Specific Drive Or Transmission Adapted For Hev (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/915)
  • Patent number: 9174633
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline braking may transition from regenerative braking to engine braking to reduce the possibility of battery degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Seung-Hoon Lee, Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Publication number: 20150148186
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, first and second motor generators, a power split device, a propeller shaft, an automatic transmission, and an ECU. The power split device includes a carrier, a sun gear, and a ring gear respectively coupled to a crankshaft of the engine, a rotor of the first motor generator, and a rotation shaft of the second motor generator. The automatic transmission is provided between the second motor generator and a propeller shaft. When the first motor generator has a malfunction, the ECU restricts gear shift performed by the automatic transmission, as compared with a case where the second motor generator has a malfunction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Kenji Uchida
  • Patent number: 9005078
    Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle provided with: a first differential mechanism having a first rotary element connected to a first electric motor, a second rotary element connected to an engine, and a third rotary element connected to an output rotary member; a second differential mechanism having a first rotary element connected to a second electric motor, a second rotary element, and a third rotary element, one of the second rotary element and the third rotary element being connected to the third rotary element of said first differential mechanism; a clutch configured to selectively couple the second rotary element of said first differential mechanism, and the other of the second and third rotary elements of said second differential mechanism which is not connected to the third rotary element of said first differential mechanism, to each other; and a brake configured to selectively couple said other of the second and third rotary elements of said second differential mechanism which is not connecte
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Hayashi, Masato Terashima, Hiroyasu Harada, Tomohito Ono, Hiroyuki Ishii
  • Publication number: 20150091363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in a self-propelled construction machine with a first driving unit, which provides for a first speed of rotation (n1). By means of a planetary gear the first speed of rotation (n1) is translated into a different speed of rotation (n3) at which a working device of the construction machine, in particular a milling rotor for processing ground surfaces, can be operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Marco Reuter, Rafael Schomaker, Manfred Hammes
  • Publication number: 20150084397
    Abstract: A traveling drive device for a dump truck is provided with an axle housing mounted to a vehicle body, a wheel mounting tube rotatably provided on the outer periphery side of the axle housing, a disk holding cylinder provided on the axial outside of the wheel mounting tube, a brake disk mounted to the disk holding cylinder, and a brake device for applying braking to the brake disk. The disk holding cylinder is configured by a cylindrical body to be mounted to the wheel mounting tube and a plurality of disk mounting legs provided on the cylindrical body. A plurality of U-shaped projections are provided on the outer periphery side of the brake disk at positions corresponding to the respective disk mounting legs. A recessed groove which fits on the disk mounting leg so as to hold a distal end thereof is provided in each of the U-shaped projections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Keiji Kudo, Shinichirou Hagihara, Yasunori Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20150065294
    Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle having a combustion engine and a multistage manual transmission having first and second sub-transmissions, each of which has a separate input shaft. A first input shaft of the first sub-transmission couples, via a first clutch, the combustion engine or is assigned an electrical machine. A second input shaft of a second sub-transmission couples, via a second clutch, the combustion engine. The first input shaft is additionally assigned a start-up element having at least one hydrodynamic transfer element, which has first and second functional wheels which together form a working chamber. The working chamber can be filled with fluid in order to generate a hydrodynamic transfer torque such that at least one start-up function, affecting the first sub-transmission, can carried out by way of the start-up element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Kai Borntrager, Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Publication number: 20150051769
    Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The drive control device comprises: a reverse drive control portion configured to operate the first electric motor so as to generate a positive torque and operate the second electric motor so as to generate a negative torque, with the clutch being placed in the engaged state, to run the hybrid vehicle in a reverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Maruyama, Tomohito Ono
  • Publication number: 20150051772
    Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The drive control device comprises: an engine drive control portion configured to temporarily change an output torque of the engine when operating states of the clutch and the brake are changed in respective opposite directions to switch a vehicle drive mode from one of drive modes to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kiyokami
  • Publication number: 20150051773
    Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, first and second electric motors and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The drive control device comprises: an engine stop control portion configured to reduce a speed of the engine with the first electric motor, and then initiate an engaging action of at least one of the clutch and the brake, to stop a rotary motion of the engine, when the engine is required to be stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Hayashi, Hiroyasu Harada, Tomohito Ono, Hiroyuki Ishii
  • Patent number: 8942879
    Abstract: A hybrid drive device having an input member drivingly coupled to an internal combustion engine. Control is performed so that motor torque output by the motor produces at least a part of inertia torque needed for rotation change of input-related members during the shifting. The control device limits the motor torque in an inertia phase during the shifting to a set value that has been set to or below a value having a smaller absolute value between values of performance limit torque of the motor at times before and after the shifting, sets a target input rotational speed of the input member during the shifting, and controls the engagement state of the friction engagement elements that control the rotation change of the input-related members in the inertia phase so as to generate the inertia torque calculated from the target input rotational speed in the input-related members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Tsuda, Yoichi Tajima
  • Publication number: 20150014072
    Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, first and second electric motors and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20150008057
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering power to a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes an apparatus for delivering power to a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle including a powertrain having a power take-off coupling, the powertrain including an engine and a transmission. The apparatus includes an electric motor operable to generate a torque, the motor being coupled to transmit a starting torque through the power take-off of the powertrain for starting the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Mong Ling Lo, Jacek Gromadzki, Nicolas Louis Bouchon, Martin Alexander Strange, Victor Woo
  • Publication number: 20150000262
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device having a case that includes a support wall portion that extends in a radial direction of the rotary electric machine at a location between the rotary electric machine and the fluid coupling in the axial direction. A rotor member and the coupling input member are coupled so as to rotate in conjunction with each other to form a power transfer member. The vehicle drive device further includes a first bearing that supports the power transfer member from a second axial direction side so as to be rotatable with respect to the support wall portion, the second axial direction side being an opposite side from the first axial direction side, and a second bearing that supports the power transfer member from the first axial direction side so as to be rotatable with respect to the support wall portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Mikio Iwase, Daiki Suyama, Naoya Jinnai, Tatsuya Okishima, Yukihiko Ideshio, Yuji Inoue
  • Publication number: 20150005125
    Abstract: A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle provided with: a first differential mechanism having a first rotary element connected to a first electric motor, a second rotary element connected to an engine, and a third rotary element connected to an output rotary member; a second differential mechanism having a first rotary element connected to a second electric motor, a second rotary element, and a third rotary element, one of the second rotary element and the third rotary element being connected to the third rotary element of said first differential mechanism; a clutch configured to selectively couple the second rotary element of said first differential mechanism, and the other of the second and third rotary elements of said second differential mechanism which is not connected to the third rotary element of said first differential mechanism, to each other; and a brake configured to selectively couple said other of the second and third rotary elements of said second differential mechanism which is not connecte
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Hayashi, Masato Terashima, Hiroyasu Harada, Tomohito Ono, Hiroyuki Ishii
  • Publication number: 20140373533
    Abstract: An energy recovery and cooling system for a hybrid machine is disclosed. The energy recovery and cooling system can include at least one circuit including at least one pump, at least one condenser, and at least one turbine, as well as a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path can be connected in fluid communication with the at least one pump, the at least one condenser, and the at least one turbine. The first flow path can additionally be in thermal communication with at least one internal combustion energy system component of the hybrid machine. The second flow path can be connected in fluid communication with the at least one pump, the at least one condenser, and the at least one turbine. The second flow path can additionally be in thermal communication with at least one electrical energy system component of the hybrid machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Jensen, William R. Tinker
  • Patent number: 8874332
    Abstract: A system and method involves a machine having a power train including a continuously variable transmission (CVT) associated with a plurality of virtual gear ratios. To shift between the plurality of virtual gear ratios, the machine may include an operator input device that may be movable between a plurality of distinct positions. A first position may be associated with a neutral position in which no shifting of virtual gear ratios occurs. A second position of the operator input device may be associated with a first incremental rate for shifting between the virtual gear ratios. A third position may be associated with a second incremental rate for shifting between the virtual gear ratios which is different than the first incremental rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Davis, Adam Nackers, Michael D. Beyer, Shane C. McBride
  • Publication number: 20140299394
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle (1) has an internal combustion engine (2), an electric machine (3) and a transmission (4) for driving a rear axle (5) of the vehicle (1). The internal combustion engine (2) and the electric machine (3) are assigned a common input shaft (6) of the transmission (4). The internal combustion engine (2), the electric machine (3) and a traction battery (19) for the electric machine (3) or a tank for the internal combustion engine (2) are arranged in a rear region of the vehicle (1), transversely with respect to the direction of travel. The electric machine power is greater than the power of the internal combustion engine (2). A high level of electrification of the hybrid drive is possible with optimum utilization of space in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Goehring, Martin Roth, Werner Huefner
  • Patent number: 8826877
    Abstract: A mounting system for powertrain components requiring axial installation and radial removal thereof is provided. A mounting flange is integrally cast with a powertrain component and extends outwardly therefrom. An opening extends through the mounting flange defining a mounting flange axis and axially receives a portion of a powertrain component for support therein, and by the mounting flange. A separation line extends diametrically across the mounting flange to define a separated portion and a remaining portion of the mounting flange. Fasteners are configured to removeably attach the separated portion to the remaining portion to thereby facilitate removal of the powertrain component from the powertrain assembly in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: James C. Minneker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8798838
    Abstract: A control device of a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor/generator, a first clutch, an automatic transmission, a second clutch, and startup/shifting simultaneous processing section. When engine speed increase control for increasing the engine speed by the motor/generator in order to start up the engine during travel and downshifting control of the automatic transmission are processed in parallel, the startup/shifting simultaneous processing section uses the motor torque of the motor/generator to increase the increase of input speed by the downshifting control to a target input speed while engine speed increase control is being performed by the motor/generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., JATCO Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumihiro Yamanaka, Masami Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8757542
    Abstract: A hybrid power plant (5) for an aircraft (1) comprises at least: a hybrid drive system (37) having a main on-board electricity network (16) and an auxiliary electricity network (34); and a selective adaptation interface (38) arranged to enable electrical energy to be exchanged selectively between the main and auxiliary electricity networks (16; 34). At least one engine and a hybrid drive auxiliary electrical machine (7, 31) are mechanically connected to a transmission (8); said machine (7) being electrically connected to at least one auxiliary electrical bus (36) in parallel with at least one auxiliary device for delivering electric charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventors: Marie-Laure Hopdjanian, Matthieu Connaulte, Marc Gazzino, Christian Mercier
  • Patent number: 8733480
    Abstract: A rotational difference is generated between a first and a second rotor and a third rotor, which causes an induced current to flow in a first rotor winding. This causes a torque to act between the first rotor and the third rotor. The rotary magnetic field generated by the induced current flowing through a second rotor winding interacts with a second stator, which in turn generates an induced electromotive force in a second stator winding. The induced electromotive force is applied via a phase adjustment circuit to a first stator winding, which generates a rotary magnetic field and causes a torque to act between the first stator and the third rotor. The rotary magnetic field generated by the second rotor winding and the induced current flowing in the second stator winding causes a torque to act between the second stator and the second rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Watanabe, Eiji Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki Nishizawa, Takeshi Kitahata
  • Patent number: 8706379
    Abstract: A technique for controlling coasting of a hybrid vehicle equipped with an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is disclosed herein. First, the amount of regenerative braking is varied based on the degree of manipulation of an accelerator pedal within the predetermined control range of a total degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal from when the accelerator pedal is not being manipulated. The amount of regenerative braking decreases as the degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal increases. The control range is used to perform control in such a way as to vary the amount of regenerative braking according to the amount of manipulation of the accelerator pedal. Further, the control range is set to within a range of initial 5 to 20% of the total degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sang Pil Jang
  • Publication number: 20140106921
