With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/5)
  • Publication number: 20140302964
    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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobufusa Kobayashi, Toshio Sugimura, Masato Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8851861
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle powertrain includes a module including a clutch, an electric machine and a first sump, a transmission including a line pressure source and a second sump, and a pump that supplies fluid from the first sump to the line pressure source when the source of line pressure is unavailable, and supplies fluid from the first sump to the second sump when fluid volume in the second sump is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, Steven G. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8852054
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a traction motor, and a transmission selectively coupled in series by a clutch include modulating engine torque while the clutch is disengaged and while engine speed is less than motor speed to increase the engine speed. The clutch is engaged to connect the engine to the motor in response to the engine speed exceeding the motor speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew John Shelton, Hong Jiang, Zhengyu Dai, Charles Chunlin Liu, Felix Nedorezov
  • Publication number: 20140296027
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle shifts a lock-up clutch to a slipping or released state when braking. The control apparatus causes an electric motor to output assist torque in a direction increasing a rotational speed of an engine, during control for shifting the lock-up clutch to a released state, when prescribed sudden braking is required during engine-powered travel in a locked-up state. Therefore, even if there is a time delay in actual implementation of shift from the locked-up state to the released state by the lock-up clutch, the rotational speed of the engine is increased (or maintained), or decrease in the rotational speed of the engine is suppressed, by the assist torque from the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20140296026
    Abstract: A hybrid drivetrain for a motor vehicle has a first drive unit which has a first drive device by means of which first drive power can be provided. A second drive unit has a second drive device by means of which second drive power can be provided. A drive output device can be connected to driven wheels of the motor vehicle. A first gearbox arrangement has a first gearbox input and a first gearbox output. A second gearbox arrangement has a second gearbox input and a second gearbox output. The first drive device is connected to the first gearbox input and the second drive device is connected to the second gearbox input. The first and second gearbox outputs are connected to the drive output device. The first and second gearbox inputs can be connected to one another or separated from one another by means of a clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Sören Wenzel, Stevens Sehic
  • Patent number: 8845483
    Abstract: A system includes a hybrid power train including an engine, a first electrical torque provider, and a second electrical torque provider. The system further includes a load mechanically coupled to the hybrid power train. The hybrid power train further includes a clutch coupled to the engine and the second electrical torque provider on a first side, and coupled to the first electrical torque provider and the load on a second side. The system further includes an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to the electrical torque providers. The system further includes a controller that performs operations to smooth torque commands for the engine and the second electrical torque provider in response to determining that a clutch engage-disengage event occurring or imminent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
  • Patent number: 8845482
    Abstract: A hybrid power driving system is provided, comprising an engine; a first motor; a first reducing mechanism, a second clutch, a first wheels group, a second motor, a second wheels group, a second reducing mechanism, an energy storage device, a clutch, an engine controller, and a motor controller. The motor controller may be configured to: start or stop at least one of the first motor or the second motor; and control the clutch controller and the engine controller according to a running mode of the hybrid power driving system. A driving method for the driving system as described hereinabove is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen BYD Auto R&D Company Limited, BYD Company Limited
    Inventors: Xinxin Zhang, Yinmei Zhou, Song Li, Fei Luo
  • Patent number: 8845484
    Abstract: Mutual interference between a hydraulic pressure of a first engagement device and a hydraulic pressure of a second engagement device is suppressed even in the case where operation of the first engagement device and operation of the second engagement device coincide with each other. A vehicle drive device includes a first engagement device that selectively couples a rotary electric machine to an internal combustion engine, and a fluid coupling. The first engagement device includes a first oil chamber that is formed to apply a back pressure to a first piston. The fluid coupling includes a second oil chamber configured to control an engagement state of a second engagement device. The vehicle drive device includes a first control valve that controls a first oil chamber hydraulic pressure, and a second control valve that controls a second oil chamber hydraulic pressure independently of the first oil chamber hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Kamiya, Terufumi Miyazaki, Mikio Iwase, Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Yuhei Yoshioka, Keisuke Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 8845481
    Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain system including a torque machine coupled to an internal combustion engine that is coupled to a transmission includes, upon commanding a shift in a transmission operating range, activating an immediate response mode to effect the shift. Activating the immediate response mode includes controlling the engine to achieve a predicted engine torque command, and controlling motor torque of the torque machine in response to a difference between an actual engine torque and an immediate crankshaft torque for shift command. An arbitrated predicted motor torque is determined. A possible crankshaft torque is determined in response to the arbitrated predicted motor torque and the predicted engine torque command. Operation of the transmission at the end of the shift event is commanded in response to the possible crankshaft torque. A predicted response mode is activated to complete the shift in the transmission operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Adam J. Heisel
  • Publication number: 20140287870
    Abstract: An engine is provided with an output shaft and a motor generator connection shaft of a crankshaft at ends of a crank case and adapted such that the output shaft can be connected with an external driven apparatus. A motor generator has stators relatively fixed to the crank case and a rotor coupled with the motor generator connection shaft and rotating relative to the stators. An external apparatus connection shaft is connected with the rotor and disposed at an end of the motor generator on the opposite side of the engine. A clutch is disposed between the motor generator connection shaft and the rotor. A power storage unit stores electric power generated by the motor generator and supplies the electric power to the motor generator. A controller switches between an electric power generation function and a motor function, and engages and disengages the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira FURUYA, Keiichi KAKIZAKI, Kentaro HIROTA, Shigeki TAJIMA, Yosuke KUBOTA
  • Patent number: 8840523
    Abstract: A power transmission device for hybrid vehicle 10, which is provided with an engine 1, a first motor 21 and a second motor 22, includes a flywheel 13 intervening between the crankshaft 11 of the engine 1 and the driven shaft 12 driven by the crankshaft 11, the first clutch 31 disposed at the engine 1 side of the flywheel 13 for disconnecting and connecting power transmission between the engine 1 and the first motor 21, the second clutch 32 disposed at the driven shaft 12 side of the flywheel 13 for disconnecting and connecting power transmission between the engine 1 and the driven shaft 12, and a shifter 73 for disconnecting and connecting power transmission between the second motor 22 and the driven shaft 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Shigeru Tajima
  • Patent number: 8840524
    Abstract: A fuel saving system for a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine and having a hydraulically activated automatic transmission. The system includes a hydraulic pump able to supply pressurized transmission fluid to the automatic transmission, an energy storage device, and at least one motor powered by the energy storage device including a motor that is mechanically connected to the hydraulic pump and a motor that is coupled to the engine. The system also includes a controller that is responsive to one or more operating conditions to turn off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and to use the motor that is mechanically connected to the hydraulic pump so as to activate the pump to supply sufficient power to the transmission to maintain engagement of the transmission in a driving gear. The controller is also responsive to one or more operating conditions to activate the motor that is coupled to the engine so as to restart the engine with the transmission engaged in a driving gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Développement Effenco Inc.
    Inventors: David Arsenault, Benoit Lacroix, Dany Fouquet
  • Patent number: 8843289
    Abstract: At least a method is provided learning a characteristic filling volume of a hydraulic clutch. The method includes, but is not limited to applying a pressure pulse to the hydraulic clutch when the clutch is in a disengaged state and determining an inflection event at an input or at an output of a torque path in which the hydraulic clutch is situated. A characteristic filling volume of the hydraulic clutch is derived from the determined inflection event. Furthermore, a method is provided for learning a characteristic return spring pressure of the hydraulic clutch, for engaging the hydraulic clutch and corresponding devices for carrying out these methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Morgan Postic, Marc Rambert, Eric Dalais, Emmanuel Hoff, Nathaniel Wilke
  • Publication number: 20140274553
    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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Trenton MUNSELL, Christopher K. FURMAN
  • Patent number: 8834318
    Abstract: A method includes operating a hybrid power train having an internal combustion engine, at least one electrical torque provider, and an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to the electrical torque provider(s). The method further includes determining a machine power demand, and determining a power division description in response to the machine power demand. The method further includes interpreting a state-of-health (SOH) for the electrical energy storage device, and in response to the SOH for the electrical energy storage device, adjusting the power division description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
  • Patent number: 8834319
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an engine, an electric machine connected to the engine by an upstream clutch, a transmission gearbox connected to the electric machine by a downstream clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) slip a downstream clutch, (ii) limit a torque output of an electric machine to a threshold value, (iii) engage an upstream clutch while the downstream clutch is slipping, and (iii) engage the downstream clutch. A method for controlling an electric machine in a vehicle during an upstream torque disturbance is provided. The downstream clutch is slipped and the torque output of an electric machine is limited to a threshold value. The upstream clutch is engaged while the downstream clutch is slipping. The downstream clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bernard D. Nefcy
  • Publication number: 20140256506
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device having a torque converter in a power transmission path between an engine and drive wheels, the torque converter including an input-side rotating member disposed with a plurality of pump blades, an output-side rotating member disposed with a plurality of turbine blades receiving a fluid flow from the pump blades, and a stator disposed with a stator blade disposed between the pump blades and the turbine blades, the vehicle power transmission device includes: a case including a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a bulkhead disposed on an opposite side of the torque converter to the engine, the first chamber housing the torque converter, the second chamber being formed on an opposite side of the bulkhead to the torque converter, the first chamber and the second chamber being oil-tightly isolated from each other by an oil seal oil-tightly sealing a gap between an inner circumferential surface of the bulkhead and an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical rota
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 8827866
    Abstract: When an engine is started in a motor running mode, a control unit performs engine starting control by raising the engine speed through slip engagement of an engine coupling/decoupling clutch, temporarily reducing engaging force of the engine coupling/decoupling clutch after the engine becomes able to rotate by itself, and then fully engaging the engine coupling/decoupling clutch. The control unit advances the intake valve opening/closing timing at an earlier point in time as the motor speed is higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Nakanishi, Shintaro Matsutani
  • Patent number: 8827865
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain with an engine, first and second torque machines, and a hybrid transmission. A method for operating the vehicle includes operating the engine in an unfueled state, releasing an off-going clutch which when engaged effects operation of the hybrid transmission in a first continuously variable mode, and applying a friction braking torque to a wheel of the vehicle to compensate for an increase in an output torque of the hybrid transmission resulting from releasing the off-going clutch. Subsequent to releasing the off-going clutch, an oncoming clutch which when engaged effects operation of the hybrid transmission in a second continuously variable mode is synchronized. Subsequent to synchronization of the oncoming clutch, the oncoming clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ali K. Naqvi, Besim Demirovic, Pinaki Gupta, Lawrence A. Kaminsky
  • Publication number: 20140248992
    Abstract: An electrified engine accessory drive (EEAD) system is provided that replaces the front engine accessory drive (FEAD) components (e.g., a/c compressor, air brake compressor; power steering pump, etc.) on vehicles, such as heavy duty trucks. Using such an EEAD system aims to reduce parasitic losses induced on a conventional engine by the front engine accessory drive (FEAD) while providing additional benefits, such as engine off vehicle and/or system operation. The EEAD systems may also be used in lieu of rear-end accessory drives and other accessory drives powering multiple accessories from a common driveshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Christopher G. Wehrwein, William C. Kahn
  • Publication number: 20140248993
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a combustion engine (2) with a driveshaft (4) for driving the wheels of at least one axle (7), at least one electrical machine (11, 12) for driving the wheels of this axle or at least one other axle (10), with the at least one electrical machine capable of being operated as a generator during a braking process and as a motor during an acceleration process, and a further electrical machine (18) which is coupled to the at least one electrical machine and includes a flywheel store which has a rotor (14) and is chargeable during a braking operation and dischargeable during an acceleration process. The rotor (14) can be mechanically coupled via at least one shiftable clutch (23) to the driveshaft (4) of the at least one axle (7) which can be driven by the combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Johannes Dawidziak, Steffen Clement, Markus Schiefer
  • Patent number: 8821342
    Abstract: An accessory drive motor configuration is disclosed. One embodiment of the accessory drive motor configuration is an apparatus including an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft, wherein the crankshaft is structured to provide traction power. The apparatus further includes an accessory drive system operably coupled to a shaft. The shaft is selectively coupled to an electro-mechanical device and selectively coupled to the internal combustion engine. The shaft extends through at least a portion of the electro-mechanical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan MacKenzie Andreae, David M. Barnes, Vivek Anand Sujan
  • Publication number: 20140243149
