With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/5)
  • Patent number: 8506451
    Abstract: A vehicle drive including an input coupled to an engine, an output coupled to wheels, an intermediate member between the input and output and coupled to a rotary electric machine, a friction engagement device between the input and intermediate member, and a control device. The control device, when starting the engine with the friction engagement device disengaged, engages the friction engagement device when a rotational speed difference between the input and intermediate member is equal to or less than a predetermined value; raises a rotational speed of the input using the rotary electric machine with the friction engagement device engaged to start the engine; and, when a rotational speed of the engine is equal to or more than a predetermined value, reduces an engagement pressure of the friction engagement device and the friction engagement device is returned to the engaged state when the rotational speed difference reaches a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Takami, Tomoo Atarashi, Yoshihisa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8506449
    Abstract: A control system configured with a speed change mechanism. When starting combustion in an internal combustion engine under a combustion-stopped vehicle running condition, the combustion in the internal combustion engine is stopped, the speed change mechanism forms the one-way transmission speed, and the output member rotates. A rotational speed feedback control is executed that sets a value that multiplies a rotational speed of the output member by a speed ratio of the one-way transmission speed as a reference rotational speed of the input member, sets a starting rotational speed, and controls a rotary electric machine such that the rotational speed of the input member matches the target rotational speed. During execution of the rotational speed feedback control, a start control is performed that increases engagement pressure of the clutch to increase a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and start combustion in the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yoshida, Yomei Hakumura, Jin Izawa, Yoichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 8500589
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A gearing assembly mechanically couples an engine, an electric motor and an electric generator. During all-electric drive using the motor as a power source with the engine off, a clutch in the gearing assembly isolates elements of the gearing assembly from a power delivery path to vehicle traction wheels. A clutch may be used also to provide smooth engine starting torque when the generator acts as an engine starter motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar
  • Publication number: 20130196817
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device comprising: an engine; a hydraulic transmission device constituting a portion of a power transmission path between the engine and drive wheels; and an electric motor, the engine and the hydraulic transmission device disposed to rotate around one axial center, the electric motor disposed with a rotation axial center different from the one axial center, the electric motor coupled to an input-side rotating element of the hydraulic transmission device receiving input of a drive force from the engine, the input-side rotating element being rotatable around the one axial center, the electric motor coupled to the input-side rotating element via an electric motor coupling rotating element coupled relatively non-rotatably to the input-side rotating element, a hydraulic pump rotationally driven by the input-side rotating element of the hydraulic transmission device disposed such that a rotor of the hydraulic pump rotates around the one axial center, and a coupling portion of the electric motor cou
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Terufumi Miyazaki, Yukihiko Ideshio, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka
  • Patent number: 8496561
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine coupled to a transmission, a fluid coupling including an impeller and a turbine wherein the impeller is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the electric machine and the turbine is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the internal combustion engine. The fluid coupling is effective to fluidically couple torque from the electric machine to the internal combustion engine when the impeller and turbine are not mechanically locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Anthony L. Smith, Yongsheng He, Hong Yang
  • Publication number: 20130190133
    Abstract: This power transmission control device is applied to a hybrid vehicle, includes a manual transmission, a friction clutch, and a speed-reduction-ratio changeover mechanism. The speed-reduction-ratio changeover mechanism can change the speed reduction ratio of a second shaft connected to an output shaft of the manual transmission in relation to a first shaft connected to an output shaft of the vehicle motor. The speed reduction ratio of drive wheels to the output shaft of the vehicle motor is changed by changing the speed reduction ratio of the second shaft in relation to the first shaft. The operation for changing the speed reduction ratio is performed while a driver is operating a clutch pedal. Namely, while the driver is performing some operation, he or she receives a shock generated as a result of speed-reduction-ratio change operation. Accordingly, the driver becomes less likely to sense such a shock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN AI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Inoue, Takeshige Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8494739
