With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/5)
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Publication number: 20140302964Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2011Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Nobufusa Kobayashi, Toshio Sugimura, Masato Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 8851861Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven A. Frait, Steven G. Thomas
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Patent number: 8852054Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Matthew John Shelton, Hong Jiang, Zhengyu Dai, Charles Chunlin Liu, Felix Nedorezov
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Publication number: 20140296027Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshimitsu TAKAHASHI
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Publication number: 20140296026Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventors: Sören Wenzel, Stevens Sehic
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Patent number: 8845483Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
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Patent number: 8845482Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignees: Shenzhen BYD Auto R&D Company Limited, BYD Company LimitedInventors: Xinxin Zhang, Yinmei Zhou, Song Li, Fei Luo
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Patent number: 8845484Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignees: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshihiko Kamiya, Terufumi Miyazaki, Mikio Iwase, Tetsuya Yamaguchi, Yuhei Yoshioka, Keisuke Kawamoto
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Patent number: 8845481Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Adam J. Heisel
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Publication number: 20140287870Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akira FURUYA, Keiichi KAKIZAKI, Kentaro HIROTA, Shigeki TAJIMA, Yosuke KUBOTA
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Patent number: 8840523Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventor: Shigeru Tajima
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Patent number: 8840524Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Développement Effenco Inc.Inventors: David Arsenault, Benoit Lacroix, Dany Fouquet
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Patent number: 8843289Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Morgan Postic, Marc Rambert, Eric Dalais, Emmanuel Hoff, Nathaniel Wilke
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Publication number: 20140274553Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Trenton MUNSELL, Christopher K. FURMAN
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Patent number: 8834318Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
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Patent number: 8834319Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Bernard D. Nefcy
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Publication number: 20140256506Abstract: 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 rotaType: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2011Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Terufumi Miyazaki, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato
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Patent number: 8827866Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoki Nakanishi, Shintaro Matsutani
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Patent number: 8827865Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ali K. Naqvi, Besim Demirovic, Pinaki Gupta, Lawrence A. Kaminsky
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Publication number: 20140248992Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: PACCAR IncInventors: Christopher G. Wehrwein, William C. Kahn
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Publication number: 20140248993Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventors: Johannes Dawidziak, Steffen Clement, Markus Schiefer
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Patent number: 8821342Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Morgan MacKenzie Andreae, David M. Barnes, Vivek Anand Sujan
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Publication number: 20140243149Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Min-Joong Kim
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Patent number: 8818653Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Yisheng Zhang, John Loeffler
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Patent number: 8814750Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
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Patent number: 8818600Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 8808140Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 8808141Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Matthew John Shelton, Christopher John Teslak, Zhengyu Dai
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Patent number: 8808137Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Johannes Kaltenbach
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Patent number: 8808138Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Marvin Paul Kraska, Michael John Encelewski, Hong Jiang, Felix Nedorezov
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Patent number: 8808139Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Jason S. Arbuckle, Wayne M. Jaszewski, Thomas S. Kirchhoff
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Publication number: 20140228166Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: ANTHONY H. HEAP, SEAN W. MCGROGAN
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Publication number: 20140228165Abstract: Powertrain configurations for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: EFFICIENT DRIVETRAINS INC.Inventors: Andrew Frank, Joerg Ferchau, Leonhard Fahreddin, Julio Razo, Krishna Kumar, Anthony Serra
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Publication number: 20140229044Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Zhengyu Dai, Hong Jiang
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Publication number: 20140228168Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Efficient Drivetrains Inc.Inventors: Patrick Kaufman, Chan-Chiao Lin, Andrew Frank
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Publication number: 20140228167Abstract: Four Wheel Drive (4WD) powertrain configurations for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventors: Andrew Frank, Chan-Chiao Lin, Patrick Kaufman, Julio Razo
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Patent number: 8801567Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Besim Demirovic, Pinaki Gupta, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Ali K. Naqvi, Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah
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Publication number: 20140221153Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventors: Rui XUE, Zhonghe XUE, Xiaozhi AI, Xiaolin AI
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Publication number: 20140221152Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takahiko Tsutsumi, Toshio Sugimura, Seiji Kuwahara, Koki Minamikawa, Shun Sato
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Publication number: 20140221151Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Tetsuya HINO, Akihiko SHOGE, Minoru ITO
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Patent number: 8795132Abstract: 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 torqueType: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
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Publication number: 20140213410Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kyosuke MORI, Yasuhisa Iwasaki, Yoshihiro Murakami, Takahiro Misu
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Patent number: 8790215Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 13, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
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Publication number: 20140206501Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: AISIN AI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiki ITO, Hiroki INOUE, Kazutaka KOBAYASHI, Takeshige MIYAZAKI
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Patent number: 8784264Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Graig Reed
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Patent number: 8788424Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 22, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventor: Edmond M. Etchason
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Patent number: 8784263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Technical Center of America, Inc.Inventors: Tomoya Takahashi, Kazuhiro Irie, Kazushi Konno
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Patent number: 8784262Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignees: Aisin AI Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Manabu Tsujimura, Takeshige Miyazaki, Mitsutoshi Kamiya
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Patent number: 8777806Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Joerg-Michael Birkhold, Nils Sauvlet
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Patent number: 8777805Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Peter John Grutter, Andreas E. Perakes, Nicholas E. McCubbin