With Transmission For Changing Gear Ratio (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/917)
  • 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: 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7957856
    Abstract: An ECU calculates a drive torque request value Td0 (S102) when a creep torque generation condition is satisfied (YES in S100), calculates a creep torque reflection rate Kcrp using a gear rattle prevention map instead of an ordinary map (S110) when a vehicle speed V is substantially zero and an engine is in a load drive state (YES in S106 and NO in S108) while a forward drive range is being selected (YES in S104), and calculates a product of Td0 and Kcrp as a creep torque request value Tp (S114). The ordinary map is a map decreasing Kcrp to 0 with increase in brake torque, and the gear rattle prevention map is a map decreasing Kcrp to a predetermined value larger than 0 with increase in brake torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takao Itoh
  • Patent number: 7867124
    Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission is provided with input member and output member, first and second motor/generators, a first planetary gear set and a final drive gearset. Two or three torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engagable alone or in different combinations to establish at least one forward electric-only operating mode including a series mode, an output split mode, and at least one neutral mode including a purely neutral mode and a neutral battery charge mode. The transmission optionally includes a one-way clutch selected from the group of friction clutch and dog clutch, or is a lockable one-way clutch, for enabling low loss forward operation, regenerative braking functionality, and/or reverse vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan M. Conlon, Peter J. Savagian, Alan G. Holmes, Michael O. Harpster, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100179024
    Abstract: An automatic dual clutch transmission includes an input clutch which selectively connects a prime mover to an electric motor. The electric motor, in turn, is connected to the inputs of a pair of coaxial friction clutches. Each of the coaxial outputs of the friction clutches drives an input gear with meshes with a pair of gears, one of which is associated with each of a respective pair of layshafts or countershafts. On each countershaft, between the pair of gears driven by the outputs of the two clutches, are a pair of synchronizer clutches which selectively synchronize and connect one of the two gears to the associated countershaft. A similar arrangement of a second pair of gears separated by synchronizer clutches connects the countershafts through a selected gear to a pair of output gears coupled to and driving a differential cage or spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7736266
    Abstract: A vehicle's active electrically controlled non-step speed change mechanism includes an internal combustion engine, a dynamo (motor-generator), a power allotment unit and an active electrically controlled non-step speed changer to control vehicle able to run in the best condition notwithstanding its speed, roadway condition or load thereby achieving the aim of fuel saving and minimizing the environmental contamination due to excess discharge of exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: National Taipei University of Technology
    Inventors: Kuohsiu David Huang, Kei-Lin Kuo
  • Publication number: 20100087287
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control device for a vehicular drive apparatus with a structure of enabling the suppression of gearshift shock occurring during concurrent shifting executed of a first shifting portion and a second shifting portion. When the concurrent shifting are executed around the same time in which a down shift in one of a differential portion (first shifting portion) and an automatic shifting portion (second shifting portion) and an upshift in the other of them are executed, a first electric motor is caused to control a rotation speed of a second rotary element (sun gear). Thus, a shifting progress state upon the concurrent shifting is controlled. This causes shifting directions i.e., variation of the engine rotation speed in shifting of a shifting mechanism to be set in a unidirectional, enabling the suppression of gearshift shock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Yuji Iwase, Hiroyuki Shibata
  • Patent number: 7693637
    Abstract: A vehicle control system is comprised of a controller which is arranged to select an optimal mode adapted to a driving point of a vehicle from an optimal mode map of defining a plurality of running modes of the vehicle, to detect a generation of a mode transition in the optimal mode map, and to hold a current running mode selected before the transition for a holding time period when the generation of the mode transition is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michel Mensler, Shinichiro Joe
  • Patent number: 7688557
    Abstract: A motorcycle has a transmission including a transmission mechanism and an electronic control unit (ECU). The transmission mechanism includes a crankshaft as an input shaft, a driven shaft as an output shaft and an electric motor. The electric motor changes continuously the transmission ratio between the crankshaft and the driven shaft. The ECU estimates the heat value of the motor from a rate of change in the transmission ratio. When the estimate heat value reaches or exceeds a specified value the electric motor is restricted or stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Ishioka
  • Patent number: 7677340
    Abstract: When an engine is operated, a power dividing mechanism divides power of the engine to output the power to a motor for running operation and a motor for a cargo handling operation, respectively. Each of loads is driven via a rotational shaft of a corresponding one of the motors. By operating the engine and supplying the motors with electric power from a battery to operate the motors, each of the loads can also be driven by the sum of power of the engine and power of a corresponding one of the motors. When surplus power is generated in the power of the engine, each of the motors is operated as an electric power generating unit by the surplus power. As a result, the battery is charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Hisashi Ichijo, Shoichi Ieoka, Norihiko Kato, Masaru Sugai, Takaji Umeno
  • Patent number: 7677135
    Abstract: An electromechanical power transfer system for a vehicle, comprises: an electrical power source; a system controller; at least two dynamoelectric machines; an electrically engageable clutch for each machine; an input shaft coupled to the jack shaft; an output shaft coupled to a load presented by the vehicle; and at least two electrically engageable transmission gear sets for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft; wherein the system controller selectively engages each machine clutch and each transmission gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A Himmelmann
