With Starter Patents (Class 477/167)
  • Patent number: 11173916
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle, which is provided with an engine and drive wheels, is configured, during an inertia running or stop of the vehicle, to execute a control for stopping the engine and/or disconnecting the engine from the drive wheels in each area, depending on whether a condition is satisfied or not. The condition is set based on an information transferred from other vehicle in which the control is executable during an inertia running or stop of the other vehicle. The information includes (a) a location information indicative of the each area and (b) an acceleration representative value representing a required acceleration of the other vehicle required by an operator of the other vehicle in the each area. The acceleration representative value is associated with the location information indicative of the each area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kohei Dodo
  • Patent number: 10934988
    Abstract: A disclosed method of automatically stopping and restarting a vehicle engine determines if one or more stop/start enablement condition has been met. If the stop/start enablement condition or conditions have been met, the method initiates an engine shutdown. If a restart request is made before the engine reaches a predetermined threshold speed, then a first restart sequence is initiated. If a restart request is made when the engine speed is less than the predetermined threshold speed but still greater than 0, then a second restart sequence is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Michael D. Gerty, Uday Vadlamani, Jordan Mosher, Sundeep S. Tuteja, Constantin E. Nedelcu
  • Patent number: 10900456
    Abstract: A disclosed method of automatically stopping and restarting a vehicle engine determines if one or more stop/start enablement condition has been met. If the stop/start enablement condition or conditions have been met, the method initiates an engine shutdown. If a restart request is made before the engine reaches a predetermined threshold speed, then a first restart sequence is initiated. If a restart request is made when the engine speed is less than the predetermined threshold speed but still greater than 0, then a second restart sequence is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Michael D. Gerty, Uday Vadlamani, Jordan Mosher, Sundeep S. Tuteja, Constantin E. Nedelcu
  • Patent number: 10071737
    Abstract: There is provided with an automatic transmission (2) having a clutch (32) and a brake device (6) which holds a brake force during a stop of an engine (1). There is provided with an engine control section (11) which performs an automatic stop of the engine and a re-start of the engine and a release control section (14) which releases a holding of the brake force during the re-start of the engine. The release control section (14) releases the holding of the brake force when an engagement state of the clutch (32) is a predetermined state in case where an accelerator off state occurs until the engagement state of the clutch (32) becomes the predetermined state and releases the holding of the brake force when the engagement state of the clutch (32) is an engagement state weaker than the predetermined state, during a re-start of the engine (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Noritaka Aoyama, Azusa Shimoda, Yuki Ono, Tomoaki Kabe
  • Patent number: 9957941
    Abstract: A disclosed method of automatically stopping and restarting a vehicle engine determines if one or more stop/start enablement condition has been met. If the stop/start enablement condition or conditions have been met, the method initiates an engine shutdown. If a restart request is made before the engine comes to a complete stop, an intermittent engine restart is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Michael D. Gerty, Uday Vadlamani, Jordan Mosher, Sundeep S. Tuteja
  • Patent number: 9638076
    Abstract: An electric vehicle such as an electric motorcycle includes a driving motor which activates a wheel via a driving power transmission mechanism (e.g., transmission), a mechanical oil pump which is mechanically activated by the driving motor to feed oil to the driving power transmission mechanism, and an electric oil pump which feeds the oil to the driving power transmission mechanism. A controller causes the electric oil pump to initiate its operation before the driving motor in a deactivated state initiates its operation under a specified condition, thus preventing a situation in which there is no lubrication oil in the driving power transmission mechanism during starting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroko Nitta
  • Patent number: 9482199
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure supply system, which is capable of properly controlling a degree of engagement of a clutch, thereby making it possible to improve vehicle drivability. The hydraulic pressure supply system includes a first hydraulic pressure supply device that uses an internal combustion engine as a motive power source and supplies hydraulic pressure to the clutch, and a second hydraulic pressure supply device that supplies hydraulic pressure to the clutch by being driven by a motive power source other than the engine, detects a vehicle speed and a rotational difference parameter that represents a difference in rotational speed between an output shaft of the clutch and an input shaft of the clutch, and controls clutch supply hydraulic pressure which is hydraulic pressure supplied to the clutch, according to the detected vehicle speed and rotational difference parameter, when restart conditions of the engine are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kohei Sakai
  • Patent number: 9475498