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has a powertrain that includes a transmission with a planetary gear set that has a first, a second, and a third member. An engine is connected for unitary rotation with the first member. A first final drive is operatively connectable with the carrier member and connected with the first axle. A first motor-generator is connected for unitary rotation with the third member. A second motor-generator is operatively connected for proportional rotation with one of the axles. A first clutch is selectively engageable to connect any two of the members for unitary rotation with one another. The planetary gear set provides an underdrive ratio of speed of the second member to speed of the engine when the sun gear member is stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Min-Joong Kim
  • Patent number: 8818653
    Abstract: A system and method of dithering speed and/or torque for shifting a transmission of a vehicle having an engine, a reversible, variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump which can be driven by the engine, a hydraulic accumulator supplied by said motor/pump, and at least one reversible hydraulic driving motor for propelling the vehicle supplied with fluid by the hydraulic accumulator and/or by said motor/pump operating as a pump. A transmission unit connects the engine with the variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump during a first mode of operation (city mode) and connects the engine to a vehicle drive wheel during a second mode of operation. The system utilizes stored hydraulic energy to dither the output of the driving motor in order to achieve quick and smooth shifts between city and highway mode, or between various ranges within the city mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Yisheng Zhang, John Loeffler
  • Patent number: 8814750
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a creep mode of a vehicle comprising a hybrid drive (1), a drive train (2) which essentially comprises an internal combustion engine (3), an electric machine (5), a gear-shift element (4) arranged between the internal combustion engine (3) and the electric machine (5), a transmission (7) and a power take-off (26). The aim of the invention is to allow an efficient creep mode which is substantially temporally unlimited and reliable and wherein an electrical energy storage device (14) is used as little as possible. The method according to the invention is characterized in that primarily the gear-shift element (4) is used when the internal combustion engine (3) is running and secondarily, depending on a monitoring of defined operation parameters of the gear-shift element (4) and/or of variables relevant for the creep mode, the electric machine (5) is used to implement the creep mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
  • Patent number: 8818600
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine may be operated at an idle speed while a driveline disconnect clutch separating the engine from a driveline is open in response to a reduction in driver demand torque. Engine torque may be applied to the driveline by simply closing the driveline disconnect clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8808140
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, entry conditions for entering a driveline sailing mode are described. Driveline sailing mode may improve driveline torque response and vehicle drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8808141
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing torque disturbances during a shift event for a hybrid vehicle having an engine selectively coupled to a traction motor and an automatic transmission to control or compensate actual transmission input shaft torque based on measured transmission input torque by controlling a torque source, such as a traction motor. The system and method may include an engine, a transmission, a traction motor between the engine and the transmission with the engine being selectively coupled to the motor and the transmission by a disconnect clutch and a controller configured to control motor torque to cause an actual transmission input shaft torque to achieve a target transmission input shaft torque during a transmission shift event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew John Shelton, Christopher John Teslak, Zhengyu Dai
  • Patent number: 8808137
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle with a drive assembly which has a combustion engine and an automatic transmission with frictional shift elements positioned between the drive assembly and an output, namely for executing a traction upshift or a traction downshift in which at least one frictional shift element of the automatic transmission is engaged and at least one frictional shift element of the automatic transmission is disengaged. During execution of a traction upshift and at least, during the engagement procedure of a frictional shift element being engaged, reducing the torque provided by the combustion engine, and for executing a traction downshift at least during the lowering of the transferability of a frictional shift element being disengaged, reducing the torque provided by the combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Patent number: 8808138
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a traction motor, and a torque converter that is driven by the traction motor. A clutch arrangement mechanically couples an output of the torque converter to transmission gearing. A controller is provided in the vehicle that is configured to command an increase in slip, or decrease in clutch pressure, in the clutch arrangement in response to an increase in speed of the traction motor. The commanding of an increase in slip enables a product of the torque ratio of the torque converter and an input torque to the torque converter to remain generally constant during the increase in speed of the traction motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Marvin Paul Kraska, Michael John Encelewski, Hong Jiang, Felix Nedorezov
