With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/5)
  • Publication number: 20130296107
    Abstract: A vehicle with a modular hybrid transmission that has a combustion engine including a turbocharger and an e-machine use barometric pressure, road grade, and estimated vehicle mass to develop a turbo lag estimate. If it is determined that undesirable turbo lag is likely, the system opens a disconnect clutch between the engine and the e-machine and the engine is started independently of the e-machine. The e-machine is then used to launch the vehicle while the engine is started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Matthew John Shelton, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
  • Publication number: 20130296114
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a traction motor, and a torque converter that is driven by the traction motor. A clutch arrangement mechanically couples an output of the torque converter to transmission gearing. A controller is provided in the vehicle that is configured to command an increase in slip, or decrease in clutch pressure, in the clutch arrangement in response to an increase in speed of the traction motor. The commanding of an increase in slip enables a product of the torque ratio of the torque converter and an input torque to the torque converter to remain generally constant during the increase in speed of the traction motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Marvin Paul Kraska, Michael John Encelewski, Hong Jiang, Felix Nedorezov
  • Publication number: 20130297116
    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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20130296121
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is stopped to a desired position via slipping a driveline disconnect clutch so that engine starting may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Publication number: 20130296126
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine may be started in one of two ways depending on operating conditions. In particular, the engine may be started via a lower power output electric machine or a higher power output electric machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey Allen Doering, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Publication number: 20130296120
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, entry conditions for entering a driveline sailing mode are described. Driveline sailing mode may improve driveline torque response and vehicle drivability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20130296112
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and a traction motor coupled to the engine by a coupling device or a clutch for providing torque to wheels of the vehicle. An inverter is electrically connected to the traction motor. A second coupling device or at least one clutch at least indirectly selectively couples the motor to the drive wheels. A controller controls the second coupling device based upon a temperature of at least one of the fraction motor and the inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Marvin Paul Kraska, Francis Thomas Connolly
  • Patent number: 8574120
    Abstract: A vehicle driving system control apparatus includes a power transmission device and a power transmission control section. The power transmission device includes an engine input shaft, a motor input shaft, an output shaft, an engine-side gear mechanism transmitting a power of the engine input shaft to the output shaft, a motor-side gear mechanism transmitting a power of the motor input shaft to the output shaft, a first clutch enables and disables a power transmission between the engine input shaft and the motor input shaft, a second clutch enables and disables a power transmission between the motor-side gear mechanism and the output shaft, and a third clutch enables and disables a power transmission between the engine-side gear mechanism and the output shaft. The power transmission control section determines statuses of the clutches and required torques of motor generators in correspondence with a rotation speed of an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Saito, Hiroshi Okada, Hiroyuki Usami, Hitoshi Noguchi, Kazutoshi Nishinakamura
  • Patent number: 8577531
    Abstract: A system and method for the automatic control of wheel brake-slip in a motor vehicle with an electric drive (2), including the following steps: detecting a brake signal (14) by means of a slip control device (9), at which point the slip control device (9) generates an electric drive signal (15) and a friction brake signal (16) for the automatic control of a predetermined slip value of a wheel (1) of the motor vehicle, transmitting the electric drive signal (15) to an electric drive control device (6) and transmitting the friction brake signal (16) to a friction brake control device (12), at which point a friction brake control device (12) activates a friction brake (10) of the wheel (1) according to the friction brake control signal (16) to generate friction brake signal (16) to generate friction brake torque and an electric drive control device (6) activates electric drive (2) according to electric drive signal (15) to generate electric drive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Ákos Semsey, Michael Döricht
  • Publication number: 20130288853
