Actuated (e.g., Engaged Or Disengaged By Electrical, Hydraulic Or Mechanical Means) (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/914)
  • Patent number: 11906042
    Abstract: A gear shift control device of an automobile includes memory storing a gear shift map that defines, for each of gear shift points, thresholds of the number of revolutions to determine a switching start timing of each of the gear positions, a transmission control unit that performs switching between the gear positions based on the gear shift map, and a regeneration control unit that controls regeneration. The gear shift map includes a non-cooperative regeneration map that defines the thresholds of revolutions lower than the thresholds in a cooperative request map used in cooperative regeneration, and the non-cooperative regeneration map includes a combustion request map that defines the thresholds of low revolutions and is used when an accelerator is not used, and a travel request map that defines the thresholds of relatively higher revolutions and is used when the accelerator is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Daigo Nishikori, Hiroaki Gotan, Akina Inagaki, Tomohiro Okubo, Kiminori Higo, Takayuki Mikami
  • Patent number: 11770077
    Abstract: A dual start control circuit for auxiliary inverters of a railway vehicle is provided. An external dual circuit is designed for controlling a start and stop of the auxiliary inverters; and an APS START signal is added to start conditions of the auxiliary inverters. When a start-stop switch is turned to an “on” position, an APS start train line is electrified, APS start relays in cabs at both ends are electrified and corresponding normally-open contacts of the APS start relays are closed, a self-locking circuit is kept electrified, the APS start train line is kept electrified, and a start signal is transmitted to the auxiliary inverters through a hard wire; and when the start-stop switch is turned to an “off” position, an APS stop train line is electrified, APS stop relays in the cabs at both ends are electrified and corresponding normally-closed contacts of the APS stop relays are disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Caixia Shi, Li Yang, Hemin Ding, Xiaofang Shi, Yuhu Jiang, Lian Ge, Qiaofeng Jiang
  • Patent number: 11697337
    Abstract: To provide a drive system for a hybrid vehicle capable of suppressing energy loss by slip control at a start of an internal combustion engine during electric vehicle (EV) travel, a power transmission system for the hybrid vehicle is configured to couple an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a transmission by planetary gear mechanisms, has a brake that engages and disengages the internal combustion engine with and from a case, engages the brake during EV travel in which only the electric motor is used as a drive source, and is configured to start the internal combustion engine by disengaging the brake at the time of switching from the EV travel to hybrid vehicle (HEV) travel in which the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are used as drive sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ogauchi, Shinya Kamada, Akihiro Uchida
  • Patent number: 11584360
    Abstract: A traction control device and method for a four-wheel drive electric vehicle are disclosed. When the drive wheels of an electric vehicle spin, a drive force of the electric vehicle is controlled so as to restrain the spinning of the drive wheels and to secure the starting performance and acceleration performance of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gwi Chui Kim
  • Patent number: 11458830
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, a motor generator and a control device. The motor generator includes a rotating shaft connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine via a torsional damper. The powertrain system is configured such that the crankshaft and the above-described rotating shaft are not connected to a drive shaft of a vehicle at least at the time of engine start. The control device is configured to execute a cranking torque amplification control that controls the motor generator such that the MG torque output from the motor generator for cranking the internal combustion engine fluctuates in a resonant period of the torsional damper while making a fluctuation center of the MG torque higher than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Iguma, Tomohito Ono, Hiroto Hashimoto, Daisuke Shirai
  • Patent number: 11391348
    Abstract: A transmission and a power system for use in a hybrid vehicle. A first ring gear or a first planetary frame is drivingly connected with an output gear of the transmission to serve as an output member, when either the first ring gear or the first planetary frame is drivingly connected with the output gear, the other one is connected with a casing of the transmission via a brake. A second clutch is configured as: when the brake is disengaged, the second clutch is engaged to make the rotational speed of the output member equal to the rotational speed of an input shaft. The transmission and the power system are structurally compact, work steadily, and effectively increase the acceleration performance of the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignees: NINGBO UMD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CO., LTD, ZHEJIANG GEELY HOLDING GROUP CO., LTD
    Inventors: Weiqian Xie, Lin Zhu
  • Publication number: 20150072830
