With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/5)
  • Publication number: 20120309585
    Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain system including a torque machine coupled to an internal combustion engine that coupled to a transmission includes, upon commanding a shift in a transmission operating range, activating an immediate response mode to effect the shift. Activating the immediate response mode includes controlling the engine to achieve a predicted engine torque command, and controlling motor torque of the torque machine in response to a difference between an actual engine torque and an immediate crankshaft torque for shift command. An arbitrated predicted motor torque is determined A possible crankshaft torque is determined in response to the arbitrated predicted motor torque and the predicted engine torque command. Operation of the transmission at the end of the shift event is commanded in response to the possible crankshaft torque. A predicted response mode is activated to complete the shift in the transmission operating range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Adam J. Heisel
  • Publication number: 20120309587
    Abstract: An engine stop control system for a hybrid electric vehicle including a powertrain having an engine, an electric motor/generator, and driving wheels, including a first clutch coupling the engine to the motor/generator, a second clutch coupling the motor/generator to the driving wheels, a controller configured to select between two driving modes of the vehicle by controlling engagement and disengagement of the first clutch and the second clutch so that the vehicle may be driven either solely by the motor/generator or a combination of the engine and the motor/generator, and to control the stop position of the engine to be a desired stop position by controlling the rotation speed of the motor/generator while the first clutch in complete engagement and the second clutch in a slip state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mikio NOZAKI
  • Publication number: 20120302397
    Abstract: The invention essentially relates to a method for optimising the recharging of a hybrid vehicle battery. When the clutch (10) is in the open position and/or when the gearbox (8) is in neutral, the heat engine (7) is at idling speed (W1) by default when the charge status (SOC) of the high-voltage battery (19) is below a parameterisable threshold or a raised idling speed (W2) when the charge status (SOC) of the high-voltage battery (19) is above the parameterisable threshold in order to increase the power generated by the first electrical machine (11) in order to recharge the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventor: Ridouane Habbani
  • Publication number: 20120302396
    Abstract: A system for determining disablement of driving of a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The system for determining disablement of driving of a hybrid vehicle may include: power electronic components having a battery at which DC electricity is stored, an inverter converting the DC electricity of the battery into AC electricity, and a motor receiving the AC electricity from the inverter and generating driving torque; an engine burning a fuel so as to generate driving torque and being selectively connected to the motor; an engine clutch selectively connecting the engine to the motor; a transmission connected to the motor to receive the driving torque of the motor or the driving torque of the engine; and a control portion controlling operations of the power electronic components, the engine, and the engine clutch, wherein the control portion turns off a system ready indication in a case that driving of the vehicle is disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Daero Park, Seok Min Jeong
  • Patent number: 8321100
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a hybrid transmission device operative to transfer power between an input member and torque machines and an output member in one of a plurality of operating range states. The torque machines are connected to an energy storage device. A method for operating the powertrain system includes determining a permissible range of input operating points to the input member, determining ranges of motor torques for the torque machines, determining an available power range from the energy storage device, selecting a candidate input operating point within the permissible range of input operating points, and determining maximum and minimum achievable output torques transferable to the output member for the candidate engine operating point within the ranges of motor torques for the torque machines and within the available power range from the energy storage device in a candidate operating range state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 8317652
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine drives, via a belt drive, a first and a second auxiliary unit embodied respectively as a water pump and an air-conditioning compressor and drives a starter-generator operating as a starter and as a generator depending on the operating mode. The belt drive is connected through a clutch element, which has a freewheel, to the internal combustion engine such that, when the internal combustion engine is at standstill, only the two auxiliary units, but not at the same time the internal combustion engine, are driven by the starter-generator. The clutch element which has a freewheel allows a stepless transition of the drive mode from the internal combustion engine to the starter-generator. In order to start the internal combustion engine, the clutch element is engaged only for a short time, so that the drive power of the starter-generator is transmitted to the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Marc Hladun, Marcel Zirwes, Kai Bohnstedt, Ekkehard Pott, Georg Kruse
  • Publication number: 20120295758
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a hybrid drive train of a hybrid vehicle. The drive train has an internal combustion engine, a first electric machine, a transmission with an input shaft, a separating element and a first axle. The internal combustion engine can be connected to the first electric machine via the separating element. When the separating element is opened and the internal combustion engine is stationary, a difference in rotational speed occurs at the separating element between the internal combustion engine and the rotating first electric machine. The separating element is opened below and up to a maximum permissible difference in rotational speed at the separating element to drive the hybrid vehicle purely electrically by the first electric machine or to brake the vehicle or to coast. Above the maximum permissible difference in rotational speed the separating element and the first electric machine are separated from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Dimitar Danev
  • Publication number: 20120289376
    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: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Hong Yang, Shawn H. Swales, Amanda Luedtke
  • Patent number: 8311703
    Abstract: A control system has a startup start device that generates and outputs a startup start signal that starts a startup of a vehicle based on an operation of starting up the vehicle, a power supply device that supplies power to each unit of the vehicle, a central control unit that generates and outputs to a motor device for driving the vehicle, a startup command signal that starts up the motor device based on the startup start signal, a startup control unit that performs a startup control of the motor device based on the startup command signal, a drive control unit that performs a drive control of a peripheral device configuring the vehicle, a storage unit that stores first data containing initial information of the peripheral device or setting information set in advance, and a data storage control unit that performs the startup control of the motor device by the startup control unit after storing second data indicating, when the operation of starting up the vehicle is performed, a state of the peripheral device
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fujiwara, Yasutaka Katayanagi
  • Patent number: 8308605
    Abstract: A method of controlling and/or regulating a hybrid drive system of a vehicle, with at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine which can be coupled to the input shaft of an automated transmission, at least some of the time, by at least one clutch to facilitate driving of the vehicle such that at least one energy accumulator is charged by the electric machine which is operated as a generator and driven by the internal combustion engine. The electric machine is a synchronizer machine that is continually energized by maintaining a nominal speed of the synchronizer machine below an inflexion speed (n_Eck) during the charging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
  • Patent number: 8306707
    Abstract: A system and method of dithering speed and/or torque for shifting a transmission of a vehicle having an engine, a reversible, variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump which can be driven by the engine, a hydraulic accumulator supplied by said motor/pump, and at least one reversible hydraulic driving motor for propelling the vehicle supplied with fluid by the hydraulic accumulator and/or by said motor/pump operating as a pump. A transmission unit connects the engine with the variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump during a first mode of operation (city mode) and connects the engine to a vehicle drive wheel during a second mode of operation. The system utilizes stored hydraulic energy to dither the output of the driving motor in order to achieve quick and smooth shifts between city and highway mode, or between various ranges within the city mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Yisheng Zhang, John Loeffler
  • Patent number: 8306682
    Abstract: In a series hybrid vehicle, a system for determining a shift schedule for shifting a multi-gear transmission connected to a drive means is disclosed. A vehicle operator selects among a plurality of shift styles respectively representing a plurality of shift schedules variously optimized for performance or fuel economy. A performance-based shift schedule favors providing maximum power to the road by starting at the first (lowest) gear when accelerating from a stop and utilizing all available gears of the transmission. An economy based shift schedule favors energy efficiency by skipping the first gear and optionally one or more higher-numbered gears in order to bias operation of the drive means toward lower speeds and higher torque output while reducing shift frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8303463
    Abstract: A method to control a powertrain including a transmission, an engine, and an electric machine includes applying through a series of clutch fill events a series of incrementally changing command pressures in a pressure control solenoid controllably connected to a clutch within the transmission, monitoring a pressure switch fluidly connected to the pressure control solenoid and configured to indicate when the pressure switch is in a full feed state, determining changes in cycle times of the pressure switch corresponding to sequential applications of the series of incrementally changing command pressures, selecting a preferred command pressure to achieve a transient state in the clutch based upon the changes in pressure switch cycle times, and controlling the clutch based upon the preferred command pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Ali K Naqvi
  • Publication number: 20120277060
    Abstract: A driving force transmission device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a motor which drives a rotation shaft, and a connection/disconnection switching device which switches between connection and disconnection of driving force for driving wheels, the driving force being transmitted from an engine. The driving force transmission device is also provided with the auxiliary device driving mechanism, which includes one or more auxiliary device driving shafts for transmitting driving force to the in-vehicle accessory devices, one or more rotation transmission sections which transmit at least either engine's driving force or motor's driving force to one or more accessory device driving shafts via the rotation shaft, and a plurality of one-way clutches provided between the one or more rotation transmission sections and the one or more accessory device driving shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsumi Kubo, Jirou Obinata, Shinji Fujimoto, Masaaki Tsuruoka
  • Publication number: 20120277059
    Abstract: A moving apparatus that is capable of properly driving an accessory while preventing driven parts from being driven when the accessory is driven in a state where the driven parts are at rest. In the moving apparatus VE1, out of first to third elements S, C, and R configured such that they rotate during transmission of motive power therebetween while maintaining a collinear relationship in rotational speed, the first element S is mechanically connected to a first rotor 13 of a first rotating machine 11, one of the second and third elements C and R is mechanically connected to an output portion 3a of a prime mover 3 and an input portion 32 of an accessory 31, and the other of the second and third elements C and R is mechanically connected to driven parts DW and DW.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Akutsu, Shinji Fujimoto, Mitsuhiro Takeda, Noriyuki Abe
  • Patent number: 8298117
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive system, in particular of a motor vehicle, having at least one electric machine and one internal combustion engine, a disconnecting clutch being provided between the electric machine and the internal combustion engine and a torque converter having a turbine wheel being provided between the electric machine and a hybrid drive output, the disconnecting clutch being engaged for starting the internal combustion engine. It is provided that, as a function of the rotational speed of the turbine wheel of the torque converter, a rotational speed is predefined for the electric machine such that no sudden torque change occurs at the hybrid drive output when the internal combustion engine is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Seel, Rene Schenk, Oliver Kaefer, Thorsten Juenemann
  • Patent number: 8298118
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle hybrid powertrain having an engine, a motor-generator and a multi-speed automatically-shiftable transmission, wherein the engine and the motor-generator operate to supply torque to the transmission for driving a vehicle. The method includes modulating the torque supply from the motor-generator to the transmission during a gear shift to minimize a transmission output torque disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Min-Joong Kim, Shawn H. Swales
  • Publication number: 20120270697
    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: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeki TAKAMI, Tomoo ATARASHI, Yoshihisa YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20120270698
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device includes an input coupled to an internal combustion engine; an output coupled to wheels; first and second rotary electric machines; a differential including at least three rotary elements; a control; and an engagement device. The control determines, when engine stop conditions are established while the engagement device is drivably connected, the engine is operating, and the output member is rotating, whether rotation of the first electric machine when stop conditions are established is opposite to rotation of the first electric machine when rotation of the engine stops; executes torque control where the first electric machine outputs torque to reduce the rotational speed of the engine when the stop establishing rotational direction is opposite to the subject rotational direction; and issues a command to release the drivable connection when the rotational speed of the first electric machine falls within a rotational speed range that includes zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki HISADA, Shigeki TAKAMI, Masaki YOSHIDA
  • Patent number: 8292780
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a prime mover, a transmission, an input shaft adapted to transmit torque between the prime mover and the transmission, an output shaft adapted to transmit torque between the transmission and a driveline, and a master clutch between the prime mover and the input shaft, the clutch being movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in which the clutch is not and is adapted to transmit torque between the prime mover and the input shaft, respectively. An electric motor is arranged for torque transmission with at least one of the input shaft and the output shaft, and a controller is provided for controlling the electric motor to rotate the input shaft at a rotational speed within an operating range of the prime mover when the clutch is moved from the disengaged to the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: John Jerwick
  • Patent number: 8292779
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive train having a hybrid drive that comprises an internal combustion engine and an electric machine, a clutch connected between the combustion engine and electric machine, a transmission connected between the electric machine and an output drive, and a start-up element connected between the electric machine and the output drive. The method for starting-up the drive train, when the clutch connected between the combustion engine and the electric machine and the start-up element are both disengaged, and the electric machine is stopped and short-circuited. The method comprising the steps of accelerating the internal combustion engine to a rotational speed which depends on a short circuit torque of the electric machine that must be overcome; engaging the clutch connected between the combustion engine and electric machine; and bringing the combustion engine to a start-up speed depending on the driver's request; and engaging the start-up element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Kai Borntraeger, Axel Michael Mueller
  • Patent number: 8296002
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a vehicle, the vehicle provided with: a rotating electrical machine capable of inputting or outputting a torque with respect to an input shaft; and a transmission, which is disposed between the input shaft and an output shaft coupled with an axle, which is provided with a plurality of engaging apparatuses, which transmits a torque between the input shaft and the output shaft, and which can establish a plurality of gear stages having mutually different transmission gear ratios in accordance with engagement states of the plurality of engaging apparatuses, the transmission gear ratio being a ratio between a rotational speed of the input shaft and a rotational speed of the output shaft, the vehicle control apparatus provided with: a detecting device for detecting a braking operation amount of a driver; and an input shaft torque controlling device for controlling a torque of the input shaft such that in cases where the detected braking operation amount changes in a reducing dire
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
  • Publication number: 20120264565
    Abstract: A control device controls a vehicle drive device including an input member connected to and driven by an internal combustion engine; an intermediate member connected to and driven by a rotating electrical machine; an output member connected to and driven by a wheel; a first engagement device provided between the input member and the intermediate member; and the second engagement device provided between the intermediate member and the output member. The rotating electrical machine generates power while the first engagement device is directly engaged, and has a differential rotation control region wherein the first engagement device is moved from direct engagement to slipping engagement and the second engagement device is moved from disengagement to slipping engagement during special takeoff control, which controls the vehicle so as to take off while the second engagement device is disengaged and the rotating electrical machine is generating power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8287429
    Abstract: A shifting control apparatus for a power transmitting system of a vehicle provided with a vehicle drive electric motor, and a step-variable automatic transmission constituting a part of a power transmitting path between said vehicle drive electric motor and drive wheels, the shifting control apparatus controls said vehicle drive electric motor to perform a regenerative operation in a coasting state of the vehicle, and controls said automatic transmission to perform a shift-down operation at a predetermined coasting shift-down vehicle speed in the coasting state, the shifting control apparatus is configured: to change said coasting shift-down vehicle speed according to a regenerative power of said vehicle drive electric motor; to control said vehicle drive electric motor in the coasting state of the vehicle, so as to perform the regenerative operation at a vehicle speed higher than a predetermined drive/driven switching vehicle speed value, and so as to generate a vehicle drive torque at a vehicle speed lower
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Patent number: 8287428
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus disposed includes: a motor for driving wheels, and transforms kinetic energy at the driving path to electrical energy; a normal close type clutch that includes an input and an output and is selectively set in an engaging state and a released state, wherein the clutch is normally set in the engaging state by a biasing member and is set in the released state when hydraulic pressure is applied; a hydraulic-pressure feeding device for supplying the adjusted hydraulic pressure to the clutch; and a control device for controlling the feeding device. When changing the clutch from the engaged state to the released state, if the difference between rotation numbers of the input and the output becomes equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the control device controls the feeding device to bring the clutch to a state just before the engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihide Suzuki, Hiroyuki Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20120258838
    Abstract: A hybrid system includes a hybrid module that is located between an engine and a transmission. The hybrid system includes an energy storage system for storing energy from and supplying energy to the hybrid module. An inverter transfers power between the energy storage system and the hybrid module. The hybrid system also includes a cooling system, a DC-DC converter, and a high voltage tap. The hybrid module is designed to recover energy, such as during braking, as well as power the vehicle. The hybrid module includes an electrical machine (eMachine) along with electrical and mechanical pumps for circulating fluid. A clutch provides the sole operative connection between the engine and the eMachine. The hybrid system further incorporates a power take off (PTO) unit that is configured to be powered by the engine and/or the eMachine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Hartz, Nayan V. Patel, Vernon D. Thompson, Paul A. Richardson, Christopher A. Baker, George S. Pelton
  • Patent number: 8282527
    Abstract: A control apparatus of hybrid vehicle having a first clutch which is in a disengaged state by being supplied with hydraulic fluid and a second clutch which is in an engaged state by being supplied with the hydraulic fluid, has a line pressure controller controlling a line pressure of the hydraulic fluid, and a drive mode controller changing a drive mode between HEV mode in which the first clutch is engaged and the vehicle travels with the engine and the motor/generator being a power source and EV mode in which the first clutch is disengaged and the vehicle travels with only the motor/generator being the power source. The line pressure controller sets the line pressure in HEV mode to a pressure level required for the engagement of the second clutch, and sets the line pressure in EV mode to a higher line pressure than the line pressure in HEV mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Shingo Suzuki, Kan Yagi
  • Patent number: 8282526
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain comprising an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member through selective application of a plurality of torque-transfer clutches includes monitoring a clutch slip speed, synchronizing an oncoming clutch, and constraining reactive clutch torque limits for the oncoming clutch to achieve a reactive clutch torque that is less than an estimated clutch torque capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    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: 20120244992
    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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki HISADA, Masaki YOSHIDA
  • Patent number: 8272991
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, in order to stop an engine while a clutch is kept engaged and to transmit power from a motor to a drive shaft by changing a change speed state of a transmission when the power from a second motor is being transmitted to the drive shaft by the transmission, for example, a rotation speed of the first motor is adjusted so that the first motor can be connected to the drive shaft with the clutch disengaged while torque commands for both motors are set so that the power based on torque demand is outputted to the drive shaft, the power is transferred from the second motor to the first motor while both motors are connected to the drive shaft by the transmission, and the connection between the second motor and the drive shaft by the transmission is disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Katsuta, Hidehiro Oba
  • Patent number: 8272992
    Abstract: A process of operating a motor vehicle drive train that comprises at least one hybrid drive having a combustion engine and an electric motor with a clutch connected between the combustion engine and the electric motor, and an automatic transmission is arranged between the hybrid drive and an output. The process including the step of disengaging the clutch to carry out a shift, after a reduction of load at the internal combustion engine and after a reduction of the torque that is transmitted between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Subsequently carrying out a gear shift by the automatic transmission and, thereafter, increasing the torque that is transmitted by the clutch. Increasing the load from the combustion engine, and optionally engaging the clutch. A load transfer by the electric motor occurs before and/or after the gear shift in the transmission is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Christian Mittelberger, Mesut Er, Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Publication number: 20120238404
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive train having a hybrid drive including a combustion engine and electric motor, a clutch located between the engine and the motor, a transmission, a starting element and a brake pedal. For electric crawling from a state in which the clutch is disengaged, the brake pedal is activated and the combustion engine is turned off, initially the starting element is brought to or maintained at a filling pressure. Next, the rotational speed of the electric motor is adjusted to be higher, by a defined slippage rotational speed, than a transmission side rotational speed. When this slippage is reached, the starting element is further engaged to create a crawl torque at the output. The electric motor continues at rotational speed control so that the slippage is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Peter Schiele, Falko Platzer, Michael Sohler
  • Patent number: 8271178
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular power transmitting system including (a) an electrically controlled differential portion which has a differential mechanism and a first electric motor connected to a rotary element of the differential mechanism and which is operable to control a differential state between a rotating speed of its input shaft connected to a drive power source and a rotating speed of its output shaft by controlling an operating state of the first electric motor, and (b) a switching portion operable to switch a power transmitting path for transmitting power from the drive power source, between a power transmitting state and a power cut-off state, the control apparatus including a control range setting portion configured to set one of two different control ranges of a rotating speed of the output shaft, depending upon whether the power transmitting path is placed in the power transmitting state or said power cut-off state, by the switching portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku, Hidenori Kato
  • Patent number: 8267824
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device for a vehicle power transmitting apparatus. The vehicle power transmitting apparatus includes an electrically controlled differential portion of which differential state is controlled between a rotation speed of an input shaft to which power of an engine is input and a rotation speed of an output shaft by controlling an operational state of an electric motor connected to a rotary element of a differential mechanism, and a shifting portion constructing a part of a power transmitting path. The control device includes a correspondence controlling unit for controlling the engine or the vehicle power transmitting apparatus to allow the shifting portion to be shifted when a command for shifting by a manual shift operation is issued in an operating region restricting the shifting of the shifting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Hiroyuki Shibata, Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara
  • Patent number: 8262538
    Abstract: A transmission device with at least two multi-gear transmission groups. Torque is introduced via a input shaft into the transmission groups and into the other transmission group via a main shaft. The input shaft is directly connected with the main shaft via a shifting element during a gearshift to achieve an intermediate gear. When the intermediate gear is engaged, torque passes to the shafts connected to each other via the shifting element. A method for operating transmission, during the gearshift, includes introducing torque from the electric machine to the shafts connected via the shifting element and adjusting the rotational speed of the input shaft to the rotational speed of the target gear. A further shifting element is engaged in the first transmission group, the shifting element is disengaged, and torque of the electric machine is reduced, once the rotational speeds of the input shaft and the target gear match one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Kai Borntraeger