    Abstract: An electric drive module for a motor vehicle includes an electric motor, a first input member, a first output member and a two-speed module selectively drivingly interconnecting the first input member and the first output member at one of two different drive ratios. A reduction unit includes a second input member being driven by the first output member and has a second output member being driven at a reduced speed relative to the second input member. A differential assembly has an input driven by said second output member. A first differential output drives a first output shaft, and a second differential output drives a second output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Noel R. Mack, John R. Forsyth, David W. Wenthen, Richard A. Bakowski, Mario Charles DeSantis, Kelly Rathnaw
  • Patent number: 8676422
    Abstract: Disclosed is a creep control system and method for a hybrid vehicle, which controls the driving of a motor according to the distance to a preceding vehicle in order to provide creep driving when the hybrid vehicle has come to a complete stop. In particular, driving information is detected and a determination is made as to whether the hybrid vehicle is in an idle stop and completely stationary state. Then when the hybrid vehicle is in the idle stop and completely stationary state, a determination is made as to whether a distance from a preceding vehicle is more than a predetermined distance. When the distance to the preceding vehicle is more than the predetermined distance, a motor is driven to perform creep driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Taewoo Lee
  • Patent number: 8634987
    Abstract: A creep travel capability of an electric vehicle is secured when an abnormality occurs in a brake sensor. When an accelerator operation amount reaches 0% in a low vehicle speed region, a target creep torque is set, whereupon a motor-generator is controlled toward the target creep torque. The target creep torque is reduced as a brake pedal is depressed in order to suppress heat generation and the like in the motor-generator during vehicle braking. Hence, in an electric vehicle in which the target creep torque is varied in accordance with the brake operation amount, when an abnormality occurs (step S11) in a brake sensor for detecting a brake operation amount, a preset prescribed creep torque is employed as the target creep torque regardless of the brake operation amount (step S15). The prescribed creep torque is set at a required magnitude for securing the creep travel capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Itaru Seta, Yosuke Ohtomo
  • Publication number: 20140010668
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fluid pump to supply lubricating fluid to a plurality of fluid requiring components in a hybrid vehicle powertrain includes selecting a component-required flow rate for each respective component using a determined operating speed and torque for that respective component. Once the each component-required flow rate is selected, the system flow rate is set to the maximum component-required flow rate of the plurality of component-required flow rates. The fluid pump is then commanded to supply fluid to each of the plurality of fluid requiring components at the system flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Ali K. Naqvi, Sean W. McGrogan, Mindy L. Barth, Besim Demirovic
  • Publication number: 20130274967
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid powertrain system includes employing a system constraints function to identify a feasible solution for an objective variable that satisfies a plurality of independent and dependent constraints for an objective function. The objective variable is associated with a parameter of the hybrid powertrain system. Upon determining that the system constraints function fails to provide a feasible solution for the objective variable that satisfies all of the independent and dependent constraints, a problem recomposition scheme is executed to remove all of the dependent constraints and then reapply and adjust selected ones of the dependent constraints to obtain a feasible solution for the system constraints function that achieves a preferred state for the objective variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Honghao Tan, Anthony H. Heap, Sean W. McGrogan, Brian R. Medema
  • Patent number: 8535200
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes an electric machine (EM) configured to generate an unconditioned output. The vehicle propulsion system also includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having an input side and an output side, the input side mechanically coupled to the EM and configured to receive the unconditioned output from the EM and produce a conditioned output on the output side. A fixed-ratio transmission is mechanically coupled to the output side of the CVT and configured to receive the conditioned output from the CVT and produce a reconditioned output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Parag Vyas, Yaru Mendez Hernandez, Alexander Felix Fiseni
  • Publication number: 20130211637
    Abstract: A method and system of reducing an occurrence of hydraulic pressurization loss during the transition from gas-powered engine operation to electric motor operation in a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes maintaining operation of the gas-powered engine while initiating an auxiliary pump with its associated electric motor. A master timer is initiated. Once the auxiliary pump exceeds a minimum speed threshold, a delay time period is determined during which operation of the auxiliary pump is tested. If the auxiliary pump does not stall during the delay time period and the master timer has not yet expired, the gas-powered engine is allowed to shut-off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Ivacko, Gurunath Kedar-Dongakar
  • Patent number: 8483901
