Electric Engine Patents (Class 477/3)
  • Patent number: 8905884
    Abstract: According to the embodiment, the electric motor controller is configured to perform control such that a free-state limit torque after switching from the ring-locking state to the free state is set to a value larger in absolute value than an upper limit torque of the first electric motor or the second electric motor determined by electric motor specifications at the time of switching from the ring-locking state to the free state or is set to a value larger in absolute value than a restricted state limit torque at the time of switching from the ring-locking state to the free state. The restricted state limit torque is a limit torque of the first electric motor or the second electric motor, and the electric motor controller performs control such that the torque generated by the first electric motor or the second electric motor is less than the free-state limit torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Noguchi, Masayuki Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8900093
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle drive device having an electric motor coupled to a power transmission path between an engine and drive wheels, the control device providing fuel cut electric motor drive control of increasing a rotation speed of the engine with a drive force of the electric motor and interrupting fuel supply to the engine at the time of acceleration operation of a vehicle, and the fuel cut electric motor drive control being terminated if a rotational angular acceleration of the engine becomes equal to or less than a predetermined engine rotational angular acceleration determination value after starting provision of the fuel cut electric motor drive control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Natsume
  • Publication number: 20140349809
    Abstract: The apparatus may include an engine configured to supply a drive torque to the vehicle. A first motor generator directly connected to the engine and generates electric power and supplies the drive torque to a transmission. A clutch is interposed between the first motor generator and the transmission and selectively transmits rotational power between the first motor generator and the transmission. A second motor generator is electrically connected to the first motor generator and generates electric power and supplies the drive torque to the transmission at all times. A battery supplies the electric power to the first and second motor generators and is charged by the first and second motor generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Insup KIM
  • Publication number: 20140349808
    Abstract: In a hybrid transportation apparatus, a gas supply provides high-pressure hydrogen, which drives a turbine to generate first mechanical power and becomes medium-pressure hydrogen, which drives an air engine to generate second mechanical power and becomes low-pressure hydrogen. A fuel cell generates first electric power according to the low-pressure hydrogen. A heat recycling module recycles heat, which is generated by the fuel cell, to warm up the high-pressure hydrogen or the medium-pressure hydrogen. A generator receives the first mechanical power and generates second electric power. A motor generates third mechanical power according to the first and second electric power. A power output device causes movement of the transportation apparatus according to the second and third mechanical power. Thus, potential energy and chemical energy of the high-pressure hydrogen can be effectively utilized to generate the mechanical power and the electric power to move the transportation apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chih-Yung HUANG, Cheng-Kuo SUNG, Chin-Min LIU, Chao-An LIN
  • Publication number: 20140349807
    Abstract: A multi-mode powertrain system includes a transmission configured to transfer torque among an internal combustion engine, torque machines and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes operating the multi-mode powertrain system to execute an engine intake manifold pump down mode, and aborting the engine intake manifold pump down mode and fueling the engine, wherein aborting is based upon intake manifold pressure and system constraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: ANTHONY H. HEAP, WILFRIED BRUNSSEN, POH FONG CHIN
  • Patent number: 8892289
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is accelerated to a speed of a driveline integrated starter/generator before the engine is coupled to the driveline integrated starter/generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 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: 8888639
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, a first electric machine and an electro-mechanical transmission operative to transmit torque to a driveline. A method for controlling the powertrain system in the presence of a controlled neutral operation of the electro-mechanical transmission being selected includes monitoring vehicle speed, and only when the monitored vehicle speed is indicative of a low-speed zone restricting a transition from a current engine operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Syed Naqi, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Shaun C. Bowman, Christopher A. Laurent, George Robison, Silva Hiti, Jonathan M. Bolenbaugh, Ali K. Naqvi, Sasa Lucic
  • Publication number: 20140335994