    Abstract: It is provided a control device of a hybrid vehicle having a clutch in a power transmission path between an engine and a motor generator, the clutch controlling power transmission through the power transmission path depending on an engagement state, the hybrid vehicle interrupting the power transmission through the power transmission path by releasing the clutch during EV running while only the motor generator is used as a drive source for running, during the EV running while a release instruction for the clutch is output, if the engine being driven, a rotation speed of the engine is maintained within a predetermined rotation speed difference from a rotation speed of the motor generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Terufumi Miyazaki, Yukihiko Ideshio, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato
  • Publication number: 20130289810
    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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Brendan M. Conlon, Norman K. Bucknor, Constantine Nick Raptis
  • Publication number: 20130288850
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle which comprises an internal combustion engine (VM) with a drive shaft (2), an electric machine (EM) which can operate as a motor and as a generator and has a rotor (14), and a multistage conventional gearbox (15) with two coaxially arranged input shafts (GEI, GE2) and a common output shaft (GA), wherein the first input shaft (GEI) is arranged centrally within the second input shaft (GE2) which is embodied as a hollow shaft, at least the first input shaft (GEI) can be connected to the drive shaft of the internal combustion engine via an assigned clutch (KI), the second input shaft (GE2) has a drive connection to the rotor of the electric machine, and the two input shafts can be selectively placed in a drive connection with the output shaft (GA), in each case via a plurality of gearwheel sets (3, 5, 7, 9; 4, 6, 8, 10) with a different transmission ratio and in each case a shiftable speed clutch (SI, S3; S2, S4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Publication number: 20130288854
    Abstract: A driving device for hybrid vehicle, having an engine, a first motor capable of generating electric power by driving force of the engine, a second motor capable of supplying driving force to drive wheels, a first driving force transmission path for transmitting driving force of the engine to the drive wheels, a second driving force transmission path for transmitting driving force between the first motor and the engine, and a third driving force transmission path for transmitting driving force of the second motor to the drive wheels, includes a second damper capable of absorbing torque fluctuations in the second driving force transmission path and a third damper capable of absorbing torque fluctuations in the third driving force transmission path, in addition to a first damper capable of absorbing torque fluctuations in the first driving force transmission path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20130288852
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle in which the drive train comprises at least a hybrid drive with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, a clutch connected between the combustion engine and the electric motor, a transmission arranged between the hybrid drive and a drive output, and preferably a transmission-internal or -external starting element. When the combustion engine is entrained into motion with the help of the electric motor, the clutch connected between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is partially engaged to a slipping condition where the clutch transmits a constant torque, and during this entrainment, and comparing an actual gradient of the combustion engine's speed produced with a nominal gradient of the combustion engine's speed. When the actual gradient is greater than the nominal gradient, the method concludes that the combustion engine is started and actively providing torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Bernd ALLGAIER, Friedrich TENBROCK, Michael GROMUS
  • Publication number: 20130288851
    Abstract: The power transmission system for use in a vehicle includes a power split device to perform power distribution among a flywheel for storing rotational energy as mechanical energy, an internal combustion engine and an electric rotating machine. The power transmission system is provided with an interrupting device configured to interrupt power transmission between a group of the flywheel and the electric rotating machine and a group of the internal combustion engine and drive wheels of the vehicle when rotational energy stored in the flywheel is transmitted to the electric rotating machine through the power split device under condition that power is transmitted between the internal combustion engine and the drive wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Eitarou TANAKA, Takahiro Narita, Tetsuya Nagata
  • Patent number: 8568270
    Abstract: A gear shift control device for controlling a hybrid vehicle drive system including an engine, an automated transmission, a clutch, and a motor generator, includes a torque indication device for indicating a driver request torque determined in accordance with an operation amount of an accelerator operated by a driver, a power generation interruption device changing a vehicle state to an engine driven state using all of the engine torque when a preliminary gear shift condition is satisfied in a state where the engine drives a driving wheel and the motor generator is actuated to generate an electric power, and a gear shift control device reducing the engine torque and generating an assist torque by actuating the motor generator, disconnecting the clutch, and returning the clutch to a connected state after changing gear sets of the gear train when a gear shift condition of the automated transmission is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomomitsu Terakawa, Yasuhiro Hosoi, Yuichiro Kitamura, Yoshihide Suzuki, Katsunori Ueda, Shigeyuki Yoshida, Shunichi Hirao
