With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/5)
  • Patent number: 12169019
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an assembly comprising a first motor positioned on a first shaft, a second motor positioned on a second shaft, a first wet clutch selectively coupled to the first shaft, a second wet clutch selectively coupled to a drive axle, a third wet clutch selectively coupled to the first shaft, and a brake clutch fixed to a housing of the assembly. The assembly comprises a planetary gearset positioned on the second shaft having gears selectively coupled to the third wet clutch, the first wet clutch or to the brake clutch. The assembly comprises a first one-way clutch and a second one-way clutch opposing the first one-way clutch, the first one-way clutch and the second one-way clutch selectively coupled to the first shaft, where the first one-way clutch and the second one-way clutch are directly connected to two gear trains to drive a PTO shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: DANA LIMITED
    Inventors: Weiguo Zhao, Filip Van Raepenbusch, Filip D. Schacht, Quan Liu
  • Patent number: 11891773
    Abstract: A rotary machine fixture couples a first rotary machine to a second rotary machine and fixes the first rotary machine and the second rotary machine to a work vehicle. A hydraulic pump drive assembly to supply hydraulic fluid for a work vehicle includes an electric machine configured to convert electrical energy from an electrical supply line to rotary motion, a hydraulic pump configured to circulate the hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic supply line from the rotary motion of the electric machine, a fixture having a first rotary machine interface configured to mount the electric machine to the fixture, a second rotary machine interface configured to mount the hydraulic pump to the fixture, and a work vehicle interface configured to mount the fixture to the work vehicle such that the hydraulic pump and the electric machine are fixed to the work vehicle through the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Matthew T. Hoover
  • Patent number: 11745725
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive assembly for a motor vehicle, which has an internal combustion engine and an electric engine. A separating clutch arranged in drive terms between the internal combustion engine and the electric engine is set to a target clutch torque by at least partially engaging during an attempt to start the internal combustion engine. An actual clutch torque actually transmitted via the separating clutch and a speed of the internal combustion engine are determined during the attempt to start, and if a characteristic value dependent on the actual clutch torque exceeds a threshold value and if an integral of the speed over time continuously falls below a limit value during the attempt to start, the attempt to start is aborted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Michael Jonuscheit
  • Patent number: 11668355
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a disengagement system for actuating a clutch, in particular a clutch in the powertrain of a motor vehicle between the drive motor and the transmission, having a threaded spindle which is rotationally fixed to the clutch at an end region and is thus connected to the drive motor. The disengagement system additionally comprises a disengagement unit, having a stator and a rotor which is connected to the stator by an axial bearing, wherein the rotor rotates together with the threaded spindle and is in engagement with the threaded spindle via a spindle nut, and the clutch is actuated by adapting the rotational speed of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Robert Steiner
  • Patent number: 11623512
    Abstract: An electromechanical drive arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an electromechanical main drive motor, a reduction transmission device which comprises a transmission input, a transmission output, at least one reduction stage and a transmission housing which accommodates the reduction stage, an axial differential transmission for splitting the drive power, which is guided by means of the reduction stage, between a first and a second wheel drive train section, and an auxiliary assembly which can be driven by the main drive motor by means of the reduction stage. The auxiliary assembly is arranged outside the transmission housing. A switching element is provided in the transmission housing such that the drive connection from the reduction stage to the axial differential transmission can be closed in a switchable manner and can be disconnected in a switchable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andrea Reichert, Martin Dressel
  • Patent number: 11618430
    Abstract: A vehicle driving apparatus including a first oil pump driven by an internal combustion engine; a second oil pump connected to a torque transmission portion transmitting a driving force of the second motor generator to a drive wheel; a hydraulic circuit configured so that a lubricating oil is supplied from the second oil pump to a lubrication portion in a first mode in which a vehicle travels while stopping the internal combustion engine, and the lubricating oil is supplied from the first and second oil pumps to the lubrication portion in a second mode in which the vehicle travels while driving the internal combustion engine; a slip detector detecting a slip state of the drive wheel, and a control unit switching to the second mode when the slip state is detected during the first mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Tomoya Okaji, Kota Inoue, Satoshi Motozawa
