With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/5)
  • Patent number: 9499170
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle powertrain are described. In one example, a torque converter that has a variable K factor is adjusted to improve vehicle operation. The system and method may improve vehicle launch and vehicle operation at lower vehicle speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 9499165
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque demand of a driveline after a shift is forecast to determine if it is desirable to start the engine early so that engine torque is available after the shift. The approach may improve vehicle torque response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Patent number: 9463790
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cranking an engine of a hybrid vehicle that includes an electric machine to crank the engine and propel the vehicle are disclosed. In one example, engine cranking speed and engine cranking source are selected in response to vehicle operating conditions that may affect whether or not an electrical power source has sufficient energy to crank the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott James Thompson, David Farrell, Robert Wright, Xiaoyong Wang
  • Patent number: 9457670
    Abstract: In a power generation control apparatus applied to a hybrid vehicle including a compound motor in which a wound rotor is connected to an internal combustion engine and a magnet rotor is connected to a transmission, when regenerative power generation is underway and the internal combustion engine is operative, a first motor/generator constituted by the wound rotor and the magnet rotor and the internal combustion engine are controlled such that torque output from the internal combustion engine is increased by torque applied to the internal combustion engine from the first motor/generator, and a power generation amount of a second motor/generator constituted by the magnet rotor and a stator is increased such that torque transmitted to an output shaft from the internal combustion engine is not applied to a drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadashi Fujiyoshi, Takahiro Shiina, Akira Murakami, Tatsuya Miyano, Takao Watanabe, Ryoichi Hibino
  • Patent number: 9452756
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes an internal combustion engine capable of switching an operating state and a non-operating state while a vehicle travels, an engaging device capable of switching an engaged state in which the internal combustion engine is engaged with a driving wheel so that a power can be transmitted therebetween and a release state in which the engagement is released, and a controller configured to control the internal combustion engine and the engaging device based on a vehicle speed parameter as to a traveling speed of the vehicle and a determination parameter different from the vehicle speed parameter, place the engaging device in a release state at the time stop permission conditions of the internal combustion engine as to the determination parameter have been established while the vehicle travels at deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Yokokawa, Yoshio Itou
  • Patent number: 9446761
    Abstract: A control device that controls a vehicle drive device in which a first engagement device, a rotating electrical machine, a second engagement device, and an output member are sequentially arranged in this order from an input member side on a power transmission path that connects the input member drivingly coupled to an internal combustion engine to the output member drivingly coupled to wheels. The control device controls both the first engagement device and the second engagement device to a slip engaged state, and causes the rotating electrical machine to generate electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yoichi Tajima, Yomei Hakumura, Takashi Yoshida, Yuma Mori
  • Patent number: 9447864
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device having a rotating electrical machine, a speed change mechanism, and a case that accommodates the rotating electrical machine speed change mechanism. A first oil storage portion is provided so as to communicate with the speed change mechanism accommodating space. A hydraulic pump that supplies the oil in the first oil storage portion to the speed change mechanism and the rotating electrical machine. A second oil storage portion provided so as to communicate with the rotating electrical machine accommodating space. A discharge oil passage discharges the oil in the second oil storage portion to the first oil storage portion. The discharge oil passage includes a first opening that opens toward the first oil storage portion, and the first opening is provided so that its lower end is located above an oil level in the first oil storage portion during rotation of the hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mikio Iwase, Daiki Suyama, Naoya Jinnai, Tatsuya Okishima, Masahiro Izuhara, Kensuke Wada, Yukihiko Ideshio, Yuji Inoue
  • Patent number: 9434370
    Abstract: Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle drive system including: first differential mechanism provided with a rotary element connected to engine and rotary element connected to a first electric motor; a second differential mechanism provided with a rotary element connected to second electric motor and a rotary element connected to output rotary member; first clutch configured to selectively connect rotary element of first differential mechanism connected to engine or first electric motor, to rotary element of second differential mechanism connected to output rotary member; manually operated shifting device; and parking lock mechanism provided with parking lock gear fixed directly or indirectly to output rotary member and rotary motion which is prevented when shifting device is placed in parking position, control apparatus including parking lock control portion configured to release parking lock gear for permitting rotary motion of parking lock gear while first clutch is placed in its engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukinobu Nishikawa, Yoshinori Morita, Shingo Kato
  • Patent number: 9428041
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine control unit for controlling an engine, an engaging/disengaging control unit for engaging a clutch when the hybrid vehicle is shifted from a series drive mode to another drive mode in which at least the engine works as a drive source, a required output calculation unit for calculating a required output, and an engaging revolution speed calculation unit for calculating a revolution speed at a drive wheel side of the clutch. The engaging/disengaging control unit engages the clutch when the revolution speed of the engine coincides with the engaging revolution speed as a result of controlling the engine to follow the required output while the hybrid vehicle is running on the series drive mode at a predetermined vehicle speed or faster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yutaka Tamagawa
  • Patent number: 9415772
    Abstract: A utility vehicle having a first axle that is coupled to first and second wheels, an internal combustion engine that drives a first output shaft, an electric drive motor that drives a second output shaft, and a torque transfer device coupled to the first axle and the first and second output shafts. The torque transfer device is operable in a first mode to receive torque from the first output shaft only and output a motive force to the first axle, a second mode to receive torque from the second output shaft only and output the motive force, a third mode to receive torque from the first output shaft and the second output shaft simultaneously and output the motive force, and a fourth mode to receive torque from the first output shaft and output a drive force to the second output shaft cause the electrical drive motor to generate electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Trenton Munsell, Christopher K. Furman
  • Patent number: 9413215
    Abstract: A transmission-mounted electric machine includes an integrated rotational position sensor. The rotational position sensor includes a rotor element and a stator element. The stator element is attached to a stator element of the transmission at a plurality of mounting points and includes an alignment adjustment mechanism. The rotor element of the sensor is slip-fit against a shoulder of a rotor hub and held in place using a wave spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Suresh Gopalakrishnan, Chandra S. Namuduri, Peter Bostwick, Edward L. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 9403428
    Abstract: A drive-train of a vehicle with a hybrid drive comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric machine and an automated group transmission connected between the hybrid drive and a drive axle. The transmission comprises a main transmission having a main shaft, countershafts, and a splitter group connected up upstream from the main transmission. The electric machine is connected to the countershafts. The splitter group and the main transmission have a common direct gear which is engaged by a clutch to support traction force shifting of the main transmission. The clutch connects a transmission input shaft to the main transmission shaft to form the direct gear. While the direct gear is engaged, the connections of the transmission input shaft and the main transmission shaft to the countershaft and the electric machine are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Johannes Glueckler
  • Patent number: 9376032
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: a motor generator generating driving power for traveling of the vehicle; an ECU for controlling the motor generator; and an inclination detecting unit for detecting an inclination of a road surface. The ECU executes a driving power change operation that causes the vehicle to travel while switching between a first state (high output state) of the motor generator where first-level driving power is generated and a second state (low output state) of the motor generator where driving power smaller than that in the first state is generated. When it is recognized that the vehicle is traveling on a downhill, based on the inclination detected by the inclination detecting unit, the ECU sets the driving power in the first state to be smaller than that when the vehicle travels on a flat road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Amano
  • Patent number: 9370991
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle includes an input shaft rotating in response to a power received from an engine. output shaft is arranged parallel to the input shaft. A first motor generator is configured to transmit and receive a power to and from the output shaft. A second motor generator is configured to transmit and receive a power to and from the input shaft. A first clutch structure enables or disables transmission of the power between the first motor generator and the output shaft. A second clutch structure enables or disables transmission of the power between the input shaft and the output shaft. A third clutch structure enables or disables transmission of the power between the second motor generator and the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Eui Cheol Chung, Wan Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 9365205