  • Patent number: 8571775
    Abstract: The invention relates to a smart actuator for actuating a clutch having a communication interface for connecting to a higher-level control unit, and at least one data line for connecting to the higher-level control unit, where the smart actuator is configured to identify errors in the higher-level control unit and/or an assigned second smart actuator, and where the smart actuator has controlling means that are suitable for converting the controlled system into a safe system state in the case of a recognized error. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding control method and a control system in which the smart actuators and the method are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Zimmermann, Martin Rapp
  • Publication number: 20130281258
    Abstract: A hybrid module for a drive train of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a transmission. The hybrid module operates between the internal combustion engine and the transmission and has an electric drive, a clutch, and a freewheel, and the clutch and the freewheel are provided parallel to each other in order to transmit torque from the internal combustion engine toward the transmission, the freewheel transmits torque coming from the internal combustion engine to the transmission and opens for torque directed in the opposite direction, and a portion of the torque produced by the internal combustion transmitted by the freewheel can be set by setting a torque that can be transmitted by the clutch so that the vehicle can be driven by the internal combustion engine or the electric drive or both at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Dierk Reitz, Willi Ruder, Matthias Schneider
  • Publication number: 20130281259
    Abstract: A pre-transmission unit for a hybrid drive system includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by an internal combustion engine. An electric motor includes a rotor fixed for rotation with an output shaft, and a stator fixed to a housing. A multi-plate clutch is positioned in the housing to drivingly interconnect the input shaft and the rotor. The clutch includes a piston for applying an input force to the clutch plates. A pump is positioned in the housing and includes an input member fixed for rotation with the rotor. The pump provides pressurized fluid to the piston. A valve regulates the fluid pressure applied to the piston and varies the torque transferred by the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley R. Larkin, Douglas Bradley
  • Patent number: 8562484
    Abstract: A vehicle with a modular hybrid transmission that has a combustion engine including a turbocharger and an e-machine use barometric pressure, road grade, and estimated vehicle mass to develop a turbo lag estimate. If it is determined that undesirable turbo lag is likely, the system opens a disconnect clutch between the engine and the e-machine and the engine is started independently of the e-machine. The e-machine is then used to launch the vehicle while the engine is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Matthew John Shelton, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
  • Publication number: 20130274969
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having a motor and an engine that are selectively connected on a driveline and controlled by a controller. The controller is configured to schedule additional motor torque to compensate for engine inertia drag based upon a clutch pressure value and a clutch slip speed value during a period of clutch engagement. The controller is also configured to maintain vehicle acceleration using a proportional integral controller to adjust the motor torque during a period of clutch engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Qing Wang, Wei Liang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Ryan Abraham McGee
  • Publication number: 20130274062
    Abstract: A control device for a dual clutch transmission includes a transmission control unit that determines immobility in an engaging-side clutch in a next stage side sticking and, when the engaging-side clutch in the next stage malfunctions and when a gear in a previous stage is out of engagement, engages the gear in the previous stage and thereafter controls a clutch torque capacity in the previous stage to a predetermined value, and a back torque limiter operates according to a predetermined condition to engage a release-side clutch in the previous stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Arai
  • Publication number: 20130267378
    Abstract: A drive device includes an engine, a first motor/generator, and a first planetary gear set group having at least four rotatable members and disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft. Four vertical axes corresponding to the first to fourth rotatable members are arranged in order at intervals corresponding to gear ratios of the group in a common velocity-axis diagram to correspond to a first member to a fourth member, respectively. The first member is connectable with the input shaft. The second member is connectable with the output shaft. The third member is fixable to a stationary part. The fourth member is connected with the first motor/generator. The input shaft is connectable with the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: FINEMECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi HIRAIWA
  • Patent number: 8550947
    Abstract: A speed change device configured with an input member and an output member. The speed change device includes a speed change mechanism in which a plurality of shift speeds are established in accordance with respective engagement states of a plurality of friction engagement elements to transfer rotation of the input member to the output member. A slip travel mode is provided in which the vehicle is run while transferring torque from the input member to the output member with one of the friction engagement elements for establishment of each of the shift speeds caused to slip. A slip engagement element is the friction engagement element to be engaged commonly for establishment of at least a forward start shift speed and a reverse start shift speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kasuya, Masashi Kitou, Yuichi Seki, Yusuke Takahashi, Ryosuke Kondo
  • Patent number: 8550958
    Abstract: A method for regulating operation of a hybrid transmission selectively connectable to an engine includes deactivating an offgoing clutch to place the transmission in a first EVT mode. The transmission is then placed in an ETC mode and an oncoming clutch is actuated to place the transmission in a second EVT mode. An engine-on state is maintained during deactivation of the offgoing clutch and actuation of the oncoming clutch. Transitioning from the first to second EVT mode may be characterized by lack of a transition through a fixed-gear mode. The transmission may be configured to continuously produce output torque during the transition from the first to second EVT mode. The oncoming clutch may be synchronized to zero clutch slip prior to actuating the oncoming clutch. Engine speed may be varied while the offgoing clutch is disengaged and prior to actuating the oncoming clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20130260957
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle automatic transmission. A friction engagement element control unit includes a first play elimination control unit that sets a first pressure as the pressure for a first set time where the predetermined friction engagement element is engaged using a hydraulic pressure from the electric oil pump in a travel state in which only the rotary electric machine serves as a drive source. The first play elimination pressure is lower than a play elimination pressure for use in the case where the predetermined friction engagement element is engaged using a hydraulic pressure from the mechanical oil pump in a travel state in which the internal combustion engine serves as a drive source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yosuke UEDA, Masahiro ASAI, Kazuhiko MOTODOHI, Yoichi TAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20130260958
    Abstract: A clutch type driving mechanism used in a hybrid powered vehicle is disclosed to include a motor, a speed reducing mechanism, a hollow shaft, an output shaft and first and second one-way clutches. The motor provides a rotational kinetic energy through the hollow axle to the speed reducing mechanism. The speed reducing mechanism and the output shaft transfer a unidirectional rotary motion to the hollow shaft through the first one-way clutch and the second one-way clutch respectively. Thus, when the output shaft works as a drive shaft, it does not transfer the rotary motion to the speed reducing mechanism, avoiding power loss and allowing transfer of the rotational kinetic energy rapidly and efficiently without bearing much load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: LOROM INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHING-FENG WANG
  • Patent number: 8545365
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a changeover mechanism which is able to change a connection state of an electric motor output shaft to any one from alternatives consisting of “an IN-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between a transmission input shaft and the electric motor output shaft, “an OUT-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between the transmission output shaft and the electric motor output shaft, and “a neutral connection state” in which no transmission path therebetween is provided. The changeover is carried out based on a combination (area) of a vehicle speed V and a required driving torque T. As for the changeover, an (first, second) IN-connection area is more enlarged and the OUT-Connection area and the neutral connection area are more narrowed, as a temperature of a lubricating oil is lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshige Miyazaki, Hiroki Hatori, Kan Sasaki, Toshio Tanba, Yousuke Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8545367
    Abstract: A hybrid system includes a hybrid module that is located between an engine and a transmission. The hybrid system includes an energy storage system for storing energy from and supplying energy to the hybrid module. An inverter transfers power between the energy storage system and the hybrid module. The hybrid system also includes a cooling system, a DC-DC converter, and a high voltage tap. The hybrid module is designed to recover energy, such as during braking, as well as power the vehicle. The hybrid module includes an electrical machine (eMachine) along with electrical and mechanical pumps for circulating fluid. A clutch provides the sole operative connection between the engine and the eMachine. The hybrid system further incorporates a power take off (PTO) unit that is configured to be powered by the engine and/or the eMachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Hartz, Nayan V. Patel, Vernon D. Thompson, Paul A. Richardson, Christopher A. Baker, George S. Pelton
  • Patent number: 8545353
