Assembly Or Relative Location Of Components (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/951)
  • Patent number: 11942869
    Abstract: A power module is applied to an electric power conversion device in which multiple upper-lower arm circuits are connected to an electric power line in parallel. The power module includes the multiple upper-lower arm circuits; a capacitor connected to each of the multiple upper-lower arm circuits in parallel; an upper wiring that connects an upper arm and a positive electrode terminal of the capacitor; a lower wiring that connects a lower arm and a negative electrode of the capacitor; an upper electric power wiring that is an electric power wiring connected to the electric power line and connects a high potential line of the electric power line and the upper wiring; and a lower electric power wiring that is an electric power wiring connected to the electric power line and connects a lower potential line of the electric power line and the lower wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohisa Sano, Ryota Tanabe, Yuta Hashimoto, Kazuma Fukushima, Mamoru Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 11845420
    Abstract: A vehicle operating method comprising generating a base torque reserve for an engine based on a position of an accelerator pedal and a position rate of change of the accelerator pedal, where the base torque reserve is an air reserve of the engine generated by the engine. The base torque reserve may further be generated based on one or more of a drive mode, a vehicle altitude, a battery state of charge (SOC), and a transmission gear, in at least one example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Maruthi Thiruninravur Ravichandran, Jason Meyer, Bhavesh Ravindra Paradkar, Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 11712960
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a planetary gear mechanism, first and second wheels, an engine, a motor generator, a wheel drive clutch, and a control system. The planetary gear mechanism includes first, second, and third rotation elements. The first wheel is coupled to the first rotation element via a first path. The second wheel is coupled to the second rotation element via a second path. The engine is coupled to the third rotation element via a third path. The motor generator is provided on the first path. The wheel drive clutch is provided on the first path and between the motor generator and the first wheel. The control system controls the motor generator and the wheel drive clutch. The control system executes a motor stop mode in which the wheel drive clutch is brought into a released state and the motor generator is brought into a rotation stop state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 11447110
    Abstract: When braking of the electric vehicle is performed, the braking is controlled based on a target braking split ratio which is a target value of the ratio of the braking force that is applied to the rear wheels to a total braking force that is applied to the front and rear wheels. In this case, an initial value of the target braking split ratio is set to a value within an allowable range about a transmission split ratio when braking of the electric vehicle is started while the electric vehicle is being braked by the motor, the transmission split ratio being the ratio of a braking force that is transmitted from a drive shaft to the rear wheels via a driving force split device to a total braking force that is transmitted from the drive shaft to the front and rear wheels via the driving force split device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Koichi Okuda, Tooru Matsubara, Yuuki Makino
  • Patent number: 11404922
    Abstract: According to the present invention, provided is a rotary electric machine, which is to be connected to at least one of a first torque input/output shaft and a second torque input/output shaft, and includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor of the rotary electric machine includes: a rotor core; a torque transmitting portion, which is connected to at least one of the first torque input/output shaft and the second torque input/output shaft, and is formed of a plate-shaped member; and a rotor core retaining portion, which is retained on the torque transmitting portion, is configured to retain the rotor core, and is formed of a plate-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Iwamoto, Motoaki Kimura, Masaya Inoue
  • Patent number: 9227670
    Abstract: An electrical or electronic component (3) of a motor vehicle is mounted in an engine compartment of the motor vehicle by suspending the component (3) from a suspension cross-brace (1) and connecting the component (3) on a motor vehicle splashboard that separates the engine compartment from a passenger compartment. Such a mount permits a relatively heavy and relatively large electrical or electronic component to be accommodated in the engine compartment and securely mounted there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Schaal
  • Publication number: 20150129345
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle 3, a rear wheel driving system 1 is disposed further rearwards than an internal combustion engine 4 in a front-rear direction of the vehicle 3, and an exhaust passageway 80 extends from the internal combustion engine 4 towards the rear side of the vehicle 3 and is disposed so as to surround a first plane S1 which passes through a front end of a case 11 and which is perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 3, a second plane S2 which passes through a rear end of the case 11 and which is perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 3, a third plane S3 which passes through a left end of the case 11 and which is perpendicular to a left-right direction of the vehicle 3, and a fourth plane S4 which passes through a right end of the case 11 and which is perpendicular to the left-right direction of the vehicle 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takabumi Suzuki, Keiichi Ooiso, Takeshi Hoshinoya
  • Patent number: 9031727
    Abstract: A vehicle running control device in a vehicle includes a power connecting/disconnecting device interrupting power transmission between an engine and drive wheels, the vehicle running control device providing free-run control of interrupting the power transmission with the power connecting/disconnecting device and stopping the engine during inertia running, the vehicle running control device being configured to determine a target vehicle deceleration at the start of the free-run control based on a vehicle speed and to estimate an estimated vehicle deceleration when the free-run control is started, before starting the free-run control, and when the estimated vehicle deceleration is closer to the target vehicle deceleration at the start of the free-run control, the free-run control being more easily provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Terufumi Miyazaki, Yukihiko Ideshio, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato
  • Publication number: 20150114732
    Abstract: A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Daniel Bowdich, Douglas Edwin Berry, Bruce Ernest Richard Wolff, Gerhard Kramer, Scott Daniel Woodruff, Ulrich Handel
  • Publication number: 20150107920
    Abstract: This specification provides a structure in which a power cable connecting an inverter with a motor arranged in the front compartment is protected from breakage upon a crash. A hybrid vehicle includes an inverter fixed to a top of a drive train with a gap by front and rear brackets. The front bracket connects a front surface of the inverter with the drive train and the rear bracket connects a rear surface of the inverter with the drive train. The front surface of the inverter corresponds to a frontward side surface of the vehicle. When the vehicle crashes, the front and rear brackets cause the inverter move backward and downward so that a distance between the inverter and the drive train is reduced. Therefore, a power cable is protected from breakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yusuke Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20150075891
    Abstract: An arrangement structure of an electricity-storage device of a vehicle, which comprises a pair of right-and-left front side frames, a dash panel partitioning a vehicle-compartment front portion at rear end portions of the front side frames, and a pair of front tires arranged on an outside, in a vehicle width direction, of the front side frames. The electricity-storage device is arranged on the outside, in the vehicle width direction, of the front side frame at a position between the dash panel and the front tire in a vehicle longitudinal direction such that the electricity-storage device overlaps a rear end portion of the front side frame (the kick-up portion, the protrusion portion) in a vehicle side view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seigo SUZUKI, Sho KAWANARI
  • Publication number: 20150075884
    Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a class of electric hybrid drives that can be retrofit easily to cars and trucks to reduce transportation costs. Certain embodiments include mechanisms for attachment to an existing powertrain, regenerative braking, on-the-road optimization of transportation costs depending on road and route conditions, or an operational mode in which motive power for a vehicle is solely derived from electric energy stored in a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: David Crecelius, Peter Fischer, Jeff Ronning, Sean Stanley, John E. Waters
  • Publication number: 20150060174
    Abstract: Disclosed is an in-wheel system for a hybrid electric vehicle. The in-wheel system includes an engine that provides a rotational driving power to front wheels or rear wheels, at least one in-wheel motor that is driven by a battery, and is provided at each of the front wheels or each of the rear wheels so as to correspond to the wheels to which the driving power of the engine is transmitted to provide a rotational driving power to the same wheels as wheels driven by the engine, and a controller that controls the engine and the in-wheel motor to be driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Do Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8961366
    Abstract: An engine is provided with an output shaft and a motor generator connection shaft of a crankshaft at ends of a crank case and adapted such that the output shaft can be connected with an external driven apparatus. A motor generator has stators relatively fixed to the crank case and a rotor coupled with the motor generator connection shaft and rotating relative to the stators. An external apparatus connection shaft is connected with the rotor and disposed at an end of the motor generator on the opposite side of the engine. A clutch is disposed between the motor generator connection shaft and the rotor. A power storage unit stores electric power generated by the motor generator and supplies the electric power to the motor generator. A controller switches between an electric power generation function and a motor function, and engages and disengages the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Furuya, Keiichi Kakizaki, Kentaro Hirota, Shigeki Tajima, Yosuke Kubota
  • Patent number: 8936124
    Abstract: A fixing device for releasable fixing an electrical energy accumulator to a carrying structure of a motor vehicle includes a retaining protrusion and a locking catch which are provided on the energy accumulator and on the carrying structure (or vice versa). To fix the energy accumulator to the carrying structure, a relative movement of the retaining protrusion to the locking catch is provided along a movement track in the direction of an end position, in which the locking catch can be swiveled between a release position and a locked position such that in the release position the locking catch is outside the movement track of the retaining protrusion and in the locked position the locking catch protrudes into the movement track of the retaining protrusion and there engages behind the retaining protrusion when the retaining protrusion is in the end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Thomas Auer, Martin Rodler
  • Patent number: 8925660
    Abstract: A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: MTU America Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Daniel Bowdich, Douglas Edwin Berry, Bruce Ernest Richard Wolff, Gerhard Kramer, Scott Daniel Woodruff
  • Patent number: 8919483
    Abstract: A ridden vehicle comprising a seat configured to be ridden and an internal combustion engine a frame configured for supporting the seat and the engine during operation of the ridden vehicle, the frame comprising a front frame portion having a steering head, a rear frame portion configured to support at least the seat and the engine, and a lower frame portion connecting the front frame portion and the rear frame portion to support a leg portion of a rider a fuel tank integrated with the front frame portion below the steering head and configured to store fuel for operation of the engine and a filler tube communicating with the fuel tank disposed in the ridden vehicle to provide an entrance to the fuel tank in front of the steering head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hero Motorcorp, Ltd.