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for a vehicle that changes over a range of an automatic transmission by operating an electric shift actuator and that starts up an engine by operating a starter motor, for example, when an occupant of a vehicle that has carried out idling stop operates a shift lever, the operation of the shift actuator corresponding thereto is started, and the operation of the starter motor is started after the lapse of a predetermined period therefrom. Thus, while the starting responsiveness of the vehicle is enhanced, a fall in battery voltage is restrained from adversely affecting the operation of the shift actuator, and the occurrence of a shock and a decrease in driveability are suppressed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki Nishimura, Yusuke Nakade, Masahiro Karasawa, Kazumi Shine
  • Patent number: 9429200
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission (DCT) control method for a vehicle mounted with a DCT, which is not provided with an output shaft speed sensor, when a wheel speed sensor has failed, or the information cannot be controlled in a situation where shift gears are not coupled, properly couples the shift gears while preventing a clutch burst, and thus a controller can control DCT by calculating an output shaft speed of DCT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventor: Young Min Yoon
  • Patent number: 9393989
    Abstract: A clutch device includes: a handle-side housing in which a plurality of lock grooves are formed to be spaced apart from each other in an inner circumference and in a circumferential direction; a tire-side housing; a plurality of lock bars that are provided on the tire-side housing so as to be capable of moving in a radial direction of the tire-side housing and arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the tire-side housing; and an advancing/retracting mechanism that causes the lock bar to advance and retract in a direction toward the lock groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koichi Ito
  • Patent number: 9334816
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes: an engine; a power transmission device that transmits power from the engine to drive wheel; a mechanical pump that supplies oil for operating the power transmission device to the power transmission device by driving of the engine; and an electric pump that supplies the oil to the power transmission device by driving of a motor. The vehicle control system is capable of executing stopped economy running control for stopping the engine when a vehicle is stopped, and travel economy running control for stopping the engine while the vehicle is traveling. During the execution of the stopped economy running control, learning control is executed whereby a control value for controlling the oil pressure is updated such that the actual oil pressure generated by the electric pump is converged to a target value. During the execution of the travel economy running control the learning control is prohibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamanaka, Yoshio Ito
  • Patent number: 9067575
    Abstract: A vehicle and a brake system for a vehicle include at least one hydraulic pump, wherein the at least one hydraulic pump is connected to an input fluid conduit and an output fluid conduit. A flow resistance unit is provided in the output fluid conduit of the at least one hydraulic pump for being selectively coupled into the output fluid conduit when brake torque is requested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Christian Wargh, Mats Akerblom, Daniel Jansson
  • Patent number: 9039570
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque transferred via a driveline disconnect clutch is estimated based on characteristics of a torque converter to improve driveline operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20150112562
    Abstract: A method for controlling a clutch start after an engine stop coasting phase of a motor vehicle whose service brake is applied and whose braking system may be influenced by a clutch control with regard to the braking torque. In this connection, the braking torque is reduced by the value caused by the clutch start as an effective wheel torque by engaging the clutch. This has the advantage that the exact amount of braking effect is achieved, which was intended by the original application of the brake without a clutch start. Consequently, no additional braking effect results from the clutch start, which would reduce the comfort of the passengers. The passengers namely perceive a clutch start as the application of the brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Frank BAST
  • Patent number: 8924062
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between regenerative braking and providing positive torque to a driveline is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8855879
    Abstract: A method of operating a clutch serving as a shift element and/or starting clutch of a drive train. During engagement, the clutch will be filled by a fast filling up to a defined minimum pressure. The fast filling is at least subdivided into two phases comprising a basic filling phase and an extension and/or a cutout phase. At the end of the basic filling phase, the actual clutch pressure is measured, and then, when the actual clutch pressure is equal to or larger than the minimum pressure, the extension and/or cutout phase is activated immediately following the basic filling phase. When the actual clutch pressure is lower than the minimum pressure, activation of the extension and/or the cutout phase is at least delayed by a pressure holding phase and, if necessary, by a pressure surplus phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Martin-Joachim Bader, Karl Locher, Robert Gronner, Olaf Moseler, Markus Terwart, Michael Vollmann
  • Patent number: 8808142
    Abstract: A starter system for an auxiliary power unit (APU) includes a starter motor operably connectable to the APU. A clutch is arranged to operably connect the starter motor to the APU when engaged. A torque limiting control unit is disposed and configured to provide APU starter power to the starter motor according to a starting schedule. The starting schedule is configured to govern an acceleration rate of the starter motor after the clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Issam Al-Khairy
  • Patent number: 8734282
    Abstract: A method of operating at least one form-locking shifting element of an automatic transmission integrated in a drivetrain which comprises an oil pump that can be driven mechanically by an internal combustion engine and an auxiliary oil pump that can be electrically driven, before start-up of the internal combustion engine. The method including the steps of recognizing the start-up of the combustion engine and, when a start-up of the combustion engine is recognized, controlling the electrically driven auxiliary oil pump and the at least one form-locking shifting element such that, directly after the generation of a defined rotational speed difference of the at least one form-locking shifting element by the internal combustion engine, the at least one form-locking shifting element is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ruben Cuppers, Thilo Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140100082
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a disconnect clutch is operated in response to an engine stop request to adjust an engine stopping position during an engine shutdown. The approach may reduce engine starting time after the engine stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Publication number: 20140066254
    Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes: a steering wheel having the capacity to steer a vehicle; a turning actuator having the capacity to turn a wheel; a backup clutch arranged between the steering wheel and the turning actuator and having the capacity to be able to mechanically connect the steering wheel to the turning actuator; and a clutch disengagement checking unit having the capacity to check whether the backup clutch is disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mitsuo MURAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20140046529
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, application of a driveline disconnect clutch to start an engine is described. The approach applies the driveline disconnect clutch to rotate an engine and at least partially disengages the driveline disconnect clutch to reduce the possibility of a reduction in torque applied to vehicle wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Hong Jiang, Seung-Hoon Lee, James William Loch McCallum, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii
  • Publication number: 20140024495
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission includes a transmission having a selectable clutch device effective when engaged to mechanically couple an internal combustion engine to a first axle at a fixed engine speed to axle speed ratio. A method for starting the engine includes executing an engine start event including spinning and fueling the engine such that an engine speed to axle speed ratio exceeds the fixed engine speed to axle speed ratio, and engaging said selectable clutch device after the engine speed to axle speed ratio exceeds the fixed engine speed to axle speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: MIN-JOONG KIM, JOSEPH M. TOLKACZ, R TRAVIS SCHWENKE, RANDALL B. DLUGOSS
  • Patent number: 8616169
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the stopping and starting of a heat engine (2) of a vehicle. The invention is of the type in which (i) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine stop request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the stopping of the engine (2), in order for the engine (2) to be stopped or (ii) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine start request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the starting of the engine (2), in order for the engine to be started. The invention is characterized in that the vehicle operating conditions that oppose the stopping of the engine (2) comprise slow congested traffic conditions constituting specific identification criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobile SA
    Inventors: Guillaume Levasseur, Jean-Emmanuel Guy, Arnaud Celisse, Herve Klein
  • Publication number: 20130296132
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque transferred via a driveline disconnect clutch is estimated based on characteristics of a torque converter to improve driveline operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20130296136
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline disconnect clutch operation is adjusted in response to vehicle mass so that the vehicle may operate similarly at lower and higher vehicle masses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Yuji Fujii
  • Publication number: 20130296123
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a transfer function of a driveline disconnect clutch is adapted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Yuji Fujii, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron
  • Publication number: 20130296124
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, compensation is provided for a dual mass flywheel positioned in a vehicle driveline. The approaches may reduce driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, David Oshinsky
  • Publication number: 20130281260
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assisted direct start control are provided. An example method varies engine torque, forward clutch engagement pressure, and wheel brake pressure during a vehicle launch responsive to longitudinal vehicle grade to improve launch performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
  • Patent number: 8556774
    Abstract: A device for controlling an automatic start of the engine mounted on a vehicle which includes a clutch to transmit/block motive power between an output shaft of the engine and the driving wheel of the vehicle. The automatic start control device includes an automatic restart processing in which a starter is driven to crank the engine when predetermined restart conditions are met thereby restarting the engine. The automatic start control device detects a state of the clutch being either transmitting or blocking and detects whether or not a transition of the state occurs during the cranking of the engine in the automatic restart processing. The control device forcibly stops driving of the starter when the transition of the state occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Morita
  • Patent number: 8540602
    Abstract: A drive device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine and a motor generator. A one-way clutch is provided between the engine and the motor generator. Power is transmitted from the engine to the motor generator, while power from the motor generator to the engine is blocked. As a result, the electric motor can be operated without operating the engine. Furthermore, a torque converter is connected to the motor generator, and the engine is connected to the torque converter via a starting clutch. As a result, if a one-way clutch is provided, the motor generator can serve as a starter motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatoshi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8494711
    Abstract: An automated start/stop system for a vehicle comprises an auto-stop module, a diagnostic module, and an auto-start module. The auto-stop module selectively initiates an auto-stop event and shuts down an engine while the vehicle is running. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in a clutch pedal position sensor of the vehicle. The auto-start module, while the vehicle is running and the engine is shut down, selectively initiates an auto-start event after the fault has been diagnosed when current drawn by a starter motor is less than a predetermined maximum starting current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Awadesh Tiwari, Vijay Shettigar, Amit Kumar, Srinivas B. Chande
  • Patent number: 8419592
    Abstract: An engine automatic-stop/restart system resumes injection of fuel when an engine restart condition is satisfied, and energizes the starter motor when, after injection of the fuel has resumed, starting of the engine is not completed. The system can also control the coupling degree of a forward clutch under certain conditions, and energize a solenoid to engage a starter pinion with a crankshaft ring gear when their relative speeds are close to each other. The system then releases the forward clutch after the pinion and the ring gear have engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Michitaka Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8409053
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine, a transmission with an input member driven by the engine, and an output member. An electric motor is operable to drive the input member. The transmission has an electrically-actuated one-way clutch with a neutral mode in which the clutch freewheels in both directions of rotation, and a locked mode in which the clutch is locked in one direction of rotation. The transmission also has a hydraulically-actuated dual-piston clutch with a spring that biases the dual-piston clutch to an engaged state. The one-way clutch is in the neutral mode and the spring biases the dual-piston clutch to the engaged state prior to a key start of the engine. The one-way clutch is actuated to the locked state following ignition of the engine after a key start, and remains in the locked state during an autostop of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Gm Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Robert K. Saley
  • Patent number: 8378510
    Abstract: The invention is a starting and generating apparatus for an engine, including: a rotator configured to be used as a generator driven by an engine as well as used as a starter motor for starting the engine; a power transmission mechanism configured to connect the engine with the rotator; a starter drive unit configured to supply an electricity to the rotator to drive the rotator as the starter motor when the engine is to be started; a clutch mechanism configured to shut off a power transmission from the engine to the power transmission mechanism when the engine is to be started; and a clutch control unit configured to bring the clutch mechanism into a connected state when a rotational speed of the rotator has reached a given rotational speed at which the engine can be started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichiro Tanaka, Tatsuhiko Goi, Kazushige Sugimoto, Masahide Nakamura, Yasutaka Hirota, Koji Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20120295760
    Abstract: A method of operating a clutch serving as a shift element and/or starting clutch of a drive train. During engagement, the clutch will be filled by a fast filling up to a defined minimum pressure. The fast filling is at least subdivided into two phases comprising a basic filling phase and an extension and/or a cutout phase. At the end of the basic filling phase, the actual clutch pressure is measured, and then, when the actual clutch pressure is equal to or larger than the minimum pressure, the extension and/or cutout phase is activated immediately following the basic filling phase. When the actual clutch pressure is lower than the minimum pressure, activation of the extension and/or the cutout phase is at least delayed by a pressure holding phase and, if necessary, by a pressure surplus phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Martin-Joachim Bader, Karl Locher, Robert Gronner, Olaf Moseler, Markus Terwart, Michael Vollmann
  • Publication number: 20120295759
    Abstract: An engine automatic-stop/restart system resumes injection of fuel when an engine restart condition is satisfied, and energizes the starter motor when, after injection of the fuel has resumed, starting of the engine is not completed. The system can also control the coupling degree of a forward clutch under certain conditions, and energize a solenoid to engage a starter pinion with a crankshaft ring gear when their relative speeds are close to each other. The system then releases the forward clutch after the pinion and the ring gear have engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michitaka FUJIWARA