    Abstract: A power charging station administration device administrates available time slot information and installation site information set by an administrator of an in-vehicle battery charger, that is, the available time slot information representing time slots at which the in-vehicle battery charger is available and the installation site information representing the installation site of the in-vehicle battery charger using an administration. An information publication unit publishes the available time slot information and the installation site information administrated by the administration unit on a homepage. An occupant of a vehicle A other than the administrator of the in-vehicle battery charger can use the in-vehicle battery charger by verifying the published information during time slots at which the in-vehicle battery charger is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Ichihara
  • Publication number: 20130168174
    Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle is provided. The hybrid utility vehicle may include right and left front wheels suspended from a vehicle body. The hybrid utility vehicle may further include a front differential gear device coupled to the right and left front wheels via a pair of front axles, respectively, the differential gear device including an input shaft extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front axles. The hybrid utility vehicle may further include a front electric motor positioned at a front portion of the vehicle body and coupled to the input shaft of the front differential gear device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Izumi Takagi
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130086897
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine, a torsion damper connected to the engine, a torque converter, a housing enclosing a clutch, a motor and gearing, and a drive shell surrounding the torque converter, including an input connected to the damper, an output connected to the clutch, the clutch and the motor located between the torque converter and the gearing, the torsion damper located between the engine and the torque converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Frait, Steven G. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130041533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control of a shifting system for a hybrid vehicle which may improve drivability when shift mode is changed to neutral mode. Shifting system control may comprise determining when a current shift gear is in a neutral shift, controlling torque of an engine corresponding to friction torque and torque of a second motor/generator to “0” if the current shift gear is in the neutral shift and controlling operating hydraulic pressure to “0” if the engine torque corresponds to the friction torque and the torque of the second motor/generator is “0”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Sang Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 8355833
    Abstract: A vehicular system including an electrical sub-system, an engine generating a first torque to drive a crankshaft, an electric machine applying a second torque to the crankshaft, and a mechanical accessory sub-system applying a third torque to the crankshaft. The vehicular system also includes a control sub-system having a processor and a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to (i) during idle operation of the vehicle, select a mode operation, of a plurality of system modes including a charge mode and a discharge mode, to stabilize a net torque being a sum of the first, second, and third torques, and (ii) control operation of at least one of the electric machine and the engine according to the selected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Kerem Koprubasi, William L. Aldrich, III
  • Publication number: 20120319514
    Abstract: A vehicle driving apparatus includes a rotating electrical machine serving as a drive power source of the vehicle and a rotation sensor that detects a rotation position of a rotor of the rotating electrical machine. The rotating electrical machine includes a rotor support that supports the rotor from a radial direction inner side, and includes a cylindrical support that extends in an axial direction. The support includes a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion, an inner and an outer peripheral surface of the second tubular portion both having a smaller diameter than an inner and an outer peripheral surface of the first tubular portion. A support bearing that supports the rotor support rotatably is disposed to contact the inner peripheral surface of the first tubular portion, and a sensor rotor of the rotation sensor is disposed to contact the outer peripheral surface of the second tubular portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mikio Iwase, Tomohide Suzuki, Naoya Jinnai, Tatsuya Okishima, Toshihiko Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8311717
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle drive train, whereby the drive train comprises a drive unit, a transmission, and an all-wheel splitter having an automatically operating clutch, positioned between the transmission and the output. The clutch is operated in a continuous slip mode and in such a way that the all-wheel splitter splits the transmission output torque for variable torque distribution to driven axles. The splitting of the output torque to the driven axles is performed by a control unit, implemented into the all-wheel drive strategy, so that the output torque, less a predetermined nominal torque, is transferred to a first axle, and the nominal torque is transferred to a second axle. When defined operating conditions are met, a limiting of the torque, set by the drive unit, and/or the nominal torque, set by the all-wheel strategy, occurs to avoid a thermal overloading of the clutch of the all-wheel splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Wilfrid Eberhard, Gerhard Hermann Martin
  • Patent number: 8265815
    Abstract: A method of controlling output torque in a hybrid or electric vehicle transmissions includes calculating a first long-term output torque constraint and a first short-term output torque constraint. A first effective output torque constraint is determined from at least one of the first long-term and short-term output torque constraints. The first effective output torque constraint is bounded by both of the first long-term and short-term output torque constraints. The method may further include calculating a rate limit, such that determining the first effective output torque constraint includes restricting the magnitude of changes in the first long-term output torque constraint to the calculated rate limit. A spread between the first short-term output torque constraint and the first effective output torque constraint may be measured, and the rate limit calculated as a function of that spread. The rate limit may also be calculated with an inversely-proportional relationship to the spread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sean W McGrogan, Anthony H. Heap
  • Publication number: 20120226406
    Abstract: When the gearshift position SP is the N position and the accumulated charge ratio SOC of the battery is less than or equal to the threshold value Slow (step S120), the engine is cranked by a first motor (the motor MG1) and started in the case that the vehicle stop is held (steps S140 and s150). After the engine is started, the shutoff of the inverter for driving the motor MG1 is performed and the self-sustained operation of the engine is performed at the rotation speed N1 at which the back electromotive force generated on the motor MG1 is more than the voltage applied to the inverters (steps S180 to S200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keiji Kaita, Takahiko Hirasawa
  • Patent number: 8234048
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes torque generative devices to transfer power to an output member. An operator torque request, a rotational direction and speed of the output member, and a signal output from a transmission range selector are monitored. When a change in a direction of intended motion is determined, the powertrain system can change rotational direction of the output member when the speed of the output member is less than a threshold. The powertrain can inhibit a change in the rotational direction of the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hanne Buur, William R. Cawthorne
  • Publication number: 20120179315
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain controller, an energy storage system (ESS), a traction motor, an electrical device such as an HVAC system and/or auxiliary system, and a navigation system. The navigation system generates a recommended eco-route or other travel route. The navigation system receives vehicle state information including a current powertrain state from the controller and a power load value from the device(s), including a state of charge of the ESS. The vehicle state information is used to select between a charge-depleting and a charge-sustaining costing model. The route is generated using the selected model, and then displayed. The navigation system includes a host machine which selects the model and generates the route, and a display screen for displaying the route. A method for generating the route includes receiving the current powertrain state and power load values, and using the state information to select between the charge-depleting and charge-sustaining models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicants: GENERAL MOTORS LLC, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Tate, Jr., Scott E. Jackson, Todd E. Damon
  • Publication number: 20120143422
    Abstract: A hybrid drive apparatus includes: a drive power source that includes an internal combustion engine, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor; a power transmission mechanism that includes a carrier, a sun gear, and a ring gear, and that is configured to rotate the output shaft of the internal combustion engine by the first electric motor; and plural bearings that each includes an outer ring member and an inner ring member fitted to the outer ring member through a rolling element, and that are provided apart from each other in an axial direction of the output shaft with the carrier being positioned between the bearings. An inner periphery of the outer ring member is positioned more inward in a radial direction of the ring gear relative to a meshing portion between inner teeth of the ring gear and outer teeth of one of the pinion gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi KITAHATA, Tatsuo OBATA, Takeshi KUWAHARA, Hiromichi KIMURA, Toru SAITO, Masahiro TANAE
  • Publication number: 20120035820
    Abstract: A method is described for operating a vehicle, in particular a hybrid vehicle, in which each of the two axles of the vehicle, which are not mechanically coupled, is driven by at least one drive unit, thus transmitting a torque to the wheels of the respective axle. To make optimal use of the different coefficients of friction of the wheels which occur with different roadway conditions, the rotational speeds of the wheels of both drive axles are ascertained and averaged, a difference being formed from the averaged rotational speeds of the two axles, respectively, and the torque on at least one axle being influenced based on this difference so that differences in the averaged rotational speeds of the wheels are counteracted. Instead of the rotational speed difference, the deviation of this rotational speed difference from a setpoint rotational speed difference may be used, for example, within the scope of ESP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventor: Jens-Werner Falkenstein
  • Patent number: 8103394
    Abstract: During execution of an auto cruise function, in response to selection of a power mode, when an measured accelerator opening Acc is less than a preset opening Accref, a hybrid vehicle of the invention sets a power mode cancellation flag Fpmc to 1 and a power mode enabling flag Fpm to 0 (steps S540 and S550). This prohibits the use of an accelerator opening setting map in the power mode for execution of the auto cruise function. In the power mode, in response to an instruction for enabling the auto cruise function, the hybrid vehicle keeps the power mode enabling flag Fpm to the setting of 1 (step S560) as long as the measured accelerator opening Acc is not less than the preset opening Accref. This allows the use of the accelerator opening setting map in the power mode for execution of the auto cruise function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiya Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8055416
    Abstract: A control method for an apparatus which includes a first shift portion that includes a motor and a differential portion, and that is able to function as an electric differential portion; and a second shift portion that is a stepped shift portion, and that is connected to the first shift portion, wherein the apparatus transmits power output from an engine to a drive wheel, the control method includes: determining whether a degree of progress of an upshift of the second shift portion that is performed when a vehicle is driven using solely the motor as a drive power source, has reached a predetermined level; determining whether the engine should be started; and stopping the upshift, and starting the engine, when it is determined that the degree of the progress of the upshift has not reached the predetermined level, and it is determined that the engine should be started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Atsushi Tabata
  • Publication number: 20110269599
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid vehicle with a transmission, the transmission including a transmission input shaft (25) to which the power from the engine is transmitted, transmission output shafts (26, 27) from which a power for driving a driven section is outputted, a first input shaft (21) which is connectable to the transmission input shaft (25) via a first clutch (CL1) of a twin clutch unit (20), a second input shaft (22) which is connectable to the transmission input shaft (25) via a second clutch (CL2), gear trains (G1 to GR) which are configured so that the gear trains can be selected to connect the first input shaft (21) and the second input shaft (22) to the transmission output shafts (26, 27), and a connection device (SM1) which can be selectively switched between a first operation state for enabling power transmission between the output shaft of an electric motor (3) and the transmission input shaft (25) and a second operation state for interrupting the power transmission therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Toru Nakasako
  • Publication number: 20110169360
    Abstract: A transmission having an electric motor/generator includes a transmission housing and a bearing support rigidly connected to the transmission housing and substantially enclosed by the transmission housing. A stator housing is substantially enclosed by the transmission housing, and is rigidly joined to the bearing support by a plurality of rivets, such that torque may be transferred between the stator housing and bearing support. The stator housing may be formed from a first material, and the bearing support may be formed from a second material, different from the first material. The stator housing and bearing support meet at an interface region, which may be characterized by an absence of a welded connection between the stator housing and the bearing support. The interface region may be characterized as a slip fit, such that the stator housing and bearing support are matable by hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy J. Reinhart, Joel E. Mowatt, Randy Lewis Melanson, John H. Price
  • Patent number: 7967090
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system includes an engine; at least one rotating electric machine, wherein the engine and the at least one rotating electric machine are capable of driving a vehicle; and a controller. The controller starts a load limit control that limits a load exerted to the rotating electric machine when a temperature of the rotating electric machine exceeds a load limit start temperature; detects a loading state or a towing state of the vehicle; and determines the load limit start temperature based on the loading state or the towing state detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoo Atarashi, Shigeki Takami, Nobukazu Ike, Yuji Iwase, Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Tatsuya Imamura, Takuma Kakinami, Kenta Kumazaki
  • Publication number: 20110136608
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic control system of a power train for a hybrid vehicle that allows the power train of a hybrid vehicle to implement all of two or more EV modes, two or more power split modes, and at least three or more fixed-stage modes, with a relatively simple configuration, and achieves satisfactory power performance of the power train and fuel efficiency and reduce the cost of the valve body, remove possibility of malfunction, and implements a limp home function when a controller is broken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Youngchul Kim, Gwangseob Shin, Jonghyun Kim, Yeonho Kim, Jaeshin Yi
  • Publication number: 20110125352
    Abstract: A method of controlling output torque in a hybrid or electric vehicle transmissions includes calculating a first long-term output torque constraint and a first short-term output torque constraint. A first effective output torque constraint is determined from at least one of the first long-term and short-term output torque constraints. The first effective output torque constraint is bounded by both of the first long-term and short-term output torque constraints. The method may further include calculating a rate limit, such that determining the first effective output torque constraint includes restricting the magnitude of changes in the first long-term output torque constraint to the calculated rate limit. A spread between the first short-term output torque constraint and the first effective output torque constraint may be measured, and the rate limit calculated as a function of that spread. The rate limit may also be calculated with an inversely-proportional relationship to the spread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Sean W. McGrogan, Anthony H. Heap