With Transmission For Changing Gear Ratio (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/917)
  • Patent number: 12233847
    Abstract: An efficiency-based powertrain control system and method to provide real-time optimization of powertrain efficiency for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Zhiming Gao, Timothy J. LaClair
  • Patent number: 12237795
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine including a rotor. The vehicle further includes a traction battery configured to supply electric power to the electric machine. The vehicle further includes a wheel mechanically coupled to the electric machine. The vehicle further includes one or more controllers programmed to, responsive to detecting a battery temperature below a threshold and the vehicle being parked, rotate the rotor to a preset position such that the wheel rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Penne, Yang Xu, Jonathan Hair, Adeeb Ahmed
  • Patent number: 12152893
    Abstract: A trip energy estimation system for a vehicle includes a traffic speed module configured to determine an average traffic speed along a projected route, a path information module configured to output path information indicating route features along the projected route, a perceived speed module configured to output a perceived vehicle speed along the projected route based on the average traffic speed and the path information, and a dynamic driving module configured to calculate and output a predicted driver speed based on the perceived vehicle speed and a feedback input indicative of the predicted driver speed. The dynamic driving module is configured to execute a machine learning algorithm to calculate the predicted driver speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Yongjie Zhu, Dongxu Li, Yue-Yun Wang, Chen-Fang Chang, Chunhao J. Lee, Brandon D. Mazzara
  • Patent number: 12145571
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine start control apparatus includes one or more processors and one or more memories communicably coupled thereto. The one or more processors: generate a stop request for an internal combustion engine when an accelerator position based on an operation by a driver is less than a predetermined position threshold, and a start request for the internal combustion engine when the accelerator position becomes the position threshold or greater; learn an accelerator operation characteristic of the driver exhibited when a vehicle starts or accelerates; and execute, based on a result of learning the accelerator operation characteristic, a first start process of starting the internal combustion engine when the accelerator position becomes the position threshold or greater, and a second start process of starting the internal combustion engine after a state in which the accelerator position is the position threshold or greater continues for a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Natsumi Ooami
  • Patent number: 12128874
    Abstract: The present disclosure is to provide a method of controlling limp home driving of a hybrid vehicle. When the hybrid vehicle enters into a limp home driving mode with a starter generator malfunctioning, a motor control unit performs constant voltage control on counter electromotive force of a motor, so that a constant voltage is supplied to high-voltage components as an input voltage, thereby ensuring that high-voltage components are protected and operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Gun Seok Yoon, Chil Seong Park
  • Patent number: 12091007
    Abstract: A vehicle driving assistance system performs traveling assistance control under which an own vehicle automatically travels with. The traveling assistance control includes first constant-speed control for automatically controlling the acceleration of the own vehicle, based on a first vehicle-speed range including a set vehicle speed, such that the vehicle speed of the own vehicle is kept equal to the set vehicle speed, and second constant-speed control for automatically controlling the acceleration of the own vehicle, based on a second vehicle-speed range including the set vehicle speed, such that the vehicle speed of the own vehicle is kept equal to the set vehicle speed. The second vehicle-speed range is set to a wider range than the first vehicle-speed range. The vehicle driving assistance system switches the traveling assistance control between the first constant-speed control and the second constant-speed control, according to the traveling state of the own vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Kamatani, Hideaki Ishihara
  • Patent number: 12084039
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a generator, a drive motor, and a filter that collects particulate matter in exhaust gas of the engine, in which the generator is driven by the engine to generate power, and the drive motor is driven with the power generated by the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hoshi, Yoshihiko Misao, Hirofumi Miyauchi, Azusa Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 12071123
    Abstract: A vehicle control device is configured to cause a vehicle to travel in a first mode when an enlargement mode is set, a driving force required for traveling of the vehicle is less than a value, and a capacity of a power storage is equal to or more than a first threshold, operate an internal combustion engine to cause the vehicle to travel in a second mode in response to the driving force becoming equal to or larger than the value when the enlargement mode is set and the vehicle is caused to travel in the first mode, and continue the enlargement mode when the capacity at a time when the driving force becomes equal to or more than the value is equal to or larger than a second threshold larger than the first threshold, and cancel the enlargement mode when the capacity is less than the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Futoshi Ogura, Naoki Fujishiro, Takanori Nakashima
  • Patent number: 12009500
    Abstract: A power net system of a fuel cell and a method for controlling the same are provided. The power net system includes: a fuel cell to generate electric power through a reaction of a fuel gas and an oxidation gas; batteries to be charged by the electric power generated by the fuel cell or discharged to supply electric power; main lines electrically connecting the fuel cell and the batteries; main relays provided in the main lines to open or allow electrical connections between the fuel cell and the batteries; COD lines branched from the main lines between the fuel cell and the main relays and provided with a COD device to consume input electric power; COD relays provided in the COD lines to open or allow electrical connections to the COD device through the COD lines; and a controller to control the main relays or the COD relays to supply electric power charged in the batteries to the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jong Hyun Lee, Ju Han Kim
  • Patent number: 11993248
    Abstract: A control method controls a series hybrid vehicle in which a drive motor and an internal combustion engine are supported in a vehicle body via a plurality of mount members in an integrated state. The control method using a controller generates electric power using an electric power generation motor, and drives the electric power generation motor using motive power of the internal combustion engine. The control method drives a drive wheel with the drive motor using the generated electric power, and causes the drive motor to generate regenerative torque during deceleration. In the control method, the regenerative torque is generated by the drive motor such that an upper limit of the regenerative torque is restricted to a magnitude at which an engine rotational speed where resonance occurs on the vehicle body floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hoshi, Yohei Nakamura, Azusa Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11920529
    Abstract: A first output limit value is determined as an intersection point of a knock-limit output line which is set according to an exhaust gas recirculation rate and ignition timing and an exhaust-temperature-limit output line which is set according to the exhaust gas recirculation rate and ignition timing; a second output limit value is determined as an intersection point of the knock-limit output line and an air-quantity-limit output line which is set according to the exhaust gas recirculation rate, ignition timing and atmospheric pressure; and a third output limit value is determined as an intersection point of the knock-limit output line and a thermal-management-limit output line which is set according to the exhaust gas recirculation rate, ignition timing and vehicle running speed. A value of the exhaust gas recirculation rate at which the condition “P1?P2 or P1?P3” is satisfied is set as a target exhaust gas recirculation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Kodama, Yoshihiko Iwabuchi
  • Patent number: 11914001
    Abstract: A power control device configured for diagnosing an open-circuit fault occurring in a power system of an autonomous vehicle and an open-circuit diagnosis method thereof, may include a power control switch that selectively connects or separates main power output from the first power supply and auxiliary power output from the second power supply, and a processor that determines a possibility of an open-circuit fault of a vehicle power source based on a current flowing through the power control switch and determines whether it is possible to drive an electric load with an output power of the second power supply alone and determine an open-circuit position based on an output of the first power supply when there is the possibility of the open-circuit fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION, YURA CORPORATION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Soon Myung Kwon, Jung Hyeon Bae, Hyo Geun Kwak, Sae Rom Kim, Jeong Hyun Park, Young Hoo Yoon
  • Patent number: 11904834
    Abstract: A control device for a series hybrid vehicle, the series hybrid vehicle including: an engine, a catalyst that is disposed in an exhaust path of the engine, a generator that generates electric power using power output from the engine, a battery that stores the electric power generated by the generator, and a traction electric motor that is driven with electric power of the battery, the control device including an electronic control unit configured to: acquire information on a temperature of the catalyst; and, when the information on the temperature of the catalyst is information corresponding to the temperature of the catalyst being equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, change an operating point of the engine to an operating point that reduces a temperature of the exhaust gas while generating the electric power by the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takashi Amano, Tomohito Ono
  • Patent number: 11859569
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mitigating exhaust gas emissions via cylinder deactivation are provided. A system includes a controller coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric motive device. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instruction that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to: receive a power request less than a current power output from the internal combustion engine; command the electric motive device to provide a supplemental power output based on the received power request; command the internal combustion engine to operate in a cylinder deactivation mode whereby at least one cylinder of a plurality of cylinders of the internal combustion engine is deactivated; responsive to determining that a power output of the internal combustion engine is substantially equivalent to the power request after commanding the internal combustion engine to operate in the cylinder deactivation mode, deactivate the electric motive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: Cummins Inc., Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Avra Brahma
  • Patent number: 11859588
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, fuel injection is stopped to automatically stop the engine when automatic stop conditions are met. When there is a request to restart the engine while an engine speed is decreasing due to automatic stoppage, the engine is started by resuming fuel injection if the engine speed is equal to or greater than a combustion recoverable rotational speed threshold, at which restarting is possible only by fuel injection. When there is a request to restart the engine while an engine speed is decreasing due to automatic stoppage, the engine is started using a starter motor if the engine speed is less than the combustion recoverable rotational speed threshold. When there is a request to restart the engine in a brake ON state, the engine is not started by resuming fuel injection, but rotated and started using the starter motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shouta Hamane, Tadashi Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 11845416
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle has a powertrain system that includes electric power propulsion system and a second propulsion system, a geographical position sensing system, a geographic map database, and a controller. The controller monitors a geographic location of the vehicle determine the geographic location of the vehicle in relation to a first predefined region and a first user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate propulsion power employing only the electric power propulsion system when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first predefined region and when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate propulsion power employing the second propulsion system when the geographic location of the vehicle is outside the first predefined region and outside the first user-identified region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dale F. Osterkamp, Jason R. Ekelmann, Paul R. Jewett
  • Patent number: 11840235
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a drive motor configured for generating power required for driving of the vehicle, a twin clutch which may include a first clutch and a second clutch and configured to adjust distribution of the power supplied from the drive motor to a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel of the vehicle through the first clutch corresponding to the first drive wheel and the second clutch corresponding to the second drive wheel, and a controller electrically connected to the twin clutch and configured to, when a control condition for a deceleration turning of the vehicle is satisfied, determine a control torque of the twin clutch as a larger value of an initial torque to prevent slip of the twin clutch and a base torque determined based on output torque of the drive motor, and distribute the control torque to the first clutch and the second clutch depending on a drive mode of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, Hyundai WIA Corporation
    Inventors: Taewoo Lee, Jeong Won Song, Sung Keun Lim, Junseok Park, Jong Chan Lee, Heon Kang
  • Patent number: 11840213
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling power in a hybrid electric vehicle. The method may include receiving sensor input data in a computer-implemented artificial intelligence neural network operatively associated with the vehicle. The sensor input data may be generated in response to a travel condition or an operating state associated with the vehicle. The method may also include generating condition-based awareness signals with the artificial intelligence neural network; processing the condition-based awareness signals with control algorithms; and adjusting a power-related operating state of the vehicle in response to the processing performed by the control algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: ePower Engine Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jay J. Bowman, Andrew Bowman
  • Patent number: 11831195
    Abstract: A generator set for generating an alternating current, includes a primary power unit, an alternating current generator, and a secondary power unit. The alternating current generator is rotationally coupled to the primary power unit, and converts power provided by the primary power unit into an electric power. The secondary power unit is connectable to the alternating current generator so as to increase the power generated by the alternating current generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Torqeedo GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Biebach
  • Patent number: 11814031
    Abstract: A driving assistance apparatus includes a clutch provided between a drive source and a transmission, a clutch operator with which a driver who drives a vehicle disengages the clutch, a clutch operation detector that detects that the clutch is disengaged, a shift operator with which the driver sets the transmission at least to a neutral position, a shift position detector that detects that the transmission is in the neutral position, a low-speed motor, and a controller that controls a drive force of the low-speed motor. The controller includes a driving mode setter that sets a driving mode of the vehicle to a motor driving mode when the clutch is detected to be disengaged or the transmission is detected to be in the neutral position. The controller stops the drive source and starts the low-speed motor when the driving mode is set to the motor driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasushi Takaso
  • Patent number: 11807109
    Abstract: A power control apparatus includes: a first power supply device that supplies main power, a second power supply device that supplies auxiliary power, a power divider that divides the main power input from the first power supplier, a first controller connected to a first output terminal of the power divider to control power supply to a first in-vehicle load by connecting or disconnecting the main power and the auxiliary power, and a second controller connected to a second output terminal of the power divider to control power supply to a second in-vehicle load using the main power. The first controller and the second controller diagnose a power failure in cooperation with each other and supply redundancy power using the main power or the auxiliary power based on a power failure diagnosis result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sae Rom Kim, Soon Myung Kwon
  • Patent number: 11808314
    Abstract: The present document relates to a method of disengaging a clutching device. The method comprises sweeping an output torque of an electric motor drivingly connected to the clutching device such that a torque transmitted by the clutching device vanishes at least temporarily during the sweep, and disengaging the clutching device during the sweep. The present document further relates to an electric driveline for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Belgium N.V.
    Inventor: Fabrice Boon
  • Patent number: 11787327
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine configuration system (100) which can realize the different works, realized by work machines, industrial machines, agricultural machines, military vehicles, remotely-controlled, autonomous, etc. machines, by means of components and equipments having capability of fixation to various locations of the main chassis (1) and main chassis (1) with track (2a) or single type, four-wheel drive and platform with rotation through four wheels (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Moduler Makina Sanayi Ve Ticaret
    Inventor: Mansuri Caynak
  • Patent number: 11742683
    Abstract: A system for managing storage of electrical energy can include an electromagnetic machine and a controller. The electromagnetic machine can have a rotor and a stator. The rotor can be configured to be connected to a shaft. One of the rotor or the stator can have first windings and second windings. The controller can be configured to control first circuitry and second circuitry. The first circuitry can be configured to cause energy to flow from a first energy storage device to the first windings to cause the shaft to rotate. The second circuitry can be configured to cause energy to flow selectively: (1) from a second energy storage device to the second windings to cause the shaft to rotate or (2) from the second windings to the second energy storage device to cause the second energy storage device to be charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Bower, Luke A. Rippelmeyer, Takehito Yokoo
  • Patent number: 11710873
    Abstract: A battery pack which is placed below a floor panel of a vehicle, includes a battery, a case for accommodating the battery, and a pressure release mechanism for releasing pressure inside the case. The pressure release mechanism includes a communication member which has one end and the other end and where the one end is connected to the case, and a gas discharge unit connected to the other end of the communication member and having a labyrinth structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Itsuki Shimazaki, Ryo Fujii, Kanae Ohkuma, Takaaki Iijima, Takahiro Takai, Yohei Azuma
  • Patent number: 11697339
    Abstract: A vehicle drive apparatus includes an internal combustion engine, an electric-power-generating-motor gear train, a drive gear, a driven gear, a differential, a low clutch and a high clutch. The electric-power-generating-motor gear train and the driven gear are arranged on a first plane. The drive gear, the driven gear, and the differential are arranged on a second plane. The low clutch and the high clutch are arranged on a third plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Miura, Masato Koga, Atsushi Tsukizaki
  • Patent number: 11613247
    Abstract: A motor vehicle, including a drivable front axle, a drivable rear axle, an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission coupled thereto, and a switchable torque distribution unit which is coupled to the automatic transmission and enables all-wheel drive, which torque distribution unit is coupled to the front axle and the rear axle. A torque generated by the internal combustion engine can be directed from the torque distribution unit either to the front or rear axle or distributed to both axles. An electric machine is provided which is coupled to the rear axle. A torque generated by the electric machine which is provided to the rear axle is provided to the torque distribution unit via the coupling and can also be provided from this torque distribution unit to the front axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Christian Glück, Alfred Rehr, Dominik Polz
  • Patent number: 11590960
    Abstract: A method for serial operation of a motor vehicle with a transmission having a first electric machine, which is operated as a motor for driving the motor vehicle, and a second electric machine, which is operated as a generator, includes, after a generation of a change-over signal, switching the first electric machine from the operation as a motor to the operation as a generator, and switching the second electric machine from the operation as a generator to the operation as a motor in order to drive the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Michael Roske
  • Patent number: 11577597
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle cooling apparatus that includes: a PCU cooling unit for cooling a power control unit controlling an electric motor; a T/A cooling unit for cooling a drive-force transmitting apparatus including the electric motor; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat between the PCU cooling unit and the T/A cooling unit. The T/A cooling unit includes a first pump for circulating a refrigerant of the T/A cooling unit, while the PCU cooling unit includes a second pump for circulating a refrigerant of the PCU cooling unit. The control apparatus includes a controlling portion configured to cause the first pump to be driven when a temperature of the power control unit is higher than a threshold temperature value and a temperature of the refrigerant of the PCU cooling unit is higher than a temperature of the refrigerant of the T/A cooling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hashimoto, Yukinori Murakami
  • Patent number: 11473543
    Abstract: A control device obtains a specification of a vehicle-mounted device which is mounted on a vehicle, and implements a control according to the specification. The vehicle-mounted device includes a transmission unit that transmits a specific signal that enables the specification of the vehicle-mounted device to be obtained. The control device includes a receiving unit which is configured to be able to receive the specific signal, and a learning unit that learns that the specification of the vehicle-mounted device is a first specification if the receiving unit does not receive the specific signal, and learns that the specification of the vehicle-mounted device is a second specification, which is different from the first specification, when the receiving unit receives the specific signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuuki Tsutsu
  • Patent number: 11433765
    Abstract: Provided herein is an electric axle including a differential assembly drivingly connected to a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft, wherein the first and second axle half shafts each have a wheel coupled to the ends thereof; an electric motor/generator drivingly connected to a first rotatable shaft; a first gear set having a first gear connected to the first rotatable shaft and a second gear connected to a second rotatable shaft; a second gear set having a first gear connected to the second rotatable shaft and a second gear selectively connected to a third rotatable shaft; a third gear set having a first gear connected to the third rotatable shaft and a second gear drivingly connected to the differential assembly; and a selector device configured to selectively connect the third rotatable shaft to the second gear of the second gear set or the first rotatable shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua A. Perry, William F. Waltz, George A. Willford, James F. Ziech
  • Patent number: 11434798
    Abstract: A catalyst warm-up control method for a hybrid vehicle includes a battery supplying electric power to an electric motor, the battery is charged by an engine for electric power generation, and exhaust gas discharged from the engine 1 is treated by a catalyst. By the catalyst warm-up control method, when temperature of the catalyst is lower than required warm-up temperature for activating the catalyst, target revolution speed and target torque of the engine are controlled based on a state of charge of the battery, and, when target revolution speed is lower than lower-limit revolution speed at which the catalyst can be heated to the required warm-up temperature, the target revolution speed is controlled so as to be required warm-up revolution speed that is equal to or higher than the lower-limit revolution speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Azusa Kobayashi, Tsuyoshi Ishikawa, Hidekatsu Akiyama, Shinsuke Higuchi
  • Patent number: 11420614
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle having a plurality of torque sources provided on an axle includes a plurality of control outputs configured to allow control signals to be output to individual torque sources of the plurality of torque sources and in order to influence the torque generated by the torque sources. The control device is configured to perform an anti-jerk function configured, in dependence on a rotational speed of at least one of the torque sources, to determine a countertorque value for an engagement, in order to reduce oscillations in a longitudinal movement of the vehicle. The control device is configured to carry out a splitting function configured to split the countertorque value into at least two partial countertorque values. The control device is also configured to output the control signal at different control outputs in dependence on the respectively assigned partial countertorque values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Benjamin Blatter
  • Patent number: 11331997
    Abstract: A hybrid power transmission apparatus for a vehicle which changes and outputs torque of an engine and a first motor, includes an input shaft selectively input engine torque through an engine clutch, an output externally engages with a differential final reduction gear through an output gear to output shifted torque, a fixed shifting section including a plurality of external gear sets implementing an engine mode having multiple fixed shifting stages, and a mode shifting section including a planetary gear set having a first rotation element fixedly connected to the input shaft and a third rotation element that is externally gear-engaged with a first motor gear of the first motor via a first gear, and one external gear set configured for power connection between a second rotation element of the planetary gear set and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Dongwoo Kim, Seong Wook Hwang, Kijong Park, Chon Ok Kim, Jong Hyo Park, Juhyeon Park, Sangki Kwak, Seong Kyeong Cheon, Kwang Hyun Won, Soonki Eo, Yong Sug Choi, Ilhan Yoo
  • Patent number: 11300175
    Abstract: A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle having at least one centrifugal pendulum, in which the centrifugal pendulum comprises at least one primary part rotatable about an axis of rotation, at least one secondary part movable relative to the primary part, and at least one damping medium by which relative movements are hydraulically dampened between the primary part and the secondary part, wherein at least one temperature of the damping medium is calculated by an electronic calculating device of the drivetrain with the aid of a mathematical model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Mathias Weinhardt, Markus Göbel
  • Publication number: 20150148171
    Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input device including a first input shaft receiving torque of the engine and a second input shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first input shaft, a planetary gear set including a first rotation element directly connected to the second input shaft, a second rotation element directly connected to the first input shaft, and a third rotation element, a supplemental input device including a first intermediate shaft and a second intermediate shaft, a friction member selectively connecting the first intermediate shaft to a transmission housing, an output device operably connected to the input device and the supplemental input device and outputting torque transmitted from the input device or the supplemental input device, and a final reduction device decelerating torque transmitted from the output device and outputting the decelerated torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Baekyu KIM, Chulmin AHN, Seok Joon KIM, SungGon BYUN
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8868274
    Abstract: Providing a control apparatus for a vehicular drive system, which is configured to implement a torque reduction control during a shifting action of an automatic transmission, and which permits reduction of the size and cost of an electric circuit including a smoothing capacitor. An electricity-generation-amount-variation restricting region A01 is predetermined such that a point of a vehicle running state lies in the electricity-generation-amount-variation restricting region A01 prior to a moment of determination to perform a shifting action of the automatic transmission, and electricity-generation-amount-variation restricting means 96 implements an electricity-generation-amount-variation restricting control to restrict a rate of increase of a total amount of an electric energy generated by first and second electric motors MG1 and MG2, to a predetermined upper limit value LTGN, when the point of the vehicle running state has moved into the electricity-generation-amount-variation restricting region A01.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Shiiba, Takeshi Kanayama, Talyo Uejima, Daiki Sato
  • Publication number: 20140238758
    Abstract: A drivetrain for a hybrid vehicle has at least one ground engaging element, a torque transmission shaft operatively connected thereto, an electric motor, a transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft, and an internal combustion engine operatively connected to the input shaft of the transmission. The electric motor and the output shaft are operatively connected to the torque transmission shaft. The transmission has a neutral shift position, a first shift position, and at least one higher shift position including a highest shift position. The transmission is capable of shifting directly from the neutral shift position to the first shift position and directly from the neutral shift position to the highest shift position. A vehicle having the drivetrain is also disclosed. A method of starting an internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: BRP-POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Barth
  • Patent number: 8670888
    Abstract: A system includes a computing device with memory configured to store instructions and a processor to execute the instructions for operations that include receiving information representative of an amount of energy stored over a first period of time in an energy storage device of a vehicle that includes a first propulsion system. Operations include receiving information representative of a performance measure of the vehicle for a second period of time, shorter than the first period of time, and, determining an assistance adjustment from an estimated value of stored energy from the information representative of the amount of energy stored over the first period of time. Operations include determining a level of assistance for a second propulsion system included in the vehicle from the received information representative of the performance measure, and, adjusting the level of assistance using the assistance adjustment determined from the estimated value of the stored energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: XL Hybrids
    Inventor: Neal Ennis Brenner
  • Patent number: 8622120
    Abstract: A method and a device for influencing the temperature of at least one electromechanical component situated in a motor vehicle, in which a transmission situated in the motor vehicle is cooled by a transmission oil flowing in a transmission cooling circuit. A cooling circuit branch is provided for influencing the temperature of the electromechanical component. The transmission oil also flows in the cooling circuit branch as a heat carrier. The flow rate of the transmission oil in the cooling circuit branch is influenced for influencing the temperature of the electromechanical component as a function of the setpoint operating temperature and/or the actual operating temperature of the electromechanical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Gerundt, Oliver Kaefer
  • Patent number: 8616321
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a motor-assisted bicycle detects a pedaling torque applied to a crankshaft with a pedaling force sensor, controls a motor unit of the motor-assisted bicycle in a regenerative control process to charge a battery if the torque value of the detected pedaling torque is equal to or smaller than a predetermined level, and controls the motor unit in an assistive control process if the torque value is greater than the predetermined level. The control apparatus includes a storage unit for storing an assisted state and a regenerated state in a single event of use of the motor-assisted bicycle by a user, and a control quantity corrector for correcting a control quantity of the assistive control process and a control quantity of the regenerative control process based on the assisted state and the regenerated state which are stored in the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Aoki, Satoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8556771
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular power transmitting system includes a shifting-point changing portion configured to change a shifting point at which a determination to perform a shifting action of a transmission portion is made, such that a shifting portion is changed according to a shifting response of the transmission portion. Alternatively, the control apparatus includes a shift-control start-point changing portion configured to change a shift-control start point at which the determination to perform the shifting action is made, such that the shift-control start point is changed according to the shifting response of the transmission portion, and a compulsory shift-control starting portion configured to make the determination when an operating point of a differential portion electric motor has reached the shift-control start point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Yuji Iwase, Atsushi Tabata, Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara
  • Patent number: 8528676
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid drive system including a main drive power source, an electric generator, a wheel-side output shaft, a power distributing mechanism for distributing the drive force of the main drive power source to the electric generator, the wheel-side output shaft and an automatic transmission, and an electric motor connected to the wheel-side output shaft through the automatic transmission, the control apparatus including a motor-output limitation control device for implementing an output limitation of the electric motor according to a requirement for the output limitation, and a motor-output limitation inhibiting device to inhibit the output limitation of the electric motor by the motor-output limitation control device, during a shift-up action of the automatic transmission, or a motor-output increasing device to control the electric motor to increase its output so as to offset the output limitation of the electric motor implemented by the motor-output limitation control device according t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroatsu Endo, Kentaro Kakuse
  • Publication number: 20120312122
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine and a transmission having an input member, an output member, and a neutral state in which torque is not transmitted from the input member to the output member. A first motor/generator is coupled to the engine. A second motor/generator is coupled with vehicle wheels directly or indirectly through the transmission. The first motor/generator acts as a generator when powered by the engine to provide electric power to the second motor/generator. The second motor/generator acts as a motor when receiving electric power from a battery or from the first motor/generator. A shift selector is moved by a vehicle operator to establish an electric propulsion mode in which the transmission is in the neutral state and the second motor/generator functions as a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Miller, Alan G. Holmes, Brendan M. Conlon, Steven A. Tarnowsky
  • Patent number: 8249769
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors, when the battery temperature Tb is lower than the preset reference temperature Tbref, drive control prohibits the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft with warm-up control of the battery. When the battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Tbref and the cooling water temperature Tw is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Twref, drive control performs the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Itoh, Koji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8229612
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked to the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors. When a cooling water temperature Tw of the engine is lower than a threshold Twref, the intermittent operation of the engine is prohibited, and a controller performs a warm-up control on a condition that a battery temperature Tb is a preset reference temperature T?, while performing a low state of charge control on condition that a battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to a preset reference temperature T? and lower than a preset reference temperature T?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Itoh, Koji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8095255
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle provided with a power dividing mechanism comprising a clutch mechanism, an ECU performs speed-change control. In the control, the ECU performs an engage preparing process if it is necessary to engage clutch plates of the clutch mechanism with each other. In the process, the ECU switches a reference value which is referred in a feedback control for performing a rotation synchronization and a position synchronization for the clutch plates from a calculated value which is calculated from a pulse signal of first rotational sensor mounted the clutch plate to an estimated value which is estimated from a pulse signal of each of second and third rotational sensors for detecting rotational speed of each motor generators if clutch rotational speed as rotational speed corresponding to the clutch plate as an engagement element decreases to less than a criterion value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ebuchi, Hiromichi Kimura, Hirotatsu Kitabatake, Takaji Umeno
  • Patent number: 8005587
    Abstract: Environment conditions expected to be encountered by a vehicle are used as inputs in determining operating modes of a motive power system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. A vehicle operating in charge depleting mode may transition to operate in charge sustaining mode if the vehicle is expected to encounter circumstances where it is desirable to allow the vehicle to more quickly respond to sudden requests for torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Michael Alan Tamor, Krishnaswamy Venkatesh Prasad, Craig H. Stephan
  • Publication number: 20110144846
    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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Tobias Zöllner, Bernd ALLGAIER, Christian SCHWEMER