    Abstract: When a vehicle is to be started solely by a motor immediately after an engine is started or the shift position has been changed from N range to D range, a delay time for delaying pre-charge of first and second clutches is set in accordance with operating oil temperature. The pre-charge is executed after a lapse of the delay time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Kunio Sakata
  • Patent number: 8919519
    Abstract: A vehicle driving apparatus includes a rotating electrical machine and an engagement device, which are disposed on a power transmission path linking an input member drive-coupled to an internal combustion engine and an output member drive-coupled to a wheel. The engagement device includes an engagement input coupled to the input member, an engagement output that forms a pair with the engagement input and is coupled to the rotating electrical machine, a friction member disposed between the engagement input and the engagement output, and a pressing member that presses the friction member in a pressing direction. An oil pressure chamber is formed between the pressing member and either the engagement input or the engagement output. A biasing spring biases the pressing member in the pressing direction when no oil pressure is supplied to the oil pressure chamber and is disposed on an exterior of the oil pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikio Iwase, Tomohide Suzuki, Naoya Jinnai, Tatsuya Okishima, Toshihiko Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8920275
    Abstract: A hybrid module for a drive train of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a transmission. The hybrid module operates between the internal combustion engine and the transmission and has an electric drive, a clutch, and a freewheel, and the clutch and the freewheel are provided parallel to each other in order to transmit torque from the internal combustion engine toward the transmission, the freewheel transmits torque coming from the internal combustion engine to the transmission and opens for torque directed in the opposite direction, and a portion of the torque produced by the internal combustion transmitted by the freewheel can be set by setting a torque that can be transmitted by the clutch so that the vehicle can be driven by the internal combustion engine or the electric drive or both at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dierk Reitz, Willi Ruder, Matthias Schneider
  • Publication number: 20140330465
    Abstract: Control apparatuses for hybrid vehicles are disclosed which rapidly decrease the voltage of an inverter following a collision. The control apparatus increases a force of engagement of a clutch when an operating speed of an engine is lower than an operating speed of an electric motor after a collision, and reduces the force of engagement of the clutch when the operating speed of the engine is equal to or higher than the operating speed of the electric motor after the collision. Accordingly, the clutch is placed in an engaged state when the engine applies a load to the electric motor, and is placed in a released state when the operating speed of the electric motor is raised by the engine in the engaged state of the clutch so that the operating speed of the electric motor can be rapidly lowered and a voltage of an inverter can be rapidly lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuto Matsudaira
  • Patent number: 8863926
    Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting power to a transmission input includes first and second sources of rotary power, first and second transmission input shafts, a clutch hub driveably connected to the first and second power sources, and first and second clutches secured to the clutch hub, for alternately closing and opening a drive connection between the first and second transmission input shafts and the clutch hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Shaun G. Knowles
  • Patent number: 8808138
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a traction motor, and a torque converter that is driven by the traction motor. A clutch arrangement mechanically couples an output of the torque converter to transmission gearing. A controller is provided in the vehicle that is configured to command an increase in slip, or decrease in clutch pressure, in the clutch arrangement in response to an increase in speed of the traction motor. The commanding of an increase in slip enables a product of the torque ratio of the torque converter and an input torque to the torque converter to remain generally constant during the increase in speed of the traction motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Marvin Paul Kraska, Michael John Encelewski, Hong Jiang, Felix Nedorezov
  • Patent number: 8770364
    Abstract: A powertrain module includes an input, a first bulkhead supporting the input for rotation, a hub, an electric machine including a stator connected to the first bulkhead and a rotor connected to the hub, a clutch for alternately opening and closing a drive connection between the input and the rotor, a servo for actuating the clutch and supported on the input, and a second bulkhead supporting the hub for rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, Keith A. Devereaux
  • Patent number: 8714332