    Abstract: A driving assistance apparatus includes an assistance control unit determining an on/off state of an engine and a drive control unit controlling driving of the engine on the basis of the on/off state determined by the assistance control unit. The assistance control unit determines whether a vehicle stops at a target stopping position, and carries out setting such that the engine is more easily switched from the on state to the off state when the assistance control unit determines to stop at the target stopping position and it is timing at which the vehicle is able to reach the target stopping position in a state where driving force is not generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirotada Otake
  • Publication number: 20140335995
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine that has a crankshaft. A first motor-generator is drivingly connected to the crankshaft via an endless rotatable device. The powertrain includes a transmission that has a transmission input member driven by the crankshaft and a transmission output member. A front differential is operatively connected with front half shafts. A transfer case has a gearing arrangement configured to distribute torque of the transmission output member to the front differential and to a driveshaft. A rear differential is operatively connectable with the driveshaft, and is configured to transfer torque from the driveshaft to rear half shafts. A second motor-generator is drivingly connected to the rear differential. A controller is operatively connected to the second motor-generator, and controls the second motor-generator to function as a motor that provides torque to the rear wheels through the rear differential. A modular rear drive unit operatively connects to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Joel M. Maguire, Goro Tamai, Peter J. Savagian
  • Patent number: 8882635
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle on an uphill incline includes automatically shifting a transmission to first gear, automatically stopping the engine, using wheel torque to maintain a one-way clutch engaged and to hold a transmission component against rotation, preventing vehicle rollback by automatically engaging a target gear and tying-up the transmission automatically restarting the engine, and automatically reengaging first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Davor D. Hrovat, Steven G. Thomas, Alex O. Gibson, Roger L. Huffmaster
  • Patent number: 8882632
    Abstract: It is provided a control device of a vehicle power transmission device having an automatic transmission shifted by engagement and release of hydraulic friction engagement devices to selectively establish a plurality of gear stages and an electric motor coupled to an input shaft of the automatic transmission in a power transmittable manner, the control device executing a clutch-to-clutch shift while performing regeneration through the electric motor at the time of a coast down shift of the automatic transmission, the control device completing regenerative torque reduction control to reduce a regenerative torque of the electric motor in a torque phase of the coast down shift before start of the torque phase in accordance with a drop-off of an output torque of the vehicle power transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20140323265
    Abstract: A vehicle travel control device sets a first travel state in which a vehicle is caused to travel only by an internal combustion engine and a second travel state in which the vehicle is caused to travel by the internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The first travel state and the second travel state are switched to each other on the basis of vehicle information including the depression amount of an accelerator pedal. When a remaining electric power amount detected by a remaining electric power amount detection unit is less than a first predetermined value, a reaction force application unit sets a first accelerator pedal depression amount threshold at which the reaction force of the accelerator pedal is increased just before the switching from the first travel state to the second travel state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Maruyama, Yutaka Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 8874290
    Abstract: It is provided a control device for a vehicle power transmission device having a stepped automatic transmission making up a portion of a power transmission path between an engine and a drive wheel, the control device setting a shift point of the automatic transmission in accordance with a request drive force of a driver and a vehicle speed, the control device setting a shift point of the automatic transmission in accordance with a rotation speed of the engine and a vehicle speed instead of the request drive force, if a vehicle is in a predetermined fuel consumption priority running state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 8870709
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a transmission, and at least one controller. The at least one controller, in response to a gear shift of the transmission that causes a speed of the engine to exceed a predetermined speed, commands a change in current to the electric machine such that the speed of the engine decreases to a target speed to avoid engine flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew John Shelton, Hong Jiang, Felix Nedorezov, Michael John Encelewski
  • Patent number: 8874309
    Abstract: A method for acquiring information from a driving operation of a vehicle, in which first information is acquired with respect to at least one operating state of the vehicle and additional second information is ascertained with respect to this at least one operating state using statistical methods, the first and second information concerning this at least one operating state being stored. A method for the assigning and diagnosis of at least one operating state of a vehicle, a control unit, a computer program and a computer-program product are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Genssle, Michael Kolitsch, Tobias Pfister