  • Patent number: 8262537
    Abstract: A multi-mode hybrid transmission including a selectable one-way clutch and first and second torque machines transitions to operating in a target continuously variable mode including applying a selectable one-way clutch and controlling input torque and motor torques of the first and second torque machines using a second kinematic relationship. A multi-step process is executed to transition the first clutch to a deactivated state, transition the second selectable one-way clutch to the applied state, and transition to using the second kinematic relationship to achieve a preferred output torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hong Yang, Shawn H Swales, Joel M. MaGuire
  • Publication number: 20120225751
    Abstract: An accessory drive motor configuration is disclosed. One embodiment of the accessory drive motor configuration is an apparatus including an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft, wherein the crankshaft is structured to provide traction power. The apparatus further includes an accessory drive system operably coupled to a shaft. The shaft is selectively coupled to an electro-mechanical device and selectively coupled to the internal combustion engine. The shaft extends through at least a portion of the electro-mechanical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Morgan MacKenzie Andreae, David M. Barnes, Vivek Anand Sujan
  • Patent number: 8257223
    Abstract: A method of carrying out a shift with traction force interruption during hybrid operation in a parallel hybrid vehicle having an automated transmission. The method comprises the steps of maintaining the coupling between the internal combustion engine (1) and the electric machine (2), eliminating the load before disengaging the old gear, and synchronizing to the new gear by the operation of the electric machine (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
  • Publication number: 20120220420
    Abstract: [Object] Motorization of a running gear of a construction machine traveling on wheels is realized without enormous increases in vehicle-body dimensions and costs. [Solution Means] A wheeled excavator 41 includes travel wheels 10, 11 installed in a vehicle body, an engine 3, a running motor-generator 15, an inverter 21 and a battery 22 which are electrically connected to the motor-generator 15, a hydraulic pump 4 driven by the engine, and a power transmission mechanism which transmits power among the engine 3, the wheels 10, 11, the running motor-generator 15, and the hydraulic pump 4. A clutch 23 which connects and disconnects the power transmission between the engine 3 and the wheels 10, 11 is provided in the power transmission mechanism. In a required area on the vehicle body, a clutch switching means is mounted for switching the clutch 23 to a disengaged state during a level road run and to an engaged state during a downhill run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Kousaku Ohno, Hidetoshi Satake
  • Patent number: 8251164
    Abstract: A drive system is provided for a hybrid vehicle that has an engine with a crankshaft and a motor/generator having a shaft member. The drive system includes a starter sprocket connected for rotation with the shaft member and a crankshaft sprocket connected for rotation with the crankshaft. A chain is engaged with the starter sprocket and the crankshaft sprocket. A planetary gear set is configured to multiply torque of the motor/generator, with the multiplied torque being provided to the engine crankshaft via the sprockets and the chain to start the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Gary E. McGee
  • Patent number: 8251866
    Abstract: A method for starting the internal combustion engine, in parallel hybrid vehicles, in which the internal combustion engine is started, during a shift under load in purely electric driving operation, by the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Patent number: 8251865
    Abstract: A method of carrying out a shift under load during hybrid operation in a parallel hybrid vehicle in which the speed adaptation of the electric machine and the internal combustion engine, required for synchronization to the new gear, is carried out by adapting the speed of the electric machine in a speed regulation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
  • Patent number: 8249768
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the hybrid drive of a motor vehicle having the following components: internal combustion engine (VKM), manual transmission (SG), at least one electrical machine (Emi), at least one clutch (Kj) and an energy storage device (ES), and at least one driven axle (HA; VA) are intended to provide maximum efficiency and service life of the components. To this end, a decision is made about which operating modes (AMK) are possible on the basis of a driver input (FW) and operating state, a division is made about which gears (Gj) are available for the possible operating modes (AMK), so that a larger number of modes (AMGK) are available for selection, operating points which correspond to the driver input are determined for all these modes (AMGK), taking into account the operating state and system state (SZA), the modes (AMGK) are assessed and the mode (AMGK*) which is assessed as being most expedient is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Mori, Theodor Schöberl, Helmut Martin, Florian Kramer, Clemens Burow, Jan-Erik Hein, Manfred Posch
  • Patent number: 8246509
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a motor vehicle. The drive train comprising a hybrid drive with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, a transmission arranged between the hybrid drive and a drive output, and a clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. The internal combustion engine is started by engaging the clutch only when the electric motor is providing drive power. In this situation when shifting gears in the transmission with interruption of the traction force, immediately after the gear change and during a load build-up phase of the shift operation, the internal combustion engine is started by the electric motor without traction force interruption. The clutch is controlled to partially engage to start the combustion engine and then it is completely disengaged before reaching a synchronous speed between the combustion engine and the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen
    Inventors: Christian Mittelberger, Stefan Blattner
  • Patent number: 8246508
    Abstract: A vehicle drive unit control system. The vehicle includes a prime mover arranged on a power transmission route from a continuously variable transmission to a wheel, a clutch mechanism arranged on a first route from the prime mover to the wheel, and a shift range or shift position can be shifted selectively between a drive range or drive position where a power can be transmitted through the first route and a non-drive range or non-drive position where a power cannot be transmitted through the first route. The control system includes a vehicle speed control demand judging mechanism judging a vehicle speed control demand in case of shifting the shift range or shift position from the non-drive range or non-drive position to the drive range or drive position; and a prime mover controller controlling torque of the prime mover based on the judged vehicle speed control demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Takashi Ohta, Hideaki Komada, Yukihiko Ideshio, Hiroyuki Shibata
  • Publication number: 20120208671
    Abstract: A series/parallel dual motor dual-clutch hybrid electrical driving unit for vehicle includes: a main traction motor (17), an integrated starter-generator (4), a differential (7), a main shaft (8), a first stage decelerating device (9), a primary clutch (16) and a first clutch (15). Said traction motor (17) is connected with said first stage decelerating device (9) via said first clutch (15). A series/parallel dual motor triple clutch hybrid electrical driving unit for vehicle further includes a second clutch (12) and a second stage decelerating device (5) based on the above described series/parallel dual motor dual-clutch hybrid electrical driving unit. The hybrid electrical driving unit according to the invention is compact in structure arrangement, high efficient and rational in connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Shanghai E-Propulsion Auto Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun ZHU, Weimin Gao, Jiangang Lu, Hailong Ge, Sidong Luo, Jian Wang
  • Publication number: 20120208672
    Abstract: A method includes determining a machine shaft torque demand and a machine shaft speed, in response to the machine shaft torque demand and the machine shaft speed, determining a machine power demand, determining a power division description between an internal combustion engine, a first electrical torque provider, and a second electrical torque provider, determining a hybrid power train configuration as one of series and parallel, determining a baseline power division description in response to a vehicle speed and the machine power demand, determining a state-of-charge (SOC) deviation for an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to the first electrical torque provider and the second electrical torque provider, and adjusting the baseline power division description in response to the SOC deviation and the hybrid power train configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
  • Patent number: 8241174
    Abstract: A method for controlling a drivetrain including a combustion engine, electric motor/generator and a transmission inter-coupled, via a summarizing gear, with one output and two input elements and, via a clutch, with each other. One input element is fixed to the engine, the second input element is fixed to the motor/generator and the output element is fixed to the input shaft of the transmission. The clutch is between two elements of the summarizing gear. Before a gearshift, torques of the engine and motor/generator are reduced and the clutch disengaged. To quickly reduce torque in the summarizing gear, the engine torque is reduced after a defined time, such that the clutch disengages when the slippage is proportional to the lowering engine torque and the motor/generator torque, in a ratio of torques at the beginning of torque reduction, is reduced proportionally to the engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Wallner, Notker Amann
  • Patent number: 8241176
    Abstract: A method for restarting an engine in a hybrid electric powertrain includes using an auxiliary pump while the engine is shutdown to maintain stroke pressure in an oncoming transmission friction control element whose engagement is required to launch the vehicle following the restart, initiating an automatic engine restart, increasing a torque capacity of the control element while the engine is restarting, and using pressure produced by a transmission pump in the transmission to lock the control element after the engine restarts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Ryan A. McGee
  • Publication number: 20120202646
    Abstract: A control apparatus of a hybrid vehicle provided with an engine, a motor, an automatic transmission performing a shift by engaging/disengaging a plurality of engagement elements, a first clutch arranged between the engine and the motor for transmitting/cutting a driving force between the engine and the motor and a second clutch arranged between the motor and driving wheels for transmitting/cutting a driving force from the motor to the driving wheels, has a slip control section that controls the second clutch to a slip state during the shift of the automatic transmission. In a case of a successive shift in which a current shift and a succeeding shift are successively performed, the slip control section gradually increases an engagement pressure of the second clutch when changing the slip state of the second clutch to a fully engaged state after the current shift is completed and before the succeeding shift is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Masami Suzuki, Fumihiro Yamanaka