With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/5)
  • Patent number: 8123656
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission is provided with a motor and a torque-transfer device is operable to transfer torque from the motor to a transmission input member upstream in power flow from the transmission gearing arrangement. The torque transfer device may be a fluid coupling, such as a torque converter, including a torque converter lock-up clutch. In other embodiments, the torque transfer device is a launch clutch that may be either a wet clutch engagable via pressurized transmission fluid, or a dry clutch, such as used in a manual transmission. A disconnect clutch is selectively engagable to operatively connect an engine connection member with the motor to permit the motor to start the engine, such as after a stop. Many embodiments of the transmission include a one-way clutch arranged in parallel with the disconnect clutch. A method of starting the engine using such a transmission is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Norman Schoenek, Shawn H. Swales, Joel M. Maguire, Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8120502
    Abstract: To detect opening/closing of a neutral detection hydraulic switch by a detection apparatus and detect breakage of a wiring line connected between the detection apparatus and the switch. Since a second contact and an ECU are connected to each other by two wiring lines, even if one of the wiring lines is broken, opening/closing of the neutral detection hydraulic switch can be detected through the remaining one of the wiring lines. Since different voltages are applied to the wiring lines through resistance type voltage dividing circuits, the occurrence of the wire breakage can be detected making use of the fact that the voltage detected by the ECU upon opening of the neutral detection hydraulic switch when one of the wiring lines is broken is different from the voltage when none of the wiring lines is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Usukura, Kenichi Machida
  • Patent number: 8113987
    Abstract: A control device for hybrid vehicle drive apparatus has a differential mechanism operative to perform a differential action and an electric motor. The control device prevents a second electric motor from reaching a high-speed rotation with a likelihood of degradation occurring in durability of the second electric motor when a “D” position is switched into an “N” position during a running of a vehicle. When a shift lever (49) is shifted into the “N” position during the vehicle running to interrupt a power transmitting path of an automatic shifting portion (20), a differential action of a power distributing mechanism (16) is limited. A limited differential action suppresses increases in rotation speeds of rotary members such as a clutch or a brake of the automatic shifting portion (20), a second electric motor (M2) and a differential-portion planetary gear (P0) or the like. Thus, degradation in durability of such rotary members due to high-speed rotations thereof can be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 8113309
    Abstract: A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The drivetrain includes at least a hybrid drive with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, a clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, and a transmission arranged between the hybrid drive and a drive output. When the vehicle is at rest, the clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is filled at least with filling pressure and then, when the vehicle is started, if the starting torque desired by the driver is above a limit value, the internal combustion engine is immediately turned over and started up by the electric motor, whereas, when starting, if the starting torque desired by the driver is below the limit value, then on starting, the internal combustion engine is not turned over by the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Bernd Allgaier
  • Patent number: 8109857
    Abstract: An automatic shifting power transmission includes a hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a first reaction clutch disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a variable capacity clutch disposed in parallel with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, and an electric machine disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device and the first reaction clutch. A method of controlling the automatic transmission includes slipping the first reaction clutch corresponding to a first gear engagement to affect a first gear launch maneuver when engine load is at or above a first predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Victor M. Roses, John C. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8109855
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the coupling and the decoupling of the first motor and of the second motor of a parallel hybrid motive power group comprising a first motor (11) driving an input shaft (4) at the entrance of a gear box (15), a second motor (12) and a coupling/decoupling means (13) of the second motor and of the first motor, maneuverable between an open position and a closed position, for enabling a change with regard to the gearbox when the motor group operates in hybrid mode, according to which the motive power group is controlled for decoupling the second motor and the first motor then changing the ratio of the gear box, and recoupling the second motor and the first motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Yvan Le Neindre, Gaetan Rocq
  • Patent number: 8109856
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle drive train during a coasting operation. The drive train has an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, a transmission, and a shift element, with a variable transmission capacity, located between the electric machine and a drive wheels. The electric machine is located in the flow of power between the combustion engine and the transmission. The output torque to be delivered to the wheel is a function of the delivery capacity of the shift element which is adjusted in a controlled manner. During the process of shutting down the combustion engine, the speed of the electric machine is adjusted while maintaining at least a partial engagement of the shift element and the speed of the combustion engine is reduced to zero with the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Publication number: 20120028757
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle having a locking mechanism in which a play elimination process is required in the locking, a torque shock in the play elimination is reduced. In a hybrid vehicle 1 having a locking mechanism 700 which is a cam-lock type engaging apparatus, an ECU 100 performs MG1 locking control. In the control, play is formed between a cam 710 and a clutch plate 720 of the locking mechanism 700. The formed play is gradually reduced such that the torque shock in the play elimination does not occur due to the phase control of the cam 710, on the basis of an initial value of the amount of the play when the clutch plate 720 is bought into contact with a friction part 733 and a play elimination amount G.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiromichi Kimura, Tomohito Ono, Yukihiko Ideshio, Hirotatsu Kitabatake, Hiroaki Ebuchi
  • Patent number: 8104555
    Abstract: A drive system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a hydraulic pump including a shaft, an engine, a starter/alternator connected to the shaft, and a drive mechanism for transmitting torque from the engine to the shaft, and for amplifying torque produced by the starter/alternator and transmitting the amplified torque to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lev Pekarsky, Mark R. Dobson
  • Patent number: 8105205
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the friction coefficient of a friction clutch situated in a hybrid power train between an electric machine and a combustion engine, actuated by a clutch actuator, the friction coefficient is adjusted by a torque transmitted by the friction clutch, which is determined when starting the combustion engine by the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Reuschel
  • Publication number: 20120010041
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle powertrain includes driving first wheels using an electric machine, starting an engine, using a second electric machine driven by the engine to produce synchronous speed at a input of a transmission having a desired gear engaged, engaging a clutch that connects said input and the engine, and using the engine and the transmission to drive second wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Fazal U. Syed, Mark S. Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8092339
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes operating a transmission in a neutral operating range state, monitoring commands affecting an input speed, monitoring a tracked clutch slip speed, determining constraints on an input acceleration based upon the commands, determining a clutch slip acceleration profile based upon the constraints on the input acceleration, determining an input acceleration profile based upon the clutch slip acceleration profile, and controlling the powertrain based upon the clutch slip acceleration profile and the input acceleration profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Kristin L Day
  • Patent number: 8092340
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain includes operating an engine driveably connected to first vehicle wheels, providing an electric motor driveably connected to second vehicle wheels, shifting a gear selector between a forward drive position and a reverse drive position, reducing vehicle speed to or lower than a reference speed, and using a transmission located between the engine and the first wheels and the electric motor to produce reverse or forward drive corresponding to the position to which the gear selector is shifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jing Song, Deepa Ramaswamy, Anthony D. Tsakiris, Ihab S. Soliman
  • Publication number: 20120004073
    Abstract: A hybrid power drive system comprises: an engine operatively coupled to a gearbox; a first motor operatively coupled to the engine; a first wheel group operatively coupled to the gearbox; a second motor operatively coupled to a second wheel group; an energy storage device connected to the first motor and the second motor, respectively. The gearbox comprises a first decelerating mechanism and a second decelerating mechanism. The first wheel group is operatively coupled to the first decelerating mechanism and the second decelerating mechanism, respectively. The engine is operatively coupled to the first decelerating mechanism and the second decelerating mechanism, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Xiaohua TANG, Xinxin Zhang, Fei Luo, Zhigao Xiao
  • Publication number: 20120004061
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle includes a prime mover, which may be an engine, and a transmission that has an input member configured for connection with the prime mover to receive torque from the prime mover, an output member, and a stationary member. A first motor/generator and a second motor/generator are provided as additional motive sources. A first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set are included, each having a respective first member, second member, and third member. Only one clutch is operatively connected to the transmission, and it is selectively engagable to ground the input member and the first member of the second planetary gear set to the stationary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Awadesh Tiwari, Ravikanth G V, Sriram Ravichandran, Kumpatla Vvp Naidu
  • Patent number: 8088034
    Abstract: This invention relates to a control device for a hybrid vehicle power transmitting apparatus. A heat generation control is executed to increase a heat generation amount of an electric motor M1 when a differential portion 11 is placed in a non-differential state and a temperature of a shifting mechanism 10 is less than a given transmitting apparatus temperature determining value TEMP11. This allows the first electric motor M1 to develop a heat with which the temperature of a shifting mechanism 10 is promptly raised, thereby promptly completing a warm-up of the shifting mechanism 10 to achieve improved fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Yuji Iwase, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 8090499
    Abstract: A vehicle control system reduces vehicle rollback upon brake release. The control system includes a brake system, a vehicle grade measurement device and a controller that modulates applied brake pressure of the brake system based on a grade measurement of the grade measurement device. The controller actuates brake-hold device communicating with the brake system based on the grade measurement through pulse width modulation. The control system communicates with a motor generator and an engine to provide a start power to the engine upon brake release based on the grade measurement. Fuel injectors of the engine are enabled upon brake release based on the grade measurement. The control system further communicates with a transmission forward clutch to provide selective rotational communication between the transmission and the engine based on the grade measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Goro Tamai
  • Patent number: 8087483
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that provides engine starting from an electric-only mode with a reduced torque load on the motor/generator. The powertrain includes an engine and a motor/generator, which may be a single motor/generator in a strong or full hybrid, but is not limited to such. The motor provides propulsion torque in an electric-only operating mode, and is configured to apply torque to a transmission input member. A first clutch is selectively engagable to connect the engine output member for common rotation with the transmission input member. An engine starting mechanism is provided that multiplies motor torque used to start the engine so that less is diverted from propelling the vehicle, enabling a smaller motor/generator to be used. A method of controlling such a powertrain is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Anthony L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110319225
    Abstract: A shift controller controls a transmission for a hybrid vehicle in which: an engine and a motor are connected together via a clutch; and the transmission is placed between the motor and driving wheels. The shift controller has: a first shift controlling unit which performs shift control on a basis of at least one of transmission efficiency of the transmission and power generation efficiency of the motor in a case where regeneration is performed with the clutch disengaged during deceleration of the hybrid vehicle; and a second shift controlling unit which performs shift control to make a transmission gear ratio of the transmission smaller than in the shift control performed by the first shift controlling unit in a case where the regeneration is performed with the clutch engaged during the deceleration of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Yoshikazu OOTA, Ryozo Hiraku, Takeshi MORITA, Akira TAKANO
  • Patent number: 8079933
    Abstract: A method to control a powertrain including a transmission, an engine, and an electric machine includes monitoring a rotational speed of the engine, monitoring a temperature of a transmission fluid, determining a maximum hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic control system based upon the rotational speed of the engine and the temperature of the transmission fluid, determining a predicted clutch torque capacity based upon the maximum hydraulic pressure, generating a preferred input torque from the engine based upon the predicted clutch torque capacity, and utilizing the preferred input torque to control the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20110306463
    Abstract: An automated manual transmission system (1) including an input shaft (4), a clutch, an output shaft (6), and a gear-box enabling selection of different transmission ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft (6). An actuation mechanism (10) is operatively connected to the clutch and the gearbox to effect disengagement and re-engagement of the clutch and coordinated selection of the transmission ratios. A hybrid motor (14) is operably connected to the output shaft (6) and a control system (16) is operable to regulate the actuating mechanism in response to control inputs, to effect automatic gear changes. The hybrid motor (14) is responsive to the control system (16) to provide supplementary torque to the vehicle driveline when the clutch is disengaged, to reduce torque interruption in the driveline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: NT CONSULTING INTERNATIONAL PTY, LTD.
    Inventors: Richard Terrence Tamba, Simon Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8078371
    Abstract: Controlling a hybrid powertrain includes monitoring an operator torque request, determining maximum and minimum allowable transmission output torques based upon the operator torque request, determining a commanded transmission output torque, and comparing the commanded transmission output torque and each of the maximum and minimum allowable transmission output torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William R. Cawthorne, Leonard G. Wozniak, Paul A Stanowski, Hanne Buur
  • Publication number: 20110301791
    Abstract: A controller-executable method provides an electric-only (EV) launch mode in a vehicle having an accelerator pedal, an engine, a motor generator unit (MGU), a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and a belt alternator starter system adapted for selectively rotating the crankshaft using motor torque from the MGU. Execution of the method uses motor torque from the MGU, while the engine is off, to accelerate the crankshaft to above a calibrated launch speed when a threshold minimum force is applied to the pedal. A designated one of the odd- and even-gear clutches of the DCT are controlled until input torque to the DCT equals a calibrated level. The other DCT clutch may be modulated to dampen drivetrain oscillations. The vehicle launches in the EV launch mode via the designated DCT clutch when the crankshaft speed exceeds an input speed of the DCT. The vehicle and controller are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Hong Yang, Min-Joong Kim, Shawn Scott Hawkins, Amanda Luedtke
  • Publication number: 20110301796
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus for a hybrid vehicle can transmit the driving force of engine E to the motor M or reversely the driving force of motor M to the engine E when the vehicle is stopped while avoiding transmission of the driving force of either of them to the driving wheels D such that the vehicle remains stopped. In some embodiments, a power transmitting apparatus for a hybrid vehicle can comprise a first clutch operatively posited between an engine mounted on a vehicle to driving wheels in a power transmission system and configured to transmit or cutoff driving force of the engine to or from the driving wheels; a second clutch operatively positioned between a motor mounted on a vehicle to the driving wheels in a power transmission system and configured to transmit or cut off driving force of the motor to or from the driving wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F.C.C.
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Ohashi, Shouji Asatsuke, Akio Oishi, Ryouhei Chiba, Jun Ishimura, Keiichi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8070649
    Abstract: An automatic dual clutch transmission includes an input clutch which selectively connects a prime mover to an electric motor. The electric motor, in turn, is connected to the inputs of a pair of coaxial friction clutches. Each of the coaxial outputs of the friction clutches drives an input gear with meshes with a pair of gears, one of which is associated with each of a respective pair of layshafts or countershafts. On each countershaft, between the pair of gears driven by the outputs of the two clutches, are a pair of synchronizer clutches which selectively synchronize and connect one of the two gears to the associated countershaft. A similar arrangement of a second pair of gears separated by synchronizer clutches connects the countershafts through a selected gear to a pair of output gears coupled to and driving a differential cage or spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20110294620
    Abstract: A power transmission system for transmitting power from a crank shaft of an engine to a drive shaft of a transmission gear box via a clutch assembly is disclosed. The clutch assembly facilitates co-rotation of the crank and drive shaft when engaged and allows relative rotation between the crank and drive shaft when not engaged. The system includes an electric motor with an input/output shaft and a gear assembly coupled to the input/output and drive shaft. Rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to rotation of the input/output shaft via the gear assembly and rotation of the input/output shaft is transmitted to rotation of the drive shaft via the gear assembly. The drive shaft is drivable by the engine via the crank shaft when the clutch assembly is engaged and is drivable by the electric motor via the input/output shaft and gear assembly when the clutch assembly is not engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Steve Pruitt, Alden Rix
  • Patent number: 8066492
    Abstract: A drive device (2) for the oil pump (6) of a motor vehicle automatic transmission, in which the oil pump (6) on the one hand can be coupled to the drive motor by way of an overrunning clutch (34) and on the other hand is drivingly connected to an auxiliary electric motor (22), which is powered by the on-board power supply of the motor vehicle. The electric motor (22) is arranged outside of the pump housing (8) and is drivingly connected to a driven pump impeller wheel (ring gear 10) that is arranged in the pump housing via a non-rotatable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Horst Rögner
  • Publication number: 20110288703
    Abstract: In a method for operating a hybrid drive device of a motor vehicle, which has at least two different drive assemblies, especially an electric machine and an internal combustion engine, that are able to be connected to at least two drive trains of the motor vehicle, during the reconnecting of one of the drive assemblies, particularly from a first to a second of the drive trains, or from the second to the first drive train, and/or during a synchronization, a replacement torque substantially corresponding to the torque produced by the one drive assembly is able to be provided by an additional one of the drive assemblies by the at least partial closing of a clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Jans-Werner Falkenstein, Thomas Schlipf, Michael Glora
  • Publication number: 20110287889
    Abstract: A method of coupling a combustion engine of a parallel-hybrid drive train via a clutch positioned between the engine and an electric machine with the clutch device initially disengaged, the engine rotational speed approximately at an engine idling rotational speed, and the machine rotational speed larger than the engine idling rotation speed. When a request is made for a drive torque value which is larger than a torque threshold, the engine rotational speed is brought to a rotational speed value above the machine rotational speed and the clutch is slipping engaged once the rotational speed value is reached, while the engine, when the drive train decelerates and a request is made to couple the engine, is brought into deceleration cancellation and the engine rotational speed is brought up to the machine rotational speed while engaging the clutch and dependent on a transfer ability of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Markus Eisele, Michael Sauter
  • Patent number: 8062173
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid drivetrain of a motor vehicle such that, during a thrust operation of the vehicle, a change takes place from a combustion-powered driving mode, in which the combustion engine is in a thrust operation, the separator clutch is engaged and the electric machine contributes no force, or from a combined driving mode in which the engine is in a thrust operation, the clutch is engaged and the electric machine operates as a generator, to an electric driving mode in which the engine is switched off, the clutch is disengaged and the electric machine operates as a generator. To efficiently change driving modes, the clutch is partially disengaged to a slip limit; the clutch is then completely disengaged; and when the clutch reaches the slip limit, the generator torque of the electric machine is increased inversely to the torque that can be transmitted by the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Allgaier, Friedrich Tenbrock, Thomas Lemp, Michael Gromus
  • Patent number: 8062174
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain comprising a transmission coupled to an engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member via selective application of a plurality of hydraulically actuated torque transfer clutches includes filling one of the hydraulic clutches to a reference fill volume expected to create a touching state in the clutch, wherein the filling is accomplished through control of a pressure control solenoid, monitoring an actual fill time of the hydraulic clutch, monitoring a flow utilized in the filling, determining a measured fill volume based upon the actual fill time and the flow, calculating a fill volume error based upon the measured fill volume and the reference fill volume, and adjusting the reference fill volume based upon the fill volume error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Ali K Naqvi
  • Patent number: 8056663
    Abstract: A hybrid module interconnects an engine and a dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The hybrid module includes a first carrier, a second carrier, and a first clutch. The first carrier is operatively connected to the DCT and is rotatable about the axis at a first rotational velocity. The second carrier is operatively connected to the engine and is rotatable about the axis at a second rotational velocity. The first clutch surrounds the axis and operatively interconnects the first carrier and the second carrier. The first clutch overruns such that they rotate independently when the first rotational velocity of the first carrier is less than the second rotational velocity of the second carrier. The first clutch also engages and locks rotation of the carriers when the second rotational velocity is equal to the first rotational velocity such that the second carrier drives the rotation of the first carrier about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Norman Schoenek
  • Patent number: 8056659
    Abstract: The hybrid vehicle includes an engine, two motors, and a power distribution integration mechanism arranged coaxially with one another and a transmission. The transmission includes a transmission shaft extended in parallel with a first motor shaft and a second motor shaft, a first coupling gear train in combination with a second coupling gear train and a clutch arranged to selectively connect a ring gear and a sun gear of the power distribution integration mechanism to the transmission shaft, a deceleration mechanism connected with the transmission shaft and arranged to decelerate power from the transmission shaft and output the power of the reduced speed from a carrier, and a clutch arranged to selectively connect the carrier and the ring gear to a driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidehiro Oba, Yukihiko Ideshio
  • Patent number: 8052570
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in a vehicular power transmitting apparatus including a differential portion electrically controlled, a control device which can quickly decrease the engine rotation speed, even if the operational state of an electric motor is limited. An engine-stop controlling means (112) includes limiting means for limiting the differential state of a differential portion (11) by a switching brake (B0) and a switching clutch (C0) when the operational state of a first electric motor (M1) is limited. Therefore, a torque in a direction for decreasing a rotation speed (NE) of an engine (8) is applied by limiting the differential state of the differential portion (11), for example, in a vehicle stopped state. As a result, the rotation speed (NE) of the engine (8) is quickly decreased to pass through a resonance point in a short time, whereby occurrence of resonance phenomena can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
  • Publication number: 20110269598
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid drive unit includes a pressure regulator valve, a first variable bleed solenoid valve for controlling a stationary clutch and a second variable bleed solenoid valve for controlling a rotating clutch. The control system controls the stationary clutch and the rotating clutch to operate the hybrid drive unit in four different modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John R. Czoykowski, Michael L. Duhaime, Chinar S. Ghike, Mark A. Vernacchia
  • Publication number: 20110269599
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid vehicle with a transmission, the transmission including a transmission input shaft (25) to which the power from the engine is transmitted, transmission output shafts (26, 27) from which a power for driving a driven section is outputted, a first input shaft (21) which is connectable to the transmission input shaft (25) via a first clutch (CL1) of a twin clutch unit (20), a second input shaft (22) which is connectable to the transmission input shaft (25) via a second clutch (CL2), gear trains (G1 to GR) which are configured so that the gear trains can be selected to connect the first input shaft (21) and the second input shaft (22) to the transmission output shafts (26, 27), and a connection device (SM1) which can be selectively switched between a first operation state for enabling power transmission between the output shaft of an electric motor (3) and the transmission input shaft (25) and a second operation state for interrupting the power transmission therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Toru Nakasako
  • Patent number: 8047959
    Abstract: A method is provided for starting a piston engine of a hybrid drive in an electric travel state. The hybrid drive includes at least the piston engine, an electric motor, a transmission, and a clutch situated between the piston engine and the electric motor. A converter lockup clutch, which is switchable into a slip state, is also provided. A slip is set at the converter lockup clutch, and a speed of the electric motor is then increased. The speed and the torque either do not change or only change in a predefined range at the output side of the converter lockup clutch. The clutch is closed to transmit a torque pulse, so that a first top dead center of the piston of the piston engine may be overcome. A predefined slip is then set at the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Fuechtner, Dieter Kraxner, Markus Goehring, Marco Fleckner, Nils Sauvlet
  • Publication number: 20110263379
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having a mechanical power source and an electro-mechanical power source, including a generator, a motor and a battery. Driving torque developed by the mechanical power source is delivered through one clutch of a geared transmission to a power output shaft. The electric motor of the electro-mechanical power source delivers driving torque through a second clutch of the geared transmission. A mechanical reverse drive torque is used to improve reverse drive performance. A reduction in duration of operation in a negative power split during a driving event is achieved to improve vehicle powertrain efficiency. A series drive is available as the mechanical power source drives the generator to charge the battery, which drives the motor. The generator may act as an engine starter motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wei Liang, Xiaoyong Wang, Wei Wu, Ryan Abraham McGee, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Patent number: 8043194
    Abstract: In a powertrain that includes wheels for driving a vehicle, an engine including a crankshaft, a machine driveably connected to the crankshaft and able to operate alternately as an electric motor and electric generator, a transmission including an input clutch driveably connected to the crankshaft and an output driveably connected to at least two of the wheels, and an electric storage battery having a variable state of charge and electrically connected to the machine, a method for controlling vehicle creep including adjusting a torque capacity of the input clutch to a desired magnitude of input clutch torque transmitted to the wheels, determining a desired change in torque produced by the machine such that a speed of the crankshaft is controlled to a desired idle speed, using the magnitude of input clutch torque capacity and the desired change in torque produced by the machine to determine a desired magnitude machine torque, and using the machine to produce said desired magnitude of machine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Andrew J. Silveri, Deepak Aswani
  • Publication number: 20110256978
    Abstract: In a method for starting a hybrid vehicle having a first drive unit and a second drive unit, the setpoint starting torque is generated by the second drive unit. In this method, a starting clutch for connecting the first drive unit is brought into the slipping state when a predefined setpoint torque of the second drive unit is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Jens-Werner Falkenstein
  • Patent number: 8038572
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a drive system of a vehicle includes (a) an electrically controlled differential portion having a differential state between rotating speeds of an input and an output shaft being controlled by controlling an operating state of a first electric motor, (b) a switching portion operable to switch a power transmitting path between the output shaft and a drive wheel of the vehicle, between a power transmitting state and a power cut-off state, and (c) a second electric motor connected to the power transmitting path. The control apparatus includes an excessive speed preventing portion configured to limit a rotating speed of the output shaft or an operating speed of the second electric motor when the power transmitting path is switched by the switching portion from the power transmitting state to the power cut-off state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku, Hidenori Kato
  • Patent number: 8038573
    Abstract: A launch control system for a hybrid vehicle is described. The system includes overcharging an electrical energy storage unit of the hybrid vehicle, operating an internal combustion engine at an increased power level, and operating an electric motor at an increased power level with the overcharged electrical energy storage unit. The transmission during the launch is configured to connect the electric motor and the internal combustion engine to a drivetrain of the hybrid vehicle, and to selectively slip friction clutches to store energy and release it for the launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christoph Kozub, Herman Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20110251018
    Abstract: A vehicle drive assembly is provided. The vehicle drive assembly includes an engine, a transmission operably coupled with the engine, an output shaft operably coupled with the transmission, a differential operably coupled with the output shaft, an axle shaft rotatably coupled to the differential, at least one wheel selectively coupled to the axle shaft via a rotatable axle stub, an electric wheel motor operably coupled to the at least one wheel via the rotatable axle stub, and a coupling device operably coupled with the electric wheel motor for selectively coupling the axle stub with the axle shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Calvin Kim, Jim Hall
  • Publication number: 20110251017
    Abstract: When it is determined that a driver requests a deceleration of a vehicle (t1), a motor torque is kept to be zero. A value in the deceleration direction (deceleration torque stabilized value A) at which an engine torque is stabilized after it changes from a value in the acceleration direction to the value in the deceleration direction is predicted. Before the engine torque reaches the deceleration torque stabilized value A, the clutch torque is adjusted to be the deceleration torque stabilized value A. When the engine torque reaches the deceleration torque stabilized value A (t3), the clutch torque is gradually decreased from the deceleration torque stabilized value A, and a regeneration torque is gradually increased from zero. A decreasing slope of a vehicle torque is kept constant over a period (t1 to t3) when the vehicle torque decreases. Therefore, the vehicle can smoothly be decelerated during the deceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Aisin Al Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshige MIYAZAKI
  • Patent number: 8033939
    Abstract: In one embodiment, when a switching clutch or a switching brake is engaged and thus a differential of a differential unit is limited, the gear ratio of a continuously variable transmission unit is adjusted. On the other hand, when the switching clutch and the switching brake are both released and thus the differential of the differential unit is not limited, an overall gear ratio obtained from the gear ratio of the differential unit and the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission unit is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Tatsuya Imamura, Yuji Iwase, Kenta Kumazaki, Keita Imai
  • Patent number: 8029408
    Abstract: A method for compensating a transmitted torque of a clutch between a regulated drive motor, in particular an electromotor, and a combustion engine in the transition to an operation using only the drive motor, to hybrid operation in which an overall torque is supplied jointly by the drive motor and the combustion engine, and the engine speed of the drive motor is controlled with the aid of a manipulated variable; to implement the transition, the combustion engine is dragged by coupling it with the drive motor with the aid of a proportional clutch having a controllable transmitted torque, and the control of the engine speed of the drive motor is implemented as a function of the transmitted torque using which the drive motor is coupled with the combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Seel
  • Publication number: 20110237387
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-motor driving common load, such as two or more motors, in which CVT is installed between the individual motor and the wheel group at individual load, when the multi-motor, such as two or more motors, installed at the common load structure individually drives the individual load through the arranged CVT to get rotational speed difference, and to make differential speed drive operation through the speed ratio variation by the CVT, and the stabilizing device constituted by torque limited coupling device with sliding damping during sliding is installed between the loads individually driven by the two CVTs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20110237388
    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: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Melissa Koenig, Xiaoning Xiang
  • Publication number: 20110230307
    Abstract: In a method for operating a hybrid drive device for a motor vehicle having at least one internal combustion engine, another drive unit and a separating clutch, to start the internal combustion engine the separating clutch is engaged, and during the start of the internal combustion engine, a setpoint rotational speed is predefined for the other drive unit. This setpoint rotational speed for the other drive unit is determined with the aid of a drivetrain model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Andreas Seel
  • Publication number: 20110209933
    Abstract: A hybrid electric drive system is provided for driving a medium or heavy duty vehicle. The drive system includes an internal combustion engine configured as the primary source of motive power. The engine is coupled to a front-most axle and a first drive shaft in mechanical communication with a middle drive axle. The drive system also includes an electric motor and a clutch assembly; and a second driveshaft in mechanical communication with the electric motor and a rear-most drive axle. When the electric motor is not in active operation, the clutch assembly disengages the electric motor from the rear-most drive axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS CONTROLS INC.
    Inventors: Filippo MUGGEO, Derek MATTHEWS