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control device for a transmission, which operates a hydraulic apparatus by hydraulic pressure generated by an pump driven during operation of a driving force source, for which automatic stop control is performed, accumulates the hydraulic pressure in a pressure accumulator, and supplies the hydraulic pressure accumulated in the pressure accumulator to the hydraulic apparatus when the driving force source is automatically stopped is provided. The automatic stop control includes control to stop the driving force source when the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a prescribed vehicle speed; and the hydraulic pressure control device performs a control to control an accumulated oil amount in the pressure accumulator and the automatic stop control in a manner to increase the accumulated oil amount of the pressure accumulator when the driving force source is automatically stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomokazu Inagawa, Kenta Kimura, Takafumi Inagaki, Yuji Hattori, Yu Nagasato
  • Patent number: 9358872
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and is at least partially propelled by a fraction battery and a traction motor. A clutch is configured to be coupled to the traction motor. An electrical and/or mechanical pump provides pressure to control the clutch. At least one controller determines if the clutch is slipping. In response to the clutch slipping, the at least one controller commands an increase in speed of an input of the clutch such that the available line pressure to control the slipping of the clutch is increased. The line pressure is then applied to the clutch in order to control the slipping of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Marvin Paul Kraska
  • Patent number: 9358981
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving launching of a stopped hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods adjust speed of a motor to reduce lag between an increase in driver demand torque and torque being produced at vehicle wheels. In one example, motor torque is adjusted to a maximum motor torque to improve vehicle launch during select conditions where driver demand torque is not a maximum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Thomas Connolly, Daniel Colvin, Xiaoyong Wang, Jeffrey Edwin Knutson
  • Patent number: 9353661
    Abstract: A method and a system for activating a catalyst of a hybrid vehicle are provided. In particular, the system and the method maintain a speed of a motor to be a predetermined speed when a transmission of the hybrid vehicle is in a neutral state and heat and activate the catalyst by increasing an engine torque through a slip of an engine clutch. The method includes increasing, by a controller, torque of an engine by controlling a slip of an engine clutch disposed between the engine and a motor of the hybrid vehicle. The controller determines whether a temperature of the catalyst of the hybrid vehicle reaches a predetermined temperature and feedback-controls the slip of the engine clutch when the temperature of the catalyst is less than the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 9352738
    Abstract: A powertrain architecture includes an engine and a transmission coupled through a launch device that is configured to be selectively mechanically coupled to the engine and to the transmission. A ring gear is positioned at least partially around the launch device. An engine lock up clutch mechanically couples the engine to the ring gear. A turbine lock up clutch mechanically couples the launch device to the ring gear. Ancillary devices are provided to receive power from or transmit power to the ring gear. The engine lock up clutch and the turbine lock up clutch selectively engage the ring gear to power at least one ancillary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Kellerman
  • Patent number: 9347500
    Abstract: A first clutch CL1 is disposed between engine Eng and left and right rear wheels RL, RR, and control of disengaging first clutch CL1 is performed by setting line pressure PL as an original pressure and executing F/B control of a piston stroke position. In this FR hybrid vehicle, when disengaging first clutch CL1, line pressure increase control to increase line pressure PL to a value higher than a reference line pressure in advance is started at least before a piston pressure reaches the reference line pressure, and line pressure PL is returned to the reference line pressure when the piston pressure is reduced during this disengagement operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadashi Okuda
  • Patent number: 9340201
    Abstract: An engine operation control device for a hybrid vehicle, including: an engine provided in a vehicle; a power generator that is driven by the engine to generate electric power; a driving battery that is chargeable with electric power supplied from the power generator; and a front motor and a rear motor that drive wheels with electric power supplied from the driving battery or the power generator, and allowing a series mode in which the front motor drives front wheels and the rear motor drives rear wheels while the engine is operated at a predetermined set rotational speed to drive the power generator to generate electric power, wherein the set rotational speed is set to increase with decreasing of the atmospheric pressure in a present position of the vehicle in the series mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsunori Ueda, Sumio Tanaka, Shigetoshi Hirano
  • Patent number: 9341126
    Abstract: External data from a second computer external to a vehicle is received in an in-vehicle computer comprising a processor and a memory. At least one derived datum is generated from at least some of the external data. The at least one derived datum is used to make an adjustment to engine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9333967
