With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/5)
  • Patent number: 8781666
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: an engine; an electric motor connected to the engine via a gear; and a controller configured to perform control that includes at least one of increasing a rotational speed of the engine to a value that is equal to or higher than a given value and changing an output torque of the electric motor to a value that is out of a given range including zero, provided that a target output torque of the electric motor is within the given range including zero and a target rotational speed of the engine is lower than the given value, during deceleration accompanied by motoring of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Kamijo
  • Publication number: 20140194246
    Abstract: In a series mode, a clutch rotational speed difference ?N is calculated, and when the clutch rotational speed difference ?N is within a first predetermined range R1, it is determined whether a sticking determination timer t indicates a first predetermined time t1 or longer. When a closed sticking timer t indicates the first predetermined time t1 or longer, fuel cut is performed, and the clutch rotational speed difference ?N is re-calculated. When the closed sticking timer t indicates a second predetermined time t2 or longer, and the clutch rotational speed difference ?N is within a second predetermined range R2, it is determined that there is closed sticking of a clutch. When the closed sticking timer t indicates less than the time t2, and the clutch rotational speed difference ?N is out of the second predetermined range R2, it is determined that there is no closed sticking of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsunori UEDA, Shigetoshi HIRANO, Yusuke SASAKI
  • Patent number: 8771136
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine and a transmission having an input member, an output member, and a neutral state in which torque is not transmitted from the input member to the output member. A first motor/generator is coupled to the engine. A second motor/generator is coupled with vehicle wheels directly or indirectly through the transmission. The first motor/generator acts as a generator when powered by the engine to provide electric power to the second motor/generator. The second motor/generator acts as a motor when receiving electric power from a battery or from the first motor/generator. A shift selector is moved by a vehicle operator to establish an electric propulsion mode in which the transmission is in the neutral state and the second motor/generator functions as a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Miller, Alan G. Holmes, Brendan M. Conlon, Steven A. Tarnowsky
  • Patent number: 8771137
    Abstract: A method to operate a clutch device in an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine includes, in response to a failure condition detected within a flow control device configured to facilitate flow of hydraulic fluid for operating the clutch device, selectively preventing the flow of hydraulic fluid from entering the flow control device and feeding the clutch device. Synchronization of the clutch device is initiated when the clutch device is intended for activation, and only if the clutch device is synchronized, the flow of hydraulic fluid is selectively permitted to enter the flow control device to activate the clutch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Bolenbaugh, Syed Naqi
  • Patent number: 8771138
    Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain has a first driver, a first clutch to selectively couple the first driver with an engine, an energy storage device coupled to the first driver, a second driver coupled to the energy storage device and connected to a driveshaft, and a second clutch that selectively couples the first and second drivers. In one embodiment, the first clutch is opened and the second clutch is closed during a vehicle operating condition requiring high torque, the first clutch is closed and the second clutch is opened during a transient vehicle operating condition, and the first clutch and the second clutch are closed during a steady-state vehicle operating condition. Additional clutches may be included to reduce energy losses or provide multiple mechanical ratios. The drivers themselves may be pumps, motors, generators, combined pump/motors, or combined motor/generators, making the invention suitable for both hydraulic implementation and electric implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Brian L. Van Batavia, Timothy I. Meehan, Michael W. Olson, David L. Makis, Michael J. Voigt, David S. Remba, Don R. Draper
  • Patent number: 8775043
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal-combustion engine, an engine starter ISG motor, a main motor that drives rear wheels, a CVT pulley belt disposed between an engine output shaft and a front wheel shaft, a clutch connected between the output shaft of the internal-combustion engine and an input shaft of the CVT, a battery, and a hybrid controller. When the hybrid controller determines that there is a need to add a traction force of the engine from a state where the vehicle is driven by the main motor alone, the hybrid controller controls the respective components so as to start the engine by the ISG motor in a state where the clutch is disengaged, control a speed ratio of the CVT so that a CVT input speed achieves a target speed for starting clutch engagement, detects the engine rotation speed, detects the CVT input speed, and engages the clutch when a difference between those speeds falls within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Imaseki, Takashi Miyano, Nils Schoeche
  • Patent number: 8771135
    Abstract: [Subject] In a hybrid drive power apparatus, loss of drive power caused by drag torque of a friction clutch is decreased to reduce fuel consumption rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin AI Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Tanba, Yuichi Fukuhara, Kan Sasaki, Mitsuhiro Tabata, Masahiro Omura
  • Patent number: 8768588
    Abstract: A transmission includes a controller being provided with a change-speed stage anticipator. The controller adopts a time, which one of the transmission's gear-mechanism selectors requires in shifting a current change-speed stage to another change-speed stage, as a pre-shift time for selecting the latter change-speed stage. The change-speed stage anticipator operates the one of the gear-mechanism selectors while adopting a temporary change-speed stage as a subsequent change-speed stage when the temporary change-speed stage, which is estimated from a state of vehicle after the pre-shift time, the state of vehicle being relevant to each element of an anticipated change-speed stage group that is made up of one or more of the change-speed stages that can be selected by the one of the gear-mechanism selectors being set on one of the transmission's input shafts that is disconnected from a power source, coincides with an anticipated change-speed stage that corresponds to the pre-shift time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin AI Co., Ltd., Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Hatori, Hiroshi Toyoda, Takeshige Miyazaki, Yoshiki Ito, Kiyoshi Nagami, Atsushi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8763736
    Abstract: In control apparatus and method for a hybrid vehicle, a line pressure control valve disposed at a downstream side of each of mechanical oil pump (M-O/P) and electrically driven oil pump (S-O/P) to decrease a supplied hydraulic pressure from at least one of the mechanical oil pump and the electrically driven oil pump by opening drain ports thereof in accordance with a control valve command value is provided, the control valve command value is set by adding a predetermined additive correction quantity to a required line pressure set in accordance with operating states of a hydraulic pressure clutch (CL1) and a transmission and the drain ports of the line pressure control valve are controlled to a closure side, during an actuation of the electrically driven oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: JATCO Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Mochiyama, Hiroki Kawakami, Hideharu Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140179488
    Abstract: Controlling a hybrid vehicle includes: reducing a rotation speed of a motor generator before a locking apparatus that locks the motor generator is switched from a disengaged condition to an engaged condition; starting to switch the locking apparatus to the engaged condition when the rotation speed decreases to a predetermined operation permission rotation speed; controlling the locking apparatus such that from the start of the switch to the engaged condition onward, the rotation speed decreases from the operation permission rotation speed to an engagement rotation speed with the motor generator in the engaged condition; and controlling the locking apparatus such that a decrease rate of the rotation speed when switching from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition in a low torque operation mode is higher than the decrease rate of the rotation speed when switching from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition in a high torque operation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuo Hori, Hiroatsu Endo, Isao Sato, Hiroki Kuwamoto, Akihiro Sato, Ryo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8758193
    Abstract: A first engine ENG1, transmission TM1, one-way clutch OWC1, driving target member 11 connected to an output member 121 of the one-way clutch, main motor/generator MG1 connected to the member 11, sub motor/generator MG2 connected to an output shaft S1 of the engine ENG1, battery 8, and controller 5. The controller 5 performs EV running, engine running, and series running where power generated by a sub motor/generator MG2 using the power of the first engine ENG1 is supplied to the main motor/generator MG1. Series running is carried out between EV running and the engine running when switching from EV running to engine running is carried out. A rotational speed of the engine and/or a transmission ratio of the transmission are/is controlled so that the rotational speed input to the input member is less than the rotational speed of the output member 121 during the series running control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Ichikawa, Fumiyasu Suga
  • Patent number: 8758192
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a first electric motor coupled to an internal combustion engine with a ratio changing device and a second motor selectively coupled to the engine through an engine disconnect clutch, the second motor further coupled to an input shaft of a transmission. A method to control the powertrain includes monitoring a propelling torque provided by the second motor, monitoring a speed of the second motor, determining a condition of the second motor based upon the propelling torque and the speed of the second motor, selecting a control mode for the first motor based upon the condition of the second motor and controlling the first motor, the second motor, and the engine disconnect clutch based upon the control mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anthony L. Smith, Hong Yang, Norman K. Bucknor, Yongsheng He
  • Patent number: 8758194
    Abstract: This power transmission control device is applied to a hybrid vehicle, includes a manual transmission, a friction clutch, and a speed-reduction-ratio changeover mechanism. The speed-reduction-ratio changeover mechanism can change the speed reduction ratio of a second shaft connected to an output shaft of the manual transmission in relation to a first shaft connected to an output shaft of the vehicle motor. The speed reduction ratio of drive wheels to the output shaft of the vehicle motor is changed by changing the speed reduction ratio of the second shaft in relation to the first shaft. The operation for changing the speed reduction ratio is performed while a driver is operating a clutch pedal. Namely, while the driver is performing some operation, he or she receives a shock generated as a result of speed-reduction-ratio change operation. Accordingly, the driver becomes less likely to sense such a shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Inoue, Takeshige Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20140171260
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system for a vehicle including a first prime mover, a first prime mover driven transmission, and a rechargeable power source can be configured for reduced fuel consumption at idle. The vehicle drive system includes an electric motor in direct or indirect mechanical communication with the first prime mover, wherein the electric motor can receive power from the first prime mover driven transmission and can receive power from the first prime mover. The vehicle drive system also includes a control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Odyne Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph T. Dalum
  • Publication number: 20140171261
    Abstract: A hybrid driving apparatus includes an engine configured to output a rotation driving force to an output shaft; an input shaft configured to rotate in association with rotation of driving wheels of a vehicle; a clutch that is provided between the output shaft and the input shaft to disengageably connect the output shaft and the input shaft; a clutch actuator configured to operate the clutch; a motor generator configured to rotate in association with rotation of the input shaft; a rust formation determining unit configured to determine whether there is a possibility of a rust formation on the clutch; and a rust formation suppressing unit configured to operate the clutch actuator in a case where the rust formation determining unit determines that there is the possibility of the rust formation on the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitomi HANEDA, Hiroshi IMAI, Tokiyoshi KIDA, Tomoo ATARASHI, Shigeki TAKAMI, Masaki NOMURA, Takafumi KOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20140171259
    Abstract: An adapter module for a dual clutch transmission in a drivetrain is provided. The dual clutch transmission has a first input shaft and a second input shaft concentric with the first input shaft, a mainshaft, an output shaft, and a countershaft offset from the first and second input shafts. The countershaft is drivably connected to the first input shaft, the second input shaft, and the mainshaft. An alternative power source including an electric machine is provided for the drivetrain. An adapter module is disposed between the dual clutch transmission and the alternative power source. The adapter module has an adapter gearset connecting the electric machine to the dual clutch transmission and at least one clutch configured to (i) selectively drivingly connect the electric machine to the output shaft, and (ii) selectively drivingly connect the electric machine to the countershaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas Alan Genise
  • Patent number: 8753246
    Abstract: A method and a device are described for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid drive train, having an internal combustion engine and at least one additional machine, in particular an electric machine, a separating clutch, which is situated between the internal combustion engine and the additional machine, and a crankshaft angle sensor for detecting the instantaneous crankshaft angle of the internal combustion engine being provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Huber, Michael Lehner, Oliver Kaefer, Anja Winter-Mann
  • Patent number: 8755980
    Abstract: A vehicle with a transmission having a crankshaft and an output shaft. A clutch located between the output shaft and a drive wheel is engaged and disengaged according to a rotational speed of the output shaft. An idle speed control device performs idle speed control to adjust an idle rotational speed of an engine. An electronic control unit (ECU) suppresses or stops the idle speed control when the clutch is engaged, or when an abnormality in the transmission is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuichiro Sawada
  • Publication number: 20140162839
    Abstract: In a case of engagement when a clutch K0 disposed between an engine 12 and a motor generator MG is engaged during EV running while a release instruction for the clutch K0 is output, drive of the engine 12 is changed such that a rotation speed NE of the engine 12 approaches a rotation speed NMG of the motor generator MG and, therefore, a drag torque of the engine 12 can be suppressed regardless of an engagement state of the clutch K0, and generation of longitudinal acceleration can be suppressed by reducing a slip time of the clutch K0. Therefore, a control device of a hybrid vehicle 10 can be provided that reduces a driver's uncomfortable feeling in a simplified manner in a case of wrong engagement of the clutch K0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Terufumi Miyazaki, Yukihiko Ideshio, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato
  • Publication number: 20140162838
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine torque estimate may be adapted in response to a torque converter impeller speed error. The methods and systems may reduce the possibility of driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, David Oshinsky, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Publication number: 20140162840
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling anti-jerk of a hybrid vehicle reduce shift vibration and shock by reverse phase controlling a drive motor during gear-shifting of a hybrid vehicle without a torque converter. The method includes determining whether a gear-shifting command is outputted from a transmission control unit of the hybrid vehicle; when it is determined that the gear-shifting command is outputted, confirming a gear-shifting range divided into at least three phases in accordance with the gear-shifting command; determining whether the corresponding divided gear-shifting range is an anti-jerk allowed gear-shifting range; and when it is determined that the corresponding gear-shifting range is the anti-jerk allowed gear-shifting range, reverse phase controlling a drive motor of the hybrid vehicle by a predetermined value in order to reduce or attenuate vibration and shock generated in the corresponding gear-shifting range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Joung Chul Kim, Tai Jin Jugn
  • Publication number: 20140163787
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a transmission torque converter lockup clutch is adjusted to improve engine starting control. The approach may improve engine starting and vehicle drivability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Publication number: 20140163788
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque converter impeller torque from beginning to end of transmission shifting is adjusted in response to variable driveline inertia. The approach may improve transmission shifting and reduce driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum
  • Publication number: 20140162841
    Abstract: A control device controls a vehicle drive device in which a first engagement device, a rotary electric machine, a second engagement device, and an output member are arranged on a power transfer path from an internal combustion engine to wheels. The control device executes mode transition control that causes transition from (i) a first control mode in which both the first engagement device and the second engagement device are in a slip engagement state and the rotary electric machine generates electric power to (ii) a second control mode in which the first engagement device is in a direct engagement state, the second engagement device is in the slip engagement state, and the rotary electric machine generates electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yuma Mori, Yomei Hakumura
  • Patent number: 8747279
    Abstract: A hybrid driving force transmission device is provided with a multiple-plate dry clutch, a piston, a piston arm, a return spring, bellows elastic seal components and an arm fixing plate. The return spring applies biasing force to the piston arm in the release direction of the clutch, during the release period of the multiple-plate dry clutch. The bellows elastic seal member is secured or maintained in a position on the side wall of a clutch drum and seals a through hole and arm distal end from the clutch chamber, and undergoes an elastic deformation following the stroke movement of the arm distal end. The arm fixing plate is integrally provided with the bellows elastic seal member, is fixed to the arm distal end, and when the multiple-plate dry clutch is engaged, is configured to contact the clutch plate for transferring the clutch engagement force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Furuichi, Kuniaki Miyake
  • Publication number: 20140155221
    Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain system includes executing a transmission shift between an initial electrically-variable transmission (EVT) range and a target EVT range. The transmission shift includes transitioning to operating with three speed degrees of freedom including controlling speed of a second torque machine to synchronize speed of an oncoming clutch associated with the target EVT range and coincidentally controlling speeds of a first torque machine and an engine to achieve a preferred speed of the output member of the transmission. The transmission shift further includes controlling torque output from the first torque machine in response to an output torque request, and activating the oncoming clutch upon synchronizing the speed of the oncoming clutch. Subsequent to the transmission shift, the powertrain system is operated in the target EVT range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: BRENDAN M. CONLON, JY-JEN F. SAH, ALAN G. HOLMES
  • Publication number: 20140155222
    Abstract: A system and method for learning a transferring torque for a hybrid vehicle includes: an engine and a motor connected through a clutch; a Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) that is connected to the engine and is used to start the engine; and a controller for transferring a charging power by the motor to the HSG in a case where the charging power by the motor is greater than or equal to a chargeable power of the battery when the transferring torque is learned through the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 8740745
    Abstract: In a vehicle drive device including a transmission mechanism 54, a range changing mechanism 55, a motor generator MG1 or MG2, and a control device 200, 300, when a clutch sleeve 553 becomes unable to slide during a range changing process, the clutch sleeve 553 is restored as quickly as possible so that the clutch sleeve 553 can slide, whereby changing of ranges can be completed. The control device 200, 300 causes a connection target gear piece 551 or 552 to rotate in the same direction as the direction of input rotation to the transmission mechanism 54 in response to a range change request, and causes the clutch sleeve 553 to slide. When determining that the clutch sleeve 553 has become unable to slide during the range change process, the control device 200, 300 causes the motor generator MG1 or MG2 to rotate the connection target gear piece 551 or 552 in a direction opposite to the direction of input rotation to the transmission mechanism 54.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mai Murayama
  • Patent number: 8740744
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a battery powered traction motor, and an automatic step-ratio transmission selectively coupled in series by a clutch include engaging the clutch to couple the engine and the motor and controlling motor torque to provide braking torque through the transmission to substantially maintain a cruise control speed. In one embodiment, a hybrid electric vehicle includes a battery powered traction motor connected to a transmission, an engine selectively coupled in series with the motor by a clutch, and a controller communicating with the traction motor and the engine and configured to control the motor to provide braking torque when the clutch is engaged and engine braking torque is insufficient to maintain cruise control speed of the vehicle as the vehicle travels downhill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter John Grutter, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
  • Publication number: 20140148305
    Abstract: A powertrain comprising an engine, a motor, a disconnect clutch connected between the engine and the motor, and a transmission. The transmission is connected to the motor by a launch clutch and selectively and indirectly connected to the engine by the disconnect clutch. A controller receives an engine torque output signal and reduces the torque output of the engine to the clutch capacity limit value. A system and a method are also provided for controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Francis Thomas Connolly, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • Publication number: 20140148306
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling engine clutch delivery torque of a hybrid electric vehicle when the engine clutch delivery torque is learned includes: an engine clutch configured to control power transmission between an engine and a motor; an integrated starter-generator (ISG) configured to start the engine or to generate electric power by output of the engine; a transmission configured to change power applied to wheels; and a controller configured to control the engine, the motor, the integrated starter-generator, and the engine clutch in a predetermined condition and to check their states under the predetermined condition, wherein while learning the engine clutch delivery torque, the controller operates and controls the integrated starter-generator in order for the engine to maintain an idle speed when the idle speed is varied above a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sang Joon Kim, Tae Woo KIM
  • Publication number: 20140148304
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a transmission and a clutch. The slip of the clutch is adjusted to a target where a magnitude of a sensed parameter of a shaft of the transmission corresponds to a desired noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) level in the powertrain. The sensed parameter of the transmission shaft may be one of acceleration, speed, and torque of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft may be one of the input shaft and output shaft of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8738207
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided with an electric transmission operatively connected to a first axle and an electric drive module operatively connected to a second axle. A transmission ratio of a differential gear set and a final drive of the electric transmission are selected so that a torque ratio of torque of the first axle over the torque of the engine is that at which any working chamber of the engine that is operated to expand the working fluid can operate without throttling, without torque of the engine torque exceeding a torque necessary to propel the vehicle at a steady vehicle speed, and with the second electric machine freewheeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Brendan M. Conlon, Norman K. Bucknor, Constantine Nick Raptis
  • Patent number: 8727940
    Abstract: This power transmission control device is applied to a hybrid vehicle which includes an internal combustion engine and a motor (MG) as power sources. The power transmission control device includes a manual transmission and a friction clutch. When a clutch enters a completely disengaged state as a result of operation of a clutch pedal by a driver in a state where MG torque is adjusted to regeneration torque acting in a direction for decelerating the vehicle, the magnitude of the regeneration torque is decreased to “minute value A which is greater than zero,” and then maintained at the minute value A. Much energy generated as a result of regeneration can be stored in a battery (see the area shown by dots) as compared with the case where the regeneration torque is adjusted to zero immediately after the clutch enters the completely disengaged state. Accordingly, energy efficiency (fuel efficiency) is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Inoue, Takeshige Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8727938
    Abstract: An engine stop control system for a hybrid electric vehicle including a powertrain having an engine, an electric motor/generator, and driving wheels, including a first clutch coupling the engine to the motor/generator, a second clutch coupling the motor/generator to the driving wheels, a controller configured to select between two driving modes of the vehicle by controlling engagement and disengagement of the first clutch and the second clutch so that the vehicle may be driven either solely by the motor/generator or a combination of the engine and the motor/generator, and to control the stop position of the engine to be a desired stop position by controlling the rotation speed of the motor/generator while the first clutch in complete engagement and the second clutch in a slip state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mikio Nozaki
  • Patent number: 8727939
    Abstract: A series/parallel hybrid electric drive unit for vehicle comprises an engine (1), a main traction motor (2), an integrated starter-generator (3), a differential (4), a first shaft (main shaft) (5), a first stage decelerating device (9), a second stage decelerating device (10), a first clutch (6), a second clutch (7) and a synchronizer (8). The synchronizer (8) is slidably arranged on the first shaft (5) which is connected to the first stage decelerating device (9) or the second stage decelerating device (10) by the synchronizer (8), respectively. The hybrid electric drive unit of the invention has a compactly-arranged internal structure and an efficient and appropriate internal connection, and a switch between connection and disconnection of respective hybrid power sources and wheels and a shifting among operating modes and gear positions of the hybrid drive system can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Saic Motor Corporation Ltd
    Inventors: Hong Chen, Zhixin Chen, Weimin Gao, Jun Zhu, Sidong Luo, Hailong Ge, Jian Wang, Yanglong Chen
  • Patent number: 8727925
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle drive-train having an engine, electric machine, transmission and a planetary gearset comprising ring, sun and carrier elements. A first planetary element is coupled to a transmission input shaft, a second planetary element is coupled to the electric machine, and a first clutch couples a third planetary element to the engine while a second clutch couples two of the three elements. When the second clutch is disengaged, the drive-train operates in a first mode while, when the second clutch is engaged, the drive-train operates in a second mode. When starting up or crawling, to change from first to second mode while maintaining traction force at the output, the second clutch engages to reduce the transmission capacity of the first clutch until slip occurs, then the engine speed is regulated, while synchronizing the second clutch, after which the second clutch engages without any load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Kai Borntrager
  • Patent number: 8725336
    Abstract: In this power transmission control device, an EV travel mode for traveling by using only an electric-motor driving torque in a state in which a clutch torque is maintained to zero, and an EG travel mode for traveling by using the internal-combustion-engine driving torque in a state in which the clutch torque is adjusted to a value larger than zero are selectively realized depending on a travel state. In a state in which the EV travel mode is selected, when it is determined that a vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined speed Vth, “a gear position to be realized” is changed depending on the travel state of the vehicle, and when it is determined that the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed Vth, “the gear position to be realized” is maintained to a current gear position independently of the travel state of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Kobayashi, Takeshige Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20140128217
    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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Publication number: 20140128218
    Abstract: A hybrid drivetrain and method for controlling a friction clutch of a hybrid drivetrain of a motor vehicle having a combustion engine which is coupled by means of a freewheel to a transmission input shaft of a transmission to transmit the engine torque, and having an electric machine which starts the combustion engine and/or propels the motor vehicle, which friction clutch transmits to the combustion engine a summed torque formed of a starting torque for starting the combustion engine by means of the electric machine and a drag torque which acts on the combustion engine when the drivetrain is in drag mode. To be able to operate the friction clutch reliably and to avoid over-dimensioning of the friction clutch as a result of high summed torques, a torque present at the friction clutch is limited to a predefined transmission torque which can be transmitted via the friction clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Willi Ruder, Martin Dilzer
  • Publication number: 20140128215
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine having a crankshaft, a transmission having an input member, and a damper operatively interconnecting the input member and the crankshaft to transmit torque from the crankshaft to the input member. An electric motor/generator is operatively connected to the transmission input member to selectively transmit torque thereto. A damper bypass system is operatively connected to the crankshaft and the input member. The damper bypass system is configured not to transfer torque from the crankshaft to the input member, but transmits torque from the input member to the crankshaft in response to input member torque exceeding crankshaft torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Norman Schoenek, Min-Joong Kim
  • Publication number: 20140128216
    Abstract: A motor (21) includes a stator (30) and a rotor (40). The stator includes a housing (31) accommodating magnet(s) (32) and including multiple sidewalls (33) and connecting portions (34) adjoining neighboring sidewalls. A sidewall includes zero or more flat segment (35, 38) and zero or more curved segments (38, 36) having one or more radii. A connecting portion includes a substantially flat segment or a curved segment having one or more radii and adjoins two neighboring sidewalls. A torque transmitting device (15) includes the motor and a clutch (22) actuated by the motor to transmit or cease transmitting engine (11) output to driven mechanism(s) (17, 18, 12, 13, 14). A powertrain includes the torque transmitting device to switch between drive modes with the torque transmitting device to engage or disengage engine output with axles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Ruifeng QIN, Chengshun DU, Linan LI, Fayun QI
  • Publication number: 20140128219
    Abstract: An assembly includes a torque converter including a casing supported for rotation about an axis, a rotor hub secured to the torque converter casing for rotation about the axis, a leg member secured to and supporting the rotor hub for rotation about the axis, and an electric machine including a rotor secured to the rotor hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, John E. Brevick, Keith A. Devereaux
  • Patent number: 8715136
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle with an engine, an electric drive motor and battery, an automatic transmission with a torque converter having a bypass clutch, and a powertrain controller dynamically adjust the torque converter slip to balance fuel economy and drivability during a transient torque request by using motor torque to satisfy the transient torque and applying feed forward control of the fluid pressure in the bypass clutch based on the motor torque and feedback control of the slip to maintain torque converter torque ratio substantially constant during the transient event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Zhengyu Dai, Hong Jiang, Matthew John Shelton
  • Publication number: 20140121057
    Abstract: A hybrid module (1) is installed a drive train of a motor vehicle between a combustion engine and a transmission and has an electric machine and a clutch installed in a common housing (2). The hybrid module (1) further has an air supply entrance (7) for introducing cooling air into the hybrid module (1). The air supply entrance (7) is an oval with a short axis directed toward the combustion engine and the transmission. Thus, the hybrid module has a short extent between combustion engine and transmission, and also allows a sufficiently large quantity of air to be supplied into the hybrid module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Odon Szinyi
  • Publication number: 20140113766
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor, and a belt stepless speed changer device having a driving rotary body, a driven rotary body, a first shaft member supporting the driving rotary body with allowing rotation thereof in unison, a second shaft member supporting the driven rotary body with allowing rotation thereof in unison, and an endless belt wound around the driving rotary body and the driven rotary body. The vehicle further includes a transmission case configured to receive the powers from the engine and the motor via the belt stepless speed changer device and a centrifugal clutch incorporated in a power transmission line extending form the engine to the first shaft member. The motor is disposed on the side opposite the engine across the driving rotary body, and the driving power of the motor is inputted to the first shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Sumio Yagyu, Go Takaki, Shinichi Kawabata, Shigeki Hayashi, Shohei Nakai, Hiroki Bessho
  • Patent number: 8702560
    Abstract: [Object] Motorization of a running gear of a construction machine traveling on wheels is realized without enormous increases in vehicle-body dimensions and costs. [Solution Means] A wheeled excavator 41 includes travel wheels 10, 11 installed in a vehicle body, an engine 3, a running motor-generator 15, an inverter 21 and a battery 22 which are electrically connected to the motor-generator 15, a hydraulic pump 4 driven by the engine, and a power transmission mechanism which transmits power among the engine 3, the wheels 10, 11, the running motor-generator 15, and the hydraulic pump 4. A clutch 23 which connects and disconnects the power transmission between the engine 3 and the wheels 10, 11 is provided in the power transmission mechanism. In a required area on the vehicle body, a clutch switching means is mounted for switching the clutch 23 to a disengaged state during a level road run and to an engaged state during a downhill run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kousaku Ohno, Hidetoshi Satake
  • Publication number: 20140106928
    Abstract: A method for carrying out a boosting mode of a drive unit (3), having at least one internal combustion engine (1) and at least one electric machine (2), of a vehicle (10), in which, in order to prepare the boosting mode, the internal combustion engine (1) is adjusted to an operating state with an increased acceleration potential, and in order to charge an energy accumulator (4) the electric machine (2) is adjusted to a generator mode. When a power demand which is increased compared to the current operating state of the drive unit (3) is present, the charging process is interrupted and at the same time the electric machine (2) is activated in order to increase the driving power of the drive unit (3), wherein the increased acceleration potential which is kept in reserve by the internal combustion engine (1) is utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Sebastian Rüger
  • Publication number: 20140106929
    Abstract: Provided are a drive system and a method for controlling the drive system which reduce a shock to a third shaft at the start of an internal combustion engine during EV driving. The drive system includes an engine, a first shaft connected to a crankshaft, a second shaft, a first clutch, a motor generator, a third shaft, a first transmission, a one-way clutch, and an ECU for controlling a gear ratio of the first transmission and the first clutch. The first transmission includes a rotating ring, a rocking portion, and a rotation radius variation mechanism. If an angular velocity of the rocking portion is higher than or equal to a rotational speed of the third shaft, the one-way clutch transmits a power in only one direction of the rocking portion to the third shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsunehiro Kobayashi, Mitsuhiro Iwadare, Satoshi Kodo
  • Publication number: 20140106927
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a clutch is operated while a vehicle is stopped and while a vehicle brake is applied to determine a clutch torque transfer function. The approach may improve vehicle launch after an engine stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed, Adam Nathan Banker