With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/5)
  • Publication number: 20130079193
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a housing, an input intended for rotationally coupling to an internal combustion engine, an output intended for rotationally coupling to an input of a gearbox, an electric machine arranged in the housing and having a stator and a rotor arranged within the stator radially, a separation clutch and a torsional vibration damper. The separation clutch and the torsional vibration damper are arranged within the rotor in both the radial and axial directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
  • Patent number: 8403808
    Abstract: A multi-motor differential system for driving a common load includes two or more individual motors and CVTs installed between the individual motors and wheel groups subject to individual loads to achieve differential speed drive operation through speed ratio variation by the CVTs. The differential system also includes stabilizing device constituted by a torque-limited coupling device with sliding damping installed between the loads individually driven by the two CVTs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8403790
    Abstract: A motor transmission apparatus is provided between a transmission output shaft coupled to a drive wheel and a motor shaft coupled to a motor/generator. The motor transmission apparatus includes a first power transmission path that is switched to a power transmission condition by a high clutch having a clutch oil chamber, and a second power transmission path that is switched to a power transmission condition by a low brake having a brake oil chamber. Working oil discharged from an oil pump is guided to an oil passage switching valve via an output control valve. The working oil is distributed to one of the clutch oil chamber and the brake oil chamber by the oil passage switching valve, and therefore interlocking, in which the high clutch and the low brake are engaged simultaneously, can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takenori Hashimoto, Atsushi Namba
  • Patent number: 8406967
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission system having a serial arrangement of a stepwise variable automatic transmission mechanism and a continuously variable automatic transmission mechanism, the control apparatus being disposed in the automatic transmission system and performing a shift control of the continuously variable automatic transmission mechanism in accordance with variation in transmission ratio of the stepwise variable automatic transmission mechanism, the control apparatus including a control section configured to execute a retardation processing upon shift control of one of the continuously variable transmission mechanism and the stepwise variable transmission mechanism which has a smaller response delay of an actual transmission ratio from a target transmission ratio than that of the other transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Seiichiro Takahashi, Tatsuo Ochiai, Masaaki Uchida, Masato Koga, Ryoji Kadono, Tateki Jozaki, Hideaki Suzuki, Ryousuke Nonomura, Mamiko Inoue
  • Publication number: 20130072347
    Abstract: A drivetrain (1) for a parallel hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine (2), an electric machine (3) and a transmission (4). The engine (2) and the electric machine (3) interact with a common input shaft (5) of the transmission (4). At least one axle of the vehicle can be driven by the internal combustion engine (2) and/or the electric machine (3) via an output shaft (6) of the transmission (4). A clutch (7) is between the internal combustion engine (2) and electric machine (3) and can open to decouple the internal combustion engine (2) from the input shaft (5) of the transmission (4). The clutch (7) has a first element (8) for positive locking connection of the electric machine (3) to the internal combustion engine (2) and a second element (9) for frictional locking connection of the electric machine (3) to the internal combustion engine (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Joerg-Michael Birkhold, Nils Sauvlet
  • Patent number: 8396619
    Abstract: A vehicle control system with a hybrid drive comprising an engine and an electric motor and a plurality of functional components each divided into a strategy sub-component, a control sub-component and an actuator sub-component. The functional components include at least engine, transmission and hybrid functional components. The strategy sub-component (8) of the hybrid functional component (4) comprises an operating status prescription module (17) which reads in a first quantity of data from functional components in order to determine a prescribed value for the operating status of the hybrid drive, processes the read in data in order to produce a second quantity of output variables, and in a second sub-module (29), determines the prescribed value for the operating status of the hybrid drive using the output variables from the first sub-module (27) and with the help of automatic status-determining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Notker Amann, Christian Mittelberger, Stefan Blattner
  • Publication number: 20130060411
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive-train having a drive aggregate comprising an electric machine and internal combustion engine. An automated variable-speed transmission is connected between the engine and a drive output. The electric machine couples, via a friction clutch, a shaft of the transmission. Gearshifts are carried out in the transmission with an interruption of the drive torque provided by the drive aggregate in such manner that first the drive torque, provided at the output, is reduced to zero, then the actual gearshift is carried out, and then the drive torque, at the output, is again built up. To accomplish the gearshift, after disengaging a current gear and before engaging a target gear, the shaft of the transmission, which couples the electric machine via the friction clutch, is synchronized utilizing the inertial mass of the electric machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Patent number: 8388493