    Abstract: A method for controlling a drive system of a vehicle. The drive system includes a combustion engine (2) with an output shaft (2a), a gearbox (3) with an input shaft (3a), an electrical machine (9) that comprises a stator (9a) and a rotor (9b), and a planetary gear that comprises a sun gear (10), a ring gear (11) and a planet wheel carrier (12). If the torque from the combustion engine and the electrical machine is sufficient for the operation of the vehicle with the planetary gear in the released state, and if the fuel consumption of the vehicle with the planetary gear in the released state is lower than in the locked states, then control the electrical machine and the combustion engine so that the requested torque is provided while the planetary gear is in the released state. Otherwise the planetary gear is arranged in the locked state and the method is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: SCANIA CV AB
    Inventors: Niklas Pettersson, Mikael Bergquist, Johan Lindström, Anders Kjell, Mathias Björkman
  • Patent number: 9321448
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes a transmission, a clutch, and a shift execution portion. The shift execution portion operates the shift actuator to control the connecting portion in an engaged state engaged with the idler gear of a present gear stage to disengage from the idler gear of the present gear stage while gradually decreasing the engine torque while the clutch is still engaged, when a shift operation from the present gear stage to a subsequent gear stage is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kyosuke Mori, Yasuhisa Iwasaki, Yoshihiro Murakami, Shinya Harada
  • Patent number: 9315095
    Abstract: A hybrid power train for a vehicle is capable of improving fuel efficiency of the vehicle by preventing a motor from being driven by power of an engine for a period in which the vehicle is driven by the engine. The hybrid power train may include an input shaft installed to selectively receive power of an engine, an engine side driving gear provided at the input shaft, an output shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft, an engine side driven gear provided at the output shaft so as to be engaged with the engine side driving gear, a motor side driving gear installed to be rotated by a motor while forming a concentric axis with the input shaft, a motor side driven gear rotatably provided at the output shaft so as to be engaged with the motor side driving gear, and a clutch unit installed to switch a state in which the motor side driven gear is fixed to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jong Yun Park, Eui Cheol Chung
  • Patent number: 9316198
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for pressurizing a transmission hydraulic circuit including a transmission mechanical pump coupled to an engine though a gearbox. One example method comprises, during an engine start, adjusting a speed ratio between the transmission pump and the engine between a first speed ratio and a second speed ratio, the pump rotating faster relative to the engine at the first speed ratio as compared with the second speed ratio. In this way, the pump may be driven at different speed ratios relative to the engine to provide better pressurization in the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee, Yuji Fujii
  • Patent number: 9296386
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle mounting a torque converter with a lock-up clutch in order to better accomplish good drivability as well as good gasoline mileage than conventional vehicle control apparatuses includes an engine, a motor generator, a torque convertor with the lock-up clutch, and a battery, and expands a lock-up region when the battery is not under a input/output limited state wider than when the battery is under the input/output limited state while the vehicle is being driven at least by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobufusa Kobayashi, Toshio Sugimura, Masato Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 9278685
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a transmission torque converter lockup clutch is adjusted by way of adjusting a transfer function based on torque supplied by an electric machine to improve engine starting control. The approach may improve engine starting and vehicle drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Patent number: 9261017
    Abstract: A vehicle drive includes a speed change mechanism connected to a rotary electric machine; an output member connected to the speed change mechanism and wheels; an engagement device changes a state of engagement between an input member connected to an engine and the speed change mechanism; a hydraulic pump driven by the engine or the rotary electric machine; a first pressure control device that controls pressure supplied from the pump and supplies the pressure to the speed change mechanism; a second, separate hydraulic pressure control device that controls the pressure supplied from the pump and supplies the pressure to the engagement device; and a case that houses the rotary electric machine, speed change mechanism, engagement device, and pump. At least the engagement device is housed in a space formed by the case, and the second hydraulic pressure control device is provided at a part of the case forming the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mikio Iwase, Daiki Suyama, Naoya Jinnai, Kensuke Wada, Yuji Inoue, Yukihiko Ideshio
  • Patent number: 9248829
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is started and idled before engine torque is required so that driveline torque response may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 9242645
