), and then calculates an end time based on the required time to display the end time on a display (5) while controlling colored lighting that indicates a remaining required time in accordance with the set time determined in advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshihisa Haraki
  • Patent number: 8307930
    Abstract: An energy storage module (30, 32) for an electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle (12). Multiple low-voltage storage batteries (36) disposed on a tray (60) and connected in parallel circuit relationship form a low-voltage battery bank. A DC-to-DC converter (42) has an input connected to the low-voltage battery bank and an output connected to a high-voltage energy storage bank (34). An AC-to-DC converter (40) is connected to the low-voltage battery bank for charging the low-voltage battery bank from a source of AC electricity (45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Sailor, Colin J. Casey
  • Patent number: 8301322
    Abstract: Until a vehicle system is activated, a switching circuit outputs a pilot signal to an OR circuit. As a result, lowering of the potential of the pilot signal caused by a resistance circuit is avoided, and the pilot signal is provided in a non-pulsed manner. A power supply CPU is activated in accordance with any one of a connector signal and the non-pulsed pilot signal. When the vehicle system is activated, the switching circuit switches an output destination of the pilot signal to the resistance circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noritake Mitsutani
  • Patent number: 8292013
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for a motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine, said vehicle also being provided with at least one vehicle electric system for electric power supply. In addition, the drive system is provided with at least one energy accumulator with several energy accumulator cells and a control assembly for controlling different operating modes of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbH, Temic Automotive Electric Motors GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Birke, Michael Keller
  • Patent number: 8288989
    Abstract: A method for managing charge of a plurality of battery-driven AGVs (automated guided vehicles) circulating on the main route provided with an automatic charge station includes: a first step of detecting, using an AGV, a marker for battery voltage check provided on a main route to measure the voltage of a battery of the AGV; a second step of changing the route of the AGV to advance it into a charge route provided in an automatic charge station, stopping the AGV in a charging position, and charging the battery automatically by using an automatic charger, if the measured battery voltage has lowered to a level requiring charging; and a third step of conveying the AGV that has been automatically charged to a standby place provided in the automatic charge station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Baba
  • Patent number: 8290700
    Abstract: A planning apparatus for use in a hybrid vehicle specifies a plan section for the purpose of creating a travel plan, and stores the plan section in a durable storage medium. The medium-stored plan section is then presented for an occupant of the vehicle, for the purpose of confirmation. The stored plan section may be modified according to an intention of the occupant, thereby enabling the occupant's intention to be reflected to the plan section. Then, the plan section reflecting the occupant's intention is used to create a travel plan of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunao Yamada, Yusuke Mizuno, Tadashi Sakai
  • Publication number: 20120253575
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling operation of a hybrid automotive vehicle, equipped with an internal combustion engine, at least one electric machine connected to a traction battery set and at least one logical control unit. Each of the internal combustion engine and the electric machine is adapted to deliver torque to a driveline of the vehicle and the method includes a) watch of an activity area of the vehicle and/or watch of an electrical/electronic network of the vehicle in order to detect a user in the activity area and/or the use of an auxiliary equipment of the vehicle; b) determination of whether or not the watch of step a) has detected, during a given period of time, a user in the activity area and/or the use of an auxiliary equipment of the vehicle; c) if the result of the determination of step b) is negative, initiate a shutdown procedure of at least the traction battery set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: RENAULT TRUCKS
    Inventors: Philippe Le Brusq, Guy Mouden
  • Publication number: 20120245777
    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