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive device of a motor vehicle that has at least two different drive aggregates, in particular an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, and having a clutch, the drive aggregates being capable of being operatively connected using the clutch. It is provided that, in a diagnostic and/or adaptation operating mode; the clutch is operated with a slippage. In addition, the present system relates to a hybrid drive device, a control device for a hybrid drive device, and a motor vehicle aggregate that has both the control device and the hybrid drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jens-Werner Falkenstein
  • Patent number: 8491441
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control device is provided with an engine stop control section and a fuel injection control section. The engine stop control section is configured to issue an engine speed reduction command to reduce an engine speed of an engine during an engine stopping operation occurring in response to establishment of an engine stop condition by using an electric motor and slip engaging a drive-wheel side clutch disposed between the electric motor and a drive wheel such that the drive-wheel side clutch transmits rotational torque between the electric motor and the drive wheel. The fuel injection control section is configured to issue a fuel injection command to continue fuel injection during the engine stopping operation until the engine speed decreases below a prescribed engine speed whereupon the fuel injection is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Aki Fukitani
  • Patent number: 8494711
    Abstract: An automated start/stop system for a vehicle comprises an auto-stop module, a diagnostic module, and an auto-start module. The auto-stop module selectively initiates an auto-stop event and shuts down an engine while the vehicle is running. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in a clutch pedal position sensor of the vehicle. The auto-start module, while the vehicle is running and the engine is shut down, selectively initiates an auto-start event after the fault has been diagnosed when current drawn by a starter motor is less than a predetermined maximum starting current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Awadesh Tiwari, Vijay Shettigar, Amit Kumar, Srinivas B. Chande
  • Patent number: 8485939
    Abstract: A method of controlling a drive-train of a motor vehicle, which comprises an internal combustion engine with a driveshaft, an electric machine in driving connection with the driveshaft of the internal combustion engine, a semi-automatic transmission with an input shaft and a plurality of gears that can be engaged selectively, and an automated friction clutch arranged between the driveshaft of the internal combustion engine and the input shaft of the transmission, such that a gearshift of the transmission occurs in combination with suitable control of the internal combustion engine while the friction clutch is at least partially and/or briefly engaged. To speed up the shifting process and to attenuate torque and speed surges during the shifting process, the electric machine is operated briefly as a generator and/or as a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Gluckler, Alexander Maier, Bernard Hunold
  • Patent number: 8489293
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes executing a shift, determining a plurality of input acceleration profiles for controlling an engine and an electric machine, determining an input speed profile, and controlling operation of the engine and the electric machine based upon the input speed profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20130178330
    Abstract: A method for controlling a downstream clutch in a vehicle during an upstream torque disturbance includes slipping a downstream clutch by reducing the downstream clutch pressure, varying the downstream clutch pressure to a target threshold to control the slip of the downstream clutch, increasing the downstream clutch pressure to engage the downstream clutch. A vehicle includes a first prime mover, a second prime mover connected to the first prime mover using an upstream clutch, a transmission connected to the second prime mover using a downstream clutch, and a controller connected to the first and second prime movers and the upstream and downstream clutches. The controller is configured to (i) slip the downstream clutch by reducing the pressure, (ii) vary the downstream clutch pressure to a target threshold to control the slip, and (iii) increase the downstream clutch pressure to engage the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Marvin Paul Kraska, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Brian Thomas Soo
  • Patent number: 8480537
    Abstract: The second clutch is caused to transition to an engaged state after setting the second clutch in a slip state when the vehicle starts in the hybrid start mode, the temperature of a magnet of the electric motor is estimated based on the temperature of the hydraulic oil and an operating condition of the electric motor when the second clutch is controlled to be in the slip state; and an output torque and a lower limit rotation speed of the electric motor is restricted and reduced when the estimated temperature of the magnet exceeds a restrictive temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Yukihiro Sano, Ippei Suzuki, Yuukou Nojiri
  • Patent number: 8480535
    Abstract: A hybrid-type power transmission in which an internal combustion engine and an electric rotating machine are used as a source of power for driving an output shaft through a change-speed mechanism. In the hybrid power transmission, the operation of the electric rotating machine is controlled in such a manner that the rotation speed of a rotor-side rotary member is synchronized with the rotation speed of an input-side or output-side rotary member when the rotation speed of the rotor-side rotary member becomes higher in a predetermined difference than the rotation speed of the input-side or output-side rotary member in shifting operation of a sleeve coupled with the rotor-side rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Ai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Tanba, Kan Sasaki, Yousuke Hayashi, Yuichi Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 8480536