  • Patent number: 11607953
    Abstract: A vehicle control system to be mounted in a hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine, a center differential that includes a front-wheel-side output portion and a rear-wheel-side output portion and distributes torque outputted from the engine to a front wheel and a rear wheel, a limited slip differential mechanism that limits a differential between the front-wheel-side output portion and the rear-wheel-side output portion, and a motor disposed in a drive-power transferring system that transfers drive power from the rear-wheel-side output portion to the rear wheel. The vehicle control system includes a processor. When the hybrid electric vehicle is switched from a first traveling mode to a second traveling mode, the processor stops the engine while causing the limited slip differential mechanism to limit the differential between the front-wheel-side output portion and the rear-wheel-side output portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naohiko Hirosumi, Satoshi Inoue, Hiroyuki Akiyama
  • Patent number: 11590841
    Abstract: An electric axle assembly having dual motors and dual disconnects allowing for selectably disconnecting either one of the motors so that either motor may operate as the primary drive motor. Each of the dual motors is coupled to a layshaft, and each disconnect is positioned between a gear reduction at the output of the motor and a gear reduction connected to the layshaft. The layshaft is coupled to a differential via a clutch and gear set, the gear set providing a two-speed transmission for power delivered from the layshaft to the differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Cook, Darren J. Ziskovsky
  • Patent number: 11491966
    Abstract: A method of controlling uphill driving of a hybrid vehicle provided with a dual clutch transmission (DCT) may include determining, by a controller, a driving state of a vehicle on the basis of information collected from the vehicle; when the vehicle is determined as being in a uphill driving state, performing, by the controller, high torque control on an engine of the vehicle by increasing an engine torque to control the engine at a predetermined high torque engine operating point and reducing a motor torque of a motor in the vehicle to satisfy a driver request torque; and during the performing of the high torque control on the engine, comparing, by the controller, a state of charge (SOC) value of a battery with a set first SOC threshold value, and when the SOC value of the battery is less than or equal to the first SOC threshold value, performing engine and motor speed control to defend the SOC value of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jee Wook Huh
  • Patent number: 11453382
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an energy storage circuit, an input circuit, and a hybrid management circuit. The energy storage circuit is structured to receive a state of charge (SOC) and a state of health (SOH) of an energy storage device. The input circuit is structured to receive an indication of a torque demand. The hybrid management circuit is structured to determine a first torque output for a genset including an engine and a first motor-generator based on the torque demand and the SOC of the energy storage device; determine an adjustment factor based on the SOH of the energy storage device; determine an adjusted torque output for the genset based on the adjustment factor and the first torque output; operate the genset to provide the adjusted torque output and to generate an amount of energy; and operate a second motor-generator at a second torque output to meet the torque demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Booth, Martin T. Books
  • Patent number: 11434965
    Abstract: An automatic transmission system of a vehicle and a corresponding adaptation method utilize an automatic transmission comprising a hydraulic friction clutch and a controller configured to continuously perform a feedforward adaptation procedure that models wear of the clutch, the feedforward adaptation procedure comprising obtaining a set of operating parameters each indicative of wear of the clutch, model the wear of the clutch based on the set of operating parameters using a clutch wear model, and determine a clutch offset for controlling application of the clutch based on the modeled clutch wear, and control application of the clutch based on the determined clutch offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Dean Baker, Brian P Young, Nathan J Saliga
  • Patent number: 11408495
