Prime Movers Comprising Electrical And Internal Combustion Motors (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/902)
  • Publication number: 20140094342
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle drive configured with a power transfer path that includes a first engagement device, a rotary electric machine, and a second engagement device. These elements being arranged in this order from an input member coupled to an engine to an output member that is coupled to the wheels of the vehicle. A mode control unit switches among a first, second, third and fourth control modes in which the rotating electrical machine generates electricity with: (i) both the first and second engagement devices, (ii) both the first and second engagement devices, (iii) the first engagement device in the direct engagement state and with the second engagement device, and (iv) with the first engagement device in the slip engagement state and with the second engagement device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yuma Mori, Yomei Hakumura
  • Publication number: 20140094340
    Abstract: A controller of a vehicle control device, at the time of shifting from a motor drive mode to an engine drive mode by starting an engine in the motor drive mode, starts the engine by slipping an engine separating clutch and igniting the engine in a state where a lockup clutch of a fluid transmission device is slipped. The fluid transmission device is interposed between an electric motor and a drive wheel. The engine separating clutch selectively couples the engine to the electric motor. Only the electric motor is a drive source in the motor drive mode. The engine is a drive source in the engine drive mode. The controller, at the time of the shifting, reduces a slip amount of the lockup clutch as a period of time from slip initiation timing of the engine separating clutch to ignition initiation timing of the engine extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masato YOSHIKAWA, Naoki NAKANISHI, Shintaro MATSUTANI
  • Patent number: 8688350
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a combustion engine, an electric machine arrangement, a gearbox operable to receive motive power from at least one of the combustion engine and the electric machine arrangement for providing motive power to a load of the powertrain. The powertrain is configurable in operation so that its combustion engine is switchable between an inactive state and an active state. The combustion engine is cranked to switch it from its inactive state to its active state. Application of cranking torque to the combustion engine is controlled in operation to substantially temporally coincide with a gear change in the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lars Carlhammar, Svante Karlsson, Helene Panagopoulos
  • Publication number: 20140083247
    Abstract: This manual transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and an MG shaft. This transmission includes a motor speed change mechanism which establishes a power transmission system between the output shaft and the MG shaft and can selectively set the ratio of rotational speed of the MG shaft to that of the output shaft to one of two values (Hi or Lo). During a period during which a selection operation, which is an operation in the left-right direction of a vehicle of a shift lever, is performed on a shift pattern, the motor speed change mechanism changes the motor speed reduction ratio in a manner interlocked with the selection operation. As a result, during the selection operation, which is a state in which a driver is unlikely to perceive an external shock, the driver receives a shock produced as a result of changing of the motor speed reduction ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Shinya Osuka, Yuki Masui
  • Publication number: 20140083246
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a powertrain for a hybrid type vehicle with a thermal engine (10), notably of internal-combustion type, an electric machine (12) connected to an axle shaft (24) of the vehicle and a transmission device (36) comprising a primary transmission shaft (38) connected to drive shaft (18) of thermal engine (10) through a disengageable coupling (44) and carrying at least two first gear wheels (56, 58) cooperating with at least two second gear wheels (60, 62) carried by a secondary transmission shaft (40) connected to the axle shaft. According to the invention, primary transmission shaft (36) is connected to an auxiliary electric machine (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventor: Stephane VENTURI
  • Patent number: 8678116
    Abstract: An apparatus for an accessory drive configuration includes an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft which is structured to provide traction power. A torque-transmitting shaft extends through a portion of an internal combustion engine assembly, and the torque-transmitting shaft provides mechanical power to an accessory drive system. The internal combustion engine and an electric motor are operably coupled to the torque-transmitting shaft to selectively provide torque to the torque-transmitting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Barnes, Kevin Augustin, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20140081502
    Abstract: A starting system of an engine mounted in a vehicle capable of running using torque output from an electric motor includes a estimation portion that estimates engine speed and output torque of the engine when the engine is driven to realize the power requested by the driver, a comparing portion that compares a time for which the engine continues to be stopped with a first time and a second time that is longer than the first time, a first starting portion that starts the engine when estimated engine speed is greater than first speed and less than second speed, and the estimated output torque is greater than first value and less than second value, and a second starting portion that starts the engine when the time for which the engine continues to be stopped is longer than the second time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masato Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20140081563
    Abstract: A method to control a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) having a compression ignition engine includes operating the engine based on an engine-on request and performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure based on a completion time for the aftertreatment procedure compared to a predicted engine-on time determined using a driving pattern. An HEV is provided with a compression ignition engine with an aftertreatment system, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) operate the engine based on an engine-on request, and (ii) perform an exhaust aftertreatment procedure for the vehicle based on a completion time for the aftertreatment procedure compared to a predicted engine-on time determined using a driving pattern. A computer readable medium having stored data representing instructions executable by a controller to control a vehicle is provided with instructions for operating the engine based on an engine-on request, and instructions for performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Qing Wang, Hai Yu, Ryan Abraham McGee, Fling Tseng
  • Publication number: 20140080663
    Abstract: When an engine is started in a motor running mode, a control unit performs engine starting control by raising the engine speed through slip engagement of an engine coupling/decoupling clutch, temporarily reducing engaging force of the engine coupling/decoupling clutch after the engine becomes able to rotate by itself, and then fully engaging the engine coupling/decoupling clutch. The control unit advances the intake valve opening/closing timing at an earlier point in time as the motor speed is higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki NAKANISHI, Shintaro Matsutani
  • Publication number: 20140080664
    Abstract: A hybrid system includes a hybrid module that is located between an engine and a transmission. The hybrid system includes an energy storage system for storing energy from and supplying energy to the hybrid module. An inverter transfers power between the energy storage system and the hybrid module. The hybrid system also includes a cooling system, a DC-DC converter, and a high voltage tap. The hybrid module is designed to recover energy, such as during braking, as well as power the vehicle. The hybrid module includes an electrical machine (eMachine) along with electrical and mechanical pumps for circulating fluid. A clutch provides the sole operative connection between the engine and the eMachine. The hybrid system further incorporates a power take off (PTO) unit that is configured to be powered by the engine and/or the eMachine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Hartz, Nayan V. Patel, Vernon D. Thompson, Paul A. Richardson, Christopher A. Baker, George S. Pelton
  • Publication number: 20140080650
    Abstract: A drivetrain for a motor vehicle has a first electric machine provides drive power, wherein the first electric machine is connected to an electrical energy store. A differential can distribute drive power to two driven wheels or axles of the motor vehicle. A first transmission arrangement which connects the first electric machine to the differential. A second electric machine which is coupled to an internal combustion engine in order to charge the electrical energy store in a generator mode. A second transmission arrangement connects the internal combustion engine to the differential. The second transmission arrangement has a first gear stage and a second gear stage which can be alternately engaged, for the transmission of drive power from the internal combustion engine to the differential, by means of a clutch arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Günter Rühle, Jochen Bausch, Mark Schweiher, Jörg Meissner
  • Publication number: 20140081501
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle having at least one drive unit in the form of an internal combustion engine that is actuated by an accelerator pedal and a control unit that interacts with the accelerator pedal. Haptic feedback on the accelerator pedal indicates to a driver that a defined action causing a change in the driving mode is about to be initiated and carried out. The haptic feedback is realized as idle travel defined in a characteristic curve stored in the control unit of the accelerator pedal proceeding from the specific accelerator pedal travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Siegfried Lahm
  • Publication number: 20140080648
    Abstract: A drive system including a transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle is provided. The system includes a gear set having first, second, third and fourth elements. The second element connects with an output shaft of the transmission and a first output shaft of an internal combustion engine connects with the third element for driving the third element. An electric motor having an output shaft connecting with the first element drives the first element in response to an electrical signal. An electric motor-generator unit has an output shaft which connects with the fourth element for driving the fourth element in response to an electrical signal. A second output shaft of the engine also connects with the fourth element through the unit for driving the fourth element. The resulting system has a plurality of different operating modes including a reverse gear or operating mode powered electrically and by the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Publication number: 20140074328
    Abstract: A method for providing traction control on a wheeled vehicle involves receiving a speed reference signal. A variance in wheel size between a first and at least one other wheel of the vehicle is determined. Lastly, a drive control signal operable to control power to each of the first and at least one other wheel is output, the drive control signal being based on the speed reference signal and determined variance in wheel size and operable to provide that a tractive force exerted by each of the wheels on a corresponding surface during traction and/or braking is substantially similar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Schaffler IP Pty Limited
    Inventor: Bernard Schaffler
  • Publication number: 20140074386
    Abstract: A method to control a hybrid electric vehicle includes operating a compression ignition engine based on an engine-on request, and performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure when a fraction of an engine-on time is greater than an aftertreatment condition threshold. A vehicle has a compression ignition engine with an exhaust aftertreatment system, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) operate the engine based on an engine-on request, and (ii) perform an exhaust aftertreatment procedure for the vehicle when an engine-on fraction for a designated time is greater than an aftertreatment condition threshold. A computer readable medium having stored data representing instructions executable by a controller to control a vehicle includes instructions for operating the engine based on an engine-on request, and instructions for performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure for the vehicle when an engine-on time fraction is greater than an aftertreatment condition threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Abraham McGee, Qing Wang, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Publication number: 20140073479
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive-train of a vehicle that comprises a combustion engine whose torque for driving the vehicle can be transmitted to a drive output via a transmission, with a hydraulically actuated clutch when the clutch is engaged. An electric machine provides torque which can act upon the drive-train. The clutch is closed by filling the clutch with hydraulic fluid through a circuit by way of a pump which can be driven by the engine and the electric machine. The method is to engage the clutch when the combustion engine is initially off and/or when the electric machine is initially switched off, determining a driving dynamic based on the behavior of the driver and adjusting the speed of the electric machine based on the determined driving dynamic such that the greater the determined driving dynamic is, the more rapidly the clutch is filled by the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Martin-Joachim BADER
  • Publication number: 20140069099
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric motor, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (9), a shaft (8) having an axle (30), a stator and a rotor, at least one channel (11) for conducting a coolant for cooling the electric motor (5), wherein the geometry of the alignment of at least one section (12) of the at least one channel (11) is designed such that the coolant flows in the direction of the axle (30) of the shaft (8) through the at least one channel (11), having a deviation of less than 40°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Rohwer, Denis Kern, Andreas Herzberger
  • Publication number: 20140073480
    Abstract: Method for controlling a hybrid drivetrain which has a drive engine and a dual-clutch gearbox which, to establish two power transmission paths, has a first and a second friction clutch and a first and a second component gearbox. An electric machine is connected to the second power transmission path downstream of the second friction clutch in the power flow direction. Purely electric driving operation can be realized by means of the second component gearbox assigned to the second friction clutch. In the event of a gear change in the second component gearbox during purely electric driving operation, a fill-in torque is provided. The fill-in torque is provided from inertial energy of the previously cranked, non-fired drive engine, wherein the drivetrain also has an electric starter motor, and wherein the starter motor is used to crank the drive engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GETRAG Getriebe-und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Uli Christian Blessing, Thomas Hoffmeister, Ingo Matusche, Thorsten Stepper, Philipp Knopfle
  • Publication number: 20140067174
    Abstract: Disclosed a system and method of learning and controlling a torque transmission kiss point of an engine clutch. In particular, a determination is made as to whether power transference to a transmission transmitting an output from the engine and the motor has been interrupted, and whether the engine is being driven. The motor is then controlled so that a speed of the motor is maintained at a set speed different from a speed of revolutions of the engine when the power transference to the transmission has been interrupted and the engine is being driven. A state change of the motor is then detected while increasing hydraulic pressure applied to the engine clutch at a set ratio and a torque transmission kiss point of the engine clutch is calculated based on the state change of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Joonyoung Park
  • Publication number: 20140060995
    Abstract: A hybrid clutch assembly inserted between an internal combustion engine and the propeller of an aircraft to provide a hybrid-powered aircraft. The hybrid clutch assembly allows a direct current (DC) electric motor to be attached to the hybrid clutch assembly using drive belts. The hybrid clutch assembly allows the internal combustion engine to transmit power to the aircraft's propeller and freely spin the DC motor. The DC motor can transmit power to the aircraft's propeller without turning the internal combustion engine. The hybrid clutch assembly independently allows either the internal combustion engine or the DC motor in parallel to power the aircraft's propeller. The hybrid clutch assembly includes a hybrid clutch, a drive belt housing, a hybrid clutch assembly shaft, and an adapter plate. The hybrid clutch connects to the drive belt housing a hybrid clutch assembly shaft. The adapter plate enables connection of the hybrid clutch to the internal combustion engine propeller flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Inc.
    Inventor: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140060949
    Abstract: A navigation system and associate methods are described that include a plurality of fixed terrestrial based reference devices that calibrate the system by tracking positional error between the fixed terrestrial based reference devices. A navigation system and associated methods are also described that include a laser positioning system. A navigation system and associated methods are described that include an RF positioning system. In one example, the laser positioning system, and the RF positioning system cross check one another to ensure reliability and accuracy of a position measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Autonomous Tractor Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Anderson, Robert S. Cornelius, Frank Artner
  • Patent number: 8660724
    Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle is provided, in particular for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle. The drive system comprises a first and a second drive assembly (, a first and a second branch, at least one control unit and at least one output interface. The first drive assembly is connectable to the first branch. The second drive assembly is connectable to the second branch. The first branch and/or the second branch is/are reversibly connectable to the output interface. The drive assemblies are controllable by the at least one control unit such that the drive assemblies output independently from each other infinitely variable power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Rainer Gugei
  • Publication number: 20140052321
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain has an engine, a starter motor, and a gear train that connects the starter motor with the engine, and a motor/generator. A belt drive train connects the motor/generator with the engine. The powertrain has a first energy storage device with a first operating range of voltage and a second energy storage device with a second operating range of voltage at least partially in common with the first operating range of voltage. A controller places a switching device in an on-state so that the first energy storage device is connected with the second energy storage device or in an off-state in which the first energy storage device is disconnected from the second energy storage device. The controller causes the switching device to be in the off-state and the starter motor and the motor/generator to be powered with energy from the first energy storage device to restart the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Shawn Scott Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20140051547
    Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch interconnecting an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a manually operated gearbox operable in at least one electric only drive position and at least one hybrid drive position. A latch is coupled to the clutch and is moveable between a closed position inhibiting the clutch from interconnecting the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the electric only drive position, and an open position allowing the clutch to interconnect the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the hybrid drive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Anthony L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140051536
    Abstract: A hybrid assembly having a single input and a single output is provided. The hybrid assembly may be operated in electronically variable, fixed gear, direct gear, and locked modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Bradford P. Liu, Feisel Weslati
  • Patent number: 8655570
    Abstract: An apparatus for selecting operating conditions of a genset, the apparatus including a processor circuit configured to select a set of operating points from a plurality of operating points of the genset each comprising an engine speed in a generator electrical output value and a plurality of cost values associated with operating the genset at respective operating points such that the sum of the cost values associated with the operating points in said set is minimized and such that the engine speed increases or decreases monotonically with monotonically increasing or decreasing electrical power output values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Wei Liu, Nicolas Louis Bouchon
  • Publication number: 20140046518
    Abstract: A method for enabling a user of a hybrid vehicle to assign different modes of operation to different segments of a particular route instead of, for example, simply operating the vehicle in an electric mode until its battery is depleted and then switching to an engine or charge-sustaining mode. This method may be useful in situations where a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is being frequently driven on a particular route whose distance exceeds the PHEV's electric mode range. The customized route, complete with operating mode selections for certain route segments, can be stored at the vehicle and automatically implemented when the vehicle recognizes the stored route. Other potential features include evaluating the route after it has been developed and/or driven and providing the user with some feedback so that they can make it more efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Bryan N. Roos, Thomas K. Dye
  • Publication number: 20140046523
    Abstract: A method for determining a preferred engine speed and a preferred engine torque of a selected operating range state of an electro-mechanical multi-mode transmission configured to transfer torque among an engine, at least one electric machine and a drive includes selecting between of a first search window and a second search window. Each of the first and second search windows includes a two-dimensional search window definable by a first axis having minimum and maximum engine speed values and a second axis having minimum and maximum engine torque values. A plurality of candidate operating points within the selected one of the first and second search windows is iteratively generated. One of the plurality of candidate operating points within the selected one of the first and second search windows is iteratively determined as an optimum operating point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Samantha Victoria Lado, Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen, Michael Glenn Diaz
  • Publication number: 20140041482
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive-unit includes an input member, an output member, a drive-unit housing, and a gearing arrangement operatively connected to each of the output and input members. The drive-unit also includes a pump for circulating pressurized fluid and an electric motor. The electric motor includes a rotor connected to the gearing arrangement, a stator fixed relative to the drive-unit housing and having wire windings, and a motor housing configured to retain the rotor and the stator. The drive-unit also includes a fluid cavity between the drive-unit housing and the motor housing configured to receive the pressurized fluid. The drive-unit housing defines a passage in fluid communication with the fluid cavity. The drive-unit also includes a fastener having a head and a shank. The fastener is secured within the passage to facilitate discharging the fluid from under the fastener head onto the wire windings for cooling and/or lubrication thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Knoth, William S. Reed
  • Publication number: 20140041483
    Abstract: A drive unit for a motor vehicle with hybrid drive. The drive unit includes an input shaft which may be connected to the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle, a gearbox shaft which may be connected via a toothed hub of a clutch plate as an input shaft of the downstream gearbox, and an electric machine, the rotor of which is connected rotationally fixedly to the clutches. The components are accommodated in a housing having a radially extending housing wall as a bearing wall which forms a physical separation of a chamber of the electric machine and a chamber of the clutches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: ENGINEERING CENTER STEYR GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Rudolf GLASSNER, Helmut KASTLER, Roland HEIMBERGER, Dennis Chistian KNOSPE, Johannes PETRITSCH, Gerhard WERNICK
  • Publication number: 20140038773
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain system including an internal combustion engine coupled to a multi-mode transmission in response to a command to execute a shift from a first EVT Mode range to a second EVT Mode range includes executing a first shift from the first EVT Mode range to an intermediate transmission range. The multi-mode transmission operates in the intermediate transmission range and the engine is controlled at an engine torque command that corresponds to an output torque request. A second shift is executed from the intermediate transmission range to the second transmission range. The powertrain system operates in the second transmission range to transfer torque to an output member of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Sean W. McGrogan, Krunal P. Patel
  • Patent number: 8645042
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a combustion engine, an electric machine arrangement, a gearbox operable to receive motive power from at least one of the combustion engine and the electric machine arrangement for providing motive power to a load of the powertrain. The powertrain is configurable in operation so that its combustion engine is switchable between an inactive state and an active state. The combustion engine is cranked to switch it from its inactive state to its active state. Application of cranking torque to the combustion engine is controlled in operation to substantially temporally coincide with a gear change in the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lars Carlhammar, Svante Karlsson, Helene Panagopoulos
  • Patent number: 8645013
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes an engine and electric motors configured to transfer torque through a transmission. A method for controlling the hybrid powertrain includes determining a transition window associated with torque output of one of the electric motors coupled to an element of the transmission. A noise reduction control scheme is executed when the torque output of the one of the electric motors coupled to the element of the transmission is within the transition window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Lan Wang, John A. Anderson, James Sydenstricker
  • Publication number: 20140031159
    Abstract: A drive unit for a hybrid electric motor vehicle includes a bevel pinion driveably connected to a power source, a bevel gear meshing with the bevel pinion and aligned with an axis, first and second drive shafts, a differential mechanism including an input secured to the bevel gear for transmitting power between the input and the first and the second drive shafts, an electric motor/generator including a rotor, and a planetary gear set driveably connected to the input and the rotor for transmitting power between the rotor and the input such that a speed of the rotor is greater than a speed of the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Publication number: 20140031158
    Abstract: The present invention is an automatic transmission equipped with at least one planetary gear set and including a single electric motor/generator having a motor output shaft; a hydrocarbon fueled engine; at least one transmission input shaft; an engine clutch operatively attached to the hydrocarbon fueled engine to the at least one transmission input shaft; a motor/generator clutch; a plurality of transmission clutches; and, a plurality of transmission clutch brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Schaeffler Techologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Edmund Maucher
  • Publication number: 20140031168
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle transmission including a double-rotor electric machine, two planetary gear sets, an input shaft, and an output shaft, where the input shaft, the output shaft, and a first rotor of the double-rotor electric machine are each coupled to a member of the first planetary gear set, the output shaft and a second rotor of the double-rotor electric machine are each coupled to a member of the second planetary gear set, and a member of the second planetary gear set not coupled to the output shaft or the second rotor is selectively coupled to the first rotor via a first torque transfer device, and selectively coupled to a transmission housing via a second torque transfer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: McMaster University
    Inventors: Yinye Yang, Ali Emadi
  • Publication number: 20140031169
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having an engine, a generator, and a motor connected via a planetary gear set to detect lockup in the planetary gear set and control the powertrain in response. When torque is distributed in an electric mode of operation with the engine disabled, the generator is disabled based at least upon a difference between actual generator speed and an expected generator speed exceeding a threshold, indicating a lockup in the planetary gear set. When the engine is activated and distributes torque through the powertrain, the engine and the generator are disabled based at least upon a difference between engine acceleration and an expected engine acceleration exceeding a first threshold, and a difference between engine speed and ring gear speed being less than a second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ming Lang Kuang, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Edward William Haran, Jonathan Andrew Butcher, Kimberly Murphy
  • Publication number: 20140024493
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a hybrid transmission that has an input member operatively connectable to an engine crankshaft, at least one motor/generator, a gearing arrangement, and an output member operatively connectable to both the input member and said at least one motor/generator. An input brake has a first and a second brake shoe, a selectively energizable solenoid, and a mechanical biasing mechanism. The solenoid is operatively connected to the brake shoes via the mechanical biasing mechanism so that both brake shoes are operatively connected with the input member when the solenoid is energized. When the solenoid is deenergized, the first brake shoe remains operatively connected with and resists rotation of the input member when clockwise torque is applied to the input member and the second brake shoe remains operatively connected with and resists rotation of the input member when counterclockwise torque is applied to the input member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Joel M. Maguire
  • Publication number: 20140018982
    Abstract: A machine comprising powertrain components, an engine that applies power to powertrain components, and a hybrid motor that applies power to powertrain components. The machine includes an electronic control module that controls the hybrid motor to apply power to powertrain components. The machine includes an engine parameter sensor. The engine parameter sensor senses engine performance parameters and sends engine performance parameter signals to the electronic control module. The electronic control module monitors engine performance parameters and control the hybrid motor to apply power to the powertrain components to provide hybrid performance parameters to counteract the engine performance parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Timothy M. O'Donnell, Evan E. Jacobson, Brian D. Hoff
  • Publication number: 20140018206
    Abstract: A motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine is equipped with at least two auxiliary units and with an electric machine connected to a power source. The electric machine can be coupled to the auxiliary units by means of a dual clutch device. A control device can actuate the dual clutch device for coupling the auxiliary units to the electric machine according to preselected priorities. One or the other auxiliary unit, or all auxiliary units, or no auxiliary unit may be coupled to the electric machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Dirk Bernhardt
  • Publication number: 20140018207
    Abstract: A control device of a hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric motor, a clutch, and an automatic transmission. The motor is the only drive power source when the clutch is released. The control device is configured such that when a request for increasing drive torque while the motor is running is made, if start control of the engine and downshift control of the automatic transmission overlap, clutch engagement completion is a starting point to start a rotational change of an input rotation speed of the transmission toward a synchronous rotation speed after a shift, and a transmission torque capacity during the downshift control in the transmission until engagement completion of the clutch being set equal to or greater than an input torque of the transmission during the motor running and less than an input torque of the transmission at the time of engagement completion of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobufusa Kobayashi, Hideaki Otsubo
  • Patent number: 8628025
    Abstract: A vehicle waste heat recovery system may include a first pump, an internal combustion engine, a waste heat recovery device and a condenser. The first pump may be in fluid communication with a fluid. The internal combustion engine may be operable to power rotation of a drive axle of a vehicle and may define an engine coolant passage having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the first pump. The waste heat recovery device may have an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the engine coolant passage. The condenser may have an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the waste heat recovery device and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the first pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: John R. Bucknell
  • Publication number: 20140011632
    Abstract: A power transmission control device, which is applied to a hybrid-vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine (E/G) and a motor (M/G) as power sources, includes a manual transmission and a friction clutch, When the shift position is in “neutral”, the friction clutch is in an engaged state, an accelerator opening is “0”, and a battery remaining amount SOC is less than a threshold TH, a charge condition is satisfied. When the charge condition is satisfied, charge of a battery by using an E/G torque is carried out. Specifically, the M/G is driven, by using the VG torque, as an electrical power generator, and electric energy acquired by electric power generation by the M/G is used to charge the battery. As a result, for the HV-MT vehicle, by using the internal-combustion-engine torque, the battery for supplying the electric motor with the electric energy can be efficiently charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicants: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, AISIN AI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Ito, Takeshige Miyazaki, Mitsuhiro Tabata
  • Publication number: 20140011618
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device having an input member coupled to an internal combustion engine; an output member coupled to a wheel; a first rotating electrical machine; a second rotating electrical machine; and a differential gear unit having at least three rotating elements. A dog engagement device is provided on a power transmission path between the input member and an input rotating element. The engagement device includes a state selecting member that switches a state among three states, which are a first state where the input rotating element and the input member are coupled and the input rotating element and a non-rotating member are not coupled, a second state where the input rotating element coupled with both the input member and the non-rotating member, and a third state where the input rotating element and the non-rotating member are coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoo Atarashi, Shigeki Takami, Takafumi Koshida, Hidetoshi Aoki, Yoshihisa Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140007740
    Abstract: In a vehicle drive device, a response to a range change request, during which the drive wheels are rotated in a low or high range, can be smoothly and quickly completed without using a synchronous engaging mechanism. When the range change is requested when the drive wheels are rotated in the low range or in the high range, the control devices disengage a clutch sleeve from a currently engaged gear piece so as to establish a neutral range, and control an output rotational speed of the motor generator such that a difference between an input rotational speed and an output rotational speed of the transmission mechanism is set to be zero, or be equal to or less than a predetermined value. After that, the control devices cause a connection processor to slide the clutch sleeve to be connected to a connection target gear piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akinori Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20140012452
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drivetrain for a motor vehicle. Power is provided by an internal combustion engine in a first operating mode. Power is provided by an electric machine in a second operating mode. A change from one operating mode into the other operating mode is carried out according to the state of at least one of the drivetrain and the motor vehicle. The change of operating mode is controlled according to at least one switching variable, which is a function of a requested power target value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventor: Uli Christian Blessing
  • Publication number: 20140011631
    Abstract: Examples include an automatic manual transmission for a hybrid car provided with an internal combustion engine and an electrical machine, the automatic manual transmission presents. Examples include a mechanical gearbox, a differential gear which receives the motion from a secondary shaft of the gearbox and transmits the motion to driving wheels, a clutch which is interposed between the secondary shaft of the gearbox and the differential gear, an auxiliary shaft along which the electrical machine is mounted, a first gear train which connects a first end of the auxiliary shaft arranged upstream of the electrical machine to a primary shaft of the gearbox, and a second gear train which connects a second end of the auxiliary shaft arranged downstream of the electrical machine to an output shaft of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Franco Cimatti
  • Publication number: 20140011630
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes an engine, a motor disposed nearer to drive wheel sides than the engine in a vehicle, and a clutch disposed between the engine and the motor and configured to be engaged or released according to an operation input, wherein at the time the clutch is engaged to connect the engine and the drive wheels while the vehicle travels with the engine being stopped, the engine is started by the power transmitted to the engine via the clutch as well as the motor is caused to output assist torque for suppressing a reduction of acceleration of the vehicle caused by that the clutch is engaged, and the assist torque when a braking operation is performed is smaller than the assist torque when the braking operation is not performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoya Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8626403
    Abstract: Heavy equipment is designed for operation in a substantially-repetitive work cycle that includes lifting, rotating, and lowering steps. The heavy equipment includes a generator, an electrical bus, an energy storage component, and working components. The generator provides a substantially constant electrical output to the electrical bus, which is communicated to the working components. As such, the working components of the heavy equipment are driven directly or indirectly by the electrical output of the generator. The controller selectively couples the energy storage component to the electrical bus, and the energy storage component is configured to store electricity provided by the generator, and to provide electricity to the working components by way of the electrical bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gordon Onsager, Joseph Helfrich, Dave L. Perugini, Wayne George Chmiel, Robert Weber, Peter James Miller
  • Publication number: 20140005866
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle and method of control are disclosed wherein the vehicle is propelled solely by the motor in some operating modes and the internal combustion engine is set to run whenever a brake pedal is released in other operating modes. In some operating modes, the engine is controlled to simulate a vehicle with a discrete ratio transmission, wherein the engine speed is controlled in response to vehicle speed and a virtual gear number. The virtual gear number changes in response to driver activation of shift selectors. When the driver selects a high gear number, a revised algorithm is utilized which allows some motor only operation but starts the engine in response to specified increases in accelerator pedal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ming Lang Kuang, Qing Wang, Jeffrey Randolph Holmes