  • Patent number: 8851861
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle powertrain includes a module including a clutch, an electric machine and a first sump, a transmission including a line pressure source and a second sump, and a pump that supplies fluid from the first sump to the line pressure source when the source of line pressure is unavailable, and supplies fluid from the first sump to the second sump when fluid volume in the second sump is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, Steven G. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8852051
    Abstract: A method includes operating a hybrid power train having an internal combustion engine and an electrical torque provider. The method further includes determining a machine power demand and, in response to the machine power demand, determining a power division description. The method includes operating the internal combustion engine and the electrical torque provider in response to the power division description. The method further includes operating the internal combustion engine by starting the internal combustion engine in response to determining that a battery state-of-charge is below a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
  • Patent number: 8852053
    Abstract: A power generation control device for an electric vehicle includes a power generator driven by an internal combustion engine, a drive battery that stores power generated by the power generator and sensing an SOC that is a state of charge, and a drive motor that propels a vehicle using power generated by the power generator or power stored in the drive battery. The power generation control device controls a power generation torque of the power generator to correspond to an output that is a sum of a drive request output calculated based on a manipulation separately from a drive torque of the drive motor and a battery request output calculated based on the SOC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Izawa
  • Patent number: 8852052
    Abstract: A method includes operating a hybrid power train having an internal combustion engine and an electrical torque provider. The method further includes determining a machine power demand and an audible noise limit value for the internal combustion engine. The method includes determining a power division description in response to the machine power demand and the audible noise limit value, and operating the internal combustion engine and the electrical torque provider in response to the power division description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
  • Publication number: 20140296025
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes: an engine; a first electric motor configured to output a starting torque for starting the engine; a second electric motor configured to output a starting torque for starting the engine and a running torque; an electrical storage device configured to supply electric power to the first electric motor and the second electric motor; and a controller configured to start the engine with the use of both the first electric motor and the second electric motor at the time of starting the engine when the sum of a required driving torque that is required for the vehicle and a required starting torque that is required to start the engine is larger than a maximum output torque of the second electric motor, which is outputtable at the electric power from the electrical storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shunsuke FUSHIKI
  • Publication number: 20140287869
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an electric steplessly speed changing unit, an engaging device, and an electronic control unit. The electric steplessly speed changing unit includes a differential mechanism including a first rotary element to which an engine is coupled, a second rotary element to which a first rotary machine is coupled, and a third rotary element as an output rotary member of the differential mechanism to which a second rotary machine is coupled. Differential operation of the electric steplessly speed changing unit is controlled by controlling operation of the first rotary machine. The engaging device is provided in a power transmission path between the third rotary element and drive wheels. In control of the hybrid vehicle, when at least one of the first rotary machine and the second rotary machine is operated with a predetermined positive or negative maximum torque, the electronic control unit controls a slip amount of the engaging device by changing the torque capacity of the engaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shunya KATO, Tooru MATSUBARA, Akihiro KIMURA, Masaya YAMAMOTO, Hideki FURUTA, Daisuke SUYAMA, Yuma MORI
  • Patent number: 8833335
    Abstract: A control device has a mechanical oil pump driven by an engine and an electric oil pump supplying oil via a check valve in an oil passage connecting the mechanical oil pump and the electric oil pump, the check valve allowing a flow of the oil from the electric oil pump side to the mechanical oil pump side while blocking a flow in an opposite direction, regardless of the pressure of the electric oil pump. When the check valve is closed under an oil pressure condition in which the electric oil pump outputs a maximum output oil pressure while the mechanical oil pump is driven by the engine at idle, the control device is configured to drive the electric oil pump during stop of the mechanical oil pump, and to stop the electric oil pump based on a load increase after start of the mechanical oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Karasawa
  • Patent number: 8834317
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle and method of control are disclosed wherein the ratio of engine speed to vehicle speed varies continuously in some operating modes and is controlled to simulate a discrete ratio transmission in other operating modes. The disclosure specifies the method of controlling the engine speed and the combined output torque of the engine and at least one traction motor in each of the operating modes. Transitions among operating modes occur in response to driver movement of a shift lever, driver operation of shift selectors, and changes in vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Qing Wang, Ming Lang Kuang, Philip Joseph Wiethe, Jeffrey Randolph Holmes, Ryan Abraham McGee, Fazal Urrahman Syed
  • Publication number: 20140256505
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a hybrid vehicle drive system for a vehicle comprising a first prime mover, a first prime mover driven transmission, a rechargeable power source, and a PTO. The hybrid vehicle drive system further includes a hydraulic motor in direct or indirect mechanical communication with the PTO and an electric motor in direct or indirect mechanical communication with the hydraulic motor. The electric motor can provide power to the prime mover driven transmission and receive power from the prime mover driven transmission through the PTO. The hydraulic motor can provide power to the prime mover driven transmission and receive power from the prime mover driven transmission through the PTO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Dalum, Matthew J. Jarmuz, Daniel Francis Myers, Joseph Mario Ambrosio
  • Publication number: 20140248991
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with an electrically controlled differential portion which has a differential mechanism configured to distribute a drive force of an engine to a first electric motor and an output rotary element, and a second electric motor operatively connected to said output rotary element, and a differential state of the differential mechanism being controlled by a feedback control of an operating state of said first electric motor on the basis of an operating speed of said second electric motor, the control device comprising: a change degree reduction control portion configured to reduce a degree of change of the operating state of said first electric motor in said feedback control where an output torque of said second electric motor is held within a torque zone predetermined as a range of the output torque of said second electric motor, as compared with a degree of change where the output torque of said second electric motor is outside said torque zone, said torque zone r
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taku Harada, Masatoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 8825320
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes monitoring a desired synchronous transmission shift during deceleration of an output member including a desired operating range state, monitoring an output speed, predicting output deceleration through the desired synchronous transmission shift, determining a penalty cost associated with the desired synchronous transmission shift based upon an input speed profile resulting from the predicted output deceleration and from the desired synchronous transmission shift, and executing the synchronous transmission shift based upon the penalty cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Kee Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 8821343
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive-train comprising an auxiliary output on the engine side that can be coupled to the combustion engine via a continuously variable transmission and a generator such that when the engine is running, the generator can be driven at a constant rotational speed regardless of the speed of the engine, such that a condition parameter of the auxiliary output is regulated between a pair of limit values. The condition parameter is regulated as a function of its current actual value, the limit values of the condition parameter and also as a function of a current and/or anticipated driving situation such that parameters are determined, in the regulator, for the energy input into the auxiliary output as a function of these input data, and hence for a corresponding energy uptake from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Alexander Banerjee, Bernard Hunold
  • Patent number: 8821341
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, at least one electric machine and an electro-mechanical transmission operative to transmit torque to a driveline. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes enabling neutral operation of the transmission in response to an operator input, activating a first clutch coupled to a first planetary gear set, the first planetary gear set which includes a first element, a second element and a third element. Torque commands are coordinated between the engine and a first electric machine to establish a net zero output torque condition. If a violation of the net zero output torque condition is present, slippage of the first clutch is allowed to dissipate net output torque from reacting with the driveline of the powertrain system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shaun C Bowman, Poh Fong Chin
  • Publication number: 20140243148
    Abstract: A drive force control system includes an engine for controlling an output in accordance with an operation of an accelerator of a vehicle, a drive motor assisting a torque of the engine, an operation state detection portion detecting an operation state of the accelerator, and a control portion performing an advancing compensation control by the drive motor together with a drive control of the engine on the basis of an amount of change of the operation state of the accelerator generated within a predetermined time to provide greater acceleration than a case where the operation state of the accelerator is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: TAKESHI TOJO, KYOSUKE MORI, TAKAHIRO MISU, YO SHISHIDO
  • Patent number: 8814749
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an accelerator pedal, a drive device and an electronic control unit (ECU). The drive device generates driving force for driving a wheel on the basis of an operation amount of the accelerator pedal. The ECU, while the vehicle is travelling in a ready-off state, prohibits a shift into a ready-on state until the operation amount of the accelerator pedal once becomes lower than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Tanaka, Masaya Amano, Kenji Uchida, Yuki Hayakawa, Go Hayasaka
  • Patent number: 8818627
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to increase the recovered kinetic energy as much as possible in a regeneration control system for a vehicle that converts the kinetic energy of a wheel into electrical energy while the vehicle is decelerating. To achieve the object, in the invention, the electric energy generated by a generator is decreased at the time when the wheel slips. In consequence, the recovered kinetic energy can be made larger as compared to the case where the electric energy generated by the generator is decreased based on an anticipation of slippage of the wheel made in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichi Shimasaki, Yoshinori Futonagane, Takuya Hirai
  • Patent number: 8808136
    Abstract: A working machine includes a prime mover for supplying torque to the driving wheels of the working machine, and a transmission line arranged between the prime mover and the driving wheels for transmitting torque from the prime mover to the driving wheels. The transmission line includes a gearbox arranged between the prime mover and the wheels, and the working machine further includes at least one hydraulic machine in a hydraulic system for moving an implement arranged on the working machine and/or steering the working machine, and an electric machine for driving or braking the driving wheels and/or for driving or braking the at least one hydraulic machine. The electric machine is arranged in parallel with the prime mover with respect to the transmission line and is mechanically connected to the transmission line between the prime mover and the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Per Mattsson, Andreas Nordstrand, Rikard Mäki
  • Patent number: 8795131
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle powertrain that has an engine and an electric machine that may separately or jointly provide torque to a multi-speed transmission. A drivetrain including the engine and the motor is controlled to reduce the requested level of torque provided to the transmission during an upshift. The method is initiated by a request for a reduction of the level of torque and checking the operating state of the engine. If the engine is not on, the torque from the motor is reduced. If the engine is on, the torque from the motor is reduced first and then the torque from the engine is reduced to the requested level of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Daniel Scott Colvin, Christopher Alan Lear
  • Patent number: 8781683
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a power steering motor assembly connected with the steerable vehicle wheels. An engine driven pump connected with the power steering motor assembly is driven by an engine of the vehicle to supply fluid under pressure to the power steering motor assembly. A controller increases engine speed when the vehicle is motionless and a steering wheel is rotated. A method for controlling the speed of an engine to provide a predetermined steering assist to a steering apparatus includes determining if the vehicle is motionless and determining if the steering wheel is being rotated. The speed of the engine is increased if the vehicle is motionless and the steering wheel is being rotated to provide the predetermined steering assist to the steering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Daniel E. Williams
  • Patent number: 8781659
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for controlling transition between an electric vehicle (EV) mode and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) mode in a hybrid vehicle. More specifically, the technique includes first determining a drive mode of the hybrid vehicle by monitoring an average vehicle speed and an accelerator position sensor. Next, an engine on map value is determined for entering into the HEV mode and a hysteresis map value is determined for controlling the transition between the EV mode and the HEV mode based on a battery's state-of-charge (SOC), the average vehicle speed, and the drive mode; Based on the above steps, the technique determines whether the hybrid vehicle should transition between the EV mode or the HEV mode based on a driver's requisite torque calculated by monitoring the accelerator position sensor and a gear position sensor and on the determined engine on map value and hysteresis map value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jeong Eun Kim
  • Patent number: 8777804
    Abstract: A bicycle control apparatus is configured to control a bicycle having a transmission and a drive assistance electric motor that drives a wheel. The bicycle control apparatus includes a pedaling force detector and a controller. The pedaling force detector detects a pedaling force. The controller includes a control section that controls the drive assistance electric motor according to a pedaling force detected by the pedaling force detector. The control section increases a ratio of an output of the drive assistance electric motor with respect to the pedaling force upon completion of a downshift of the transmission, and subsequently decreasing the ratio of the output of the drive assistance electric motor with respect to the pedaling force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takeshi Takachi
  • Patent number: 8777803
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a constraint module that generates a plurality of constraints. An output torque module generates a commanded output torque based on a torque request and the plurality of constraints. A split torque module determines a first torque and a second torque to be applied to a transmission of the vehicle based on the plurality of constraints and the commanded output torque. A first one of the plurality of constraints corresponding to a first clutch is adjusted from a first range of values to a second range of values that is different from the first range of values in response to a command to offload the first clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Sean W. McGrogan, Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Pinaki Gupta
  • Publication number: 20140195080
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid powertrain includes monitoring input torque of an input member and may include determining an oscillation torque. The method monitors critical vehicle characteristics, including at least a transmission operating mode and an input speed, and operates the powertrain at the input torque. The method compares input torque to a minimum threshold or oscillation torque to a fatigue threshold and identifies a first critical event, which occurs when input torque exceeds the minimum threshold or oscillation torque exceeds the fatigue threshold. The method identifies a first peak with the on-board controller during the first critical event. Peak events occur when the monitored input torque or oscillation torque changes between positive and negative slope. The method identifies a first CVC set occurring with the first peak and may record the first CVC set and the first peak in a look-up table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Allen J. Lehmen, Houchun Xia, R. Anthony Hansen
  • Patent number: 8762012
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a multi-mode transmission configured to transfer torque among an input member, torque machines and an output member. A method for controlling operation of the multi-mode transmission includes determining torque commands for the torque machines in response to a desired input speed of the input member and an output speed of the output member determined based upon an estimated wheel speed of a wheel of a driveline coupled to the output member. The estimated wheel speed of the wheel is set equal to a monitored wheel speed of the wheel upon detecting an abrupt decrease in the wheel speed. Torque commands are determined for the torque machines in response to the desired input speed and the monitored wheel speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: R. Anthony Hansen, Jeffrey Michael Pieper
  • Patent number: 8761979
    Abstract: The present invention protects a high voltage battery in a hybrid electric vehicle. More particularly, it makes it possible to prevent a battery from being overcharged when a motor or an inverter system breaks, with the hybrid vehicle traveling. The technique for protecting a high voltage battery in a hybrid electric vehicle illustratively comprises: checking whether a motor functions properly; setting a virtual acceleration pedal value and keeping a present desired shifting map, when the motor breaks; determining a desired shifting stage according to the present desired shifting map based on the virtual acceleration pedal value; and, in certain embodiments, switching or keeping the engine control mode by comparing a value of a predetermined maximum engine speed region with the present engine speed in order to prevent high-speed rotation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Seok Young Yun
  • Publication number: 20140171258
    Abstract: The present invention involves device for measuring the drive torque and/or the driving power delivered on a hub shell by a freewheel body connected to the hub shell by a freewheel mechanism, the device including at least one deformation and/or stress sensor on or integrated to at least one ratchet of said mechanism and a drive torque and/or driving power determination circuit, connected to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventor: Thierry BOUDET
  • Publication number: 20140171257
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, a criterion temperature for locking a first electric motor/generator is set to a first temperature when the engine is in a reduced-cylinder operation. The criterion temperature is set to a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature, when the engine is in an all-cylinder operation. If the temperature of the first electric motor/generator is higher than the criterion temperature, the first electric motor/generator is set to a locked state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taku Harada, Masatoshi Ito, Shohei Nagata
  • Publication number: 20140162836
    Abstract: A method for operating a traction vehicle, especially a locomotive, wherein the power delivered by a drive system is produced by at least two internal combustion engines, each of which is functionally connected to a generator for producing electric power, the engines preferably being gas engines, even more preferably lean gas engines. A previously determined number of separate power stages ranging from a minimum power up to a nominal power of the drive system is provided. The interval between all directly adjacent power stages is selected so that it corresponds to a constant fraction of the nominal power of the drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim HUG
  • Publication number: 20140162837
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid drive of a vehicle is provided, for which a target drive torque (Ttarget) is provided by the internal combustion engine or the electrical engine, as the case may be, depending on an accelerator pedal position (AP) through a stored accelerator pedal characteristic curve for the drive of the vehicle. Upon a recognized driver's request for emission-free driving, the accelerator pedal characteristic curve is adjusted in such a manner that the maximum target drive torque (Ttarget) corresponds to the maximum electrical engine drive torque (TE-max).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Markus Eisele, Yvonne Wiegand
  • Publication number: 20140162838
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine torque estimate may be adapted in response to a torque converter impeller speed error. The methods and systems may reduce the possibility of driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, David Oshinsky, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Publication number: 20140162835
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle is equipped with an engine, an electric motor, and a damper that is interposed in a motive power transmission path between the engine and the electric motor. The control device is equipped with a hysteresis mechanism and a controller. The hysteresis mechanism is provided in the damper, is configured to have a characteristic that a hysteresis torque that is generated due to a twist of the damper, which transmits a driving force from the electric motor toward the engine, in a negative direction is larger than a hysteresis torque that is generated due to a twist of the damper, which transmits a driving force from the engine toward the electric motor, in a positive direction, and is configured to reduce an engine rotational speed by the electric motor in stopping the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji GOTODA, Koji HAYASHI, Koki UENO
  • Patent number: 8744653
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a transmission apparatus that includes: an input member that is drivably connected to a rotating electrical machine being capable of generating regenerative torque based on an engine and a deceleration request of a vehicle; an output member that is drivably connected to wheels; and a speed change mechanism that has a plurality of friction engagement elements that are controlled to be engaged and released so as to switch a plurality of shift speeds, and that shifts a rotation speed of the input member at one of gear ratios set for the shift speeds and outputs the shifted speed to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Hase, Hiroya Ueno, Kohei Tsuda, Eiji Moriyama, Hiroshi Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 8740747
    Abstract: A control device limiting an input torque to an automatic shifting portion before initiation of an inertia phase in a downshift as compared to a case of not executing the downshift, wherein in an input torque limiting control, if an accelerator variation before a start of the downshift is equal to or less than a predetermined accelerator variation limit, the control device limits the input torque before the initiation of the inertia phase to the input torque at a time of a shifting output commanding the execution of the downshift, and wherein if an accelerator variation before the start of the downshift is greater than the accelerator variation limit, the control device limits the input torque before the initiation of the inertia phase equal to or less than a predetermined input torque limit value larger than the input torque at the time of the shifting output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Masakazu Kaifuku
  • Patent number: 8738209
    Abstract: It is provided a control device of a vehicle drive apparatus in a vehicle including an electric motor for driving drive wheels, the control device controlling an output torque of the electric motor in accordance with a predetermined electric motor torque control characteristic making the output torque of the electric motor larger when a requested drive force is greater such that a drive force of the vehicle becomes equal to the requested drive force requested by a driver, wherein when the stopped vehicle is started, if the requested drive force is equal to or less than a requested drive force judgment value set equal to or less than a necessary start-up drive force necessary for start-up of the vehicle, the control device provides electric motor torque suppression control suppressing the output torque of the electric motor below an output torque determined from the electric motor torque control characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuru Oba, Yoshisuke Kametani
  • Patent number: 8738207
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided with an electric transmission operatively connected to a first axle and an electric drive module operatively connected to a second axle. A transmission ratio of a differential gear set and a final drive of the electric transmission are selected so that a torque ratio of torque of the first axle over the torque of the engine is that at which any working chamber of the engine that is operated to expand the working fluid can operate without throttling, without torque of the engine torque exceeding a torque necessary to propel the vehicle at a steady vehicle speed, and with the second electric machine freewheeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Brendan M. Conlon, Norman K. Bucknor, Constantine Nick Raptis