  • Patent number: 8808139
    Abstract: A marine propulsion system has a propulsor that propels a marine vessel, an internal combustion engine that powers the propulsor via a driveshaft, a clutch that is movable between a closed position wherein the engine is operationally connected to the driveshaft and an open position wherein the engine is operationally disconnected from the driveshaft, and an electric motor that selectively applies torque on the driveshaft. A control circuit is programmed to move the clutch into the open position; and to cause the motor to selectively apply a load torque on the driveshaft, to thereby dislodge the clutch from the closed position. The control circuit can also be programmed to compare rotational speeds of the engine and motor to thereby determine whether the clutch is in one of the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Jason S. Arbuckle, Wayne M. Jaszewski, Thomas S. Kirchhoff
  • Publication number: 20140228166
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine and a multi-mode transmission configured to transfer torque among the engine, first and second torque machines, and an output member. The input member includes a clutch element configured to prevent rotation of the engine in a first direction. In response to an output torque request when the engine is in an OFF state, the motor torques from the first and second torque machines are controlled in response to the output torque request including controlling the motor torque from the first torque machine at a positive torque greater than a minimum positive torque and controlling the motor torque from the second torque machine responsive to the output torque request and responsive to the motor torque from the first torque machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: ANTHONY H. HEAP, SEAN W. MCGROGAN
  • Publication number: 20140228165
    Abstract: Powertrain configurations for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: EFFICIENT DRIVETRAINS INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Joerg Ferchau, Leonhard Fahreddin, Julio Razo, Krishna Kumar, Anthony Serra
  • Publication number: 20140229044
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has an engine, an electric machine connected to the engine by an upstream clutch, a transmission gearbox connected to the electric machine by a downstream clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a user commanded shift of the transmission, control the electric machine speed to a designated speed based on gearbox output speed and the transmission gear ratio after the shift, thereby synchronizing speeds across the gearbox for the shift. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle provides, in response to a user commanded shift of an automatic transmission gearbox, controlling an electric machine speed to a target speed based on the transmission gear ratio after the shift where the target speed is synchronized with the transmission gearbox output speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Zhengyu Dai, Hong Jiang
  • Publication number: 20140228168
    Abstract: Powertrain configurations for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are disclosed. One powertrain comprises: a prime mover; an electric motor-generator, said electric motor-generator mechanically coupled to said prime mover via a first clutch; a transmission, said transmission mechanically coupled to said electric motor-generator via a second clutch; a battery, said battery electrically coupled to said electric motor-generator, said battery capable of supplying electrical energy to said electric motor-generator; and a controller, said controller capable of supplying control signals to said prime mover, said first clutch, said electric motor-generator, said second clutch and said transmission such that said controller is capable of dynamically affecting a plurality of operating modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Efficient Drivetrains Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Kaufman, Chan-Chiao Lin, Andrew Frank
  • Publication number: 20140228167
    Abstract: Four Wheel Drive (4WD) powertrain configurations for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Chan-Chiao Lin, Patrick Kaufman, Julio Razo
  • Patent number: 8801567
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission includes first and second electric machines. A method for operating the hybrid transmission in response to a command to execute a shift from an initial continuously variable mode to a target continuously variable mode includes increasing torque of an oncoming clutch associated with operating in the target continuously variable mode and correspondingly decreasing a torque of an off-going clutch associated with operating in the initial continuously variable mode. Upon deactivation of the off-going clutch, torque outputs of the first and second electric machines and the torque of the oncoming clutch are controlled to synchronize the oncoming clutch. Upon synchronization of the oncoming clutch, the torque for the oncoming clutch is increased and the transmission is operated in the target continuously variable mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Besim Demirovic, Pinaki Gupta, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Ali K. Naqvi, Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20140221153
    Abstract: A dual-mode electro-mechanical variable speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft system, a gear system having at least three branches, two electric machines, and at least a clutch. The first electric machine couples to a branch of the gear system, the output shaft system couples to another branch of the gear system, the input shaft couples to the remaining branch or one of the remaining branches of the gear system, and the second electric machine selectively couples either to the same branch that is coupled to the output shaft system with a speed ratio or to one of the remaining branches that that is not coupled to the first electric machine with a different speed ratio. The transmission provides at least two power splitting modes to cover different speed ratio regimes. The transmission can also provide at least a fixed output shaft to input shaft speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Rui XUE, Zhonghe XUE, Xiaozhi AI, Xiaolin AI
  • Publication number: 20140221152
    Abstract: Embodiments of control apparatus for hybrid vehicles are described which reduce the heat generated by a clutch and improve the response of the hybrid vehicle when an operator requests a high degree of acceleration while starting the engine and the transmission is required to perform a shift-down. In one embodiment, when the engine is required to start while the transmission is required to perform a shift-down action, the control apparatus holds a hydraulic pressure of a releasing side clutch of the transmission at a predetermined lowest stand-by value preventing a slipping action of the releasing side clutch, while a clutch K0 between the motor and engine is placed in a slipping state, and reduces the hydraulic pressure of the releasing side clutch from the lowest stand-by value in the slipping state of the clutch K0 after the clutch K0 is placed in the fully engaged state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiko Tsutsumi, Toshio Sugimura, Seiji Kuwahara, Koki Minamikawa, Shun Sato
  • Publication number: 20140221151
    Abstract: A bicycle drive unit includes a motor, a crank axle, a torque combining mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The crank axle is rotatable about a first rotational axis. The torque combining mechanism is operatively coupled to the motor and the crank axle. The torque combining mechanism has a sprocket mounting portion that is configured to be operatively attached to a sprocket such that the sprocket rotates about a second rotational axis of the sprocket in a first direction as the crank axle rotates about the first rotational axis in the first direction. The clutch mechanism is operatively disposed between the crank axle and the sprocket. The clutch mechanism is configured to rotate the sprocket about the second rotational axis in a second direction as the crank axle rotates about the first rotational axis in the second direction. The second direction is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Tetsuya HINO, Akihiko SHOGE, Minoru ITO
  • Patent number: 8795132
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle drive device comprises a hydraulic power transmission device having an input-side rotating element to which power from an engine is input and an output-side rotating element outputting power to drive wheels, a first electric motor directly or indirectly coupled to the input-side rotating element, and a second electric motor directly or indirectly coupled to the drive wheels, the vehicle drive device further comprising an electric path through which power is electrically transmitted by giving/receiving electric power between the first electric motor and the second electric motor and a mechanical path through which power is mechanically transmitted via the hydraulic power transmission device, the control device of the vehicle drive device being configured to control an operating point of the engine by adjusting a torque of the first electric motor, the control device being configured to adjust the torque of the first electric motor such that a sum of an engine torque and the torque
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Publication number: 20140213410
    Abstract: A vehicle parking apparatus includes an engine, an electric motor, a transmission apparatus, a parking detection member, and a control unit. The transmission apparatus includes a first gear train configured to connect between the engine and a driving wheel, a second gear train configured to connect between the electric motor and the driving wheel, and a first switching mechanism selectively connecting and disconnecting between a predetermined first rotation element in the first gear train and a predetermined second rotation element in the second gear train. The control unit connects between the engine and the driving wheel by the first gear train, disconnects between the electric motor and the driving wheel by the second gear train, and disconnects the second gear train from the first gear train by the first switching mechanism in a case where the parking detection member detects the parked state of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kyosuke MORI, Yasuhisa Iwasaki, Yoshihiro Murakami, Takahiro Misu
  • Patent number: 8790215
    Abstract: A method includes determining a machine shaft torque demand and a machine shaft speed, in response to the machine shaft torque demand and the machine shaft speed, determining a machine power demand, determining a power division description between an internal combustion engine, a first electrical torque provider, and a second electrical torque provider, determining a hybrid power train configuration as one of series and parallel, determining a baseline power division description in response to a vehicle speed and the machine power demand, determining a state-of-charge (SOC) deviation for an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to the first electrical torque provider and the second electrical torque provider, and adjusting the baseline power division description in response to the SOC deviation and the hybrid power train configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
  • Publication number: 20140206501