  • Patent number: 7610124
    Abstract: A control device for a motor-driven vehicle, the control device includes: a zone determining unit that determines at least a normal use zone, a discharge zone, an over-discharge zone, a charge zone, and an over-charge zone; and a control unit controlling the motor by stipulating the charge and discharge power of the storage unit for each zone that is determined by the zone determining unit, setting the normal use zone to be in a predetermined range that includes a remaining capacity at which the discharge output according to the remaining capacity of the storage unit and the charge input according to the remaining capacity of the storage unit are equivalent, and making the discharge output and the charge input in the normal use zone to be a predetermined value regardless of the remaining capacity of the storage unit in the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Wakashiro, Atsushi Shibutani
  • Publication number: 20090233758
    Abstract: In a powertrain for motor vehicle that includes an engine, an electric machine able to function alternately as a motor and a generator, and a transmission whose input is driveably connected to the engine and the electric machine, a method for controlling transmission input torque during an upshift including using the engine to produce torque transmitted to the transmission input, during the ratio change phase of the upshift, operating the electric machine as a generator, and during the ratio change phase of the upshift, controlling a net torque transmitted to the transmission input by using the engine to drive the transmission and the electric machine concurrently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Andrew J. Silveri
  • Publication number: 20090233757
    Abstract: In a powertrain for motor vehicle that includes an engine, an electric machine able to function alternately as a motor and a generator, and a transmission whose input is driveably connected to the engine and the electric machine, a method for controlling transmission input torque during an downshift including using the engine to produce torque transmitted to the transmission input, during the ratio change phase of the downshift, operating the electric machine as a motor, and controlling a net torque transmitted to the transmission input by using the engine to drive the transmission and the electric machine concurrently, and during the torque transfer phase of the downshift, operating the electric machine as a generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Andrew J. Silveri
  • Publication number: 20090233760
    Abstract: In a vehicle that includes an engine driveably connected to the vehicle wheels, an accelerator pedal, and an electric motor for transmitting power to at least some of the vehicle wheels, a method for indicating that the vehicle is operating on a grade having positive slope includes determining that displacement of the accelerator pedal is greater than a reference displacement, determining that a rate of change of the accelerator pedal displacement is greater than a reference rate of change of displacement, determining that vehicle deceleration is greater than a reference vehicle deceleration, and producing a signal representing that the vehicle is operating on a grade having positive slope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew J. Silveri, Ihab S. Soliman
  • Publication number: 20090227407
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, and a second electric motor connected to the power transmitting member. The control apparatus, which permits size reduction of the vehicular drive system, or improvements of fuel economy and vehicle drivability, includes a switching clutch or switching brake for switching a the differential mechanism between a continuously-variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state, to enable the drive system to have both of an advantage of a fuel economy improvement of a transmission the speed ratio of which is electrically variable, and an advantage of high power transmitting efficiency of a gear type power transmitting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Kamada, Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue
  • Patent number: 7575529
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission having a single motor/generator provides electrically variable power flow along dual power paths and provides an electrically variable reverse operating mode. The transmission includes a compound differential gear set having at least four gear elements operatively interconnected with one another. A transmission input member and the single motor/generator selectively provide power to a transmission output member via the differential gear set. The transmission includes a plurality of intermeshing gears, including a reversing gear and gears connected for rotation with the output member, for operatively connecting the differential gear set with the output member. Torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagable to provide power flow between the input member and the output member in multiple operating modes, including a parallel hybrid electrically variable reverse operating mode utilizing the reversing gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7572201
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having an engine and an electric motor and generator sub-system, which establish mechanical and electric power flow paths. Multiple-ratio gearing in a power flow path for forward drive enhances vehicle traction torque for heavy-duty vehicle applications. Reverse drive performance is enhanced by torque multiplying gearing in a reverse drive power delivery path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Supina, Shailesh Kozarekar
  • Publication number: 20090197727
    Abstract: A drive unit for a hybrid electric motor vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine including a rotor, a layshaft gearset including an input driveably connected to the engine and an output, for transmitting power between the input and the output and producing a first speed differential that causes a speed of the input to exceed a speed of the output, first and second driveshafts, a differential mechanism driveably connected to said output, for transmitting power between said output and the driveshafts, and a planetary gear unit driveably connected to the output and the rotor, for transmitting power between said rotor and said output and producing a second speed differential that causes a speed of the rotor to exceed the speed of the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 7555373
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor that are connected to a driveshaft linked to an axle via a gear mechanism, on condition that an output torque of the motor (previous Tm2*) is not lower than a preset reference output torque Tm2ref (step S190) at a moment of a start requirement of the engine (steps S130 and S180), the drive control of the invention starts the engine (step S220). On conditions that the output torque of the motor (previous Tm2*) is lower than the preset reference output torque Tm2ref (step S190), that a torque demand Tr* is lower than a preset reference torque level Tref (step S200), and that a state of charge SOC of a battery is not lower than a preset reference charge level Sref (step S210), the drive control keeps the engine at a stop (step S140), regardless of the start requirement. This arrangement effectively reduces the potential for backlash or gear rattle in the gear mechanism due to a torque pulsation applied to the driveshaft at a start of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Shimizu, Hideto Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7529607
    Abstract: A method for controlling selection of an automatic transmission gear ratio with staged ratios or constant variation for a vehicle including a control for preventing/allowing extension of the gear ratio or for controlling a shortening the transmission gear ratio if, at a current engine speed, the power is insufficient for maintaining the vehicle speed. The method prevents extension of the transmission gear ratio if the power available after the extension is insufficient for maintaining the vehicle speed; otherwise allowing extension of the transmission gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Olivier Aubert
  • Publication number: 20090082150
    Abstract: A system for robust fault detection in an electrically variable, hydraulically controlled transmission includes independently monitoring hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic control circuit and electric machine rotation for detecting clutch state faults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter E. Wu, Ryan D Martini, Syed Naqi, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Osama Almasri, Hanne Buur, Andrew M. Zettel, Charles J. Van Horn
  • Publication number: 20080314661
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a hybrid propulsion system for a passenger vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one drive wheel; a first motor coupled to the drive wheel; a second motor; a transmission including a first end coupled to the drive wheel and a second end coupled to the second motor; and a control system configured to control operation of the first and second motor to each provide vehicle braking torque, wherein transmission state is adjusted in response to an amount of braking torque provided by the first motor and an amount of braking torque provided by the second motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Deepak Aswani
  • Patent number: 7462121
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A countershaft transmission in the powertrain delivers power from an engine through countershaft gearing. Electric power from a single motor-generator complements engine power and may drive front traction wheels. Regenerative power is recovered during power delivery to rear traction wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20080280726
    Abstract: A powertrain is provided with an input clutch that is disengagable to allow a transmission input member to rotate independently of engine speed under power of a motor and provide an alternative way to power vehicle accessories otherwise driven by engine torque, while still allowing the motor to start the engine. A powertrain having a parallel combination of input clutches including a friction input clutch and a selectable one-way clutch is provided, as well as a method of control of such a powertrain. Another method of controlling a hybrid vehicle powertrain includes starting the engine via torque from a motor with the input clutch biased in an engaged position. If vehicle operating conditions are more efficiently met without operating the engine, the input clutch is disengaged to so that torque is provided only by the motor to the output member and to vehicle accessories operatively connected to the input member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, Gregory A. Hubbard, Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 7426972
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicular drive system including (a) a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine (8) to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, (b) a second electric motor disposed in a power transmitting path between the power transmitting member and a drive wheel of a vehicle, and (c) a differential-state switching device operable to place the differential mechanism selectively in one of a differential state in which the differential mechanism is operable to perform a differential function and a locked state in which the differential mechanism is not operable to perform the differential function, the control device including an engine-stop switching control portion operable to control the differential-state switching device to place the differential mechanism in the differential state, upon stopping of the engine, so that the engine speed can be rapidly lowered to zero by controlling the first electric motor in the differential state of the differential mech
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga
  • Publication number: 20080135314
    Abstract: In setting of an oil temperature increasing process mode, the drive control technique of the invention starts an engine to actuate a mechanical oil pump that pressure feeds a flow of lubricating oil for lubricating the mechanical parts of a transmission and other relevant parts, actuates an electric oil pump that pressure feeds the flow of lubricating oil, and makes a brake B1 included in the transmission in a semi-engagement state. A motor arranged adjacent to the transmission is then driven with lowered output efficiency. This arrangement effectively accelerates heat generation by the motor and ensures a quick temperature rise of the lubricating oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Motoike, Masatoshi Adachi, Yumi Iraha, Jun Ichiyanagi, Satoru Wakuta, Kenji Omote, Masanori Onoda
  • Patent number: 7353895
    Abstract: A vehicle having a transmission for transmitting a torque from a drive machine to drive wheels, with the transmission having an transmission output shaft and a transmission input shaft, in which the torque can be transmitted from the drive machine to the transmission output shaft, and having an electrical machine which has a rotor and a stator, which means being provided in order to connect the electric-motor torque of the electrical machine optionally to the transmission input shaft or to the transmission output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Otmar Bitsche, Karl-Ernst Noreikat, Tobias Ostertag, Alfons Rennefeld, Wolfgang Schwienbacher, Sven Stephan, Lars Weinschenker