    Inventors: Erik Buell, Anthony Stefanelli, John Fox, Jonathan Bunne, Giancarlo Battaglini, Chad Antczak, Dean Iwinski
  • Patent number: 8887695
    Abstract: In a vehicle that runs by drive power of a motor in addition to that of an engine, a device for treating evaporated fuel is provided that may heat a canister and improve desorption efficiency even in a state in which there is little exhaust heat from the engine. A vehicle is provided with a first battery and a second battery. A canister is disposed in front of the first battery and below the second battery. Because the canister is disposed near to the batteries, heat is transferred from the batteries to the canister and an adsorbing agent in the canister is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuichi Aso
  • Patent number: 8887853
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle frame, a swing arm and a fuel tank. The vehicle frame includes a front portion and a rear portion and defines a longitudinal centerline therebetween. The front portion is configured to support a recumbent seat. The rear portion is configured to be coupled to the swing arm and. The swing arm defines a longitudinal centerline and includes a wheel mounting portion configured to be coupled to a wheel assembly. The wheel mounting portion defines a radial axis that is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle frame in at least one plane. The fuel tank is coupled to the rear portion of the vehicle frame such that the fuel tank is above the longitudinal centerline of the swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tanom Motors, LLC
    Inventors: Merrill C. Hall, Adam J. Canni
  • Publication number: 20140238186
    Abstract: A driving apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor having a stator and a rotor, and a transmission to which a driving force is delivered selectively from the engine, the motor or both the engine and the motor. The motor is provided between the engine and the transmission to transmit the driving force to the transmission. The motor can be an inner rotor-type motor in which the stator is disposed at an outer side of the motor and the rotor is disposed at an inner side of the motor or an outer rotor-type motor in which the stator is disposed at an inner side of the motor and the rotor is disposed at an outer side of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: KYUNG HA KIM, HEE RA LEE, YEON HO KIM, MIN SUNG KIM
  • Patent number: 8813883
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle power unit includes an engine, a generator and a traction motor. A mounting bracket includes a base portion and a plurality of junctions arranged along the outer edge of an end of the generator at a plurality of points spaced at interval to fasten the base portion to the end. Dividing the end by an imaginary vertical plane that includes a rotor axis of the generator into a front area and a rear area with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the number of some of the plurality of junctions located in the rear area is larger than the number of the remainder of the plurality of junctions located in the front area. A generator mount between an end portion of the mounting bracket and a side member is arranged in front of the imaginary vertical plane with respect to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Nobutaka Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8813896
    Abstract: A vehicle including a vehicle body is disclosed. A transmission casing includes a plurality of walls extending outwardly to a distal edge. One of the walls defines a first side and another one of the walls defines a second side. A power inverter module is coupled to the transmission casing to define a unit disposed in a first position when the unit is stationary relative to a first end of the vehicle body and a second position when the unit moves toward a second end of the vehicle body. The power inverter module slopes downwardly from the first side toward the second side to define a module angle relative to a longitudinal axis such that the power inverter module defines an angular position. The angular position of the power inverter module minimizes engagement of the power inverter module with a component when the unit is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Ralph Littlefield, Anthony P. Tata, Michael O. Harpster, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140224556
    Abstract: Wheeled vehicle, comprising of one front wheel, two side wheels and one rear wheel, configured on a chassis frame in a symmetrical rhombus (diamond) layout. The non-steered front wheel is turned by pedals using human power, similar or exactly in bicycle use design, or with electric motor power. The two parallel side wheels in one axis are perpendicular to the chassis frame, allowing them to swivel in unison for steering the vehicle without elaborate axle pivoting apparatus. The rear wheel is powered by an electric motor, hybrid motor or. liquid. fuel motor. The rear wheel is attached longitudinally with the center of the chassis frame so that it swivels also in unison for steering with the side wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Albert Mroz
  • Publication number: 20140210209
    Abstract: A vehicle has a motor serving as a driving source for running the vehicle, a high-power assembled battery and a high-capacity assembled battery each capable of supplying an electric power to the motor, and a temperature adjusting mechanism adjusting the temperature of each of the high-power assembled battery and the high-capacity assembled battery. The temperature adjusting mechanism supplies a heat exchange medium for use in the temperature adjustment of the high-power assembled battery and the high-capacity assembled battery to each of the assembled batteries. The high-power assembled battery is capable of charge and discharge with a current relatively larger than that in the high-capacity assembled battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Takurou Nakayama, Akihiro Sato, Tsuyoshi Hayashi, Hirotaka Watanabe, Kenji Kimura, Nobuyoshi Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20140166379
    Abstract: A vehicle has a motor and an engine each serving as a driving source for running the vehicle, and assembled batteries each capable of supplying an electric power to the motor. The assembled batteries include a high-power assembled battery and a high-capacity assembled battery. The high-power assembled battery is capable of charge and discharge with a current relatively larger than that in the high-capacity assembled battery, and the high-capacity assembled battery has an energy capacity relatively larger than that of the high-power assembled battery. In running of the vehicle using an output from the motor with the engine stopped, the high-capacity assembled battery supplies a more electric power to the motor than that in the high-power assembled battery. The high-power assembled battery is placed in a riding space where a passenger rides, and the high-capacity assembled battery is placed in a luggage space different from the riding space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Kenji Kimura, Akihiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8706369
    Abstract: A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diana Yanakiev, Yuji Fujii, Eric Tseng, Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F Kucharski
  • Publication number: 20140034405
    Abstract: A powertrain is adapted to drive ground-engaging elements disposed along longitudinally-opposing sides of a vehicle. The powertrain includes at least one engine, a first electric machine, a second electric machine, a third electric machine, a first differential mechanism and a second differential mechanism. The engine and first electric machine are operatively connected to the first and second differential mechanisms. The second electric machine is operatively connected to the first differential mechanism and the third electric machine is operatively connected to the second differential mechanism. The first and second differential mechanisms are each operatively connected to drivably engage one or more ground-engaging elements disposed on a different one of the longitudinally-opposing sides of the associated vehicle. A vehicle including such a powertrain as well as methods of using the same are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: The Ohio State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Codrin-Gruie Cantemir, Gabriel G. Ursescu, Georgio Rizzoni
  • Publication number: 20140025246
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle frame, a swing arm and a fuel tank. The vehicle frame includes a front portion and a rear portion and defines a longitudinal centerline therebetween. The front portion is configured to support a recumbent seat. The rear portion is configured to be coupled to the swing arm and. The swing arm defines a longitudinal centerline and includes a wheel mounting portion configured to be coupled to a wheel assembly. The wheel mounting portion defines a radial axis that is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle frame in at least one plane. The fuel tank is coupled to the rear portion of the vehicle frame such that the fuel tank is above the longitudinal centerline of the swing arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: TANOM MOTORS, LLC
    Inventors: Merrill C. HALL, Adam J. CANNI
  • Publication number: 20140014423
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hybrid drive for vehicles that significantly decreases the consumption of fuel because it uses a turbine motor, which is turned on solely when the charge of the accumulator batteries drops and always works at best rpm. The device increases the distance covered by the vehicle without need for frequent recharge of the batteries from the power supply network. Furthermore, the turbine motor is lighter than the petrol piston engine and in the same time more efficient. The device includes installed accumulator batteries that supply power to at least one electric motor coupled via transmission to the drive wheels of the vehicle, and fuel tank supplying fuel to turbine motor coupled via reducer to generator that is connected to the accumulator batteries. Control unit monitors the charge of the accumulator batteries and turns on and off the turbine motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Emil DIMITROV, Nikolai GANEV
  • Publication number: 20130313035
    Abstract: A dual-powered utility vehicle that includes a gasoline engine configured to rotate a first axle that rotates at least a first wheel; an electrical motor configured to rotate a second axle that rotates at least a second wheel; and at least one battery. The at least second wheel also rotates the second axle. The at least one battery is connected to the electrical motor. The vehicle is configured such that when being moved under power from the gasoline engine, the at least second wheel of the electrical drive train is rotated by virtue of its ground contact when the gasoline engine rotates the at least first wheel. Energy created by the at least second wheel rotating is transferred to the at least one battery to recharge the battery and make available for use by the electrical motor to rotate the at least one second wheel when activated to do so.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Philip JOSEPH JENKINS, JR.
  • Patent number: 8594871
    Abstract: A vehicle battery diagnosis system diagnoses the state of use of a battery of a vehicle, and includes: an information accumulation portion that accumulates diagnostic information that includes a use condition regarding the battery; a control plan presentation portion that presents a plurality of control plans about the vehicle for increasing the service life of the battery on the basis of the diagnostic information; and an information changing portion that changes control information regarding the control of the vehicle which is retained in a vehicle-mounted ECU of the vehicle so that the control information corresponds to a control plan selected from the plurality of control plans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatoshi Uchida
  • Patent number: 8584779
    Abstract: A structure for mounting a power source apparatus includes a power source apparatus mounted on a vehicle, and a reinforcing member configured to reinforce connection between the power source apparatus and a vehicle body. The power source apparatus has a power source unit and a device fixed to an upper face of the power source unit and having a length in a front-back direction of the vehicle smaller than a length of the power source unit. The reinforcing member extends in a left-right direction of the vehicle and is fixed at different portions to the power source apparatus and the vehicle body in space above the power source unit and adjacent to the device in the front-back direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takenori Tsuchiya, Hajime Oyanagi
  • Publication number: 20130264132
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle power unit includes an engine, a generator and a traction motor. A mounting bracket includes a base portion and a plurality of junctions arranged along the outer edge of an end of the generator at a plurality of points spaced at interval to fasten the base portion to the end. Dividing the end by an imaginary vertical plane that includes a rotor axis of the generator into a front area and a rear area with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the number of some of the plurality of junctions located in the rear area is larger than the number of the remainder of the plurality of junctions located in the front area. A generator mount between an end portion of the mounting bracket and a side member is arranged in front of the imaginary vertical plane with respect to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobutaka FUJIWARA
  • Publication number: 20130260937
    Abstract: A drive mechanism comprises a drive source which is connected by means of a clutch to a transmission which is connected to wheels of the vehicle. The drive mechanism further includes two hybrid modules of which a first module is connected to the drive source and the second module is connected between the transmission and the wheels to the drive line. The first hybrid module comprises a flywheel and a flywheel clutch and the second hybrid module comprises a motor/generator and a further clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Roell Marie Van Druten, Alexander Franciscus Anita Serrarens, Bas Gerard Vroemen
  • Publication number: 20130248264
    Abstract: There is provided a hybrid vehicle according to the present invention, which is driven using the power of an engine and the power of a drive motor which is driven by an electric power supplied from a battery module, the vehicle including: a propeller shaft which is disposed below a floor panel in a vertical direction of the vehicle extending in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and is configured to transmit the power of the engine and the power of the drive motor to a rear wheel; and a battery pack having the battery module, the battery pack being disposed below the floor panel so as to cover the propeller shaft. The battery pack has a recess formed in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and the propeller shaft is housed in an air guide duct defined by the floor panel and the recess of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi MATSUDA, Toshiaki NARUKE, Minoru IIDA
  • Publication number: 20130240279
    Abstract: A tandem rear axle (28) suspended from a chassis frame (12) rearward of front steerable wheels (22, 24) has a first drive axle (30) with a driven wheel (32) on the right side and a driven wheel (34) on the left side and a second drive axle (36) rearward of the first drive axle and having a driven wheel (38) on the right side and a driven wheel (40) on the left side. A drivetrain couples a combustion engine (26) to the first drive axle for driving its driven wheels. A prime mover (52, 68, 70, 74) other than the combustion engine drives the driven wheels of the second drive axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Colin Jay Casey, Robert A. Weber
  • Publication number: 20130197730
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a rechargeable energy storage device, such as a battery. A recharging system is operatively connected to the energy storage device and configured to selectively charge the energy storage device by transmitting energy thereto. A regenerative braking system is operatively connected to the energy storage device to selectively transmit energy thereto. A controller is operatively connected to the recharging system and configured to control the recharging system. The controller is configured to determine an amount of the vehicle's gravitational potential energy that is recoverable by the regenerative braking system over a predicted route, and to control the recharging system such that the amount of energy transferred from the recharging system to the energy storage device is based on the amount of the vehicle's gravitational potential energy that is recoverable by the regenerative braking system over the predicted route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Fred W. HUNTZICKER
  • Patent number: 8490726
    Abstract: A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Tognum America Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Ernest Richard Wolff, Douglas Edwin Berry, Mark Daniel Bowdich, Gerhard Kramer, Scott Daniel Woodruff
  • Publication number: 20130168171
    Abstract: A motorcycle having at least one seat and at least two wheels, an internal combustion engine, a generator, and a rechargeable battery configured to be recharged by the internal combustion engine or generator, an electric motor electrically connected to the rechargeable battery and configured to drive at least one of a plurality of wheels of the vehicle, and an electronic controller configured to start the internal combustion engine based upon a monitored condition of the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: ERIK BUELL, ANTHONY STEFANELLI, JOHN FOX, JONATHAN BUNNE, GIANCARLO BATTAGLINI, CHAD ANTCZAK, DEAN IWINSKI
  • Publication number: 20130168170
    Abstract: A ridden vehicle comprising a seat configured to be ridden and an internal combustion engine a frame configured for supporting the seat and the engine during operation of the ridden vehicle, the frame comprising a front frame portion having a steering head, a rear frame portion configured to support at least the seat and the engine, and a lower frame portion connecting the front frame portion and the rear frame portion to support a leg portion of a rider a fuel tank integrated with the front frame portion below the steering head and configured to store fuel for operation of the engine and a filler tube communicating with the fuel tank disposed in the ridden vehicle to provide an entrance to the fuel tank in front of the steering head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: ERIK BUELL, ANTHONY STEFANELLI, JOHN FOX, JONATHAN BUNNE, GIANCARLO BATTAGLINI, CHAD ANTCZAK, DEAN IWINSKI
  • Publication number: 20130168176
    Abstract: A series-hybrid vehicle is provided, comprising a vehicle body frame; a pair of right and left front wheels; a pair of right and left rear wheels; a drive motor mounted to the vehicle body frame to drive the front wheels or the rear wheels; a battery mounted to a center portion of the vehicle body frame in a forward and rearward direction to supply electric power to the drive motor; an engine electric generator including an electric generator for generating electric power charged into the battery and an engine for actuating the electric generator; and a driver seat; wherein the driver seat is positioned rightward or leftward relative to a center portion of the vehicle body frame in a vehicle width direction; and the engine is positioned at an opposite side of the driver seat relative to the center portion of the vehicle body frame in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Izumi Takagi
  • Patent number: 8478466
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle controls the various operating modes of the hybrid vehicle. Operating modes of the hybrid vehicle include an electric-only power mode, a series hybrid mode, a series hybrid dual-power mode, and a parallel hybrid tri-power mode. The control system selects one of the operating modes for the hybrid vehicle based on one or more inputs and comparisons. Examples of inputs for the control system include a gear-mode, a present battery storage capacity, a present velocity of the hybrid vehicle, and the previous operating mode of the hybrid power system. The control system may also take into account whether a user has selected the electric-only power mode. The control system may also control the operations of one or more components of the hybrid vehicle while operating in one of the operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: BYD Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: HongBing Luo, XuGuang Zhou, XiaoHua Tang, XinXin Zhang, Ting Luo
  • Publication number: 20130133961
    Abstract: There is provided a body structure of a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle is driven using power of an engine and power of a drive motor driven by electrical power supplied from a battery module. The body structure includes a propeller shaft disposed in a lower side of a floor panel in a vertical direction of the vehicle so as to extend in a fore-aft direction of the vehicle and configured to transmit the power of the engine and the power of the drive motor to at least a rear wheel; and an integrated battery pack below the floor panel so as to cover the propeller shaft. The integrated battery pack has at least the battery module. The battery pack includes a recess to house the propeller shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20130092467