    Abstract: A motor drive system configuration for a vehicle. The motor drive system includes an engine operable for providing power to the vehicle, a motor operable for providing power to a first wheel and a second wheel of the vehicle. The motor drive system also includes a first transmission mounted between the engine and the motor and in operative engagement with the motor and the engine. The first transmission includes a first clutch for coupling and decoupling the motor with the engine. The motor drive system also includes a differential in operative engagement with the transmission and coupled to the first wheel and the second wheel, and a clutch for disabling the connection between the motor and the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Fisker Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Boskovitch, J. Axel Radermacher
  • Patent number: 8545366
    Abstract: A shiftable clutch device for disconnecting a first drive machine from a drive train and connecting it thereto, including a control device that can be actuated by a pressure medium, is characterized according to the invention in that the shiftable clutch device includes two partial clutches, a first partial clutch forming a main clutch and a second partial clutch forming a drag clutch, which are disposed and configured such that each is adapted to produce a drag torque in an end position of the control device, a first opening end position characterized by an open state of the main clutch and a second closing end position characterized by a closed state of the main clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bruno Mueller, Parviz Movlazada, Thorsten Krause
  • Publication number: 20130252783
    Abstract: A powertrain system for a vehicle is provided, including an internal combustion engine, a drivetrain gear for connection to a drivetrain of the vehicle, a gearset connecting the internal combustion engine to the drivetrain gear, a first electric machine connected to the gearset, a second electric machine, and at least one dynamic clutch selectively coupling the second electric machine to the drivetrain gear and the gearset. In a compound mode of operation, the at least one dynamic clutch couples the second electric machine and the gearset. In a split mode of operation, the at least one dynamic clutch couples the second electric machine and the drivetrain gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: McMaster University
    Inventors: Piranavan Suntharalingam, Ali Emadi
  • Patent number: 8540601
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a hybrid power output system for outputting the power to the wheel driving shaft, comprising an engine, a first motor, a second motor, a battery, a first clutch, a second clutch and a constant-mesh fixed ratio reduction unit, wherein the first motor and the second motor are connected electrically with the battery; the engine is connected to the first motor via the first clutch; the first motor is connected to the second motor via the second clutch; the second motor is connected to the wheel driving shaft via the constant-mesh fixed ratio reduction unit. This hybrid power output system can enhance the comfort of the vehicle, save the space and reduce the cost, moreover, it can realize multiple drive modes to improve the power efficiency and reduce the fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: BYD Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chuanfu Wang, Hongbin Luo, Wei Chen, Xiaohua Tang, Youchuan Song, Xuguang Zhou, Huanguang Chen, Jianhua Zhang, Yunhao Liao
  • Patent number: 8540603
    Abstract: In a state in which a vehicle travels while an internal-combustion-engine driving torque (Te) is transmitted to drive wheels, the internal-combustion-engine driving torque (Te) and a clutch torque (Tc) are decreased and an electric-motor driving torque (Tm) is increased based on the satisfaction of a shift-up condition (t1). During the time period from the satisfaction of the shift-up condition to time at which the clutch torque (Tc) becomes zero (t1 to t2), a load torque (Ts) of a power generator rotationally driven by an output shaft of the internal combustion engine is generated. In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an AMT, power consumption with the driving of an electric motor when a shift-up action is carried out using the assist of the electric-motor torque can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignees: Aisin AI Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutaka Kobayashi, Yuichiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8540602
    Abstract: A drive device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine and a motor generator. A one-way clutch is provided between the engine and the motor generator. Power is transmitted from the engine to the motor generator, while power from the motor generator to the engine is blocked. As a result, the electric motor can be operated without operating the engine. Furthermore, a torque converter is connected to the motor generator, and the engine is connected to the torque converter via a starting clutch. As a result, if a one-way clutch is provided, the motor generator can serve as a starter motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatoshi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20130245912
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method for actuating the cruise control function in a vehicle equipped with hybrid driving, comprising at least a primary driving and an electric driving. The method comprises the steps of: —cyclic check of the possibility of activation of the cruise control function; if positive—activation of the electric driving of the type “electric cruise-control” (ElCC), and deactivation of the primary driving, if a cyclic check of the conditions of activation of the electric driving is positive; otherwise—activation of the primary driving of the type “engine cruise-cruise control” (EnCC), and deactivation of the electric driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Iveco S.P.A.
    Inventor: Marco Aimo Boot
  • Patent number: 8538618
    Abstract: A clutch control device of a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch driven by a motor and connected with a drive shaft. A hydraulic unit controls the clutch by oil pressure. An oil temperature detecting unit detects temperature of the oil and a unit which detects vehicle velocity. A control unit which operates through the hydraulic unit switches between an engine driving mode in which the motor shaft and the engine shaft are engaged with each other and a motor driving mode in which the motor shaft and the engine shaft are released and the hybrid vehicle is driven by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukihiro Nissato
  • Patent number: 8535202
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating a hybrid drive of a vehicle includes a parallel hybrid drive train having an internal combustion engine, at least one electric machine, a shift element interposed between the internal combustion engine and the electrical machine, a automatic transmission, and a power take-off. The internal combustion engine is frictionally connected to the electrical machine via the shift element and may be started by the electric machine. A coordinated sequence of functions with defined intermediate states is called up. A state of the shift element for the synchronization of a transmission input of the transmission to a target transmission input speed is varied once the engine has been started. The synchronization is performed either purely with an electromotive force or with a force produced by a combination of the electrical machine and the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
  • Patent number: 8529400
    Abstract: A method of coupling a combustion engine of a parallel-hybrid drive train via a clutch positioned between the engine and an electric machine with the clutch device initially disengaged, the engine rotational speed approximately at an engine idling rotational speed, and the machine rotational speed larger than the engine idling rotation speed. When a request is made for a drive torque value which is larger than a torque threshold, the engine rotational speed is brought to a rotational speed value above the machine rotational speed and the clutch is slipping engaged once the rotational speed value is reached, while the engine, when the drive train decelerates and a request is made to couple the engine, is brought into deceleration cancellation and the engine rotational speed is brought up to the machine rotational speed while engaging the clutch and dependent on a transfer ability of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Markus Eisele, Michael Sauter
  • Patent number: 8523734
    Abstract: A multi-mode hybrid transmission for transmitting power from a prime mover and a stored source of energy to a final drive shaft. The transmission may include an input shaft to receive torque from the prime mover, a countershaft operatively coupled to the final drive shaft, a plurality of gear pairs each defining a torque path from the input shaft to the countershaft, a synchromesh clutch assembly to selectively couple the input shaft with a desired gear pair, and first and second electric machines rotatably carried by the input shaft. The first electric machine can provide a motive force to the final drive shaft and the second electric machine can covert rotary speed of the input shaft into electrical energy. Additionally, the first and second electric machines can provide supplemental torque to the output shaft during periods of reduced torque from the prime mover associated with a change in torque path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ricardo, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun E. Mepham, Jonathan P. Brentnall, Cameron P. Williams, Eric Sharkness, Felipe V. Brandao
  • Patent number: 8527130
    Abstract: A hybrid drive apparatus includes: a drive power source that includes an internal combustion engine, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor; a power transmission mechanism that includes a carrier, a sun gear, and a ring gear, and that is configured to rotate the output shaft of the internal combustion engine by the first electric motor; and plural bearings that each includes an outer ring member and an inner ring member fitted to the outer ring member through a rolling element, and that are provided apart from each other in an axial direction of the output shaft with the carrier being positioned between the bearings. An inner periphery of the outer ring member is positioned more inward in a radial direction of the ring gear relative to a meshing portion between inner teeth of the ring gear and outer teeth of one of the pinion gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kitahata, Tatsuo Obata, Takeshi Kuwahara, Hiromichi Kimura, Toru Saito, Masahiro Tanae
  • Patent number: 8517892
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine and an integrated starter/generator/motor (ISGM) disposed in a hybrid electric vehicle, which includes launch and deceleration processes. The ISGM is used to both launch the vehicle and start the engine. The deceleration process includes operating a first clutch to disengage the engine from the ISGM during an initial phase, and engaging a second clutch during the initial phase to direct substantially all regenerative energy to provide the only source of electrical energy to recharge the energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS Controls Inc.
    Inventors: Jurgen Schulte, Filippo Muggeo, Derek Matthews, Brendan Pancheri, Erin Hissong
  • Publication number: 20130217536
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission includes first and second electric machines. A method for operating the hybrid transmission in response to a command to execute a shift from an initial continuously variable mode to a target continuously variable mode includes increasing torque of an oncoming clutch associated with operating in the target continuously variable mode and correspondingly decreasing a torque of an off-going clutch associated with operating in the initial continuously variable mode. Upon deactivation of the off-going clutch, torque outputs of the first and second electric machines and the torque of the oncoming clutch are controlled to synchronize the oncoming clutch. Upon synchronization of the oncoming clutch, the torque for the oncoming clutch is increased and the transmission is operated in the target continuously variable mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: BESIM DEMIROVIC, PINAKI GUPTA, LAWRENCE A. KAMINSKI, ALI K. NAQVI, ANTHONY H. HEAP, JY-JEN F. SAH
  • Publication number: 20130217538
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powersplit transmission includes connecting an engine to the transmission, provided an engine torque request is present; connecting a motor to the transmission, provided an engine torque request is absent and the engine is on; and disconnecting the engine and motor from the transmission, provided the engine is off, and using a traction motor to produce wheel torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130217537
    Abstract: A drive train of a motor vehicle, with a hybrid drive having an internal combustion engine, and an electric machine, and an automated auxiliary range transmission, wherein the automated auxiliary range transmission has at least one main transmission and an auxiliary range unit mounted downstream of the main transmission, in particular as a range group, wherein an input shaft of the automated auxiliary range transmission is connected to the internal combustion engine of the hybrid drive via a controllable starter clutch, and an axle shaft of the automated auxiliary range transmission is connected to an axle drive, wherein the electric machine of the hybrid drive can be coupled to the force flux or torque flux of the drive train between the main transmission and the auxiliary range unites and/or between the auxiliary range unites and the axle drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Patent number: 8515639
    Abstract: The embodiments herein provide an automatic clutch system for automobiles. The system comprises a mechanical section and an electronic section. The mechanical section comprises a rail support base with a rail-shaped ridge installed, dynamic parts installed on the rail-shaped ridge, supporting arms, an elevator mechanism connected to the clutch pedal and a clutch pedal lever. The electronic section comprises an input section for placing the elevator mechanism in due place and a keyboard for regulation, a sensor circuit, a command circuit including microcontroller, an exit section for changing a position of the elevator mechanism, a feedback circuit including a rotary encoder and monitors. The command circuit processes an instruction data from the input resources based on the regulations set by the user and transmits a command to the output section to position the elevator mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Mehdi Zaerin
  • Patent number: 8512202
    Abstract: A shift controller controls a transmission for a hybrid vehicle in which: an engine and a motor are connected together via a clutch; and the transmission is placed between the motor and driving wheels. The shift controller has: a first shift controlling unit which performs shift control on a basis of at least one of transmission efficiency of the transmission and power generation efficiency of the motor in a case where regeneration is performed with the clutch disengaged during deceleration of the hybrid vehicle; and a second shift controlling unit which performs shift control to make a transmission gear ratio of the transmission smaller than in the shift control performed by the first shift controlling unit in a case where the regeneration is performed with the clutch engaged during the deceleration of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Oota, Ryozo Hiraku, Takeshi Morita, Akira Takano
  • Patent number: 8512201
    Abstract: A control apparatus of hybrid vehicle has a drive mode change section, a temperature detection section detecting a second engagement element temperature, and a second engagement element protection control section. The drive mode change section changes drive modes of a first drive mode in which the first engagement element is disengaged and the second engagement element is engaged then the vehicle travels by only a driving force of the motor, a second drive mode in which the first and second engagement elements are respectively engaged then the vehicle travels by both driving forces of the engine and motor, and a third drive mode in which the second engagement element is slip-engaged then the vehicle travels by a driving force transmitted through the second engagement element. The second engagement element protection control section keeps an engine rotating state regardless of the drive mode when the second engagement element temperature is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventor: Shigeki Shimanaka
  • Patent number: 8511410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a travel system for a hybrid type motor vehicle comprising a thermal engine (10) with a shaft (12), an electric machine (14) with a rotor (16) connected to electric accumulators (72), a drive shaft (16) controlled in rotation by the machine and/or the engine for rotating the motive axle (60) of the vehicle, and a rotating speed variation device (13) between said drive shaft and shaft (12) of engine (10). According to the invention, the speed variation device comprises at least two alternate paths (VT1, VT2) for motion transmission to motive axle (60) controlled each by a disengageable coupling (30, 36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventor: Stéphane Venturi
  • Patent number: 8506450
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid vehicle with a transmission, the transmission including a transmission input shaft (25) to which the power from the engine is transmitted, transmission output shafts (26, 27) from which a power for driving a driven section is outputted, a first input shaft (21) which is connectable to the transmission input shaft (25) via a first clutch (CL1) of a twin clutch unit (20), a second input shaft (22) which is connectable to the transmission input shaft (25) via a second clutch (CL2), gear trains (G1 to GR) which are configured so that the gear trains can be selected to connect the first input shaft (21) and the second input shaft (22) to the transmission output shafts (26, 27), and a connection device (SM1) which can be selectively switched between a first operation state for enabling power transmission between the output shaft of an electric motor (3) and the transmission input shaft (25) and a second operation state for interrupting the power transmission therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Nakasako