    Abstract: A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle including a hybrid drive with a combustion engine and an electric motor. A transmission is arranged between the hybrid drive and a drive output and a clutch is arranged between the combustion engine and the electric motor so that, if a failure occurs in the drivetrain, especially in a transmission control device of the transmission, a gear corresponding to an emergency gear is engaged or remains engaged in the transmission. When the emergency gear is engaged, the motor vehicle is in motion and the engine speed falls below a defined value, the clutch arranged between the combustion engine and the electric motor disengages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen, AG
    Inventors: Markus Henneken, Thilo Schmidt, Bernd Allgaier
  • Patent number: 8388494
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid drive-train of a vehicle in which the hybrid drive-train comprises a combustion engine having a driveshaft, an electric machine that can be connected to the driveshaft of the engine by a clutch, an automated transmission with an input which is connected to the rotor of the electric machine, and shifting elements for shifting between two gears. During electric driving operation with the engine stopped and the clutch disengaged, the engine can be drag-started in combination with a downshift in the transmission. Drag starting of the engine is carried out by disengaging the frictional shifting element to be disengaged to below a slipping limit, engaging the clutch until the engine reaches or exceeds its minimum starting speed, starting the engine self-starts, substantially disengaging the clutch, separately adjusting the engine and electric machine to the synchronous speed of the target gear, and fully engaging and disengaging associated shifting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Schiele, Klaus Steinhauser, Bernd Allgaier
  • Publication number: 20130053214
    Abstract: A control device for controlling a vehicle drive device includes a rotary electric machine in a transmission path connecting a combustion engine with wheels; a first friction engagement device between the combustion engine and the rotary machine; and a second friction engagement device between the rotary machine and wheels. The control device shifts the first and second engagement devices from a state in which the first engagement device is disengaged and the second engagement device is in direct engagement so that force is transmitted between the rotary machine and wheels, to a state in which force is transmitted at least between the combustion engine and wheels, by shifting the second engagement device from direct engagement to a slip state and thereafter shifting the first engagement device from disengaged to engaged. After the state is changed, the control device shifts the second engagement device from slip engagement to direct engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideya KAWAI, Takashi YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20130053213
    Abstract: A hybrid driving apparatus includes a diesel engine outfitted with an exhaust brake, and a clutch between the diesel engine and a hybrid motor. The exhaust brake is shiftable between an operational state and a non-operational state, and a switch is operable to change the exhaust brake from the non-operational state to the operational state. The switch is configured to automatically change the exhaust brake which is in the operational state while the vehicle is turned on to the non-operational state when the vehicle is turned off. The clutch is automatically changed from an engaged condition, in which the diesel engine and the hybrid motor are connected, to the disengaged condition, in which the diesel engine and the hybrid motor are disconnected, when the vehicle decelerates while the exhaust brake is in the non-operational state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicants: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA INC., AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoya TAKAHASHI, Kazuhiro Irie, Kazushi Konno
  • Patent number: 8386142
    Abstract: A motor vehicle control system for controlling a motor vehicle with a hybrid drive comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, with a strategy sub-component, a control sub-component and an actuator sub-component. The functional components include at least an internal combustion engine functional component, a transmission functional component, such that the strategy sub-component (8) of the hybrid functional component (4) comprises an operating status prescription module which determines a prescribed value for the operating status of the hybrid drive and transmits the prescribed value to the control sub-component (9) of the hybrid functional component (4) such that the control sub-component (9) of the hybrid functional component (4) comprises a first module (18) and a second module (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Winfried Fakler, Notker Amann, Christian Mittelberger, Mesut Er, Stefan Blattner, Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
  • Publication number: 20130045833
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle in which power of electric motor is transmitted to a counter shaft 14 only via a lock mechanism 61 which is provided on a first main shaft 11 so as to make up an odd-numbered gear or a first gear change shifter 51, when the vehicle is being driven by selecting a given even-numbered gear, a pre-shifting to an odd-numbered gear which is lower than the given even-numbered gear is implemented by the lock mechanism 61 or the first gear change shifter 51. By so doing, not only can good driveability be provided with the assistance of the electric motor, but also a more efficient regeneration can be implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Shinichi Okubo, Takayuki Kishi
  • Patent number: 8376906
    Abstract: An automatic transmission for a hybrid vehicle includes a hydraulic circuit (110) having a source of pressurized fluid (112), an actuation circuit (114) that delivers pressurized fluid to actuate components of the transmission, and a cooling circuit (116) used to cool components of the transmission. The source of pressurized fluid includes a first pump (134) that is operatively driven by the internal combustion engine of the hybrid vehicle and a second pump (136) that is operatively driven by the electric motor (138). The second pump (136) acts to supply pressurized fluid to the cooling circuit (116) when the first pump (134) is operatively driven by the internal combustion engine under certain predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa Koenig, Xiaoning Xiang
  • Patent number: 8376905
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device that includes a speed change mechanism; a fluid transmission device provided closer to an engine attachment side than the speed change mechanism is and including a lock-up clutch; an electric motor having a rotor and a stator and connecting the rotor to an input portion of the fluid transmission device; and an engine power cut-off clutch that transmits or cuts off a driving force of an engine to or from the fluid transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kasuya, Mikio Iwase, Tomohide Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130040778
    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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS CONTROLS INC.
    Inventors: Jurgen SCHULTE, Filippo MUGGEO, Derek MATTHEWS, Brendan PANCHERI, Erin HISSONG
  • Publication number: 20130040773
    Abstract: In a driving apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and first and second electric rotating machines, it is configured to have a speed increasing mechanism that increases speed of an output of the engine inputted through an input shaft and transmits it to the first electric rotating machine; a speed reducing mechanism that reduces speed of an output of the second electric rotating machine and transmits it to an output shaft; a first clutch adapted to connect and disconnect a first driving force transmission path coupling the speed increasing mechanism and the output shaft; and a second clutch adapted to connect and disconnect a second driving force transmission path coupling the engine and the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventor: Soichi Sugino
  • Publication number: 20130041535
    Abstract: Disclosed is an engine starting control method for a hybrid vehicle that includes a starting motor for starting an engine and a driving motor for driving a vehicle. More specifically, a control unit may be configured to accelerate a stopped engine, determine whether a current speed of the engine is greater than a predetermined value, inject fuel to the engine when the current speed of the engine is greater than the predetermined value, determine a torque of the starting motor based on a target speed of the engine, and control a speed of the engine based on the determined torque of the starting motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Yong Kak Choi, Sang Joon Kim
  • Publication number: 20130035203
    Abstract: A control system for driving motor configured to synchronize rotor phases of a plurality of driving motors of wheels using a single inverter. The control system comprises driving motor connected with a wheel to drive the wheel; a clutch interposed between the driving motor and the wheel; and a current control means connected with the driving motor to supply current thereto. A switching unit switches electrical connection in a manner to supply the current to both of the driving motors from one of the current control unit by interrupting the current supply from the other current control unit. The clutch interrupts torque transmission in case the switching mechanism switches the electrical connection in a manner to supply the current to both of the driving motors from one of the current control unit to drive the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuya Arakawa, Kensuke Yoshizue
  • Publication number: 20130035202
    Abstract: A power transmission device has a rigid body that includes a contact portion coming into contact with the first or second friction member and that moves the contact portion from a position of contact with the first or second friction member to a position of no contact with the first and second friction members, an elastic body that applies to the rigid body a force moving the contact portion to a position of contact with the first or second friction member, a first pushing mechanism that applies to the rigid body a pressure of liquid moving the contact portion to a position of contact with the first or second friction member, and a second pushing mechanism that applies to the rigid body a pressure of liquid moving the contact portion to a position of no contact with the first and second friction members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Tomohide Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130035201
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle, having at least one first drive unit and one second drive unit, the second drive unit being started by at least one portion of the drive torque provided by the first drive unit in that the clutch situated between the first drive unit and the second drive unit is brought from a disengaged state into a slipping state. To improve the driving comfort of the hybrid vehicle during a start or a stop of the internal combustion engine, at least two clutches are shifted into the slipping state for starting the second drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventor: Jens-Werner Falkenstein
  • Patent number: 8366584
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion thermal engine of a hybrid vehicle having: the thermal engine provided with a drive shaft; at least one pair of driving wheels; a transmission, which transmits the motion from the thermal engine to the driving wheels and has a clutch; and an electric machine, which is mechanically connected to the clutch downstream of the clutch, so that the clutch is interposed between the electric machine and the thermal engine; the starting method includes the steps of: opening the clutch to separate the electric machine from the thermal engine; separating the electric machine from the driving wheels; making the electric machine rotate by operating the electric machine as a motor; and closing the clutch when the electric machine reaches a launch rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Stefani, Franco Cimatti, Fabrizio Favaretto
  • Patent number: 8370014
    Abstract: A control apparatus and method of controlling a hybrid vehicle are taught herein. The vehicle selectively switches between an EV mode wherein the vehicle travels by only a driving force produced by the motor/generator when an accelerator opening is less than or equal to an engine-stop line or a HEV mode wherein the vehicle travels by at least a driving force produced by the engine the accelerator opening exceeds the engine-stop line. A transition from the HEV mode to the EV mode is executed when the accelerator opening becomes less than or equal to the engine-stop line during the HEV mode and a given delay time has expired. The delay time is set to a shorter time as an accelerator return speed decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Munetoshi Ueno
  • Publication number: 20130029803
    Abstract: An assembly with a combustion engine and an electric machine, which are coupled with each other by way of a planetary gear train, employs a claw clutch or a toothed clutch, in particular as a brake, between a ring gear of the planetary gear train and a housing of the combustion engine. For this purpose, rotation speeds of the electric machine and the combustion engine set commensurate with a fixed gear ratio, and the brake is closed after the set rotation speeds have been attained with a predetermined minimum accuracy. In this way, machine elements which are compact and operate with insignificant wear, such as claw clutches or toothed clutches, can be employed as the clutch or brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Andreas Misala, Johann Mendle
  • Publication number: 20130029804
    Abstract: In an assembly with a planetary gear train, which includes the elements sun gear, planet carrier with planetary gears and ring gear, two elements, in particular the sun gear and the planet carrier, are coupled with each other via an overrunning clutch. A clutch bridges the overrunning clutch. Bridging is discontinuous and controlled by a control device based on the relative rotation of the two elements to be coupled. For example, one rotation speed sensor can measure the rotation speed of an electric machine, whereas another rotation speed sensor can measure the rotation speed of a crankshaft of an combustion engine. In a motor vehicle, the combustion engine can be coupled with an electric machine, using different gear ratios during startup or boosting and in generator operation. In addition, the electric machine can drive an air-conditioning compressor when the combustion engine is not running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: Andreas Misala
  • Publication number: 20130029805
    Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a vehicle includes an engine, an electric motor, a clutch mechanism, an engine rotation sensor, a motor rotation sensor, an acceleration and deceleration intention detecting portion, and a controller. The controller controls a rotation speed of the engine to be an acceleration intention target value greater than a rotation speed of the motor and thereafter brings the clutch mechanism into the engagement state in a case where the acceleration and deceleration intention detecting portion detects that the vehicle is in an acceleration intention mode, and controls the rotation speed of the engine to be a deceleration intention target value smaller than the rotation speed of the motor and thereafter brings the clutch mechanism into the engagement state in a case where the acceleration and deceleration intention detecting portion detects that the vehicle is in a deceleration intention mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noriko MATSUO, Yuichiro Kitamura, Yuji Kinutani
  • Patent number: 8360928
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for a vehicle includes a differential action limiting device for selectively switching a differential device in a differential state and a locked state, with the differential device and the differential action limiting device being disposed between a first electric motor and a second electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga, Terufumi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8364364
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having a dry dual clutch transmission (DCT) includes a launch condition detection module, a vehicle stop module, and a vehicle launch module. The launch condition detection module detects a launch condition based on whether (i) the vehicle is on an uphill grade and (ii) a driver of the vehicle has requested power via an accelerator. The vehicle stop module stops the vehicle when the launch condition is detected by (i) commanding an on-coming clutch of the dry DCT to a predetermined position and (ii) applying brakes of the vehicle. The vehicle launch module launches the vehicle after the vehicle is stopped by (i) fully engaging the on-coming clutch of the dry DCT and (ii) opening a throttle to a desired position corresponding to the power request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Xuefeng Tim Tao, John William Boughner, Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Jonathan P. Kish, Jayson S. Schwalm
  • Patent number: 8360929
    Abstract: In a control unit and a method for operating a hybrid drive arrangement (1) with an internal combustion engine (5), an electric drive (3) and a coupling device (20) that is arranged therebetween, when the internal combustion engine (5) and the electric drive (3) should be coupled together, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine (5) is pilot-controlled to a target rotational speed level (N2) such that the drive shafts (4, 6) of the internal combustion engine (5) and the electric drive (3) run at least approximately synchronously. The pilot-control takes place by the throttle valve. Subsequently, the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine (5) is controlled in such a manner that the drive shafts (4, 6) of the internal combustion engine (5) and the electric drive (3) run essentially synchronously. Then, the drive shafts (4, 6) are joined by the coupling device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Beer, Roland Herfurth
  • Publication number: 20130023380
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a first motor, a second motor, and a gearbox. An oncoming clutch is configured to engage during a transition to a target operating mode to transfer an engine torque to the gearbox during the target operating mode. An off-going clutch is configured to transfer a reactive torque to the gearbox during the transition to the target operating mode. The off-going clutch is configured to be disengaged during at least a portion of the target operating mode. A controller is configured to simultaneously control the off-going clutch and the oncoming clutch during the transition. The controller is configured to control the reactive torque of the off-going clutch using a clutch torque profile associate with the target operating mode and the engagement of the oncoming clutch using a shift profile associated with target operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20130023379
    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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Anthony L. Smith, Yongsheng He, Hong Yang
  • Patent number: 8357074
    Abstract: A system for robust fault detection in an electrically variable, hydraulically controlled transmission includes independently monitoring hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic control circuit and electric machine rotation for detecting clutch state faults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Peter E. Wu, Ryan D. Martini, Syed Naqi, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Osama Almasri, Hanne Buur, Andrew M. Zettel, Charles J. Van Horn
  • Patent number: 8353804
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission for a vehicle and its method of use are described. The transmission may have an internal combustion engine and an electric device. A torque converter is connected between the internal combustion engine and a set of direction clutches. The direction clutches are also connected to an intermediate gear set. The electric device is also connected to the intermediate gear set for providing rotational energy to the intermediate gear set or absorbing energy from the intermediate gear set. The electric device is connected to at least one super capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Spicer Off-Highway Belguim N.V.
    Inventors: Mark R. J. Versteyhe, Veerle M. J. Van Doorsselaere
  • Publication number: 20130012353
    Abstract: A control device that controls a vehicle drive device, including a rotary electric machine and internal combustion engine that drive wheels, a first friction engagement device and a second friction engagement device. The control device is configured to execute rotational state control in which a rotational state of the rotary electric machine is controlled so as to establish a target rotational state with the second friction engagement device in a slip engagement state, and hydraulic pressure regulation control in which a hydraulic pressure supplied to the second friction engagement device is controlled on the basis of torque of the rotary electric machine produced during the rotational state control after the first friction engagement device is transitioned to a direct engagement state while the second friction engagement device is transitioned from the slip engagement state to a direct engagement state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi YOSHIDA, Yomei HAKUMURA, Yoichi TAJIMA, Hideya KAWAI
  • Patent number: 8352136
    Abstract: A vehicle control system for an engine-powered vehicle equipped with an engine and an automatic transmission with a clutch. When a given engine stop requirement is met during running of the engine, the system stops the engine automatically. When a given engine restart requirement is met after stop of the engine, the system restarts the engine and enters a clutch control mode to bring the clutch in the automatic transmission into a slippable state in which the clutch is permitted to slip based on the speed of the vehicle, thereby absorbing the acceleration shock which usually occurs upon engagement of the clutch to transmit engine torque to wheels of the vehicle when the engine is restarted, and the speed of the vehicle is relatively low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya Saito
  • Patent number: 8347998
    Abstract: A working machine including an internal combustion engine for supplying torque to the driving wheels of the working machine, and a transmission line arranged between the internal combustion engine and the driving wheels for transmitting torque from the internal combustion engine to the driving wheels. The working machine further including at least one hydraulic pump in a hydraulic system for moving an implement arranged on the working machine and/or steering the working machine. The transmission line includes at least one electric machine for driving or braking the driving wheels, and/or for generating electric power for the at least one hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Hans Ericson, Joakim Unnebäck, Sven-Åke Carlsson, Reno Filla
  • Patent number: 8352137
    Abstract: A control apparatus includes a differential speed acquisition unit that acquires a differential speed representing a difference in speed between an input side drivingly connected to the input member of the fluid coupling and an output side drivingly connected to the transmission; a state determination unit that determines a shift speed in the transmission and an operating state of the direct connection clutch based on an accelerator opening and a vehicle speed of a vehicle; and a direct connection control unit that engages, if the differential speed is equal to or less than a predetermined engagement permitting threshold value when the state determination unit determines an upshift of the shift speed and a transition from a disengaged state to an engaged state of the direct connection clutch in a condition in which the accelerator opening is decreasing, the direct connection clutch regardless of an upshift operation of the shift speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Inagaki, Hiroya Ueno, Kohei Tsuda, Eiji Moriyama, Hiroshi Tsutsui
  • Publication number: 20130005530
    Abstract: A motor drive mode for driving a vehicle with only a second motor/generator is available in a selected one of two motor drive sub-modes consisting of a response-oriented motor drive sub-mode established by placing a forward drive clutch in a released state and placing a starting clutch in an engaged state, and a fuel-economy-oriented motor drive sub-mode established by placing the forward drive clutch in an engaged state and placing the starting clutch in a released state. In the response-oriented motor drive sub-mode in which an engine and a transmission are disconnected from each other, the engine can be efficiently started to change the vehicle drive mode to an engine drive mode, and an engaging action of only the forward drive clutch is required after starting of the engine, so that the engine drive mode can be established with a high response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masato Fujikawa, Tomoyuki Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20130006489
    Abstract: A method and a system of controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle which is configured to start an engine and use power from the engine even though a starting motor has failed. More specifically, a controller is configured to determine whether the starting motor has failed or not and if the starting motor has failed, a first clutch is engaged to lock a first planetary gear set to start the engine with power from the drive motor. Furthermore, while operating the vehicle, power may be supplied from just the drive motor, just the engine or both even when the starting motor has failed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Sang Joon Kim
  • Publication number: 20130005529
    Abstract: A series/parallel hybrid electric drive unit for vehicle comprises an engine (1), a main traction motor (2), an integrated starter-generator (3), a differential (4), a first shaft (main haft) (5), a first stage decelerating device (9), a second stage decelerating device (10), a first clutch (6), a second clutch (7) and a synchronizer (8). The synchronizer (8) is slidably arranged on the first shaft (5) which is connected to the first stage decelerating device (9) or the second stage decelerating device (10) by the synchronizer (8), respectively. The hybrid electric drive unit of the invention has a compactly-arranged internal structure and an efficient and appropriate internal connection, and a switch between connection and disconnection of respective hybrid power sources and wheels and a shifting among operating modes and gear positions of the hybrid drive system can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Hong Chen, Zhixin Chen, Weimin Gao, Jun Zhu, Sidong Luo, Hailong Ge
  • Patent number: 8337358
    Abstract: A transmission includes first, second, third, and fourth clutches, first and second shift valves, and first, second, third, and fourth trim valves. Each trim valve is operative to control fluid pressure to a respective one of the first, second, third, and fourth clutches. The transmission also includes a controller. The controller is electrically operatively connected to the first and second shift valves and the first, second, third, and fourth trim valves to selectively provide a first clutch configuration for operating in a first mode and a second clutch configuration for operating in a second mode. The transmission also includes a clutch control mechanization for selectively moving the clutch configuration to a default position in the event power to the transmission is lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Foster
  • Patent number: 8337359
    Abstract: A hybrid engine and coupling system for use with a vehicle or other load which employs a motor/generator unit connected through controllable couplers to a kinetic energy storage device and to one or more internal combustion engine modules in a programmed manner. Several embodiments provide varying configurations to satisfy various power and packaging design requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: EcoMotors International
    Inventor: Peter Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 8336653
    Abstract: A hybrid power drive system includes an engine, a first motor, a first clutch operatively coupled between the engine and the first motor, a first decelerating mechanism having an input portion operatively coupled between the first clutch and the first motor, where the input portion is configured to receive rotational power from the first motor and/or the engine. The first decelerating mechanism has an output portion operative to drive at least one first wheel, and a second motor is operatively coupled to at least one second wheel through a second decelerating mechanism. An energy storage device is coupled separately to the first motor and to the second motor. The engine, the first clutch and the first motor are connected in sequence, and the second decelerating mechanism and the at least one second wheel are connected in sequence. Various combinations of operating modes are provided to meet energy efficiency requirements and user power demands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: BYD Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Ren, Ruru Niu
  • Publication number: 20120322611
    Abstract: A method to execute a shift in a powertrain including a plurality of torque generative devices rotatably connected through a first clutch includes operating the powertrain in a continuously variable operating range state, and monitoring a command to execute the shift including monitoring a target speed for a first torque generative device, and monitoring a command to disengage the first clutch. The first clutch is shifted from an engaged state to a disengaged state, including operating a torque phase of the first clutch wherein the first clutch is transitioned from the engaged state to the disengaged state, and simultaneous with the torque phase, operating an inertia speed phase of the first clutch wherein a speed of the first torque generative device is transitioned from an initial speed to the target speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Sean W. McGrogan, Lisa M. Talarico
  • Publication number: 20120322610
    Abstract: A method for activating an oncoming clutch in a transmission includes monitoring rotational speeds of clutch elements of the oncoming clutch wherein the clutch elements are coupled to first and second rotationally independent torque actuators. A control speed profile for the first rotationally independent torque actuator is commanded. A speed profile of the oncoming clutch approaching zero speed is generated as is a control speed profile for the second rotationally independent torque actuator corresponding to a speed of the first rotationally independent torque actuator, the speed profile of the oncoming clutch, and an output speed of the transmission. A speed of the second rotationally independent torque actuator is controlled using the control speed profile for the second rotationally independent torque actuator. A speed of the oncoming clutch is monitored and the oncoming clutch is activated when the speed of the oncoming clutch is zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Anthony H. Heap, Lisa M. Talarico
  • Patent number: 8333680
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device that includes a speed change mechanism; a hydraulic transmission provided closer to an engine attachment side than the speed change mechanism is and including a lock-up clutch; an electric motor having a rotor and a stator and connecting the rotor to an input portion of the hydraulic transmission; and an engine power cut-off clutch that transmits or cuts off a driving force of an engine to or from the hydraulic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kasuya, Mikio Iwase, Tomohide Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120316028
    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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobufusa Kobayashi, Hideaki Otsubo, Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Shingo Eto
  • Patent number: 8328681
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle whereby the drive train comprises at least a hybrid drive with a combustion engine and an electric motor, a transmission, positioned between the hybrid drive and an output, and a clutch, positioned between the combustion engine and the electric motor. When the electric motor is exclusively driving, the combustion engine can be started by engaging a clutch positioned between the combustion engine and the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
  • Patent number: 8328682
    Abstract: A method controls an amount of time required to commence transmitting torque of an internal combustion engine equipped with a stop/start feature to a transmission configured to transmit the torque of the engine to drive-wheels in a vehicle. The method includes determining whether a start of the engine is likely. The method also includes pre-filling with fluid a hydraulically-actuated clutch that is configured to connect the engine to the transmission when the start of the engine is likely. Accordingly, the amount of time required to commence transmitting torque of the engine to the transmission is reduced. A system employs the method for controlling an amount of time required to commence transmitting torque of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Christman, Shaochun Ye, Michael D. Haggerty, R. Travis Schwenke, Allen J. Lehmen
  • Publication number: 20120309586
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a power source when a transmission malfunctions in a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. In particular, a control unit confirms a speed of a transmission output is 0 rpms, detects whether the transmission is in park or neutral, and limits a speed of an engine and a motor in response to determining that the transmission is in park or neutral and that the transmission output is 0 rpms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Seok Min Jeong