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive of a vehicle, having an internal combustion engine and having at least one electric drive, to which at least one traction battery is assigned, as well as to a hybrid drive, especially a parallel hybrid drive. The internal combustion engine is able to be started from the operating mode “purely electrical driving” of the hybrid drive using a direct start without a starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ruediger Weiss, Mario Kustosch
  • Publication number: 20130172146
    Abstract: The present invention is a powertrain for a hybrid type motor vehicle comprising an electric machine (22), a thermal engine (10), a speed variation device (14) including an engine epicyclic gear train (26) with a sun gear (36) and a crown (50), each connected to shaft (12) of thermal engine (10) by a controlled clutch (28, 30) and to a fixed portion (48) of the vehicle by a one-way coupling (32, 34), and a motion transmission track (120, 122) for motion transmission to a drive axle (16). The powertrain comprises another epicyclic gear train (96) connecting engine epicyclic gear train (26) to said motion transmission track (120, 122).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
    Inventor: Stéphane Venturi
  • Patent number: 8478470
    Abstract: A drivetrain system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The drivetrain system may have an engine, a generator driven by the engine to generate electric power, and a traction motor driven by the electric power from the generator. The drivetrain system may also have a controller in communication with the engine, the generator, and the traction motor. The controller may be configured to determine a change in loading on the traction motor, and determine a change in fueling of the engine that will be required to accommodate the change in loading on the traction motor. The controller may also be configured to selectively rate-limit the change in fueling, and implement the rate-limited change in fueling prior to transmission of the change in loading on the traction motor to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Meads, Keith A. Leisinger, Rajeswari Addepalli
  • Patent number: 8475330
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a creep mode of a vehicle having a hybrid drive system (1, 1?), having a parallel hybrid drivetrain (2, 2?) comprising an internal combustion engine (3), at least one electrical machine (5), a first switching element (4) designed as a frictional element and disposed between the internal combustion engine (3) and the electrical machine (5), by means of which the internal combustion engine (3) can be connected to the electrical machine (5), a gearbox (7), an output (26), and at least one second switching element (6) designed as a frictional element and disposed between the electrical machine (5) and the output (26), by means of which the electrical machine (5) can be operationally connected to the output (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Kai Bornträger, Stefan Wallner, Christian Mittelberger
  • Patent number: 8475331
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for controlling a creep operation of a vehicle with a hybrid drive (1), comprising a parallel hybrid drivetrain (2), with an internal combustion engine (3), at least one electric motor (5), a first switching element (4) in the form of a friction element between the internal combustion engine (3) and the electric motor (5), a gearbox (7), an output (26) and a second switching element (6) arranged between the electric motor (5) and the output (26). According to the invention, a simple, effective and component-friendly continuous creeping can be achieved without additional constructional or economic costs can be achieved, wherein the creeping operation is carried out with the internal combustion engine (3) running and both switching elements (4,6) simultaneously operating with slip, wherein the total operating power required to generate a required creeping torque is variably distributed over both switching elements (4, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
  • Publication number: 20130165294
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid module with fastening means for fastening, for example, detachable fastening, of the hybrid module with a torque transfer device, such as a torque converter or a clutch, such as a dual clutch, where the hybrid module includes a drive shaft that can be connected to an internal combustion engine and can rotate around a rotary axis and an electric motor with a stator, a rotor, and a power take-off component that can be connected to the rotor and where the torque transfer device has a transfer component for connecting to the hybrid module, where the fastening means axially secure the power take-off component with respect to the transfer component and can produce the connection between fastening means and transfer component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
  • Patent number: 8469858
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine that generates an engine torque and a motor that generates a motor torque. A transmission can receive the engine torque, the motor torque, or both. The transmission includes a first gear set and a second gear set, as well as a first clutch that at least partially engages to transfer torque to the gears in the first gear set and a second clutch that at least partially engages to transfer torque to the gears in the second gear set. A controller can control the engine torque and the motor torque to control a speed of the engine to follow a desired speed profile. The controller can also control the engagement of the first clutch and the second clutch to optimize a desired gear state to minimize system losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hong Yang, Shawn H. Swales, Amanda Luedtke
  • Patent number: 8469859
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle having a locking mechanism in which a play elimination process is required in the locking, a torque shock in the play elimination is reduced. In a hybrid vehicle 1 having a locking mechanism 700 which is a cam-lock type engaging apparatus, an ECU 100 performs MG1 locking control. In the control, play is formed between a cam 710 and a clutch plate 720 of the locking mechanism 700. The formed play is gradually reduced such that the torque shock in the play elimination does not occur due to the phase control of the cam 710, on the basis of an initial value of the amount of the play when the clutch plate 720 is bought into contact with a friction part 733 and a play elimination amount G.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromichi Kimura, Tomohito Ono, Yukihiko Ideshio, Hirotatsu Kitabatake, Hiroaki Ebuchi
  • Patent number: 8469849
    Abstract: A system for operating a hybrid vehicle that includes a chargeable energy storage device, a single dynamo (motor/generator combination) an internal combustion engine, and a torque coupling device configured to variably couple the engine to the dynamo. The torque coupling device is such that using only a single dynamo, the system is able to operate in different modes expected of hybrid vehicles, such as: electric drive only, engine drive only, electric and engine drive combined, and charging of the chargeable energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane D. Kruger
  • Patent number: 8469127
    Abstract: A drive system for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle is provided. The drive system comprises a drive assembly that generates a mechanical torque, a first and a second electric machine, a first mechanical output interface used to drive at least one vehicle axle and a second mechanical output interface. A shaft driven by the drive assembly is rotationally connected to a shaft of the first electric machine. The second output interface is used to mechanically drive a tool which can be coupled to the utility vehicle. The shaft of the second electric machine can be reversibly connected to the first mechanical output interface. In order to allow for a connection modification of the second electric machine without producing interruptions or irregularities of torque, a third electric machine is provided the shaft of which can be reversibly connected to the first mechanical output interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Rainer Gugel
  • Publication number: 20130157807
    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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: DENSO CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130157806
    Abstract: A control device for hybrid vehicle drive system includes an engine rotation speed control device performing a rotation speed control of an engine so that a rotation speed of an output shaft of the engine is assumed to be equal to a next gear shift stage input shaft rotation speed when an operation amount of an accelerator pedal increases from an operation amount smaller than a first predetermined amount to an operation amount greater than a second predetermined amount, at which gear stages are switched from a current gear shift stage to a next gear shift stage whose gear ratio is greater than the current gear shift stage, within a priority determining time, a front clutch engagement commanding device, a front clutch engaging device, a release side frictional engagement element releasing device, a motor generator rotation speed control device, and an engagement side frictional engagement element engaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Publication number: 20130150207
    Abstract: In a state in which a vehicle travels while an internal-combustion-engine driving torque (Te) is transmitted to drive wheels, 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). Thereafter, based on the fact that Tc becomes zero (t2), a shift-up action is carried out while maintaining Tc to zero and maintaining a state in which Tm is transmitted to the drive wheels (t2 to t3). Then, based on the termination of the shift-up action (t3), Te and Tc are increased and Tm is decreased (t3 to t5). During the time period from the satisfaction of the shift-up condition to time at which 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Kobayashi, Yuichiro Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130150206
    Abstract: A clutch control of a hybrid vehicle can engage a clutch which not otherwise possible due to temporary factors, and can determine whether engaging members of the clutch have been successfully engaged. The clutch control controls the clutch having a pair of the engaging members which are provided in a power transmission path of the vehicle, and which are moved in the axial direction and engaged or released when switching is performed between power from a motor and power from an engine. The clutch control device has a rotation control unit for synchronizing the rotations of the engaging members when the clutch is shifted from a disengaged an engaged state, and a clutch engagement control unit for determining whether the engaging members have been engaged, based on rotational speed of the engaging members a predetermined time after axial movement of the engaging members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20130123063
    Abstract: Disclosed is system for a hybrid vehicle that includes an engine, a transmission, and a battery. The system may further include a first clutch configured to connect the engine with the transmission and having a first part and a second part; a first motor/generator configured to be connected to the first part and directly connected to the transmission; a second motor/generator configured to be connected to the second part; and a second clutch configured to connected the second motor/generator with the transmission. In particular, the first part and the second part may be clutches that can operate independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Seong Jae Song, Tal Chol Kim, Sung Tae Cho, Yong Gi Kim
  • Publication number: 20130116085
    Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch interconnecting an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a manually operated gearbox operable in at least one electric only drive position and at least one hybrid drive position. A latch is coupled to the clutch and is moveable between a closed position inhibiting the clutch from interconnecting the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the electric only drive position, and an open position allowing the clutch to interconnect the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the hybrid drive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Anthony L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130116086
    Abstract: Providing a vehicular power transmitting system which includes a torque limiter device and which is configured to reduce deterioration of durability of a rotary member disposed between an engine and the torque limiter device. An inertia moment I1 of a first rotary portion 104 of a torque limiter device 24 about its axis (first axis RC1) is smaller than an inertia moment I2 of a second rotary portion 106 about its axis (first axis RC1), so that an inertia moment of rotary members between an input shaft 18 and the first rotary portion 104 can be reduced as compared with that where the above-indicated inertia moment I1 is larger than the inertia moment 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Hibino, Michitaka Tsuchida, Hiromichi Kimura
  • Publication number: 20130109530
    Abstract: A device for a drive train of a hybrid vehicle having a planetary gear set which comprises a carrier element, a sun gear element, and a ring gear element. A first element connects to a first input shaft of a first subtransmission of a transmission, and a second element connects to an electric machine of a hybrid drive. A first shift element which couples, in a first shift position, a third of the elements to a second input shaft of a second subtransmission of the transmission, to which an internal combustion engine can be coupled, and, in a second shift position, can be coupled to another element of the planetary gear set, and having a second shift element which couples the input shafts of both subtransmissions when engaged and separates the input shafts of both subtransmissions when disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
  • Patent number: 8430191
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism is provided between a drive wheel and an electric motor. In a high vehicle speed region, the electric motor is decoupled from the drive wheel to prevent the electric motor from over-speeding. In the high vehicle speed region, in which the clutch mechanism is switched to a disengaged condition, rotation speed control is executed on the electric motor when a state of charge falls below a predetermined lower limit value, and a motor rotation speed is maintained at a target rotation speed on a lower rotation side than an upper limit rotation speed. Further, the clutch mechanism is switched from the disengaged condition to a slip condition. Hence, a limited power generation torque is supplied to the electric motor, and thus the electric motor can be controlled to a regeneration condition while suppressing the motor rotation speed to or below the upper limit rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takenori Hashimoto, Atsushi Namba
  • Patent number: 8433486
    Abstract: A method to determine a preferred operating point for an internal combustion engine includes determining a current set of candidate operating points for a current search iteration. The method further includes iteratively determining an operating cost for operating the internal combustion engine at each candidate operating point of the current search iteration, and determining the preferred operating point for operating the internal combustion engine after a predetermined number of search iterations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Bin Wu, Wilfried Brunssen, Jason J McConnell, Kee Yong Kim, Brian R Medema
  • Patent number: 8430791
    Abstract: It is provided a control device for a vehicular power transmitting apparatus provided with a transmission disposed in a power transmitting path between an electric motor and drive wheels, the control device switching a synchronizing control method of the transmission in a kickdown shifting performed in the transmission to either one of a rotation-synchronization control by a hydraulic pressure control of the transmission and a rotation-synchronization control by the electric motor, depending on an input torque applied to the transmission at the beginning of the shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ito, Taiyo Uejima, Shunsuke Oyama, Masaki Nomura, Tomokazu Nomura
  • Patent number: 8430789
    Abstract: A vehicle control device that includes an input member drive-coupled to an engine and a rotary electrical machine; an output member; and a transmission having a plurality of friction engagement elements, in which a plurality of shift speeds are switched by controlling engagement and release of the plurality of friction engagement elements, and a rotary driving force of the input member is shifted by a change gear ratio of one of the shift speeds and outputted to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Hase, Hiroya Ueno, Kohei Tsuda, Eiji Moriyama, Hiroshi Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 8430790
    Abstract: A power transmission controlling apparatus of a vehicle includes a clutch capable of connecting/disconnecting power transmission between an engine and a motor/generator, and a torque converter enabling power transmission between the engine or/and the motor/generator and an automatic transmission. When the engine is started by motoring torque with engagement of the clutch during rotation of the motor/generator, the power transmission controlling apparatus sets a torque compensation amount by the motor/generator based on an estimated torque capacity of the clutch, and suppresses torque fluctuations on a power transmission path accompanying engagement of the clutch by power of the motor/generator containing the torque compensation amount. The power transmission controlling apparatus corrects the torque capacity or the torque compensation amount based on input torque of the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobufusa Kobayashi, Hideaki Otsubo, Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Shingo Eto
  • Publication number: 20130102437
    Abstract: A first engine ENG1, transmission TM1, one-way clutch OWC1, driving target member 11 connected to an output member 121 of the one-way clutch, main motor/generator MG1 connected to the member 11, sub motor/generator MG2 connected to an output shaft S1 of the engine ENG1, battery 8, and controller 5. The controller 5 performs EV running, engine running, and series running where power generated by a sub motor/generator MG2 using the power of the first engine ENG1 is supplied to the main motor/generator MG1. Series running is carried out between EV running and the engine running when switching from EV running to engine running is carried out. A rotational speed of the engine and/or a transmission ratio of the transmission are/is controlled so that the rotational speed input to the input member is less than the rotational speed of the output member 121 during the series running control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuki Ichikawa, Fumiyasu Suga
  • Patent number: 8425375
    Abstract: A driving device for a hybrid vehicle including: an engine; an electric motor; a power combination/distribution mechanism which is disposed between both the engine and the electric motor and one pair of front wheels and rear wheels so as to combine and distribute power generated from the engine and the electric motor; and a transmission mechanism which is disposed between the engine and the other pair of the front wheels and the rear wheels, wherein the power combination/distribution mechanism is a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, a carrier, and a ring gear; an output shaft of the electric motor is connected to the carrier; and wherein rotational driving ranges in the electric motor are set to each of a normal rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Fukuda, Tetsurou Hamada, Yasuo Kitami
  • Patent number: 8425377
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having a mechanical power source and an electro-mechanical power source, including a generator, a motor and a battery. Driving torque developed by the mechanical power source is delivered through one clutch of a geared transmission to a power output shaft. The electric motor of the electro-mechanical power source delivers driving torque through a second clutch of the geared transmission. A mechanical reverse drive torque is used to improve reverse drive performance. A reduction in duration of operation in a negative power split during a driving event is achieved to improve vehicle powertrain efficiency. A series drive is available as the mechanical power source drives the generator to charge the battery, which drives the motor. The generator may act as an engine starter motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wei Liang, Xiaoyong Wang, Wei Wu, Ryan Abraham McGee, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Patent number: 8425376
    Abstract: A dynamically-shiftable multi-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for operative connection to an engine and to an electric motor in a hybrid vehicle includes a first clutch, a second clutch, and a third clutch. The first clutch is configured to transmit torque of the engine and withstand energy of the vehicle at launch from rest. The second clutch is configured to select a first set of forward speed ratios. The third clutch is configured to select a second set of forward speed ratios alternating with the speed ratios of the first set. The second and third clutches are each configured to withstand combined torque of the electric motor and torque of the engine during shifts into the respective set of forward speed ratios, but not to withstand torque of the engine at launch or energy of the vehicle at launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Norman Schoenek
  • Patent number: 8419591
    Abstract: In a drive system of a vehicle, the drive power of an engine is divided by a planetary gear set to drive two power transfer shafts. One of the two shafts includes a continuously variable transmission unit and a clutch. The output sides of the two shafts are coupled to a common power output shaft, which is coupled to an AC motor. In a power transfer condition of the clutch, the vehicle is driven with only the output drive power of the engine or both drive powers of the engine and the AC motor. In a power interruption condition of the clutch, the vehicle is driven with only the drive power of the AC motor. The kinetic energy generated at deceleration of the vehicle is converted into electric energy by the AC motor thereby to perform regenerative braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneyuki Egami
  • Patent number: 8414451
    Abstract: A driving device with an input member connected to an engine, an output member connected to wheels, first and second rotating electrical machines, a differential gear unit including at least three rotational elements, and a control device. The control device includes a differential rotation reducing control, an engagement control, and a start up control that changes the rotation speed of the first rotating electrical machine, which allows the internal combustion engine to have a rotation speed at which starting is possible, made as a target value, when in direct engagement. The differential rotation reducing control changes the rotation speed of the first rotating electrical machine with the upper limit and the lower limit of a starting torque output range, which is a rotation speed range in which the torque necessary for starting the internal combustion engine may be output by the first rotating electrical machine, made as limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Hisada, Masaki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8414450
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle in which a clutch is disposed between an engine and a motor/generator is controlled to suppress frequent engagement/disengagement of the clutch in a case of a coasting drive while dragging the engine. A clutch control apparatus controls the clutch and selects any one of the following drive modes: 1) an EV drive mode where the vehicle travels by only driving force of the motor/generator with the clutch disengaged; 2) an HEV drive mode where the vehicle travels by driving force of the engine and/or the motor/generator with the clutch engaged; and 3) an engine brake drive mode in which the vehicle coasts or travels by the driving force of the motor/generator while dragging the engine where the clutch is engaged, and the fuel supply is stopped when a charge of the battery is greater than or equal to a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Muetoshi Ueno, Masakazu Saito
  • Patent number: 8417411
    Abstract: A control system may include a polarity determination module, a torque variation module, and a torque sensor diagnostic module. The polarity determination module determines a first polarity of a torque signal that indicates a transmission torque. The torque sensor diagnostic module diagnoses an error of a torque sensor when an detected polarity of the torque signal is opposite from the first polarity. A control system may include a torque variation module and a torque sensor diagnostic module. The torque variation module determines a maximum torque variation during a predetermined diagnostic period based on the torque signal. The torque sensor diagnostic module diagnoses an error of a torque sensor when the maximum torque variation is outside of a torque variation range. The torque variation range is defined by a minimum torque variation threshold and a maximum torque variation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Randall B. Dlugoss
  • Patent number: 8414449
    Abstract: A method to control a powertrain including a transmission, an engine, and an electric machine includes monitoring a desired transmission shift including an oncoming clutch, monitoring operational parameters of the powertrain, monitoring a maximum electric machine torque capacity, determining a desired output torque profile through the desired transmission shift, determining a maximum electric machine torque capability profile through the desired transmission shift based upon the maximum electric machine torque capacity and the operational parameters, comparing the desired output torque profile to the maximum electric machine torque capability profile, determining a preferred oncoming clutch torque profile through the desired transmission shift based upon the comparing, and executing a clutch assisted shift based upon the preferred oncoming clutch torque profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 8409053
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine, a transmission with an input member driven by the engine, and an output member. An electric motor is operable to drive the input member. The transmission has an electrically-actuated one-way clutch with a neutral mode in which the clutch freewheels in both directions of rotation, and a locked mode in which the clutch is locked in one direction of rotation. The transmission also has a hydraulically-actuated dual-piston clutch with a spring that biases the dual-piston clutch to an engaged state. The one-way clutch is in the neutral mode and the spring biases the dual-piston clutch to the engaged state prior to a key start of the engine. The one-way clutch is actuated to the locked state following ignition of the engine after a key start, and remains in the locked state during an autostop of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Gm Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Robert K. Saley
  • Patent number: 8412396
    Abstract: A controller-executable method provides an electric-only (EV) launch mode in a vehicle having an accelerator pedal, an engine, a motor generator unit (MGU), a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and a belt alternator starter system adapted for selectively rotating the crankshaft using motor torque from the MGU. Execution of the method uses motor torque from the MGU, while the engine is off, to accelerate the crankshaft to above a calibrated launch speed when a threshold minimum force is applied to the pedal. A designated one of the odd- and even-gear clutches of the DCT are controlled until input torque to the DCT equals a calibrated level. The other DCT clutch may be modulated to dampen drivetrain oscillations. The vehicle launches in the EV launch mode via the designated DCT clutch when the crankshaft speed exceeds an input speed of the DCT. The vehicle and controller are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Hong Yang, Min-Joong Kim, Shawn Scott Hawkins, Amanda Luedtke
  • Patent number: 8408342
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a hybrid power driving system, comprising: an engine, a clutch, a first shaft, a second shaft disposed parallel to the first shaft, a motor, an energy storage device, and an output gear. The engine may be connected with the first shaft via the clutch. The motor is connected with the second shaft directly or indirectly, and is electrically connected with the energy storage device. The first shaft has a first gear, a second gear and a first synchronizer, in which the first gear and the second gear are mounted on the first shaft via bearings respectively, and the first synchronizer is selectively engaged with the first gear or the second gear. The second shaft may have a third gear, a fourth gear and a second synchronizer, in which the third gear may be mounted on the second shaft via a bearing. The fourth gear may be fixed to the second shaft. And the second synchronizer may be selectively engaged with the third gear or the fourth gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: BYD Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Chuanfu Wang, Hongbin Luo, Wei Chen, Yi Ren, Xiaohua Tang, Haibin Lan
  • Publication number: 20130079192
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA