Electric Engine Patents (Class 477/3)
  • Publication number: 20100248891
    Abstract: The hybrid transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The hybrid transmission includes a motor/generator, three planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, one fixed interconnection, three external gear sets and a final drive gear set. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with one of the external gear sets. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various planetary and external gear members, the input shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson
  • Patent number: 7803086
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including (a) a differential portion having a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, a second electric motor disposed in a power transmitting path between the power transmitting member and a vehicle drive wheel, and a switching clutch and a switching brake provided in the differential mechanism and operable to limit a differential function of the differential portion, and (b) a step-variable automatic transmission portion constituting a part of the power transmitting path and operable to perform a clutch-to-clutch shifting action by a releasing action of a coupling device and an engaging action of another coupling device, the control apparatus including a step-variable shifting control configured to change an amount of racing of an input speed of the automatic transmission portion during the clutch-to-clutch shifting action, depending upon whether the differential function
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • Publication number: 20100240492
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes an electric machine (EM) configured to generate an unconditioned output. The vehicle propulsion system also includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having an input side and an output side, the input side mechanically coupled to the EM and configured to receive the unconditioned output from the EM and produce a conditioned output on the output side. A fixed-ratio transmission is mechanically coupled to the output side of the CVT and configured to receive the conditioned output from the CVT and produce a reconditioned output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Parag Vyas, Yaru Mendez Hernandez, Alexander Felix Fiseni
  • Publication number: 20100240491
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having an input side and an output side, the CVT configured to condition an input received at the input side and to output the conditioned input at the output side. The vehicle propulsion also includes an internal combustion engine (ICE) mechanically coupled to the input side of the CVT and configured to provide the input to the CVT. The vehicle propulsion includes an electric machine (EM) mechanically coupled to the output side of the CVT, the EM configured to receive the conditioned input from the CVT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Parag Vyas, Yaru Mendez Hernandez, Alexander Felix Fiseni
  • Patent number: 7798938
    Abstract: A control system for a drive unit of a vehicle, including a reaction force establishing device controlling a speed change ratio of a continuously variable transmission, and a clutch mechanism arranged on a power transmission route from the continuously variable transmission to a wheel and in which a torque capacity thereof is controllable. A first input torque control mechanism lowers a torque to be inputted to the clutch mechanism through the continuously variable transmission, by controlling a torque of the reaction force establishing device while the torque capacity of the clutch mechanism is being controlled. The system reduces a change in a torque inputted to a clutch mechanism, in case of carrying out a speed change operation of a continuously variable transmission and engaging the clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Takashi Ohta, Hideaki Komada, Yukihiko Ideshio, Hiroyuki Shibata
  • Publication number: 20100234169
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a changeover mechanism which is able to change a connection state of an electric motor output shaft to any one from alternatives consisting of “an IN-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between a transmission input shaft and the electric motor output shaft, “an OUT-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between the transmission output shaft and the electric motor output shaft, and “a neutral connection state” in which no transmission path therebetween is provided. The changeover is carried out based on a combination (area) of a vehicle speed V and a required driving torque T. As for the changeover, an (first, second) IN-connection area is more enlarged and the OUT-Connection area and the neutral connection area are more narrowed, as a temperature of a lubricating oil is lower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshige MIYAZAKI, Hiroki Hatori, Kan Sasaki, Toshio Tanba, Yousuke Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20100234173
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a changeover mechanism which is able to change a connection state of an electric motor output shaft to any one of states including, “an IN-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between a transmission input shaft and the electric motor output shaft, “an OUT-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between the transmission output shaft and the electric motor output shaft, and “a neutral connection state” in which no transmission path therebetween is provided. The changeover is carried out based on a combination (area) of a vehicle speed V and a required driving torque T. As for the changeover, an IN-connection area, in which an electric-motor-driving-wheels-maximum-torque is larger than in an OUT-Connection State and in a neutral connection area, is enlarged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshige Miyazaki, Hiroki Hatori, Kan Sasaki, Toshio Tanba, Yousuke Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20100234174
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a changeover mechanism which is able to change a connection state of an electric motor output shaft to any one from alternatives consisting of “an IN-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between a transmission input shaft and the electric motor output shaft, “an OUT-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between the transmission output shaft and the electric motor output shaft, and “a neutral state” in which no transmission path therebetween is provided. The changeover is carried out based on a combination (area) of a vehicle speed V and a required driving torque T. As for the changeover, a neutral area is enlarged so that a possibility of selecting the neutral state becomes higher, as a battery temperature is higher, or as an electric motor temperature is higher, or as a remaining battery level is larger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshige Miyazaki, Hiroki Hatori, Kan Sasaki, Toshio Tanba, Yousuke Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20100234171
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a changeover mechanism which is able to change a connection state of an electric motor output shaft to any one of states including, “an IN-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between a transmission input shaft and the electric motor output shaft, “an OUT-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between the transmission output shaft and the electric motor output shaft, and “a neutral state” in which no transmission path therebetween is provided. The changeover is carried out based on a combination of a vehicle speed V and a required driving torque T. When the vehicle starts to drive, “the IN-Connection State” is selected. After the start of the vehicle and while the vehicle speed V is increasing, the changeovers to “the OUT-Connection State”, “the IN-Connection State”, and “the neutral state” are sequentially carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Aisin Al Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio TANBA, Kan SASAKI, Takeshige MIYAZAKI, Yousuke HAYASHI
  • Patent number: 7794356
    Abstract: When a vehicle speed V is out of a non-rotational synchronizing range, V?Vref1 or Vref2?V, in a neutral state of a transmission set in response to an operation of a gearshift lever to an N (neutral) position during operation of an engine, the engine and a motor MG1 are controlled to make a ring gear shaft rotate at a target rotation speed Nr*, which is expected in response to an operation of the gearshift lever to a D (drive) position or an R (reverse) position, and to enable self-sustained operation of the engine at the greater rotation speed between an idle speed Nidl and a minimum engine speed Nmin calculated from a minimum rotation speed Nm1min of the motor MG1. Such control effectively reduces a potential shock occurring in the case of the operation of the gearshift lever from the N position to the D position or the R position without causing negative overspeed of the motor MG1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Muta, Mitsuaki Higa, Tomokazu Nomura, Daisuke Suyama
  • Patent number: 7789794
    Abstract: Inverters of a hybrid electric vehicle are cooled by a coolant. Expected temperature differences between the inverters and the coolant are determined based on vehicle parameters. Actual temperature differences between the inverters and the coolant are compared to the expected temperature differences. A maximum output torque is reduced if the actual temperature differences exceed the expected temperature differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Khang Thanh Hong, William David Treharne, Paul Stephen Bryan, Shunsuke Okubo
  • Publication number: 20100210410
    Abstract: A method of carrying out a shift under load during hybrid operation in a parallel hybrid vehicle in which the speed adaptation of the electric machine and the internal combustion engine, required for synchronization to the new gear, is carried out by adapting the speed of the electric machine in a speed regulation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
  • Publication number: 20100210409
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain of a motor vehicle, especially of a mobile machine having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, the powertrain also having a hydraulic machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Friesen, Marco Brun, Walter Burow
  • Publication number: 20100204005
    Abstract: A method for starting the internal combustion engine, in parallel hybrid vehicles, in which the internal combustion engine is started, during a shift under load in purely electric driving operation, by the electric machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Publication number: 20100203996
    Abstract: To provide a control system capable of setting a various kinds of driving mode, and shifting the driving mode regardless of the rotational speed of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kawai, Takeshi Kotani, Junya Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7771309
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for vehicle is disclosed having a coupling device (switching clutch B0 or switching brake C0) operative to switch a transmission mechanism 10 between a continuously variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state with both advantages including improved fuel consumption achieved by a transmission, enabled to electrically control a speed ratio, and increased power transmitting efficiency provided by a gear-type transmitting device in which drive power is mechanically transmitted. With the transmission mechanism 10, switching control means 50 allows a differential portion 11 to be maintained in the continuously variable shifting state or the differential portion 11 is preferentially placed in the continuously variable shifting state during a start-up of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Kamada, Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue
  • Publication number: 20100197449
    Abstract: A control device is provided for a hybrid vehicle power transmitting apparatus wherein when a fuel type supplied to an engine is altered, a drop in startability of the engine resulting from alteration on the fuel type is suppressed. Fuel-type determining means determines the fuel type for use in operating the engine, based on which a reactive control representing a control of reactive control of a second electric motor counteracting rotational resistance of the engine during engine startup, is altered. Accordingly, second-motor torque (reactive torque) for increasing an engine rotation speed during engine startup is adjusted depending on the fuel type, thereby increasing a temperature of fuel compressed and expanded in the engine, to a level available to initiate an ignition. This prevents the alteration of the fuel type from causing degradation in startability of the engine when the fuel type supplied to the engine is altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Yuji Iwase, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 7769514
    Abstract: A method for damping control of oscillating modes of a continuously variable transmission which is provided with an electric variator by using a heat engine and at least two electric machines. In the method a torque controller of the electric machines is embodied in a form of a sum of a main instruction enabling to attain set torque on a wheel, heat engine torque, and an additional instruction for damping oscillating modes generated by stiffness of a kinematic chain between the heat engine and the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Philippe Pognant-Gros, Laurent Royer
  • Patent number: 7766788
    Abstract: A drive force output apparatus has a controller that sets an upper limit of power allowed to be consumed by an auxiliary based on at least a reference power storage amount corresponding to the reference of the range in which the power storage amount of a power storage is monitored and controls a power generator, an electric motor, and the auxiliary such that drive force corresponding to target drive force is output to a drive shaft while the power consumed by the auxiliary remains equal to or smaller than the upper limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sumikazu Shamoto
  • Patent number: 7766789
    Abstract: A control device for hybrid vehicle drive apparatus is disclosed. Upon receipt of a start-up request on an engine (8), if a determination is made that a rattling gear noise in a power distributing mechanism (16) exceeds a given value, first and second clutches (C1 and C2) are disengaged to cause a power transmitting path to be placed in a power interrupting state, and the first and second clutches (C1 and C2) are engaged to cause the power transmitting path to be placed in a non-differential state. Thus, engine start-up is initiated. This allows the engine (8) to be started up with a limited occurrence of rattling between gears incorporated in the power distributing mechanism (16) with a reduction in rattling gear noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Iwase, Takuma Kakinami, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 7762921
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of: providing control over an engine coupled to a carrier for driving a first MG coupled to a sun gear in a power split device, and providing control over a second MG for allowing a ring gear to stop; expecting that a shift operation will be performed when a brake operation is performed; and stopping providing the control over the engine for driving the first MG and stopping providing the control over the second MG for allowing the ring gear to stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Muta, Tomokazu Nomura
  • Publication number: 20100179023
    Abstract: An electric energy exchange system between at least one motor-generator system and at least one storage member determining a continuous storage voltage between two branches of a bus circuit on which are connected in parallel a DC/DC converter, a filtering capacity, and a DC/AC converter connected on at least one motor-generator system. The system includes at least one thyristor connected as a bypass on the positive bus between the storage member and the output of the converter-voltage raiser to short-cut the converter, and a thyristor priming device to, based on the required voltage at the filtering capacity, determine at least in discharge the shorting of the converter-voltage raiser with direct passage of the current through the thyristor as long as the voltage of the filtering capacity, which is substantially equal to the storage member voltage, is sufficient for the electric machines to provide requested torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Serge Loudot, Gareth Pugsley
  • Patent number: 7753822
    Abstract: A pump drive for a vehicle transmission pump. A transmission input torque member is operable to carry prime mover torque. A source of pump torque includes a pump input torque member circumscribing the transmission input torque member to apply torque to the transmission pump. An overrunning clutch is interposed between the pump input torque member and the transmission input torque member to carry the prime mover torque from the transmission input torque member to the pump torque output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Chrysler Group LLC, GM Global Technology Operations, Daimler AG, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lars Weinschenker, Zhenxing Fu, Robert Inderka
  • Publication number: 20100173744