    Abstract: A power transmission control device is used for a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine and a motor (MG) as power sources, and includes a manual transmission and a friction clutch. A torque of the motor (MG torque) is generally adjusted to the smaller one (=MG torque final reference value) of an MG torque reference value determined based on an accelerator opening and an MG torque limit value determined based on a clutch return stroke. Based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition relating to a clutch pedal operation performed by a driver, the MG torque is intentionally adjusted to a value shifted from the MG torque final reference value in place of the MG torque final reference value. As a result, a driving force which is more appropriate or better meets a driver's intention can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki ITO, Hiroki INOUE, Kazutaka KOBAYASHI, Takeshige MIYAZAKI
  • Patent number: 8784264
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine exhaust after treatment device is cooled at an opportunistic time. The approach may provide improved cooling for exhaust after treatment devices and it may also improve vehicle emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Graig Reed
  • Patent number: 8788424
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for setting a shift point for shifting a transmission for a powered vehicle between a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio. The method includes determining input power data points based on real-time input torque data. The input torque data includes a maximum input torque. The method also includes calculating a gear step value based on the first gear ratio and second gear ratio. The method further includes determining a first power value and computing a second power value based on the gear step value. The first power value and second power value are compared to one another and adjustments are incrementally made in the first power value speed until the difference between first and second power values meets a threshold. The shift point is therefore based on the result of comparing the first power value and the second power value and the corresponding speed associated with the first power value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmond M. Etchason
  • Patent number: 8784263
    Abstract: A hybrid driving apparatus includes a diesel engine outfitted with an exhaust brake, and a clutch between the diesel engine and a hybrid motor. The exhaust brake is shiftable between an operational state and a non-operational state, and a switch is operable to change the exhaust brake from the non-operational state to the operational state. The switch is configured to automatically change the exhaust brake which is in the operational state while the vehicle is turned on to the non-operational state when the vehicle is turned off. The clutch is automatically changed from an engaged condition, in which the diesel engine and the hybrid motor are connected, to the disengaged condition, in which the diesel engine and the hybrid motor are disconnected, when the vehicle decelerates while the exhaust brake is in the non-operational state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Technical Center of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomoya Takahashi, Kazuhiro Irie, Kazushi Konno
  • Patent number: 8784262
    Abstract: A vehicular power transmission control apparatus including: a multiple gear ratio transmission including an input shaft receiving power from an engine output shaft and an output shaft outputting power to drive wheels of a vehicle, a clutch mounted between the output shaft of the engine and the input shaft of the transmission, and a control unit controlling a clutch torque and a gear position of the transmission based upon a vehicle driving condition, wherein the control unit controlling the clutch torque such that a revolution speed of the transmission input shaft becomes smaller than a revolution speed of the engine output shaft by a predetermined positive value in a semi-engagement state with a slip, when the vehicle drives with the transmission gear position set to a low speed range including a first gear and a second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin AI Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manabu Tsujimura, Takeshige Miyazaki, Mitsutoshi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8777806
    Abstract: A drivetrain (1) for a parallel hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine (2), an electric machine (3) and a transmission (4). The engine (2) and the electric machine (3) interact with a common input shaft (5) of the transmission (4). At least one axle of the vehicle can be driven by the internal combustion engine (2) and/or the electric machine (3) via an output shaft (6) of the transmission (4). A clutch (7) is between the internal combustion engine (2) and electric machine (3) and can open to decouple the internal combustion engine (2) from the input shaft (5) of the transmission (4). The clutch (7) has a first element (8) for positive locking connection of the electric machine (3) to the internal combustion engine (2) and a second element (9) for frictional locking connection of the electric machine (3) to the internal combustion engine (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg-Michael Birkhold, Nils Sauvlet
  • Patent number: 8777805
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a hybrid vehicle powertrain during a change from a two-wheel drive mode to a four-wheel drive mode is provided. In response to a request to couple the second pair of wheels to the powertrain, a driveline controller commands an increased torque from the electric motor to be applied to the first pair of wheels The increased torque from the electric motor is based on an AWD engagement torque of the second pair of wheels to counteract an engagement torque of a second pair of drive wheels before changing from the two-wheel drive mode to the four-wheel drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter John Grutter, Andreas E. Perakes, Nicholas E. McCubbin