  • Patent number: 8313415
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine that shuts down and restarts at idle, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) having a controller and two input clutches for connecting the engine to respective evenly and oddly numbered gears of the DCT. The controller has a shift algorithm for shifting the DCT to achieve a predetermined engine load state during an engine autostart/autostop cycle, with the load state being unloaded or partially loaded. A DCT for the vehicle includes the input clutches and controller. A method includes shifting the DCT to the predetermined engine load state while the engine is off and an engine restart is commanded, and restarting the engine in the engine load state. The method may also include maintaining the clutches at a first point relative to a kiss point of the input clutches when the load state is unloaded, and at a second point when the load state is partially loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., John E. Marano
  • Patent number: 8298117
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive system, in particular of a motor vehicle, having at least one electric machine and one internal combustion engine, a disconnecting clutch being provided between the electric machine and the internal combustion engine and a torque converter having a turbine wheel being provided between the electric machine and a hybrid drive output, the disconnecting clutch being engaged for starting the internal combustion engine. It is provided that, as a function of the rotational speed of the turbine wheel of the torque converter, a rotational speed is predefined for the electric machine such that no sudden torque change occurs at the hybrid drive output when the internal combustion engine is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Seel, Rene Schenk, Oliver Kaefer, Thorsten Juenemann
  • Publication number: 20120270700
    Abstract: An engine start control device includes a mechanical pump supplying hydraulic pressure; an electric pump connected in parallel to the mechanical pump and independently driven; a device for stopping the engine when an idling stop condition is satisfied and starting the engine when a restart condition and a fuel injection condition are satisfied; a device for driving the electric pump when the hydraulic pressure is less than a first hydraulic pressure when the engine is stopped by idling stop; and a device for driving a motor at a target speed and for performing control so that the change in the target speed is small compared with the change exhibited when the hydraulic pressure is equal or higher than a second hydraulic pressure, when the hydraulic pressure is less than the second hydraulic pressure, and the restart condition is satisfied after the idling stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nozomu KAMIOKA, Shinji WATANABE, Kensuke HAYASHI, Satoshi WACHI
  • Publication number: 20120231928
    Abstract: A power transmitting system that is configured to have BAS and IS functionality. The power transmitting system can be operated in a first mode in which an engine provides rotary power for driving an accessory assembly and a motor/generator. The device can be operated in a second mode for starting the engine and driving the accessory in which rotary power is output from the motor/starter in a first rotational direction. The device can also be operated in a third mode in which the motor/generator outputs rotary power in a second, opposite rotational direction for driving the accessory while the engine is not operating. A kit for a power transmitting system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Scott PARSONS
  • Publication number: 20120196723
    Abstract: A method for automatic restarting a temporarily shut-down internal combustion engine with automatic stop-start in a motor vehicle with manual gear shift on the basis of conditions including the current actuation states of clutch and brake includes determining a current actuation state of a clutch and a wheel brake, and, if the brake has been actuated within a preset period before any actuation of the clutch, starting the engine when the clutch is fully actuated and the brake is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Urs Christen, Rainer Busch, Daniel B. Kok, Anthemios P. Petridis, David Hesketh, Christopher E. Pedlar, Peter G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8222848
    Abstract: A starter for an auxiliary power unit includes a direct current motor operably connectable to an auxiliary power unit. A clutch is arranged in an electrically parallel relationship and configured to operably connect the motor to the auxiliary power unit when engaged, the motor and the clutch powered by a common input line. A time delay switching element is located and configured to delay power delivery to the direct current motor thus providing for full engagement of the clutch prior to initiation of rotation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Poisson
  • Patent number: 8216113
    Abstract: A device having an engine, a motor/generator and an accessory system having an accessory that is driven by rotary power. The device can be operated in a first mode in which the engine provides rotary power for driving the accessory and the motor/generator. The device can be operated in a second mode for starting the engine and driving the accessory in which rotary power is output from the motor/starter in a first rotational direction. The device can also be operated in a third mode in which the motor/generator outputs rotary power in a second, opposite rotational direction for driving the accessory while the engine is not operating. A method for operating the device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventor: Scott Parsons
  • Patent number: 8206261
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of transmitting power between a shaft of a heat engine and a wheel axle shaft of a hybrid vehicle. The inventive method involves the use of: a power transmission device comprising an electric machine which is connected to (i) the heat engine by means of a clutch and (ii) a wheel axle shaft; and a starting system which is mechanically independent of the electric machine and which is connected to the heat engine. According to the invention, the heat engine is started by applying a torque to the shaft simultaneously using the starting system and the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Gaetan Rocq, Yvan Le Neindre, Cedric Launay
  • Publication number: 20120100947
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine coupled via an input member to a transmission to transfer torque to an output member. The engine is configured to execute an autostop event and an autostart event during ongoing powertrain operation. The transmission includes a plurality of planetary gear sets and a plurality of torque transfer clutches. The plurality of torque transfer clutches includes hydraulically-activated clutches and mechanical clutch devices, including an electromechanically-activated selectable one-way clutch. The transmission is configured to provide hydraulic pressure to activate the hydraulically-activated clutches using only a mechanically driven hydraulic pump. The transmission is configured to effect torque transfer among the input member, the plurality of planetary gear sets and the output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear states by selectively activating at least one of the plurality of torque transfer clutches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale
  • Publication number: 20120071298
    Abstract: A device for controlling an automatic start of the engine mounted on a vehicle which includes a clutch to transmit/block motive power between an output shaft of the engine and the driving wheel of the vehicle. The automatic start control device includes an automatic restart processing in which a starter is driven to crank the engine when predetermined restart conditions are met thereby restarting the engine. The automatic start control device detects a state of the clutch being either transmitting or blocking and detects whether or not a transition lo of the state occurs during the cranking of the engine in the automatic restart processing. The control device forcibly stops driving of the starter when the transition of the state occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuo MORITA
  • Patent number: 8108089
    Abstract: When the engine being in an idling operation and it is in a running state (S410, S420), a value 1 is set to a learning-determination flag F1 (step S460) and the learning of the idling control value is performed when the transmission is in the state of Lo gear and it is not immediately after a Hi-Lo shifting has been performed (S430 to S450).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiko Hasegawa, Toshio Inoue, Daigo Ando, Mamoru Tomatsuri, Keita Fukui
  • Patent number: 8100812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for controlling an automated friction clutch with a wear adjustment device that adjusts extended clutch stroke by a discrete magnitude through the wear of friction lining at maximum transmittable torque of the friction clutch. To guarantee safe self-adjustment, also during a long operation period under the maximum clutch torque, under specified preconditions, for instance, during the start of the internal combustion engine and without gear engagement, the friction clutch is closed for maximum clutch torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Laszlo Man, Alexander Dreher, Dirk Burkhart
  • Publication number: 20110245036
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine that shuts down and restarts at idle, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) having a controller and two input clutches for connecting the engine to respective evenly and oddly numbered gears of the DCT. The controller has a shift algorithm for shifting the DCT to achieve a predetermined engine load state during an engine autostart/autostop cycle, with the load state being unloaded or partially loaded. A DCT for the vehicle includes the input clutches and controller. A method includes shifting the DCT to the predetermined engine load state while the engine is off and an engine restart is commanded, and restarting the engine in the engine load state. The method may also include maintaining the clutches at a first point relative to a kiss point of the input clutches when the load state is unloaded, and at a second point when the load state is partially loaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., JR., John E. Marano
  • Publication number: 20110237394
    Abstract: A power transfer mechanism control device controlling a power transfer mechanism mounted on a vehicle which transfers power from an internal combustion engine to an axle side via a friction engagement element actuated by a fluid pressure from either of a first fluid pressure actuator driven by the power from the internal combustion engine and a second fluid pressure actuator driven by a fluid pressure source different from a fluid pressure source for the first fluid pressure actuator. When the internal combustion engine is to be automatically started, the second fluid pressure actuator is controlled such that, before complete combustion occurs in the internal combustion engine, the friction engagement element stands by in a low-pressure state, and the first fluid pressure actuator is controlled such that the friction engagement element transfers the torque at predetermined timing after the complete combustion occurs in the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki HIRAI, Tetsuya SHIMIZU, Kenichi TSUCHIDA, Kazunori ISHIKAWA, Atsushi ISHIBASHI