    Abstract: A fail-safe control method and apparatus for an engine clutch actuator includes determining whether a driving mode of a hybrid vehicle is an electric vehicle (EV) mode. An oil pressure in a cylinder of the engine clutch actuator is measured when the driving mode of the hybrid vehicle is the EV mode. The oil pressure value in the cylinder is compared with a previously stored average pressure value. A motor of the engine clutch actuator rotates to decrease the oil pressure value in the cylinder t when the oil pressure value in the cylinder is greater than the previously stored average pressure value. An engine clutch is connected to an internal combustion engine as the oil pressure value in the cylinder decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Tae Ho Kim, Jong Hyun Kim, Young Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 9224255
    Abstract: Provided are a vehicle configured such that if idling does not automatically stop, an in-vehicle display will occur immediately if a malfunction is the cause, thereby enabling a driver to have peace of mind and concentrate on driving, without giving the driver an unnecessary sense of unease; a vehicle diagnostic system therefor; and a vehicle diagnostic method. The vehicle comprises an idle stop error display unit provided corresponding to a specific ECU among a plurality of ECUs, and that indicates that an idle stop malfunction has occurred, being a malfunction corresponding to a second IS malfunction code, when a malfunction has occurred within a control target range for any among the plurality of ECUs, said malfunction recording the second IS malfunction code which does not cause the operation of a warning light requesting inspection or repair of an error that has occurred inside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kensuke Yagi, Ryuji Sato, Hiroshi Yoneguchi, Masahiko Asakura
  • Patent number: 9216732
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) controller configured to determine a value of driver demanded torque to be supplied to a driveline of a HEV by first and second actuators of the vehicle based on a plurality of parameters, the parameters including: (a) a speed of a first actuator; and (b) a position of a driver-operated control, the controller being configured such that when the first actuator is not connected to the driveline a value of driver demanded torque is determined based on a virtual speed of the first actuator, the virtual speed being a speed at which the first actuator would be turning if the first actuator was connected to the driveline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Hancock, Jose Jimmy
  • Patent number: 9199636
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle drive configured with a power transfer path that includes a first engagement device, a rotary electric machine, and a second engagement device. These elements being arranged in this order from an input member coupled to an engine to an output member that is coupled to the wheels of the vehicle. A mode control unit switches among a first, second, third and fourth control modes in which the rotating electrical machine generates electricity with: (i) both the first and second engagement devices, (ii) both the first and second engagement devices, (iii) the first engagement device in the direct engagement state and with the second engagement device, and (iv) with the first engagement device in the slip engagement state and with the second engagement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yuma Mori, Yomei Hakumura
  • Patent number: 9194445
    Abstract: A driving device includes a motor control unit and a clutch control unit. When the motor control unit stops a motor from an operating state, the clutch control unit controls the energization and de-energization of an exciting coil of each of electromagnetic clutches so as to switch one or more but not all of the electromagnetic clutches to a cutoff state while keeping the remaining electromagnetic clutches in a connected state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Daijiro Ueno
  • Patent number: 9180877
    Abstract: A control device controls a vehicle drive device in which a first engagement device, a rotary electric machine, a second engagement device, and an output member are arranged on a power transfer path from an internal combustion engine to wheels. The control device executes mode transition control that causes transition from (i) a first control mode in which both the first engagement device and the second engagement device are in a slip engagement state and the rotary electric machine generates electric power to (ii) a second control mode in which the first engagement device is in a direct engagement state, the second engagement device is in the slip engagement state, and the rotary electric machine generates electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yuma Mori, Yomei Hakumura
  • Patent number: 9180873
    Abstract: It is provided a control device of a hybrid vehicle having an engine, an electric motor, a clutch disposed in a power transmission path between the engine and the electric motor, and a hydraulic power transmission device with a lockup clutch disposed in a power transmission path between the electric motor and drive wheels, the control device being configured to engage the clutch and provide slip control of the lockup clutch when the engine is started from motor running using the electric motor, and to lower an engagement pressure of the lockup clutch as compared to the case of an engine start caused by an acceleration request from a driver if the start of the engine is an engine start caused by a request from a hybrid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Terufumi Miyazaki, Yukihiko Ideshio, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka
  • Patent number: 9174526
    Abstract: In a drive controller for a vehicle including: a drive source configured to output a drive force to a first axle serving as one of front and rear wheel axles; an electric motor configured to output a drive force to a second axle serving as the other of the front and rear wheel axles; a one-way power transmission device disposed on a power transmission pathway between the second axle and the electric motor so as to transmit a power drive force from the electric motor to the second axle; a two-way power transmission device that transmits a rotation power from the second axle to the electric motor or transmits the power drive force and a regeneration drive force from the electric motor to the second axle, the drive controller includes: a first detector that detects a speed of the vehicle or a rotation speed of the second axle; a target rotation speed determination section that determines a target rotation speed of the electric motor based on the speed of the vehicle or the rotation speed of the second axle; a se
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Yamamoto, Tomokazu Katayama, Yoshihiro Kanamaru, Sei Shinohara, Nobuyuki Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 9168915
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: a motor generator for generating driving power for traveling thereof; an ECU for controlling the motor generator; and an inclination detecting unit for detecting inclination of a road surface. The ECU performs power changing driving in which the vehicle is traveled while switching the motor generator between a first state (high output state) and a second state (low output state). In the first state (high output state), driving power of a first level is generated. In the second state (low output state), the driving power is made smaller than that in the first state. When it is recognized that the vehicle is traveling on an uphill road based on the inclination detected by the inclination detecting unit, ECU sets the driving power in the first state to be larger than that set when the vehicle is traveling on a flat road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Amano
  • Patent number: 9168908
    Abstract: A method of actuating a starting process, in a selected driving direction, of a vehicle having a hybrid drive system and a hydraulically controlled transmission. When starting, the method checks whether the vehicle is moving in the selected direction, and if the vehicle is moving in the opposite direction, at least the shifting element (A, B, D, E, F) of the transmission that is involved in the engaged gear is actuated in such a manner that a continuous torque increase is produced by the electric machine (EM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Kai Borntrager, Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Patent number: 9156344
    Abstract: A powertrain has an engine with a crankshaft. The powertrain includes a planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member. The first member is connected for common rotation with an input member. A first clutch is selectively engageable to operatively connect the crankshaft with the input member. A second clutch is selectively engageable to ground the input member with a stationary member. An electric motor/generator has a rotor operatively connected for common rotation with the second member. An output member is provided, with a set of intermeshing gears configured to transfer torque from the third member to the output member. A first gear pair and a second gear pair are operable by engagement of a first synchronizer and a second synchronizer, respectively, to provide two different fixed ratios between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Awadesh Tiwari, Ravikanth G V, Atul Kumar Agrawal, Madhukar Kumar, Vikas Bhu Sharma
  • Patent number: 9121340
    Abstract: A hydraulic power system for a utility vehicle having an engine with a crankshaft. The system features first and second rotationally-driven power generating devices, one of which is a hydraulic pump and the other of which is an alternator and one of which is a hydraulic pump. The first device has a first rotational input for operative coupling to the crankshaft for driven rotation thereby. A secondary shaft has an input end portion arranged for rotational coupling to a rotationally driven member of the first device and an output end portion arranged for rotational coupling to a second rotational input of the second device for driving thereof under driven operation of the first rotationally-driven power generating device by the crankshaft. Higher power output of increased reliability is provided over prior art add-on hydraulic solutions using electric-over-hydraulic power packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Defence
    Inventors: Blake Beckman, Blaine Fairbrother
  • Patent number: 9120483
    Abstract: In a gear-shift instruction device for the hybrid vehicle that includes an engine that can output power for running, an electric motor (such as a motor-generator and a motor) that can output power for running, a power transmission system that transmits power to a drive wheel and can manually select a gear shift position, and a gear-shift instruction unit that prompts a change of the gear shift position to a driver, modes of the guide for gear shift are different between during electric motor running (EV running) and during hybrid running (HV running) for a same accelerator depression amount and vehicle speed in a state that allows manual gear shift operation (manual gear shift mode). This ensures the compatibility between: improvement in energy efficiency and fuel consumption by the gear shift instruction; and reduction in burden of the driver due to gear shifting based on the gear shift instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keita Sato, Eiji Fukushiro