    Abstract: A hybrid module comprising a rotor assembly including a rotor carrier and a torque converter completely disposed radially inside of the rotor carrier is provided. The torque converter assembly includes an impeller having an impeller shell fixed to the rotor carrier such that the impeller shell and the rotor carrier form a housing of the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Melissa Blischak, Patrick Lindemann, Steven Rhoads, Ayyalraju Satyaseelan
  • Patent number: 11402016
    Abstract: A method for operating a multi-clutch transmission for a motor vehicle, having at least the following steps: a) closing a first clutch of the multi-clutch transmission, in order to transfer an input torque (M_k1) between a drive machine of the motor vehicle and at least one first sub-transmission of the multi-clutch transmission; b) applying a drag torque (M_k2) to a second sub-transmission of the multi-clutch transmission, which is coupled to the first sub-transmission, via a second clutch of the multi-clutch transmission; c) detecting a clutch slip of the second clutch, which is dependent on the drag torque (M_k2); and d) determining a current gear selection of the multi-clutch transmission by evaluating the clutch slip. The disclosure further relates to a multi-clutch transmission and to a motor vehicle having a multi-clutch transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Lutz Gundlach
  • Patent number: 11396915
    Abstract: A method and an open-loop and closed-loop control device for compensating for a clutch torque of a separating clutch located between an internal combustion engine and an electric machine in a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle. The compensation takes into consideration the rotational speed of the electric machine. The rotational speed of the electric machine impacts clutch torque. A compensation factor is calculated, and increases or decreases the necessary clutch torque, causing a corresponding actuation of an actuator to achieve the necessary clutch torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Christian Weber, Ralf Mannsperger
  • Patent number: 11377090
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine having a crankshaft, an electric machine having a rotor, a disconnect clutch having an input secured to the crankshaft and an output secured to the rotor, a hydraulic pump mechanically powered via rotation of the rotor and configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the actuate the disconnect clutch, a torque converter having an impeller secured to the rotor, and controller. The controller is programmed to, responsive to a speed of the impeller decreasing to less than a first threshold, which is indicative of a subsequent shutdown of the hydraulic pump, and responsive to the disconnect clutch being open while the engine is shut down, advance the disconnect clutch to a touch point where opposing sides of disconnect clutch make contact but substantially zero power is transferred between the engine and the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Corey James Blue, Minku Lee, Scott James Thompson, Bradley Dean Riedle
  • Patent number: 11374508
    Abstract: An electric drive system includes an energy storage system (ESS), a power conversion system, and an alternating current (AC) traction system. The ESS provides or receives electric power. The ESS includes a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit. The power conversion system is electrically coupled to the ESS for converting an input power to an output power. The AC traction system is electrically coupled to the power conversion system for converting the output power of the power conversion system to mechanical torques. The AC traction system includes a first AC drive device and a second AC drive device. An energy management system (EMS) is in electrical communication with the ESS, the AC traction system, and the power conversion system for providing control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jian Zhou, Fei Xu, Dong Liu, Hai Qiu, Pengju Kang
  • Patent number: 11364788
    Abstract: A gear box of a hybrid power vehicle includes a first gear box part and a second gear box part. The first gear box part includes one input shaft and two intermediate shafts, and the input shaft is configured to be connected to an internal combustion engine, a first driving toothed gear and a second driving toothed gear are provided on the input shaft, a first driven toothed gear and a second driven toothed gear are provided on a first intermediate shaft, a third driven toothed gear and a fourth driven toothed gear are provided on a second intermediate shaft; and the second gear box part includes a third intermediate shaft provided with a driving toothed gear of a first gear of the electric motor and the first or second intermediate shaft provided with a driven toothed gear of the first gear of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: SAIC MOTOR CORPORATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Hailong Ge, Jun Zhu, Jian Wang, Bin Xu, Yuchuan Fan, Xinyu Liu, Deyan Jiang, Jian Zhou, Jun Sun, Zhengmin Gu
  • Patent number: 11364786
    Abstract: A transmission including an electric machine, a torque converter and a planetary gearset in a transmission housing that is connected to an engine. A turbine shaft is configured to transfer torque from the engine and the electric machine to the planetary gear set. A disconnect clutch selectively couples the input shaft from the engine to the torque converter housing of the torque converter. The disconnect clutch includes a disconnect clutch piston and a first balance dam. A torque converter clutch selectively connects the torque converter housing to the turbine and the turbine shaft. The torque converter clutch includes a torque converter clutch piston and a second balance dam. Ports in the housing permit automatic transmission fluid to flow between the turbine shaft and the torque converter clutch piston; the turbine shaft and the torque converter clutch piston; and the turbine shaft, the first balance dam, and the second balance dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew David Hammond, Gregory Daniel Goleski, Bryant L. Poynter, David Gon Oh
  • Patent number: 11358584
    Abstract: A vehicle having an engine, a battery, and an electric machine configured to propel the vehicle and selectively coupled to the engine to start the engine includes a controller configured to prompt for input to activate a cold weather mode in response to an expected ambient temperature to be below a first temperature threshold for a time period during which a subsequent engine start is anticipated, and to operate the engine and electric machine to maintain a state of charge (SOC) of the battery above a first SOC threshold in response to activation of the cold weather mode, and a second SOC threshold lower than the first SOC threshold otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marin Assaliyski, Connor McCann, Youssef El-Minyawi, Kevin Vander Laan, William David Treharne
  • Patent number: 11353069
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes a first rotating member for rotation about an axis and a second rotating member for rotation about the axis. The first rotating member and the second rotating member are connectable to each other such that the first rotating member and the second rotating member are rotationally locked relative to each other for transferring torque between the first rotating member and the second rotating member. The transmission comprises a sensor arrangement for measuring a relative angular position of the first rotating member and the second rotating member while at least one of the first rotating member and the second rotating member is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO.
    Inventors: Eva Barrientos Blanco, Henrique Budacs
  • Patent number: 11351984
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine that may be automatically stopped and started is described. In one example, selection of an engine starting device is based on a value of an engine starting torque reserve. The engine starting torque reserve may be dynamically adjusted so that life spans of engine starting devices may meet expectations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Meyer, Jeffrey A. Doering, Kevin R. Ruybal
  • Patent number: 11349331
    Abstract: A system includes a PTO device that selectively couples to a driveline of a vehicle, a motor/generator electrically coupled to an electrical power storage system, and a shared load selectively powered by one of the driveline or the motor/generator. The PTO device further includes a coupling actuator that couples the shared load to the motor/generator at a first selected ratio in a first position, and couples the shared load to the driveline at a second selected ratio in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Stoltz, Mahesh Prabhakar Joshi, Matthew R. Busdiecker, Kaylah J. Berndt, Glenn Clark Fortune, Sarah E. Behringer, Mark Steven George, Dennis Dukaric, Thomas A. Genise, Gary Baker
  • Patent number: 11332116
    Abstract: A hybrid drive train for a hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine configured to drive the hybrid vehicle and an output shaft configured to provide torque to drive the hybrid vehicle, and a transmission which has a transmission input shaft. The hybrid drive train also includes a first electric machine by which the transmission input shaft can be driven, a second electric machine by which the output shaft can be driven to start the internal combustion engine, and an auxiliary unit configured to be driven by the second electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Hoesl
  • Patent number: 11336148
    Abstract: An electrically and mechanically driven automotive accessory including a housing, an electric motor, a pulley, and a pulley assist mechanism. The electric motor comprises a stator assembly that is mounted to the housing and a rotor assembly that is mounted to a shaft. The electric motor creates a primary torque flow path that drives rotation of the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. The pulley is rotatable relative to the shaft and the rotor assembly. The pulley assist mechanism includes an annular channel in the rotor assembly that creates a magnetic gap, a finger made of a non-ferrous metal that extends from the pulley into the annular channel, and an electromagnetic coil that induces eddy currents in the finger of the pulley and a magnetic field in the magnetic gap, which creates a secondary torque flow path between the pulley and the rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS EFP CANADA LTD.
    Inventors: Kyle D. Mills, Darrell F. Greene
  • Patent number: 11326668
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission-equipped power unit includes a prime mover including a drive shaft and a dual clutch transmission that changes the speed of rotation produced by rotational power output by the drive shaft. The dual clutch transmission includes a first input shaft which overlaps the drive shaft when viewed in a first direction perpendicular to the drive shaft. The dual clutch transmission includes a second input shaft which overlaps the drive shaft when viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the drive shaft. The dual clutch transmission includes a countershaft which overlaps the drive shaft when viewed in a third direction perpendicular to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Patent number: 11299140
    Abstract: A vehicle provided with a generator generating electric power by using motive power outputted from an internal combustion engine includes an electric power storage device, an electric motor driving a vehicle, a controller executing charging control of the electric power storage device, and a weight estimator estimating a vehicle weight while the vehicle is moving. While the vehicle is driven by the electric motor, the controller starts operation of the internal combustion engine to start charging the electric power storage device when a SOC of the electric power storage device is reduced to a charging start SOC or less, and to stop the operation of the internal combustion engine to stop charging the electric power when the SOC of the electric power storage device is at or greater than a charging stop SOC. The charging stop SOC is set based on the vehicle weight estimated by the weight estimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventor: Fuminori Honjo
  • Patent number: 11292451
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle in which a running mode can be appropriately shifted without making a driver feel uncomfortable or feel a sense of slowness. A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a first motor, a second motor, and a clutch that selectively transmits power between the engine and drive wheels. A controller shifts a running mode to the parallel hybrid vehicle mode in a case of accelerating the hybrid vehicle in the electric vehicle mode, if the drive force is greater than a maximum drive force generatable in the electric vehicle mode, and also greater than a required additional drive force as a variable corresponding to a running resistance against the hybrid vehicle running on a predetermined running road at a predetermined vehicle speed by a predetermined drive force that is set in advance based on the vehicle speed and the drive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Yokota, Hideo Watanabe, Kazumi Hoshiya, Satoshi Yamanaka, Jonggap Kim
  • Patent number: 11280378
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle with a prime mover (1) including an internal combustion engine (2) and an electric machine (3), a separating clutch (6) connected between the internal combustion engine and the electric machine, and a transmission (5) connected between the prime mover (1) and a driven end (4) is provided. When at least one first operating condition is present, a previously decoupled internal combustion engine (2) is coupled such that the separating clutch (6) is actuated to engage. When at least one second operating condition is present, the coupling of the internal combustion engine is aborted, and an absolute value of a torque currently transmitted or currently transmittable by the separating clutch (6) is determined. The separating clutch (6) is disengaged at different rates depending on the absolute value of the torque currently transmitted or currently transmittable by the separating clutch (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Jens Kastens, Frank Deprez
  • Patent number: 11273820
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a connecting/disconnecting clutch disposed between an engine and an electric motor, an automatic transmission including an input clutch, a starting clutch disposed between the electric motor and the automatic transmission, and a control apparatus for executing an engine-start control operation for starting the engine, by igniting the engine after increasing a rotational speed of the engine by a torque of the electric motor while placing the connecting/disconnecting clutch into an engaged state. In process of the engine-start control operation that is executed when the hybrid vehicle is in a stopped state with the starting clutch being in a released state, the control apparatus places the input clutch in an engaged state until the rotational speed of the engine exceeds a predetermined speed value, and switches the input clutch to a released state after the rotational speed of the engine has exceeded the predetermined speed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoichi Nakashima, Toshiya Yamashita
  • Patent number: 11267453
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a traction motor, and an automatic step-ratio transmission having a plurality of selectable discrete gear ratios include operating the electric machine to provide output torque associated with a first operating point selected based on driver demand torque and a current powertrain speed during transient operation, operating the electric machine to provide an output torque associated with a second operating point selected based on the driver demand torque and the current powertrain speed during steady state operation, and controlling the engine torque based on a difference between the driver demand torque and the electric machine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alec Bolthouse, Karthik Pillutla, Fazal Urrahman Syed
  • Patent number: 11260741
    Abstract: A hybrid power driving system includes an engine, a planetary gear device, a first motor, a clutch gear device, a brake device, an engagement device, an intermediate shaft, and a second motor, the engine and the first motor are connected by the planetary gear device which includes first, second and third rotating elements; the clutch gear device is disposed between the first motor and the planetary gear device, the clutch gear device includes a clutch and a clutch gear and an engagement element connected to the clutch, the clutch gear is connected to the intermediate shaft; the engagement device is configured to engage the third rotating element and the engagement element, or engage the third rotating element and the brake device, or only engage the third rotating element; the brake device is configured to brake or unlock the third rotating element; the second motor is connected to the intermediate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: GAC AION NEW ENERGY AUTOMOBILE CO. LTD
    Inventors: Gang Li, Hongzhong Qi, Anwei Zhang, Yong Yang, Jiangling Zhao, Yang Shang
  • Patent number: 11247663
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine restart operations occurring during a transmission shift in a hybrid vehicle. Engine speed is controller during cranking and run-up to approach a transmission input shaft speed that is based on the future gear of the transmission shift. Engine speed is controlled via adjustments to spark, throttle, and/or fuel, to expedite engine speed reaching the synchronous speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Xiaoyong Wang, Ming Lang Kuang, Scott Thompson, David Oshinsky, Dennis Reed, Adam Banker
  • Patent number: 11247657
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle that shift an operating mode to an appropriate mode from a low mode or high mode. The hybrid vehicle comprises a power split mechanism connected to an engine and a first motor. When a required brake torque of a prime mover cannot be achieved during propulsion in an operating mode established by engaging one of clutches while stopping the engine, the control system excites a motoring of the engine by the first motor while maintaining engagement of the clutch engaged to establish the current operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yosuke Suzuki, Hideaki Komada, Hidekazu Nagai, Takahito Endo, Hirotsugu Yoshino, Hiroki Yasui
  • Patent number: 11230280
    Abstract: An HV-ECU performs processing including calculating requested system power, calculating requested engine power when an engine activation request has been issued, obtaining a turbo temperature, setting an operating point on a predetermined operating line when the turbo temperature is equal to or lower than a threshold value Ta, setting as the operating point, a position on a higher rotation speed side by a predetermined value along an equal power line when the turbo temperature is higher than the threshold value Ta, carrying out engine control, and carrying out MG control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi Yonezawa, Satoshi Yoshizaki, Osamu Maeda, Daigo Ando, Yoshikazu Asami, Kenji Itagaki, Shunsuke Oyama, Koichiro Muta
  • Patent number: 11199115
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil system (7) comprising a pump arrangement (11); a first gallery (13) for providing oil to a first engine site (14); a second gallery (15) for providing oil to a second engine site (16); a second gallery flow control device (25) for controlling flow of oil from the pump arrangement (11) to the second gallery (15); control circuitry (5); a first pressure sensor (27) for sensing the oil pressure in the first gallery (13); and a second pressure sensor (29) for sensing the oil pressure in the second gallery (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fabian Hellemann
  • Patent number: 11192434
    Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle axle, in particular a rear axle, of a two-track vehicle with an electric drive, wherein an electric machine is associated with every vehicle wheel of the vehicle axle, the electric machine shafts of which electric machine can be drivingly connected, by a first and a second shifting element, to a first and a second flange shaft of the vehicle wheels, and wherein in a first transmission gear, the first and the second shifting element are shifted and the electric machine shafts output directly to the flange shafts of the vehicle wheels via the first and the second shifting element. The vehicle axle has a transverse differential which, on the output side, outputs to the flange shafts of the vehicle wheels and, on the input side, can be drivingly connected to the electric machine shafts by means of a third and a fourth shifting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Steffen Hummel
  • Patent number: 11192539
    Abstract: A vehicle control method for executing a sailing stop control when a drive source stop condition is established while a vehicle is traveling. The sailing stop control stops a drive source of the vehicle and releases an engaging element provided between the drive source and a drive wheel such that the vehicle travels under inertia. The vehicle control method acquires information on a road on which the vehicle will travel, and then determines whether there is a section on a route where the sailing stop control can be executed based on the information. Upon determining a section exist capable of the sailing stop control, the vehicle control method estimates a power shortage amount, which is a shortage amount of power during sailing stop control, based on the information, and charges a battery with power required to cover the power shortage amount prior to starting the sailing stop control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hirata, Yusuke Nakane, Takanobu Sawada