    Abstract: A vehicle with electric wheel hub motors for one or more wheels for operation to provide drive at low vehicle speeds and to supplement one or more primary drive motors which drive other wheels of the vehicle through all desired vehicle speeds including the low vehicle speeds and vehicle speeds higher than the low speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Bill Jager
  • Publication number: 20130081895
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided in which a hybrid type power unit is mounted to a vehicle body frame, the power unit having an engine with an engine body of which part is formed by a crankcase rotatably supporting a crankshaft, a transmission for changing speed of driving force transmitted from the crankshaft, and an electric motor capable of transmitting the driving force to the transmission, wherein the electric motor (9) is mounted to a lower portion at a front face of the engine body (11A). Thus, it is possible to prevent the position of the center of gravity from becoming higher according to the disposition of the electric motor, and to carry out sufficient cooling of the electric motor by utilizing traveling wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akifumi Nomura, Kenichi Ohmori, Akito Hiramatsu
  • Publication number: 20130075183
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a transaxle, a battery and a load carrying bed. The transaxle includes a casing incorporating a drive train and supporting an axle and includes an electric motor mounted on the casing to drive the axle via the drive train. The battery is provided for supplying electric power to the electric motor. The transaxle and the battery are disposed below the load carrying bed so as to overlap the load carrying bed when viewed in plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Yoshitaka KOCHIDOMARI, Takashi NISHIZAWA
  • Patent number: 8393426
    Abstract: A vehicle structure of a hybrid vehicle that contributes to compactly structuring the vehicle body, which is provided with: a battery disposed at the lower side in a vehicle up-down direction of a rear seat so as to overlap with the rear seat in plan view; and a fuel tank including a shallow profile portion that is disposed at the lower side of the battery such that a portion thereof overlaps with a floor face of the battery in plan view, and a deep profile portion that is made thicker in the vehicle up-down direction than the shallow profile portion and that is disposed at the rear side of the battery such that at least a portion thereof overlaps with a rear face of the battery in elevational view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Takahashi, Takashi Furusawa
  • Publication number: 20120312622
    Abstract: A motor vehicle (10) has a drive train in the region of a front axle. A body of the motor vehicle has connection points (1, 2, 3) for a laterally arranged internal combustion engine, a vehicle transmission (15) and a torque plate of a motor vehicle (10) that can be driven exclusively by the internal combustion engine. The connection points (1, 2, 3) also are connection points for a hybrid drive train (11). The vehicle uses a modular design principle and can be equipped with differently designed drive systems, including conventional drive exclusively by an internal combustion engine and hybrid drive, without having to make structural modifications. The hybrid drive train may be a serial hybrid or a parallel hybrid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Klaus Hoermandinger, Nikolai Henger
  • Patent number: 8294392
    Abstract: An arrangement for supplying power to a system includes a first electric drive unit constructed to supply mechanical power to or receive mechanical power from a first coupled system of machines and a second electric drive unit constructed to supply mechanical power to or receive mechanical power from a second coupled system of machines. The first and second coupled system of machines are constructed to receive mechanical power or mechanical energy or to supply mechanical power or mechanical energy. The arrangement further includes a first kinetic energy storage device having a first electrical energy exchange machine which is electrically connected to the first electric drive unit, and a second kinetic energy storage device having a second electrical energy exchange machine which is electrically connected to the second electric drive unit. The first kinetic energy storage device is coupled to the second kinetic energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Krejtschi, Elmar Schäfers
  • Publication number: 20120247846
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprising, a power unit, an electric motor activated by electric power from the power unit, a propelling transmission system for receiving drive power from the electric motor, a cabin including a roof portion the driver rides, an air conditioner for adjusting air temperature in the interior of the cabin. the power unit and the air conditioner are provided in the roof portion of the cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobushige Ichikawa