  • Patent number: 9108613
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a disconnect clutch is operated in response to an engine stop request to adjust an engine stopping position during an engine shutdown. The approach may reduce engine starting time after the engine stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Patent number: 9102325
    Abstract: Provided is a hybrid electric vehicle that includes a turbocharger and a method for controlling driving of the hybrid electric vehicle accordingly. In particular, an engine and a motor are configured to generate power respectively. An engine clutch may be positioned between the engine and the driving motor to engage and disengage the engine and the driving motor. An integrated starter and generator (ISG) starts the engine or generates power, and a turbocharger is provided therein. A decelerator adjusts revolution speeds and torque of the turbine and the air compressor of the turbocharger and the integrated starter and generator between the turbine and the air compressor of the turbocharger and the integrated starter and generator. Finally, a controller controls the integrated starter and generator, the engine clutch, the turbo charter, and the decelerator based on states of the engine, the driving motor, and the battery accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Hyun Woo Jung
  • Patent number: 9102315
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and transmission assembly, the latter having a stationary member, a plurality of gear sets, an input member, a friction clutch, a binary clutch assembly, and a transmission control module (TCM). The binary clutch assembly includes a freewheeling element and a binary device such as a selectable one way clutch or dog clutch. The TCM selectively delays a release of the binary clutch assembly via a binary clutch indicator method by detecting a requested shift of the transmission requiring an engagement of the friction clutch, and commanding the release of the binary clutch assembly. The TCM determines an amount of slip across the binary clutch assembly and executes the requested shift of the transmission only when the determined amount of slip exceeds a calibrated slip threshold. Slip may be measured or calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Randall B. Dlugoss, Vijay A. Neelakantan
  • Patent number: 9097330
    Abstract: It is provided a vehicle power transmission device having a hydraulic power transmission device and a power transmission mechanism, the hydraulic power transmission device including an input-side rotating member that houses an output-side rotating member disposed with turbine blades and fluid flowing from pump blades to turbine blades, the vehicle power transmission device having an engine intermittent clutch and a lockup clutch disposed closer to an engine relative to the turbine blades in the input-side rotating member, one of the engine intermittent clutch and the lockup clutch being a single plate clutch, the vehicle power transmission device further comprising an electric motor, and the hydraulic power transmission device including a first damper inserted in a power transmission path between the crankshaft of the engine and the electric motor, and a second damper inserted in a power transmission path between the first damper and the output-side rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 9080542
    Abstract: A method for restarting a vehicle engine that is stopped at a known crank angle includes actuating a clutch located in a torque path between a starting motor and the engine with desired pressure related to the known crank angle during the restart, and using the starting motor to drive the engine during the restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Marvin P. Kraska, Brian T. Soo
  • Patent number: 9074656
    Abstract: A drive train (1) of a motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine (2) with a crankshaft (6). A transmission (3) is connected downstream of the internal combustion engine (2) to drive at least one axle (5) of the motor vehicle. A starter generator (23) is assigned to the internal combustion engine (2). The starter generator (23) is attached to the crankshaft (6) by two separate drive trains (13, 22; 24, 25). One (24, 25) of the drive trains (13, 22; 24; 25) has a shiftable clutch (29) and the other (13, 22) of the drive trains (13, 22; 24, 25) has a shiftable clutch (32) or a freewheel (11) that is active during a starter mode of the starter generator (23). The drive train ensures an optimum start capability of the cold internal combustion engine and additionally permits electric boosting of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Benz, Stephan Mueller, Sven Gohl
  • Patent number: 9067580
    Abstract: The control device of a vehicle drive device is configured to have an electric path and a mechanical path, to control an operating point of the engine by adjusting a torque of the first electric motor, to select a transmission path with better power transmission efficiency between a power transmission efficiency in a first transmission path transmitting the power of the engine toward the drive wheels by using both the power transmission via the electric path and the power transmission only via fluid in the hydraulic power transmission device in the mechanical path and a power transmission efficiency in a second transmission path transmitting the power of the engine toward the drive wheels through power transmission when the lockup clutch of the hydraulic power transmission device is driven to perform an engagement or slip operation in the mechanical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura