With Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/6)
  • Patent number: 7967722
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism including a switching clutch or brake that is switchable between a continuously-variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state, and has both an advantage of improved fuel economy provided by a transmission, the speed ratio of which is electrically variable, and an advantage of high power transmitting efficiency provided by a gear type power transmitting device constructed for mechanical transmission of power. While a clutch-to-clutch shifting action of an automatic transmission portion is in a tie-up state, a differential portion is placed in a continuously-variable shifting state by switching control, and engine speed is changed under the control of hybrid control, so as to prevent a drop of the engine speed for thereby reducing a shock of the shifting action, unlike in a non-continuously-variable shifting state of the differential portion in which the engine speed is directly influenced by the tie-up state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • Patent number: 7946952
    Abstract: A transmission for a hybrid vehicle including a combustion engine and an electric propulsion system may include a forward clutch assembly, a fluid chamber, a fluid supply, and a forward clutch holding valve. The forward clutch assembly may include a hydraulically actuated clutch member in communication with the fluid chamber. The forward clutch holding valve may be in communication with the fluid chamber and the fluid supply. The valve may provide communication between the fluid supply and the fluid chamber when in a first position and may seal the fluid chamber when in a second position, thereby maintaining a fixed quantity of fluid within the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Wayne B. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7921945
    Abstract: A vehicle has an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a electric traction motor (ETM) coupled by a standard transmission through a differential to drive traction wheels. A control system receives sensor signals including speed sensors, a load sensor, and an incline sensors. The control system processes the speed signals to generate indicator signals corresponding to speed of the ETM, the vehicle speed, the shifting gears and the speed of the transmission output shaft. One or more displays present indications of when the speed of a shifting gear corresponding to the speed of the ETM matches the speed of the vehicle thus the speed of the transmission output shaft. An operator may shift, without clutching, from neutral and to a next shifting gear when there is an indication that the speed of the next shifting gear matches the speed of a shifting collar coupled to the transmission output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Clean Emissions Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Warner Olan Harris
  • Patent number: 7908063
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to execute synchronous shifting in a powertrain system having multiple torque-generative devices each operable to independently supply motive torque to the transmission device. The exemplary transmission device comprises a two-mode, compound-split, hybrid electro-mechanical transmission. Operation includes operating in an initial fixed gear ratio, operating the transmission in a mode operation, and, operating the transmission in a final fixed gear ratio. The control system reduces reactive torque of a clutch activating the initial gear, and deactivates the first torque-transfer device when the reactive torque is less than a predetermined value. It determines that speed of an input shaft to the transmission is substantially synchronized with a rotational speed of the second torque-transfer device, and actuates the second torque-transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 7837593
    Abstract: An automotive transmission transitions from a drive gear to a neutral gear when an engine is shutdown. During a rolling pull-up, a crankshaft of the engine will be spun up to a desired speed and the transmission will transition from the neutral gear to an appropriate gear based on a shift schedule. A target transmission input speed is commanded to be a synchronous speed plus an offset to smoothly transition out of electric axle drive propulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Silveri, Daniel Scott Colvin, Marvin Paul Kraska
  • Patent number: 7792626
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine arrangement with a first internal combustion engine and a second internal combustion engine in a vehicle is provided. The method may include partially coupling a first crankshaft of the first internal combustion engine in the vehicle with a second crankshaft of the second internal combustion engine in the vehicle to start the second internal combustion engine, where the first crankshaft and second crankshaft are partially coupled with a clutch. The method may further include decoupling the first and second crankshaft when the second engine is operating under its own power. The method may further include coupling the first crankshaft and the second crankshaft, where the first and second crankshafts are coupled with the clutch when a speed difference between the first and second crankshafts is below a predetermined value and a relative angular position between the first and second crankshafts is less than 360°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Soren Eriksson, Jan Lundgen
  • Patent number: 7766790
    Abstract: A controllable selectable one-way clutch is provided for use within a hybrid transmission. The clutch comprises an outer and inner race, and a first and second selector plate. A transmission motor controller synchronizes the speeds of the races to facilitate application and release of the clutch, and a transmission controller communicates a signal to the clutch for re-positioning of the plates to apply and release the clutch. The clutch has three operational modes, including freewheeling and holding torque in one direction or both directions. A method is also provided for applying a selectable one-way clutch in a vehicle having a hybrid transmission with a motor controller and a transmission controller, including synchronizing the clutch speed using the motor controller, detecting the direction of the race speed difference, communicating the race speed difference to the transmission controller, and selecting between the clutch operational modes in response to the detected speed difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Stevenson, Paula J. Armstrong, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 7722497
    Abstract: An engaging device (a switching clutch C0 or a switching brake B0) switches a shifting mechanism 10 between a continuously variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state. In particular. The step-variable shifting state is set in a high speed running, because a first electric motor M1 need not bear a reaction torque against an input torque TINS inputted into a differential portion 11, the first electric motor M1 is prevented from being large-sized and suppressed in durability lowering. Even when switching to the step-variable shifting state is unable, the input torque TINS against which the first electric motor M1 should bear the reaction torque, is limited by an input torque control means 86, and the first electric motor M1 is prevented from being large-sized and suppressed in durability lowering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga
  • Patent number: 7693637
    Abstract: A vehicle control system is comprised of a controller which is arranged to select an optimal mode adapted to a driving point of a vehicle from an optimal mode map of defining a plurality of running modes of the vehicle, to detect a generation of a mode transition in the optimal mode map, and to hold a current running mode selected before the transition for a holding time period when the generation of the mode transition is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michel Mensler, Shinichiro Joe
  • Patent number: 7677135
    Abstract: An electromechanical power transfer system for a vehicle, comprises: an electrical power source; a system controller; at least two dynamoelectric machines; an electrically engageable clutch for each machine; an input shaft coupled to the jack shaft; an output shaft coupled to a load presented by the vehicle; and at least two electrically engageable transmission gear sets for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft; wherein the system controller selectively engages each machine clutch and each transmission gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 7670257
    Abstract: A method of operating a motor vehicle drive train having a hybrid drive including an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and an automatic transmission. A clutch is located between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, and a clutch or a torque converter is located between the electric motor and the automatic transmission such that, when the drive train is powered exclusively by the electric motor, the internal combustion engine can be started by engagement of the clutch located between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. The clutch, arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, is engaged during the process of downshifting when the internal combustion engine is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Christian Popp, Bernd Allgaier
  • Patent number: 7670253
    Abstract: A method and system to off-load motive torque from a clutch to execute a transmission shift is provided. The powertrain includes torque-generative devices operably connected to a two-mode, compound-split, hybrid electro-mechanical transmission. The method includes determining a commanded output torque, and a shift command. A first torque is transmitted by electrical motors, and is limited by their torque capacities. A supplemental motive torque is transmitted from an oncoming clutch. The supplemental motive torque is limited by a torque capacity of the oncoming clutch. Output torque of an internal combustion engine to the transmission is adjusted by an amount substantially equal to a difference between the commanded output torque and the first and the supplemental motive torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 7654932
    Abstract: A method operates a drive train the is formed of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a transmission and a first clutch that connects the internal combustion engine to the electric motor. During an operating state for applying a current requested torque to a transmission input with the electric motor switched on and the internal combustion engine switched off, the internal combustion engine is connected into the circuit by increasing the torque applied to the drive train by the electric motor before the internal combustion engine starts, in such a way that only the current requested torque is applied to the transmission input. Excess torque is extracted from the drive train by actuating the first clutch and applying the excess torque to the internal combustion engine in order to accelerate it. The internal combustion engine is started when its starting state is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Markus Göhring, Marco Fleckner, Nils Sauvlet, Dieter Kraxner
  • Patent number: 7650956
    Abstract: A vehicle drive control for a wheeled vehicle including a first motor generator, and a second motor generator. A planetary gear set includes a first rotating element connected to the first motor generator, a second rotating element connected to the second motor generator, and a third rotating element connected to a drive wheel. A rotation control mechanism selectively restricts rotation of one of the first and second rotating elements of the planetary gear set to establish a fixed speed ratio mode, and releases the one of the first and second rotating elements to establish a variable speed ratio mode. A control unit is configured to control each operating state of the rotation control mechanism, the first motor generator, and the second motor generator, and configured to establish the variable speed ratio mode when a slip state of the drive wheel is detected in the fixed speed ratio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hirata, Tsuyoshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7641583
    Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is concerned with a series hybrid drive train for a vehicle comprising a traction motor, an electric generator, a three-position clutch (20) and a controller. The three-position clutch allows the generator to be connected to an internal combustion engine (12) of the vehicle, to the traction motor or to remain freewheeling. In a second aspect of the present invention, a four-position clutch is used to further allow the internal combustion engine to be connected directly to the wheels to thereby yield a series/parallel drive train. A third aspect of the present invention is concerned with a method of operating such a hybrid drive train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: TM4 Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Houle, Pierre Blouin, Louis-Philippe Bibeau, Jianhong Xu, Ghislain Lambert, Philippe Noël
  • Patent number: 7641584
    Abstract: A fuel-efficient automotive vehicle is provided having a power train including a primary internal combustion engine, an auxiliary engine, and a coupling system which selectively transfers power from the auxiliary engine to the primary engine when the speed of operation of the auxiliary engine equals the speed of the primary engine. The speeds of both engines are controlled by separate gas pedals conventionally located within the vehicle. The primary engine is of smaller power and better fuel efficiency than an engine which would generally be required by the vehicle. Although the primary engine can maintain the vehicle at a cruising speed, it relies upon the added power of the auxiliary engine for acceleration and hill-climbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Gregorio M. Belloso
  • Patent number: 7637842
    Abstract: A method and system to capture energy during regenerative braking while managing driveline disturbances by controlling locking and unlocking of a torque-converter clutch based upon operator input, typically throttle position or accelerator pedal position, vehicle speed, and engine load is offered. The exemplary vehicle has an engine, a torque converter with a clutch, and a transmission device. Vehicle kinetic energy is transmittable to an electrical machine using the transmission device and the torque converter. It includes monitoring an operator demand for power, engine operating speed, and, engine load; and, actuating the locking clutch for the torque converter based upon the operator demand for power, the engine operating speed, and, the engine load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Daniel P. Laurent, Birendra P. Bhattarai, James L. Worthing
  • Patent number: 7625311
    Abstract: The hybrid drive train has an internal combustion engine connected to a first input shaft via a first clutch and connected to a second input shaft via a second clutch. An electric machine is connected to the second input shaft. The first input shaft is coupled to an output shaft via a first gear, and the second input shaft is coupled to the output shaft via two second gears. In the method for operating the hybrid, the first gear is engaged and torque is applied by the engine. To change, one of the second gears is engaged, engine torque is reduced by slipping the clutch while electric machine torque is increased. To change again, electric machine torque is reduced to zero, the other second gear is engaged while engine torque transmitted via the first clutch is increased by reducing slipping of the first clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteilgungs KG
    Inventor: Martin Dilzer
  • Patent number: 7603220
    Abstract: A method for detecting damage done to a clutch having at least two components that transfer torque by frictional engagement comprises the following steps: determining the friction power L introduced into the friction surfaces of the components by slippage between the torque-transferring components, calculating an individual damage value ESW=f(L,t), wherein t denotes time, and rating the clutch as damaged when ESW exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Gerd Jaeggle, Reinhard Berger
  • Patent number: 7597648
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes an electronically variable transmission (EVT) with an input member to receive mechanical rotary power from the engine, an output member to provide mechanical rotary power to a vehicle powertrain to propel the vehicle, and an EVT gear train configured to selectively and operatively couple the input member to the output member. The EVT further includes first and second motor/generators driveably coupled to the gear train. A selectively engageable input brake mechanism is provided to create a reaction torque for the motor/generators thereby enabling the motor/generators to be used with additive power for electric propulsion or regenerative braking. The input brake improves electrical power to mechanical power conversion efficiency by reducing power circulation when the EVT is operated in electric drive, engine off mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Joel M. Maguire
  • Patent number: 7578765
    Abstract: When a vehicle condition is in a region where limitation of the differential action of a differential portion should be stopped, for example in a CVT control region or a motor-driven region, a cutoff device prohibits the limitation of the differential action. Therefore, if the differential action may be limited due to a failure when the vehicle condition is in the region where the limitation of the differential action should be stopped, the fail-safe function is performed to prohibit the limitation of the differential action. This avoids the situation where fuel efficiency is decreased, driveability is deteriorated, and a shock is caused by limiting the differential action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Takuma Kakinami
  • Patent number: 7534190
    Abstract: Upon shifting control of differential mechanism 10, speed ratio ?0 of continuously-variable transmission portion 11 and speed ratio ? of automatic transmission portion 20 are determined by vehicle-output control device 82 on the basis of target engine output PE* and vehicle speed V, so as to establish an operating point of engine 8 which provides the target engine output PE* and which follows an optimum-fuel-economy curve, and the shifting control of the continuously-variable transmission portion 11 and the shifting control of the automatic transmission portion 20 are effected substantially concurrently, so that engine speed NE continuously changes, and the differential mechanism 10 is shifted with a reduced shifting shock. Further, the speed ratio ?0 of the continuously-variable transmission portion 11, in other words, the engine speed NE is changed by using first electric motor M1 and/or second electric motor M2, permitting an improvement in shifting response of the differential mechanism 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabuhsiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga
  • Patent number: 7530920
    Abstract: The hybrid vehicle is provided with a power distribution mechanism (20) distributing a power of an internal combustion engine (16) to a wheel side output shaft (6) and a first motor generator (18), and a transmission (14) transmitting a power of a second motor generator (12) to the wheel side output shaft (6). An electronic control unit (30) executes a rotation synchronization control for synchronizing a rotation speed of the second motor generator (12) prior to the gear shift with a rotation speed after the gear shift at a time of gear shift of the transmission (14). In the case that a neutral request for shutting off a power transmission to the wheel side output shaft (6) is executed during an execution of the rotation synchronization control, an execution of the neutral control of shutting off the application of current to the first and second motor generators (18, 12) is inhibited until the execution of the rotation synchronization control is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Hiroatsu Endo
  • Patent number: 7503872
    Abstract: The present invention is, in a control apparatus for (a) a vehicular drive system including: a continuously-variable transmission portion operable as an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission and having a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, and a second electric motor disposed in a power transmitting path between the power transmitting member and a drive wheel of a vehicle; and a transmission portion constituting a part of the power transmitting path, characterized by including: (b) a differential-state limiting device provided in the differential mechanism, and operable to limit a differential function of the differential mechanism, for limiting an operation of the continuously-variable transmission portion as the electrically controlled continuously variable transmission; and (c) electric-motor control means operable to reduce a rotational speed of the engine by using the first electric motor and/
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • Publication number: 20090054202
    Abstract: A right-and-left-wheel differential torque generator makes a deceleration acted on a vehicle body to be corrected in small even when a rotating electric machine for generating a right-and-left-wheel differential torque is operated to generate a yaw moment of the vehicle, for this purpose, a correcting throttle opening is added to a throttle operation by a driver to correct a torque amount of an engine brake causing a power supply, two power generators A, B coupled independently to each of the left and right wheels and a rotating electric machine C for generating a torsional torque are provided, the power generator A absorbs (brake) the torque from one wheel to generate a power, and this power is supplied so that a torsional torque is generated by the rotating electric machine C in a direction toward which the other wheel (coupled with the power generator B) is accelerated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Hitachi Ltd
    Inventors: Makoto Yamakado, Atsushi Yokoyama, Masaru Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 7463968
    Abstract: A control scheme is provided for stopping an internal combustion engine of a hybrid powertrain during ongoing vehicle operation. The method, executed as program code in an article of manufacture comprises the following steps in the sequence set forth. First, engine operation is controlled to stop firing the engine. A damper clutch is controlled to lock rotation of the engine and the electro-mechanical transmission. Torque outputs from the first and second electrical machines are then selectively controlled to reduce engine speed. Torque outputs from the first and second electrical machines are then selectively controlled to stop rotation of the engine substantially near a predetermined crank position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: GL Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan R. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20080274856
    Abstract: A method for compensating a transmitted torque of a clutch between a regulated drive motor, in particular an electromotor, and a combustion engine in the transition to an operation using only the drive motor, to hybrid operation in which an overall torque is supplied jointly by the drive motor and the combustion engine, and the engine speed of the drive motor is controlled with the aid of a manipulated variable; to implement the transition, the combustion engine is dragged by coupling it with the drive motor with the aid of a proportional clutch having a controllable transmitted torque, and the control of the engine speed of the drive motor is implemented as a function of the transmitted torque using which the drive motor is coupled with the combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Andreas Seel
  • Publication number: 20080200302
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of transmitting power between a shaft (10) of a heat engine (2) and a wheel (6) axle shaft (12) of a hybrid vehicle. The inventive method involves the use of: a power transmission device (1) comprising an electric machine (4) which is connected to (i) the heat engine by means of a clutch (3) and (ii) a wheel (6) axle shaft (12); and a starting system (31) which is mechanically independent of the electric machine (4) and which is connected to the heat engine (2). According to the invention, the heat engine (2) is started by applying a torque to the shaft (10) simultaneously using the starting system (31) and the clutch (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventors: Gaetan Rocq, Yvan Le Neindre, Cedric Launay
  • Patent number: 7410021
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle having improved fuel economy is equipped with a drive system having a primary internal combustion engine and an auxiliary internal combustion engine of smaller size and better fuel economy than the primary engine. The primary engine is adapted to take the vehicle to its cruising speed, at which point the auxiliary engine is activated and interacts by way of an automatic clutch system to power the vehicle while the primary engine is disconnected from the drive system and throttled down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Gregorio M. Belloso
  • Patent number: 7412316
    Abstract: In a method for setting the clutch torque of a clutch, especially a clutch disposed in a drive train of a motor vehicle, the clutch is adjusted using a clutch actuator. This clutch actuator has at least two actuator parts that may be positioned relative to each other at raster values of a position raster. A position setpoint corresponding to a clutch torque and disposed between the raster values of the position raster is calculated, and the actuator parts are positioned relative to each other at a raster value of the position raster that is adjacent to the position setpoint. In addition to the first position raster value, a second position raster value is calculated in such a manner that the position setpoint is disposed between the first position raster value and the second position raster value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Juergen Gerhart, Olaf Werner, Georg Goeppert
  • Publication number: 20080129049
    Abstract: A method is employed for starting an internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle drive which is driven by an electric motor. A speed of the internal combustion engine is adjusted to a target speed. The internal combustion engine speed exceeds the target speed over a predefined time by a predetermined speed differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Nils Sauvlet, Marco Fleckner, Markus Goehring, Dieter Kraxner
  • Patent number: 7360616
    Abstract: A method for controlling and regulating a power train of a hybrid vehicle and a power train of a hybrid vehicle having one internal combustion engine, one electric machine, one shifting element and one output in a power flow of the power train and designed with continuously variable transmitting capacity and one clutch device and the internal combustion engine. The electric machine can be operatively interconnected via the clutch device, the hybrid vehicle being optionally driveable via the electric machine and/or via the internal combustion engine and the internal combustion engine can be started via the electric machine. In the operation of the power train, the transmitting capacity of the shifting element during the starting operation of the internal combustion engine is adjusted so that on the output of the power train, a torque abuts which is independent of the starting operation of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Peter Schiele
  • Patent number: 7331899
    Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
  • Patent number: 7328758
    Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle particularly for making turns with tight turning radii, comprising a chassis provided with two driving wheels forming at least one driving portion, and which supports a motor kinematically connected to a motion distribution shaft. A functional connection is provided between the motion distribution shaft and each one of the driving wheels and is individually activatable or deactivatable on command for independent actuation of the driving wheels. A steering adapted to act on the functional connection, the latter comprising, between the motion distribution shaft and at least one of the driving wheels, a respective clutch coupling, activatable or deactivatable by the steering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Comac S.p.A.
    Inventor: Massimiliano Ruffo
  • Patent number: 7322903
    Abstract: A method is for controlling a rate of flow of cooling oil to a friction launch clutch and electric motor in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. The rate of flow is determined by changes in clutch temperature and motor temperature. Cooling oil flow in excess of the flow required to maintain a desired temperature is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Ortmann, Marvin Kraska
  • Patent number: 7314426
    Abstract: A controller (20), when switching from a travel mode in which a vehicle travels with an engine clutch (EC) disengaged to a travel mode in which the vehicle travels with the engine clutch (EC) engaged, performs a preparatory speed change to reduce a rotation speed differential in the engine clutch (EC), engages the engine clutch (EC) when the rotation speed differential in the engine clutch (EC) is reduced, and then performs a completion speed change until a speed ratio required in the post-switching travel mode is obtained. The upper limit value of a shifting speed during at least one of the preparatory speed change and the completion speed change is set to a different value to the upper limit value of the shifting speed when a speed change is performed during traveling in the same travel mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoya Imazu
  • Patent number: 7305294
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes reducing a speed of the vehicle in response to a vehicle shutdown signal, monitoring at least one of a speed of the vehicle and a torque of an engine of the vehicle, determining whether the monitored at least one of the speed and torque is decreasing, if the monitored at least one of the speed and torque is not decreasing, enabling the engine of the vehicle to operate at a reduced power level, and stopping the vehicle when the monitored at least one of the speed and torque has reached a predetermined level. A control system for a vehicle includes a processor that reduces a speed of the vehicle in response to a vehicle shutdown signal. The processor monitors at least one of a speed of the vehicle and a torque of an engine of the vehicle and determines whether the monitored at least one of the speed and torque is decreasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventors: John G. Bate, Christiano Blume
  • Patent number: 7261671
    Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
  • Patent number: 7223203
    Abstract: A method controlling a hybrid electric vehicle. The hybrid electric vehicle includes a power transfer unit having a plurality of gear ratios and at least one power source adapted to drive the power transfer unit. The method includes calculating a speed ratio value, comparing the speed ratio value to a threshold value, and inferring a torque disturbance if the speed ratio value is greater than the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Yamazaki, Brandon Masterson
  • Patent number: 7150698
    Abstract: In a control unit for an automobile power transmission apparatus which includes a gear-type transmission and several of the motors are controlled so as to suppress thrust or push-up on the torque of the output shaft of the transmission due to inertia torque or to suppress draw or pull-in on the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Toshimichi Minowa, Takashi Okada, Mitsuo Kayano, Tatsuya Ochi, Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Masahiko Ibamoto
  • Patent number: 7128671
    Abstract: A hybrid power system, comprising a first power unit, a secondary shaft, a first transmission device, an auxiliary power unit, and a second transmission device. The first power unit has a primary shaft. The secondary shaft is driven by the primary shaft in a rotational movement. The first transmission device is placed between the primary shaft and the secondary shaft, having a transmission belt, transmitting torque from the primary shaft to the secondary shaft. The auxiliary power unit has an electric motor with a driving shaft, which is parallel to the primary shaft. The second transmission device is placed between the primary shaft and the driving shaft, transmitting torque from the electric motor to the primary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Huan-Lung Gu, Chin-Tai Wu, Pan-Hsiang Hsieh, Wen-Bin Lee, Chun-Hsien Lu
  • Patent number: 7102313
    Abstract: An apparatus provides protection to an electric traction motor of a vehicle. The vehicle has a first powertrain and a second powertrain. The first powertrain includes an engine and it is coupled with a first set of road wheels. The second powertrain includes the electric traction motor and it is coupled with a second set of road wheels. The apparatus comprises a revolution speed sensor operatively associated with the electric traction motor. The apparatus also comprises at least one controller. The controller includes control logic for modifying operation of the vehicle in response to monitoring the revolution speed sensor to restrain the vehicle speed from increasing in such a manner as to limit revolution speed of the electric traction motor to revolution speed values below an allowable upper revolution speed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Kadota, Kouichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7093512
    Abstract: An electric motor is inserted between clutch shafts of a twin-clutch type automatic transmission are controlled for the torque and speed of the electric motor, establishing a smooth and efficient gear shifting control as well for a creep control, idling stop starting control, and R-to-D, D-to-R selecting control being controlled. The pre-stage gear is released after the torque transfer is completed with the electric motor, and the clutch is exchanged after synchronizing the motor speed with the electric motor. As a single transmission can realize multiple functions, there is such an effect that the overall cost can be reduced relatively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Ibamoto, Hiroshi Kuroiwa
  • Patent number: 6969337
    Abstract: A vehicle driving force control apparatus is provided for a vehicle having an electric motor transmitting a drive torque to a first wheel, and a clutch installed between the electric motor and the first wheel. The vehicle driving force control apparatus basically comprises a clutch control section and a motor control section. The clutch control section is configured to control engagement and release of the clutch. The motor control section is configured to control a motor response characteristic by increasing the motor response characteristic of the motor from a first response characteristic to a second response characteristic when the clutch control section releases the clutch. Preferably, the vehicle driving force control apparatus is configured to cancel insufficient torque generation due to undershoot armature current when controlling armature current of an electric motor and transmitting torque to subordinate drive wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Kadota, Tatsuya Kamata, Yasuaki Iwata, Kimitaka Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6962550
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has a first powertrain and a second powertrain. The first powertrain includes an engine and it is coupled with a first set of road wheels. The second powertrain includes an electric motor and it is coupled with a second set of road wheels. A generator is coupled with the engine. The generator is provided as a source of electric power for the electric motor. The control system comprises control logic for determining whether or not there is a need for a predetermined scheme, which is planned to prevent the motor from applying running resistance to the second set of road wheels. The control system also comprises control logic for executing the predetermined scheme in response to the need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Kadota
  • Patent number: 6941830
    Abstract: A transmission in which an electric motor is inserted between a couple of clutch shafts of a twin-clutch type automatic transmission with the torque and speed of the electric motor being controlled. The pre-stage gear is released after the torque transfer is completed with the electric motor, and the clutch is exchanged after synchronizing the motor speed with the electric motor. Friction control of the clutch is not performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Ibamoto, Hiroshi Kuroiwa
  • Patent number: 6935115
    Abstract: A multi-engine power plant, includes a first internal combustion engine module having an air intake and an output shaft for delivering power, a second internal combustion engine module having an air intake and an output shaft for delivering power, and a single throttle body operatively connected to the air intakes of both the first and second engine modules, for controlling a flow of air to the intakes of the engine modules at a common manifold absolute pressure (MAP) of both engine modules during operation of one or both of the engine modules. The power plant also includes a selectively engagable clutch for operatively coupling the output shaft of the second engine module to the output shaft of the first engine module, to thereby produce a common torque output from the first and second engine modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Donald D Anderson
  • Patent number: 6890284
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of controlling a vehicle is provided for correcting a lowered value of the torque of en output shaft in the gear shifting and suppressing a revolution speed of an input shaft on the basis of the lowered torque correction. The torque of the input shaft is adjusted at the termination of the gear shifting on the basis of the lowered torque correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Toshimichi Minowa, Takashi Okada, Mitsuo Kayano, Tatsuya Ochi
  • Patent number: 6881167
    Abstract: In torque controlling method and apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, a vehicular propelling torque transmitted to the driven wheels is controlled under a predetermined torque distribution condition, a motor is made to perform a power running by supplying a generated electric power obtained as a result of a drive of a generator by the engine to the motor, an engine torque is distributed into both of a clutch transmission torque transmitted to the driven wheels via the clutch and a generation torque transmitted to the generator; and both of a clutch rate of the clutch and the generation torque of the generator are controlled on the basis of at least a vehicular velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Inada
  • Patent number: 6814686
    Abstract: A dual engine crankshaft coupling arrangement is provided. The coupling arrangement includes a starter clutch portion for frictionally engaging a crankshaft of a primary engine with a crankshaft of a secondary engine for starting the second engine. A phase clutch is also provided for engaging the first and second crankshafts in an angular specific relative orientation for proper timing relationships coupling of the engine crankshafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L Carriere, Thomas L Kizer, Jeffrey P Cherry, George Konstantakopoulos