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for operating a drive unit having at least one combustion engine and at least one electrical machine mechanically coupled to the at least one combustion engine. The method and apparatus enable improved boost operation. In an embodiment, a target value for an output variable of the drive unit is implemented by the at least one combustion engine and the at least one electrical machine. The contribution of the at least one electrical machine to the implementation of the target value for the output variable is made available at most for a predefined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Andreas Seel
  • Patent number: 7749130
    Abstract: At the time of a change of a gearshift position SP from a neutral (N) position to a drive (D) position (step S220), when a vehicle speed V is not lower than a preset reference speed Vref1 (step S230: yes), the control procedure of the invention connects a power shaft with a driveshaft and attains an actual gear change of a transmission to a first speed (step S240). The reference speed Vref1 may be set to a slightly higher vehicle speed than an upper limit of a specific vehicle speed range having a potential for over rotation of a first motor by the gear change of the transmission to the first speed. When the vehicle speed V is lower than the preset reference speed Vref1 (step S230: no), on the other hand, the control procedure prohibits the connection of the power shaft with the driveshaft and the actual gear change of the transmission to the first speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Muta, Tomokazu Nomura, Daisuke Suyama
  • Patent number: 7749131
    Abstract: A vehicular drive system includes a standby control apparatus which controls a switch to standby control based on a switching line graph that has a standby region that places a differential state switching device in a state just before it starts to apply. This standby region is located between a differential region and a locked region on the switching line graph. Accordingly, when the differential state switching device enters the standby region from the differential region, it is placed in a state just before it starts to apply. As a result, the differential state switching device is quickly able to have the necessary torque capacity when the engine torque is increased, which suppresses a decrease in the durability of the differential state switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Yuji Iwase, Atsushi Tabata
  • Publication number: 20100167869
    Abstract: In a method for operating a hybrid drive of a vehicle having at least one internal combustion engine and at least one first electric machine as drive machines of a first drive train of the vehicle, and an associated first transmission, the total torque of the drive machines is adapted in a shifting operation of the transmission in order to reduce the load at the transmission and/or in order to modify rotational speeds according to the new transmission ratio, and/or the torque gradient of the drive machines is restricted to a specifiable, maximum torque gradient of the resulting total torque of the drive machines of the first drive train in a transition between acceleration operation and trailing throttle operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Jens-Werner Falkenstein, Michael Glora
  • Publication number: 20100146938
    Abstract: To improve the purification action of a catalytic converter that is being heated but has not yet reached a desired operating temperature, the internal combustion engine is driven by an electric machine to convey a flow of heating medium through a catalytic converter for heating purposes before the internal combustion engine is started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Daniel Baum, Thomas Rauner
  • Publication number: 20100151987
    Abstract: There are provided an engine 1; a transmission 2 that transmits rotation of the engine 1 to drive wheels; a rotating electric machine 4; a reduction-ratio variator 6 transferring power by means of stepless speed change between the rotating electric machine 4 and the speed change transmission 2; an electric-storage element 12 storing electric power for supply to the rotating electric machine 4; and a control device for controlling the engine 1, the rotating electric machine 4 and the reduction-ratio variator 6 in accordance with operation conditions. The control device controls an output of the rotating electric machine 4 to provide the output required of the rotating electric machine 4 and also the rotational speed of the rotating electric machine 4 based on the optimum efficiency line of the rotating electric machine 4 so that the efficiency of the rotating electric machine 4 becomes optimal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Ikurou Notsu
  • Publication number: 20100152936
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle and method of control. The method includes determining an engine torque command based on a request for vehicle acceleration or deceleration, a target power level of the secondary power source, and a current engine power command, determining an engine speed command based on the target power level of the secondary power source, a total engine power command, and vehicle speed, and operating the engine based on the engine torque and engine speed commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Qing Wang, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Publication number: 20100151988
    Abstract: A control device is provided for a vehicular drive apparatus, having a differential mechanism and a transmission, for miniaturizing the differential mechanism and/or providing improved fuel economy while preventing a busy shift. With the provision of a switching clutch C0 or a switching brake B0, a transmitting mechanism 10 can be placed in a continuously variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state whereby the vehicular drive apparatus has combined advantages including a fuel saving effect of the transmission, enabled to electrically change a gear ratio, and a high transmitting efficiency of a gear type transmitting device enabled to mechanically transmit drive power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • Patent number: 7736265
    Abstract: In the presence of a torque change request (step S170) for changing a torque Tm2 of one motor MG2 to enable a smooth gearshift of a transmission interposed between a motor and a driveshaft, when the change of the torque Tm2 is unattainable within the range of an input limit Win and an output limit Wout of a battery (step S200), the power output apparatus of the invention resets a torque command Tm1* of the other motor MG1 to be within the input limit Win and the output limit Wout of the battery (steps S210 and S250). The power output apparatus also resets an engine power demand Pe* to make a rotation speed Ne of an engine approximately equal to a target rotation speed Ne* (steps S230 and S270). This arrangement ensures a smooth gearshift of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Kiyoshiro Ueoka, Kensuke Kamichi, Kazuomi Okasaka
  • Patent number: 7736266
    Abstract: A vehicle's active electrically controlled non-step speed change mechanism includes an internal combustion engine, a dynamo (motor-generator), a power allotment unit and an active electrically controlled non-step speed changer to control vehicle able to run in the best condition notwithstanding its speed, roadway condition or load thereby achieving the aim of fuel saving and minimizing the environmental contamination due to excess discharge of exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: National Taipei University of Technology
    Inventors: Kuohsiu David Huang, Kei-Lin Kuo
  • Patent number: 7734401
    Abstract: A shift control system of a hybrid transmission for a vehicle is arranged to correct ideal motor/generator torques so as to achieve a target engine speed prior to a target driving torque when an actual engine speed becomes greater than an allowable upper-limit engine speed and to correct the ideal motor/generator torque so as to achieve the target driving torque prior to the target engine speed when the actual engine speed does not become greater than the allowable upper-limit engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Joe, Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 7731626
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle drive has a device for detecting a charging power of a heavy-duty battery for an electric motor, a device for determining at least one fuel consumption parameter for several different transmission gear positions at the detected charging power and for determining an optimized gear position in which the determined fuel consumption parameter indicates an optimized fuel consumption. The determining device controls the gear position of the transmission to the determined optimized gear position by via a transmission control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Nils Sauvlet, Marco Fleckner, Dieter Kraxner, Markus Goehring
  • Publication number: 20100137098
    Abstract: In a drive system of a vehicle, the drive power of an engine is divided by a planetary gear set to drive two power transfer shafts. One of the two shafts includes a continuously variable transmission unit and a clutch. The output sides of the two shafts are coupled to a common power output shaft, which is coupled to an AC motor. In a power transfer condition of the clutch, the vehicle is driven with only the output drive power of the engine or both drive powers of the engine and the AC motor. In a power interruption condition of the clutch, the vehicle is driven with only the drive power of the AC motor. The kinetic energy generated at deceleration of the vehicle is converted into electric energy by the AC motor thereby to perform regenerative braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO COPORATION
    Inventor: Tsuneyuki EGAMI
  • Publication number: 20100137099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power generating apparatus and method for assisting an engine, capable of supplying auxiliary power to an engine transmission shaft when the engine is transmitting power to the engine transmission shaft via a gearbox. The power generating apparatus comprises: a power supply unit for providing a high voltage power source; a driver for converting the high voltage power source into a driving power source and transmitting same; and a direct-current motor for converting the driving power source transmitted by the driver into the auxiliary power to be transmitted to the engine transmission shaft; wherein the rotational speed of the direct-current motor driving the engine transmission shaft is enabled to be higher than that of the engine driving the engine transmission shaft, so as to supply the auxiliary power to the engine transmission shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: SHEN YANG TECHNOLOGIES ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin Chi Hsu, Tien Chuang, Shen Lung Hsu, Kun Ho Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20100137097
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid vehicle including an automatic transmission and a motor generator comprises a pre-gearshift control, a mid-gearshift control, and a post-gearshift control. It is possible to prevent abnormal operations and damage of an automatic transmission due to reverse rotation of the input shaft of the automatic transmission and achieve smooth and stable pre-stop gearshift, by appropriately controlling reverse torque exerted in the input shaft of the automatic transmission, when a vehicle equipped with a hybrid driving apparatus including the automatic transmission performs the pre-stop gearshift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Dokyung Yim, Joungchul Kim
  • Publication number: 20100138089
    Abstract: A system and method for initiating a limited operation mode and operating the hybrid electric vehicle in the limited operation mode is described. The system includes a user interface associated with the hybrid electric vehicle, an operating mode device and a control module. The operating mode device is coupled to the user interface and is configured to initiate one or more vehicle operation modes including a limited operation mode. The operating mode device is further configured to deactivate a second vehicle operation mode if the second vehicle operation mode is currently active in response to initiating the limited operation mode. The control module is coupled to the operating mode device. In some embodiments the control module is configured to generate commands for limiting the hybrid electric vehicle operational performance characteristics when the hybrid electric vehicle is in the limited operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: ISE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher O. James
  • Patent number: 7727109
    Abstract: A rotation speed of a transmitting member is controlled such that a predetermined rotation speed difference or predetermined rotation speed ratio is obtained between the rotation speed of the transmitting member and an eighth rotating element or a fourth rotating element. By detecting a change in the rotation speed of a second motor that is connected to the transmitting member when an apply device is applied, it is possible to determine the time at which a first clutch or a second clutch starts to be applied and the time at which the first clutch or the second clutch is completely applied. As a result, it is possible to control the apply pressure of the first clutch or the second clutch and thus rapidly execute a shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku
  • Patent number: 7722497
    Abstract: An engaging device (a switching clutch C0 or a switching brake B0) switches a shifting mechanism 10 between a continuously variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state. In particular. The step-variable shifting state is set in a high speed running, because a first electric motor M1 need not bear a reaction torque against an input torque TINS inputted into a differential portion 11, the first electric motor M1 is prevented from being large-sized and suppressed in durability lowering. Even when switching to the step-variable shifting state is unable, the input torque TINS against which the first electric motor M1 should bear the reaction torque, is limited by an input torque control means 86, and the first electric motor M1 is prevented from being large-sized and suppressed in durability lowering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga
  • Patent number: 7722498
    Abstract: In hybrid electric vehicle control, when an engine is cranked by the torque of a first motor-generator to start the engine, the torque of the first motor-generator is corrected according to the crankshaft angle of the engine to prevent the amount of increase in engine rotation speed from fluctuating. Fluctuation in inertia torque is reduced through this control of the torque of the first motor-generator to reduce fluctuation in the cranking reaction force torque exerted on a drive axle. Further, the torque of a second motor-generator is so controlled to cancel out this cranking reaction force torque. Thus, the cranking reaction force torque exerted on the drive axle is accurately canceled out through control of the torque of the second motor-generator to suppress fluctuation in the torque of the drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shingo Kawasaki, Akiyoshi Morii
  • Publication number: 20100125019
    Abstract: In a vehicular power transmitting apparatus provided with an electrically-controlled differential portion in which controlling an operating state of an electric motor controls a differential state of a differential mechanism, a control device for starting up a drive force source in an appropriate mode depending on a vehicle condition can be provided. The control device includes drive-force source start control means 86 for switching start modes of an engine 8 depending on a vehicle condition to achieve an appropriate start mode for the engine 8 depending on the vehicle condition, so that for instance a contracted drive range by a second electric motor can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Kenta Kumazaki, Yuji Iwase, Masakazu Kaifuku
  • Publication number: 20100125020
    Abstract: A power output apparatus 1 to 1D including an engine 6, a motor 7, and a transmission 20 to 20D having two transmission shafts connected to the engine 6 is provided. The transmission includes a power combination mechanism 30 adapted so as to be able to rotate first to third elements differentially from each other. The first element is connected to any one of the two transmission shafts, the second element is connected to a driving shaft 9 or 9, and the third element is connected to the motor 7. The second element combines the power transmitted from the first element and the power transmitted from the third element, and transmits the combined power to the driving shaft 9 and 9. The other transmission shaft of the two transmission shafts transmits power to the driving shaft 9 or 9 without going via the power combination mechanism 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takefumi Ikegami, Noriyuki Abe, Shigeru Koyama, Atsuhiro Sakai, Shinji Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20100120579
    Abstract: An in-vehicle power transmission apparatus is equipped with a plurality of power split rotors and a power transmission control mechanism. The power split rotors work to split power among a rotary electric machine such as a motor-generator, an internal combustion engine, and a driven wheel of the vehicle. If rotational energy, as outputted from the power split rotors, is defined as being positive in sign, the power split rotors are so assembled that when the power transmission control mechanism establishes transmission of the rotational energy that is positive in sign as the power from a first rotor that is one of the power split rotors to the internal combustion engine, the other power split rotors are so linked as to provide output rotational energies which are opposite in sign to each other. This enables the speed of the first rotor to be placed at substantially zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: NIPPON SOKEN, INC.
    Inventor: Koji Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20100116245
    Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle and method of operation are provided. As one example, the system comprises an engine including at least one combustion chamber, a motor configured to selectively propel the vehicle via the drive wheel, a fuel system configured to deliver a first substance and a second substance to the combustion chamber in varying relative amounts, wherein the first substance includes a fuel and the second substance includes a greater concentration of a knock suppressing substance than the first substance; and a control system configured to operate the fuel system to vary the relative amounts of the first substance and the second substance delivered to the combustion chamber in response to an operating condition while operating the motor to propel the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Andri
  • Publication number: 20100120580
    Abstract: A multi-mode hybrid transmission for transmitting power from a prime mover and a stored source of energy to a final drive shaft. The transmission may include an input shaft to receive torque from the prime mover, a countershaft operatively coupled to the final drive shaft, a plurality of gear pairs each defining a torque path from the input shaft to the countershaft, a synchromesh clutch assembly to selectively couple the input shaft with a desired gear pair, and first and second electric machines rotatably carried by the input shaft. The first electric machine can provide a motive force to the final drive shaft and the second electric machine can covert rotary speed of the input shaft into electrical energy. Additionally, the first and second electric machines can provide supplemental torque to the output shaft during periods of reduced torque from the prime mover associated with a change in torque path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: RICARDO, INC.
    Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Jonathan P. Brentnall, Cameron P. Williams, Eric Sharkness, Felipe V. Brandao
  • Patent number: 7713163
    Abstract: A control system for hybrid vehicles, in which a second prime mover is connected to an output member to which a power is transmitted from a first prime mover through a transmission in which a torque capacity is varied in accordance with an oil pressure, and which has a first hydraulic pump driven by the first prime mover for establishing an oil pressure to be fed to the transmission, and a second hydraulic pump arranged in parallel with the first hydraulic pump and driven by an electric motor. A torque limiter limits an output torque of the second prime mover temporarily to a predetermined torque which is lower than a maximum output torque, at a starting time of the first prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Hayashi, Masatoshi Ito, Hiroatsu Endo, Tatsuya Ozeki
  • Publication number: 20100108417
    Abstract: A suspension module that includes a suspension component, a pair of wheel hubs coupled to the at least one suspension component and an auxiliary drive system. Each wheel hub is mounted to a vehicle wheel. The auxiliary drive system has a pair of drive units, an auxiliary battery, an auxiliary battery charger and a controller. Each of the drive units has an electric motor that is selectively operable for providing drive torque that is transmitted to an associated one of the wheel hubs. The controller is configured to operate in a first mode wherein an output of the auxiliary battery charger is employed to charge the auxiliary battery. The controller is also configured to operate in a second mode wherein the output of the auxiliary battery charger and an output of the auxiliary battery are employed to power the electric motors of the drive units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Curt Douglas Gilmore
  • Publication number: 20100105517
    Abstract: A transmission device with at least two multi-gear transmission groups. Torque is introduced via a input shaft into the transmission groups and into the other transmission group via a main shaft. The input shaft is directly connected with the main shaft via a shifting element during a gearshift to achieve an intermediate gear. When the intermediate gear is engaged, torque passes to the shafts connected to each other via the shifting element. A method for operating transmission, during the gearshift, includes introducing torque from the electric machine to the shafts connected via the shifting element and adjusting the rotational speed of the input shaft to the rotational speed of the target gear. A further shifting element is engaged in the first transmission group, the shifting element is disengaged, and torque of the electric machine is reduced, once the rotational speeds of the input shaft and the target gear match one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Kai Borntraeger