    Abstract: A main shaft has a shaft cylindrical portion extending from an outer periphery of a large-diameter portion. A drum has a drum cylindrical portion extending from an outer periphery of a drum plate portion. An axial forward end of the drum cylindrical portion is arranged in an inside of the shaft cylindrical portion. A frictional engagement unit of a clutch is provided in an inside of the shaft cylindrical portion. A motor generator has a rotor, which is firmly fitted to outer walls of the large-diameter portion and the shaft cylindrical portion and rotatable relative to a stator. A working-oil supply passage is formed in an inside of an input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Noguchi, Hiroshi Okada, Hiroyuki Usami, Yoshihiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8706369
    Abstract: A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diana Yanakiev, Yuji Fujii, Eric Tseng, Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F Kucharski
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 8676421
    Abstract: A method for organizing an electric energy and a kinetic energy of an electric vehicle includes the following steps. A plurality of electro-motor modules having different grade of kinetic energy are provided. A plurality of battery modules having different grade of electric energy are provided. A plurality of electric vehicle performances are preset, and one of the battery modules on the electric vehicle is arranged in accordance with the electric vehicle performances. One of the electro-motor modules on the electric vehicle is arranged in accordance with the electric vehicle performances and the one of the battery modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Metal Industries Research & Development Centre
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsin Lee, Chin-Ming Chang, Shih-Tsung Huang
  • Patent number: 8672112
    Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, a clutch mechanism including first and second clutch portions, the clutch mechanism being switchable between connected and disconnected states, and a clutch operation mechanism switching the clutch mechanism between the connected and disconnected states, the clutch operation mechanism including a clutch drum forming a drum chamber, a piston dividing the drum chamber into a spring chamber and a pressurizing chamber, a control valve, a biasing member arranged in the spring chamber and exerting a biasing force in a direction in which the first and second clutch portions are engaged with each other, and a bore formed in the clutch drum, the bore discharging oil of the spring chamber to an outer side of the spring chamber in a state where a counteracting force against a centrifugal force acting in the pressurizing chamber is generated in the spring chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Ikeda, Shinichi Ito
  • Patent number: 8672803
    Abstract: An automated manual transmission system (1) including an input shaft (4), a clutch, an output shaft (6), and a gearbox enabling selection of different transmission ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft (6). An actuation mechanism (10) is operatively connected to the clutch and the gearbox to effect disengagement and re-engagement of the clutch and coordinated selection of the transmission ratios. A hybrid motor (14) is operably connected to the output shaft (6) and a control system (16) is operable to regulate the actuating mechanism in response to control inputs, to effect automatic gear changes. The hybrid motor (14) is responsive to the control system (16) to provide supplementary torque to the vehicle driveline when the clutch is disengaged, to reduce torque interruption in the driveline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: NT Consulting International Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Terrence Tamba, Simon Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8657094
    Abstract: A clutch device for a vehicle includes an input shaft, an output shaft coaxially arranged with a rotational axis of the input shaft, first clutch plates, second clutch plates, a piston fitted to a cylindrical portion integrally formed with the output shaft or the input shaft, an elastic member arranged between the piston and the cylindrical portion, a hydraulic chamber defined by the cylindrical portion and the piston, a canceller chamber defined by the cylindrical portion and the piston to connect to an outer side of the cylindrical portion via a discharge hole formed at a portion of the cylindrical portion, the portion being located at a predetermined radial distance from the rotational axis, and a throttle hole formed in a portion of the piston to connect the hydraulic chamber to the canceller chamber, the portion being located at a radially inward side of the portion of the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiichiro Kawashima, Yoshikazu Akahoshi
  • Patent number: 8622182
    Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle configured between an internal combustion engine and a wheel. The drive device includes a rotary electric machine, and an engagement device connecting the drive device to the engine by a fluid coupling using hydraulic pressure. A case houses at least a portion of the drive device and includes a support wall extending radially, and a cylindrical projecting portion projecting from the support wall toward a side in an axial second direction that is in a direction opposite to the axial first direction. The engagement device includes an operating oil pressure chamber supplied with the hydraulic pressure. A rotor member of the rotary electric machine is radially supported by the cylindrical projecting portion in a rotatable state via a support bearing. The cylindrical projecting portion is formed with an operating oil supply passage supplying oil to the operating oil pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikio Iwase, Tomohide Suzuki, Naoya Jinnai, Tatsuya Okishima, Toshihiko Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8548703
    Abstract: A method to determine excessive clutch slippage in a transmission coupled to an engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit power to an output member through selective application of torque-transfer clutches includes monitoring rotational velocities of the electric machine, engine and output member, monitoring a transmission operating range state, determining a clutch slip based upon monitored rotational velocities for one of the torque-transfer clutches intended to be synchronized based upon the transmission operating range state, and indicating a runaway slip event if the clutch slip is in excess of a threshold slip level through a threshold slip duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 8494739
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive device of a motor vehicle that has at least two different drive aggregates, in particular an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, and having a clutch, the drive aggregates being capable of being operatively connected using the clutch. It is provided that, in a diagnostic and/or adaptation operating mode; the clutch is operated with a slippage. In addition, the present system relates to a hybrid drive device, a control device for a hybrid drive device, and a motor vehicle aggregate that has both the control device and the hybrid drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jens-Werner Falkenstein
  • Patent number: 8467947
    Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic system of an automatic transmission, in particular in a hybrid drivetrain, in which the hydraulic system comprises a main pump that is powered by an internal combustion engine and/or an electric drive motor, an electric auxiliary pump and a system pressure valve for setting a system pressure, to ensure various operating functions. In addition to the main pump, the electric auxiliary pump also supplies the hydraulic system with a volume flow of an operating medium. The loading of the electric auxiliary pump is determined in an electronic control unit with regard to the value of the system pressure and the loading of the electric auxiliary pump is limited, by the electronic control unit, with regard to the selected operating function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Tobias Zollner, Bernd Allgaier, Christian Schwemer
  • Patent number: 8457825
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an electric machine mechanically coupled to an internal combustion engine mechanically coupled to a transmission. A method for operating the powertrain system includes determining an engine stall threshold rate during engine operation in a low load condition. A time-rate change in an accessory load is controlled by the electric machine operating in an electric power generating mode in response to the engine stall threshold rate during the engine operation in the low load condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael D Haggerty, Sean W McGrogan, Adam J Heisel
  • Patent number: 8337359
    Abstract: A hybrid engine and coupling system for use with a vehicle or other load which employs a motor/generator unit connected through controllable couplers to a kinetic energy storage device and to one or more internal combustion engine modules in a programmed manner. Several embodiments provide varying configurations to satisfy various power and packaging design requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: EcoMotors International
    Inventor: Peter Hofbauer
  • Publication number: 20120271498
    Abstract: A control device that controls a vehicle drive device in which a first engagement device, a rotating electrical machine, a second engagement device, and an output member are sequentially arranged in this order from an input member side on a power transmission path that connects the input member drivingly coupled to an internal combustion engine to the output member drivingly coupled to wheels. The control device controls both the first engagement device and the second engagement device to a slip engaged state, and causes the rotating electrical machine to generate electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120258838
    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: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Hartz, Nayan V. Patel, Vernon D. Thompson, Paul A. Richardson, Christopher A. Baker, George S. Pelton
  • Patent number: 8282527
    Abstract: A control apparatus of hybrid vehicle having a first clutch which is in a disengaged state by being supplied with hydraulic fluid and a second clutch which is in an engaged state by being supplied with the hydraulic fluid, has a line pressure controller controlling a line pressure of the hydraulic fluid, and a drive mode controller changing a drive mode between HEV mode in which the first clutch is engaged and the vehicle travels with the engine and the motor/generator being a power source and EV mode in which the first clutch is disengaged and the vehicle travels with only the motor/generator being the power source. The line pressure controller sets the line pressure in HEV mode to a pressure level required for the engagement of the second clutch, and sets the line pressure in EV mode to a higher line pressure than the line pressure in HEV mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Shingo Suzuki, Kan Yagi
  • Publication number: 20120253577
    Abstract: A method for disconnecting an electrical machine connected with the wheels of a vehicle's drive axle by means of a dog clutch having intermeshing couplers includes, upon receipt of a command to disengage, two successively activated steps. In the first step, a torque equal to a calibrated threshold of a target torque (d) is applied to the electrical machine so to effect a zero torque between the couplers. During this step, a dog clutch actuator is deactivated so to allow the dog clutch to disengage from the electrical machine as quickly as possible. Next, a torque having a value determined according to a slope whose value ranges from the calibrated threshold of the target torque (d) to zero is applied to the electrical machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventors: Eric Schaeffer, Florian Galinaud
  • Publication number: 20120175212
    Abstract: A launch and disconnect clutch for the electric motor of a P2 hybrid powertrain is compact and provides improved operation. The clutch is mounted between the engine and transmission in the space formerly occupied by the torque converter. The clutch assembly is configured so that actuation, compensation and cooling are provided by only two oil channels. The clutch utilizes single-sided reaction plates which achieve high clutch gain thereby providing high torque capacity under electric operation and improved launch shudder characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Edwin T. Grochowski, Anthony L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8214096
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for controlling an accelerator for electric vehicles. The method comprises steps of: acquiring an actual accelerator pedal depth value and a current vehicle speed; determining a maximum output torque of motor under the current vehicle speed based on the current vehicle speed; and controlling the output torque of motor in such a way that the growth rate of the output torque higher than that of the actual accelerator pedal depth value at the beginning and then closed to that of the actual accelerator pedal depth value during the actual accelerator pedal depth value growing. The invention makes the output torque grown rapidly within the shallow range of accelerator pedal depth, while makes the output torque grown closed to that of the accelerator pedal depth within the relative deep range of accelerator pedal depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: BYD Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yingwu Xu, Xuguang Zhou, Xiaohua Tang, Jian Gong, Nan Liu, Guangming Yang, Ming Yu
  • Patent number: 8100240
    Abstract: A first clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. A generator has a generator shaft associated with the first clutch assembly. A second clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. A transmission has a transmission shaft directly or indirectly associated with the second clutch assembly. A third clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. An engine has an engine shaft associated with the third clutch assembly. A controller establishes an operational mode of the vehicle by controlling the states of the first clutch assembly, the second clutch assembly, and the third clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Chris Alan DeRoo, Larry Dean Swanson
  • Publication number: 20110240430
    Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle configured between an internal combustion engine and a wheel. The drive device includes a rotary electric machine, and an engagement device connecting the drive device to the engine by a fluid coupling using hydraulic pressure. A case houses at least a portion of the drive device and includes a support wall extending radially, and a cylindrical projecting portion projecting from the support wall toward a side in an axial second direction that is in a direction opposite to the axial first direction. The engagement device includes an operating oil pressure chamber supplied with the hydraulic pressure. A rotor member of the rotary electric machine is radially supported by the cylindrical projecting portion in a rotatable state via a support bearing. The cylindrical projecting portion is formed with an operating oil supply passage supplying oil to the operating oil pressure chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mikio Iwase, Tomohide Suzuki, Naoya Jinnai, Tatsuya Okishima, Toshihiko Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20100320015
    Abstract: A drive for an hybrid vehicle, having an electric machine situated in a housing and having a clutch that is provided with a release mechanism. The release mechanism is connected to a housing-mounted component, that is locked against rotation, via at least one damping element, the damping element absorbing multi-dimensional motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Erich Banhegyi, Andreas Herzberger
  • Patent number: 7844375
    Abstract: A vehicle hybrid power system is provided according to the present invention. The hybrid power system is characterized by applying the concept of minimum equivalent fuel consumption, and then simulating equivalent fuel consumptions based on respective energy consumption or increase of motor and generator of a motor vehicle, and also defining simulated equivalent fuel consumption formula and making a list of system state parameters, system control parameters, and system negative load parameters, thereby obtaining simulated equivalent fuel consumption multidimensional data by entering the system parameters derived from a discretization/transformation process in the defined simulated equivalent fuel consumption formula; wherein, the simulated equivalent fuel consumption multidimensional data are revised to comprise subsystems, such as system engine, motor, generator, and others to determine a system control strategy of holistic optimization, thereby achieving the objective of saving energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yi-Hsuan Hung, Po-Hsu Lin, Chien-Hsun Wu, Chuang-Pin Chiu, E-In Wu, Tsu-Yang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100161189
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a coupling device between an input shaft driven by a motor and an output shaft that can transmit a maximum torque according to the position of an actuator of the coupling device 5 complying with a law of behavior of the coupling means according to which: a set value (Cemb,cons) of maximum torque to be transmitted is defined; the actual position (Xemb,mes) of the actuator of the coupling device is measured; a set value (Xemb,cons) is determined for actuating the coupling device and is sent to the actuator of the coupling device, while using a law of behavior of the coupling means obtained by interpolation between a first law of reference of behavior of the coupling means and at least one second law of reference of behavior of the coupling means, and; an auto-adaptation of the law of behavior of the coupling means is carried out for taking into consideration its evolution resulting from the use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventors: Yvan Le Neindre, Gaetan Rocq
  • Publication number: 20100151990
    Abstract: A method and a device for compensating a transmitted torque of a clutch between a regulated drive motor, in particular an electric motor, and an internal combustion engine of a hybrid drive when transitioning from an exclusive operation using the drive motor to a hybrid operation, a total torque from the drive motor and the internal combustion engine being jointly provided in hybrid operation, the rotational speed of the drive motor being controlled or regulated with the aid of a manipulated variable; the internal combustion engine being entrained at a controllable transmitted torque by coupling to the drive motor via a proportional clutch for performing the transition. The rotational speed of the drive motor is controlled or regulated as a function of a setpoint transmitted torque using which the drive motor is to be coupled to the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Andreas Seel
  • Patent number: 7690457
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control apparatus includes an engine, a motor, first and second engaging elements, an input rotational speed and a controller. The first engaging element is arranged between the engine and the motor to selectively connect and disconnect the engine and the motor. The second engaging element is arranged between the motor and a drive wheel to selectively connect and disconnect the motor and the drive wheel. The input rotational speed detecting section is configured to detect an input rotational speed of the second engaging element corresponding to a rotational speed of the motor. The controller is configured to determine whether the second engaging element is seized based on the input rotational speed when a disengagement command or a slip engagement command has been issued to the second engaging element and a drive force of at least one of the engine and the motor has been changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Nakanowatari
  • Patent number: 7689331
    Abstract: A start-stop or idle-stop method for a heavy-duty hybrid vehicle that turns off the fuel supply while maintaining the crankshaft rotation of the internal combustion engine when the vehicle stops or, optionally, when the vehicle travels downhill, travels in a noise sensitive location, travels in an exhaust emissions sensitive location, or operates in an emergency situation. The stop-start or idle-stop method automatically turns on the engine fuel supply to restart combustion when the vehicle starts accelerating, is no longer traveling downhill, is no longer traveling in a noise sensitive or exhaust sensitive location, is no longer in an emergency situation, or has dropped below the minimum energy storage restart level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Moran
  • Patent number: 7689330
    Abstract: This invention relates to a Start-Stop method for a heavy-duty hybrid vehicle that turns off the internal combustion engine when the vehicle stops or, optionally, when the vehicle travels downhill. The Stop-Start method automatically restarts the internal combustion engine when the vehicle starts accelerating or is no longer traveling downhill. The software instructions for the Stop-Start method reside within the programming of the hybrid vehicle control computer as a subset of the hybrid vehicle control strategy in hybrid-electric or hybrid-hydraulic heavy-duty vehicle. During the time the internal combustion engine is turned off the necessary vehicle accessories operate from the available power of the hybrid high power energy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Moran
  • Patent number: 7680568
    Abstract: A start-stop or idle-stop method for a heavy-duty hybrid vehicle that turns off the fuel supply while maintaining the crankshaft rotation of the internal combustion engine when the vehicle stops or, optionally, when the vehicle travels downhill, travels in a noise sensitive location, travels in an exhaust emissions sensitive location, or operates in an emergency situation. The stop-start or idle-stop method automatically turns on the engine fuel supply to restart combustion when the vehicle starts accelerating, is no longer traveling downhill, is no longer traveling in a noise sensitive or exhaust sensitive location, is no longer in an emergency situation, or has dropped below the minimum energy storage restart level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Moran
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100062899
    Abstract: A force transmission device having a hydrodynamic component, disposed between an input and an output, comprising at least a pump shell and a turbine shell, forming an operating cavity in combination, with an actuatable clutch device for at least partially bridging the hydrodynamic component, comprising a clutch component for at least partially bridging the hydrodynamic component, comprising a first clutch component connected with the input and a second clutch component at least indirectly connected to the output, which can be brought into operative engagement with one another through an actuation device, with a vibration absorber disposed in the force flow at least subsequent to the actuatable clutch device, with a housing coupled with the input or with an element coupled non-rotatably to the input and coupled with the pump shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KG
    Inventors: Dominique ENGELMANN, Mario DEGLER, Bruno MUELLER
  • Publication number: 20100056327
    Abstract: A hybrid engine and coupling system for use with a vehicle or other load which employs a motor/generator unit connected through controllable couplers to a kinetic energy storage device and to one or more internal combustion engine modules in a programmed manner. Several embodiments provide varying configurations to satisfy various power and packaging design requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: EcoMotors International
    Inventor: Peter Hofbauer
  • Publication number: 20100038201
    Abstract: A combined power transmission and drive unit for the application in drive trains in hybrid systems with at least two prime movers that can be coupled via a power transmission unit with a consumer, in particular transmission. Between a first prime mover and the power transmission unit, a device is provided for connecting/disconnecting the power flow between the latter and the power transmission unit, including a friction clutch that can be actuated by a pressure medium, including a first clutch part and a second clutch part which can be brought in active connection with one another via a servo unit featuring a piston element that can be pressurized by a pressure medium. A combined power transmission and drive unit according to the invention, wherein the means are provided for controlling a rotation speed difference of a flow medium on either face side of a piston element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Bruno MUELLER, Thorsten KRAUSE
  • Patent number: 7657350
    Abstract: This invention relates to a Start-Stop method for a heavy-duty hybrid vehicle that turns off the internal combustion engine when the vehicle stops or, optionally, when the vehicle travels downhill. The Stop-Start method automatically restarts the internal combustion engine when the vehicle starts accelerating or is no longer traveling downhill. The software instructions for the Stop-Start method reside within the programming of the hybrid vehicle control computer as a subset of the hybrid vehicle control strategy in hybrid-electric or hybrid-hydraulic heavy-duty vehicle. During the time the internal combustion engine is turned off the necessary vehicle accessories operate from the available power of the hybrid high power energy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Moran
  • Patent number: 7657351
    Abstract: A start-stop or idle-stop method for a heavy-duty hybrid vehicle that turns off the fuel supply while maintaining the crankshaft rotation of the internal combustion engine when the vehicle stops or, optionally, when the vehicle travels downhill, travels in a noise sensitive location, travels in an exhaust emissions sensitive location, or operates in an emergency situation. The stop-start or idle-stop method automatically turns on the engine fuel supply to restart combustion when the vehicle starts accelerating, is no longer traveling downhill, is no longer traveling in a noise sensitive or exhaust sensitive location, is no longer in an emergency situation, or has dropped below the minimum energy storage restart level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Moran
  • 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: 7611004
    Abstract: A first clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. A generator has a generator shaft associated with the first clutch assembly. A second clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. A transmission has a transmission shaft directly or indirectly associated with the second clutch assembly. A third clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. An engine has an engine shaft associated with the third clutch assembly. A controller establishes an operational mode of the vehicle by controlling the states of the first clutch assembly, the second clutch assembly, and the third clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Chris Alan DeRoo, Larry Dean Swanson