  • Patent number: 11180133
    Abstract: A hybrid-vehicle system includes an internal combustion engine configured to deliver a first rotational torque to a crankshaft. The first rotational torque is a maximum torque deliverable by the internal combustion engine. The hybrid-vehicle system also includes a transmission selectively rotatably coupled to the crankshaft, and an assembly including an electric machine rotatably coupled to the transmission and configured to deliver a second rotational torque directly to the transmission. The assembly also includes a one-way clutch configured to rotationally couple the crankshaft and the transmission. The assembly further includes a friction clutch moveable between an engaged state where the crankshaft and the transmission are rotationally coupled, and a disengaged state where the crankshaft and the transmission are rotationally decoupled. In the engaged state, the friction clutch is limited to delivering 85% or less of the first rotational torque to the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Borg Warner Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Campbell, Calahan B. Campton
  • Patent number: 11167633
    Abstract: A control method is provided for controlling a declutching of a sliding gear of a vehicle gearbox having dogs. The sliding gear rotates with a shaft of the vehicle gearbox on which the sliding gear moves axially between a declutched position and an engaged position to transmit rotation to a vehicle wheel. The control method comprises applying a zero torque request to all power sources of the vehicle, applying a declutching instruction to the sliding gear, estimating a resistance torque on the dogs in absence of rapid declutching, calculating a residual torque on the dogs as a function of a calculated resistance torque and an anti-disengagement angle of the resistance torque on the dogs, cancelling the residual torque by application of two opposing cancellation torques on the sliding gear, and declutching the sliding gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ludovic Merienne, Pedro Kvieska
  • Patent number: 11162582
    Abstract: A control system for a power transmission unit configured to shift an operating mode smoothly by manipulating engagement devices, and to simplify a structure of the power transmission unit. The control system is configured to reduce a speed difference between an axially stationary engagement element and a reciprocatable engagement element of a second engagement device when shifting from a first continuously variable mode to a second continuously variable mode by engaging the second engagement device. After the second engagement device has been engaged completely, a first engagement device is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Hiroaki Ebuchi, Hiroyuki Shioiri, Takahito Endo, Hidekazu Nagai, Yoichiro Isami, Hirotsugu Yoshino, Hiroki Yasui
  • Patent number: 11162548
    Abstract: A method for operating a dual-clutch transmission of a motor vehicle, wherein a first clutch is operated closed or engaged and in this way a first transmission branch is driven, in which a current actual gear is engaged, and in a pre-selection phase for a gear changed to a desired gear in a second transmission branch, the desired gear is engaged, and in a second clutch, a clutch hydraulic system is filled and, in this way, the second clutch is closed. The gear change shall be made faster. The filling of the clutch hydraulic system is begun already during the pre-selection phase, and, in this case, the clutch hydraulic system is filled in the pre-selection phase but at most up to reaching a touch point of the second clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Andreas Birk, Mathias Weinhardt
  • Patent number: 11161582
    Abstract: A vessel propulsion apparatus includes a first transmission path that transmits the power of an engine to a propeller shaft, a second transmission path that transmits the power of a motor to the propeller shaft, and a controller. A first clutch cuts off the power transmission of the first transmission path in a first disconnection state, and permits the power transmission of the first transmission path in a first connection state. A second clutch cuts off the power transmission of the second transmission path in a second disconnection state, and permits the power transmission of the second transmission path in a second connection state. The controller executes tuning control of both the engine and the motor when the first clutch is switched between the first disconnection state and the first connection state and when the second clutch is switched between the second connection state and the second disconnection state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Daisuke Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11124056
    Abstract: A vehicle drive apparatus includes a fluid coupling connected to an engine, and a rotating electric machine connected to the engine via the fluid coupling. The fluid coupling has an impeller to which torque having been output from the engine is input, and a turbine facing the impeller. The impeller rotates about a rotation axis. Torque having been output from the impeller is input to the turbine via a fluid. The turbine rotates about the rotation axis. The vehicle drive apparatus has a path provided between an output shaft of the engine and the impeller, the path through which torque having been output from the engine is transmitted to the impeller not via the turbine, and paths through which torque having been input to the impeller is output via the rotating electric machine, passing through a radially outside relative to the impeller with respect to the rotation axis from the impeller via the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuki Kawahara, Kenji Kitada, Taichi Kitamura, Kohsuke Murata
  • Patent number: 11097609
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes: an internal combustion engine; an electric motor; a transmission including an input shaft that receives power inputted from the internal combustion engine and the electric motor and an output shaft that outputs power to a drive wheel; and a power cutting-off mechanism configured to cut off a power transmission route between the internal combustion engine and the output shaft, wherein the electric motor is connected to a rotating member provided on the output shaft in such a manner that the electric motor transmits power to the output shaft at a location downstream of the power cutting-off mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshimoto Matsuda, Hirokazu Morita
  • Patent number: 11077839
    Abstract: A control system is installed on a vehicle having an electric motor as a drive power source. The control system includes an electronic control unit configured to switch the vehicle between an automatic driving mode using automatic drive control, and a manual driving mode in which the vehicle is operated by a driver. The electronic control unit is configured to limit the load factor of the electric motor, in the case where the temperature of the electric motor is higher than a first threshold temperature when the vehicle travels in the automatic driving mode, and the case where the temperature of the electric motor is higher than a second threshold temperature when the vehicle travels in the manual driving mode. The second threshold temperature is set to a value higher than the first threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mitsutaka Matsumura
  • Patent number: 11077841
    Abstract: The control system for a hybrid vehicle configured to ensure acceleration of the vehicle is provided. When accelerating the vehicle quickly, a torque command to an engine is calculated by adding a torque corresponding to an inertia torque of the engine that is required to increase an engine speed to the required engine torque. In this situation, a controller controls the engine in such a manner as to generate torque based on the calculated torque command, and controls a motor in such a manner as to generate reaction torque against a required engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji Itagaki
  • Patent number: 11072233
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine, a first motor serving as a motor for driving of a vehicle or serving as a generator, a first power transmission mechanism disposed between the engine and the first motor to transmit the power of the engine to the first motor or to cut off transmission of power between the engine and the first motor, a second power transmission mechanism disposed between the first motor and a driving shaft of running wheels to transmit the power of the first motor to the driving shaft of the running wheels or to cut off transmission of power between the first motor and the driving shaft of the running wheels, and a second motor connected to the second power transmission mechanism via a third power transmission mechanism to transmit power to the second power transmission mechanism and outputting power for driving the vehicle and transmit the power to the driving shaft of the running wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Hoi Huh, Seong Eun Park, Kwang Min Choi, Tae Sic Park
  • Patent number: 11067140
    Abstract: A method for operating an actuator arrangement for a clutch operating system includes providing an actuator arrangement with a transmission, a piston, and an inductive sensor device. The transmission has an electric motor and a metal lead screw that converts a rotary motion into a linear motion. The piston is connected to the metal lead screw. The method also includes energizing the electric motor to linearly displace the metal lead screw in an axial direction, axially displacing the piston with the metal lead screw, using the metal lead screw as a target for the inductive sensor device, and using the inductive sensor device to determine an axial distance traveled by the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Dietrich, Viktor Franz
  • Patent number: 11056910
    Abstract: An auxiliary electric power device, which is coupled to a prime mover, provides electric power to convenience outlets, appliances, and heating cooling units. Based on a mode of a transmission coupled to the prime mover, one of a plurality of control schemes is selected to control the power provided by the auxiliary electric power device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Knight, Ken Wittamore, Nigel Calder
  • Patent number: 11047314
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an engine having a variable geometry mechanism are described. An output power of the engine is determined. A speed of the engine is determined. A temperature-independent position control signal for the variable geometry mechanism is generated based on a power-to-speed ratio, the power-to-speed ratio obtained by dividing the output power by the speed. The position control signal is output to a controller of the engine to control the variable geometry mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Philippe Beauchesne-Martel