Housing Details (epo/jpo) Patents (Class 903/952)
  • Patent number: 11962030
    Abstract: An integrated, unitary battery pack may be formed and used as part of the structural support for a vehicle frame. The unitary battery pack includes arrays cells having all positive and negative electrical terminals aligned in-plane on a common face of the product assembly. The unitary battery pack includes cooling components for passively or actively cooling the cell arrays. The unitary battery pack is encased in a potting material that allows that forms part of the structure support for the unitary battery pack. The unitary batter pack may be integrated into the vehicle with or without additional support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Pires, Robert David Sumpf, Jr., William B. Stockton, Cole Spooner, Cole Prodan, Jayesh Bharat Gorasia, Kenton Harris, Dan Burke, Dafna Gabriela Szafer, Krupal Patel, Benjamin Parker, David Elias Hegeman
  • Patent number: 11945322
    Abstract: Magneto Power Generator has a magneto with a shaft mounted secondary pulley connected to a centrifugal clutch, a belt spanning from the secondary pulley to a primary pulley, the primary pulley fitting to an axle, a transformer, an inverter, and related wiring. The magneto has electrical communication through the transformer, then through the inverter, and to the battery of a vehicle. The primary pulley and the secondary pulley have a ratio of diameters for optimal current generation at moderately steady voltage. The centrifugal clutch disengages the secondary pulley when the vehicle goes into reverse. The grounded magneto produces alternating current transformed and inverted to direct current suitable for the vehicle's battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: Richard C. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 11945292
    Abstract: An electric drive axle of a vehicle with a parking lock and with at least one electric drive with a drive gear of a drive shaft. The drive gear is coupled via at least one intermediate gear of an intermediate shaft to an output gear of a differential gear unit for driving at least one output shaft. For decoupling the electric drive, at least one claw shift element is associated with the drive shaft and/or with the intermediate shaft in such a way that the claw shift element is arranged upstream of the parking lock in power flow direction from electric drive to differential gear unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Kim Führer, Stephan Demmerer, Matthias Winkel, Johannes Winkler, Martin Ruider
  • Patent number: 11932098
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a battery assembly for a vehicle comprising a pair of longitudinally extending frame rails, the battery assembly comprising a first and a second vehicle battery module, the first vehicle battery module being stacked vertically on top of the second vehicle battery, wherein the battery assembly is configured to be connected to the vehicle vertically below the frame rails by attaching an upper surface of the first vehicle battery module to a horizontally extending portion of a pair of brackets, the pair of brackets being attachable to a respective one of the longitudinally extending frame rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Hendriks, Viktor Karlsson
  • Patent number: 11912132
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission for a vehicle includes a transmission input shaft extending in a transverse direction, at least one countershaft arranged parallel to the transmission input shaft, a clutch device arranged coaxially with respect to the transmission input shaft and which has at least one clutch, and a differential having a differential input gear. A rotational axis of the differential input gear is arranged parallel to the transmission input shaft. The transmission also includes an electric machine having a rotor with a rotor rotational axis arranged parallel to the transmission input shaft and a transmission control device. As viewed in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the differential input gear, the transmission input shaft, and a transmission controller including the transmission control device are arranged in succession in the sequence specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP AG
    Inventors: Martin Dengler, Benjamin Bauer, Jan Becker, Markus Brandenburg, Andreas Ertel, Peter Hahn, Tobias Haerter, Elmar Mueller, Jörg Weigold, Timo Maurer, Preetam Birje
  • Patent number: 11904695
    Abstract: An assembly for power transmission between an output of a drive engine and an input of a transmission. The assembly includes a torque converter and a P2 module that are axially engage and retained for flexibility in assembling of the assembly. The P2 module including a clutch and an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: Exedy Globalparts Corporation, BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Scott William Binder, Calahan B. Campton, Michael W. Campbell
  • Patent number: 11905875
    Abstract: A vehicle heat exchange system may include a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a first medium and a second medium, a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the first medium and a third medium, a third heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the second medium and the third medium, a switch valve, and a control unit. The switch valve may be configured to enable selective switching between (i) a first path that supplies the second medium that has passed through the third heat exchanger to an inverter via an inverter radiator and (ii) a second path that supplies the second medium that has passed through the third heat exchanger to the inverter via the first heat exchanger. The control unit may be configured to control the switch valve such that the second path is selected when the first medium is in a predetermined low-temperature state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH, MAHLE FILTER SYSTEMS JAPAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Ariyama, Katsuhiro Isoda, Kenji Yamashita
  • Patent number: 11827206
    Abstract: A vehicle control device is configured to: execute fuel cut control for stopping fuel supply to an internal combustion engine; when a vehicle is in series traveling, perform control based on a traveling state of the vehicle such that a rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is a predetermined target rotation speed; and when the vehicle is in the series traveling and there is a deceleration request, execute the fuel cut control in accordance with a rotation speed difference between a rotation speed of the internal combustion engine and the target rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yosuke Naito, Masatoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 11794819
    Abstract: In an engine compartment, an engine, a generator using the engine as a power source, a motor for driving the vehicle, and a gear box are arranged in alignment in a vehicle width direction. The first high-voltage equipment is vertically provided on a generating unit that includes the engine and the generator. The second high-voltage equipment is vertically provided on a drive unit that includes the motor and the gear box. The first high-voltage equipment and the second high-voltage equipment are coupled by a coupling member that extends substantially horizontally in the vehicle width direction and supports the high-voltage equipment, against a falling load directed from one thereof toward the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Hamada, Kazuki Hirota, Satoshi Nakamura, Toshimitsu Yugami, Yoshiaki Noguchi, Koji Jahara
  • Patent number: 11777385
    Abstract: An excitation system (15) is disclosed for providing excitation to a main rotating electrical machine (2). The excitation system comprises an exciter (50) and an auxiliary generator (52). The exciter and the auxiliary generator have separate stator cores (14, 18) and share a common rotor core (16). The common rotor (16) core may be located between the two stator cores (14, 18). This may help to optimize space, improve material usage and reduce the total rotating mass. A mounting arrangement for the common rotor core is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Generator Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Spargo, Peethamparam Anpalahan
  • Patent number: 11745578
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain for an automobile includes a transmission adapted to provide power to wheels of the automobile, an engine adapted to provide power to an input shaft of the transmission, and an electric motor-generator unit adapted to provide power to the input shaft of the transmission, wherein the electric motor-generator is positioned within the transmission, coaxial with the transmission input shaft, the electric motor-generator being supported by and enclosed within a pump support of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Madhusudan Raghavan, Jian Yao, Alireza Fatemi
  • Patent number: 11731500
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a rotor carrier. The hybrid module further includes a rotor segment supported by the rotor carrier. The hybrid module further includes a torque converter having an impeller having an impeller shell fixed to the rotor carrier. The impeller shell and the rotor carrier define a housing therebetween. The torque converter further includes a turbine having a turbine shell in fluid communication with the impeller shell. The turbine is disposed within the housing. The hybrid module further includes a drive plate assembly disposed external to the housing. The drive plate assembly includes an inner drive plate fixed to the rotor carrier. The drive plate assembly further includes an outer drive plate fixed to the inner drive plate and configured to receive a torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Scott Angel, Drew Hilty, Alfredo Perez Mitre Jimenez, Brian Zaugg
  • Patent number: 11685246
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain system includes an electric motor, a planetary gear set, a coupling unit, and a differential unit, wherein the electric motor is drivingly connected to the planetary gear set via a motor shaft extending in an axial direction, and wherein the planetary gear set is operably connectable to the differential unit via the coupling unit, wherein the powertrain system further comprises an idle gear wheel and a differential drive gear wheel arranged on the differential unit, wherein the coupling unit is arranged for selectively transferring torque to the idle gear wheel, and wherein the idle gear wheel and the differential drive gear wheel are arranged to drivingly interact with each other for transferring torque from the electric motor to the differential unit, via the planetary gear set and the coupling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO.
    Inventor: Johannes Larsson
  • Patent number: 11616419
    Abstract: A motor unit includes a motor including a rotor and a stator, a gear connected to the rotor, a housing including a housing space to house the motor and the gear, oil in a vertically lower region of the housing space, and an oil passage to lead the oil from the vertically lower region of the housing space to be fed to the motor. The housing space includes a motor chamber to house the motor; and a gear chamber to house the gear. The housing includes a partition to divide the motor chamber and the gear chamber. A bottom portion of the motor chamber is higher than a bottom portion of the gear chamber. A portion of the oil fed to the motor is in a vertically lower region of the motor chamber. A vertically lower region of the partition includes a partition opening to bring the gear chamber and the motor chamber into communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuo Yamaguchi, Yuki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 11605857
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules, each battery module having a plurality of stacked battery cells and a casing member surrounding the plurality of battery cells, and a connection member connecting the plurality of battery modules to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: LG ENERGY SOLUTION, LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Won Seo, Jeong-O Mun, Yoon-Koo Lee, Ho-June Chi
  • Patent number: 11560133
    Abstract: A system of a vehicle includes: a torque request module configured to determine a first engine torque request based on a driver input and to set a second engine torque request to a lesser one of (a) the first engine torque request and (b) an engine torque limit; and a torque limit module configured to, when a vehicle speed is less than a predetermined speed, an accelerator pedal position is greater than a predetermined accelerator pedal position, and a brake torque request for braking of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined torque, set the engine torque limit to less than the first engine torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Stefan M. Frick, Bradford W. Bur
  • Patent number: 11554656
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to an all-wheel drive system (10) for a vehicle (12), including: an electrical motor (24) being connected to a first axle (26) of a planetary gear set (28) arranged at an output side (30) of a vehicle gearbox (32), and a second axle (34) of the planetary gear set (28) being connected or connectable to the gearbox output shaft (36) or to ground (G) by a coupling (I).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: BorgWarner Sweden AB
    Inventor: Hans Aulin
  • Patent number: 11535095
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a hybrid vehicle may include: a cover part mounted on a vehicle body; two motor parts embedded in the cover part; two rotor parts mounted in the respective motor parts and rotated; a transfer part selectively connected to the rotor part; a torsion damper part coupled to the transfer part; a clutch part configured to selectively connect any one of the rotor parts to the transfer part; and an output part connected to the clutch part and configured to discharge power to a transmission, wherein any one of the rotor parts is connected to the torsion damper part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Hyundai Transys Inc.
    Inventors: Hyo Eun Kang, Sang Woo Baek
  • Patent number: 11530743
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: an electric motor; and a temperature-control circuit through which a non-conductive temperature-control medium for temperature control for the electric motor circulates. The temperature-control circuit includes: a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the non-conductive temperature-control medium and a conductive temperature-control medium; and a pump driven in accordance with driving of the vehicle to circulate the non-conductive temperature-control medium. The temperature-control circuit further includes a liquid pressure holding unit configured to hold liquid pressure of the non-conductive temperature-control medium in the heat exchanger equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takuya Honjo
  • Patent number: 11529861
    Abstract: A transfer is located on an axial first side that is one side in axial direction relative to a transmission, and a rotating electric machine is located coaxially with a transmission output member, between the transmission and the transfer in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keita Inda, Kohei Ono, Tetsuro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11524676
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a system for a class 7 or 8 vehicle is provided. The system includes a first motor, a second motor, and a controller. The first motor is configured to generate torque for the vehicle. The second motor is configured to drive an engine of the vehicle such that the vehicle meets a desired speed as set forth by a driver. The controller is configured to drive at least one of the first motor and the second motor and to receive a first signal indicative of a speed of the vehicle. The controller is further configured to deactivate the first motor if the speed of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined speed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: SHEM, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Taitz, Johann Vorster, Steve Moss, Dion Van Leeve
  • Patent number: 11511615
    Abstract: A transmission with an integrated hybrid drive is provided that includes a transmission housing as well as a torque converter rotatably mounted within the transmission housing. The torque converter includes an outer shell configured to be drivingly connected to a crankshaft. An e-motor is integrated into the transmission and includes a stator connected to the transmission housing, a rotor connected to the outer shell, and a controller. An auxiliary drive unit is provided having a drive shaft that is driven by a connection to the torque converter outer shell. A rotor position sensor (RPS) is provided on the drive shaft that is configured to signal rotor position data to the controller. The drive shaft and RPS are offset relative to the axis of the rotor and torque converter, providing better space utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Matthew Payne
  • Patent number: 11509004
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a battery module that has a filling portion transformed into a structure in which a battery cell is supported such that swelling pressure generated when swelling occurs is offset without an additional control, or a structure in which the battery cell is efficiently cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: LG ENERGY SOLUTION, LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Keun Kwon, Yee Gahng Song
  • Patent number: 11498404
    Abstract: A battery case of a battery storage device is disposed on a vehicle floor, thereby securing an interior space. A battery module of the battery storage device can be cooled by using an interior air, thereby simplifying a cooling structure and saving a manufacturing cost. In addition, the battery storage device for an electric vehicle blocks noise generated by a cooling device and an electrical component from flowing into the interior, thereby preventing the occurrence of a passenger's discomfort feeling caused by the noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Won Kim, Byung Su Kim, Jun Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 11498407
    Abstract: Provided is a structure for connecting an engine to a hybrid transmission, the structure including: a connecting unit connected to a rotor shaft at the opposite side and having an edge portion connected to a mass body by a connecting plate; and a drive plate positioned at a side close to a crank shaft so as to be opposite to the connecting unit, the drive plate being configured to connect the mass body and the crank shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: HYUNDAI TRANSYS INC.
    Inventor: Tae Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 11491862
    Abstract: A vehicle includes first and second seats supported by a frame, a cargo bed located more rearward than first and second seating portions of the first and the second seats, and a radiator located more rearward than the first and second seating portions and lower than a lower surface of the cargo bed. The radiator is located farther outward, in a width direction of the vehicle, than an engine that is located more rearward than a front end of the first and the second seats and at or substantially at a center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. The radiator includes an outer surface facing rearward and outward of the vehicle. A rotating fan to introduce air from outside the vehicle to inside the vehicle via the outer surface of the radiator is located on either one of an outer surface side and an inner surface side of the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryoji Nishiwaki
  • Patent number: 11479106
    Abstract: A hybrid module includes a first, motor-side pre-assembly group and a second, transmission-side pre-assembly group. A separating clutch is arranged between the motor-side pre-assembly group and the transmission-side pre-assembly group, via which the pre-assembly groups can be connected in a torque-transmitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lionel Huber, Steffen Lehmann, Simon Ortmann, Christian Dinger, Benjamin Vögtle, Dirk Hofstetter, Anton Simonov
  • Publication number: 20150107805
    Abstract: An electric vehicle powertrain according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a thermal barrier secured relative to an engine, a transaxle, or both to retain thermal energy generated during operation of an electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Quazi Hussain, William Samual Schwartz, Mark John Jennings, David Richens Brigham
  • Publication number: 20150084397
    Abstract: A traveling drive device for a dump truck is provided with an axle housing mounted to a vehicle body, a wheel mounting tube rotatably provided on the outer periphery side of the axle housing, a disk holding cylinder provided on the axial outside of the wheel mounting tube, a brake disk mounted to the disk holding cylinder, and a brake device for applying braking to the brake disk. The disk holding cylinder is configured by a cylindrical body to be mounted to the wheel mounting tube and a plurality of disk mounting legs provided on the cylindrical body. A plurality of U-shaped projections are provided on the outer periphery side of the brake disk at positions corresponding to the respective disk mounting legs. A recessed groove which fits on the disk mounting leg so as to hold a distal end thereof is provided in each of the U-shaped projections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Keiji Kudo, Shinichirou Hagihara, Yasunori Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20150075890
    Abstract: An arrangement for a motor vehicle having an electric or hybrid engine includes a power supply battery and reinforcing elements to protect the battery from external stresses applied to the vehicle in a longitudinal and/or transverse direction of the vehicle, in particular in the event of an impact. The reinforcing elements are separate from the battery and separate from an enclosure of the battery in particular. The battery is attached to the reinforcing elements. First structural elements of the chassis of the vehicle are sandwiched and clamped between the battery and the reinforcing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s
    Inventors: Guillaume Le Jaouen, Yannick Kerguelen, Thierry Ferron, Luan Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20150060164
    Abstract: A system for cooling a traction battery includes a battery inlet housing having first and second inlets. A first duct is coupled to the first inlet, and a second duct is coupled to the second inlet. A flow guide vane is disposed within the battery inlet housing adjacent to the first inlet. The flow guide vane is positioned to redirect flow from the first duct to mix with flow from the second duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: LeeAnn Wang, Hsiao-An Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8950537
    Abstract: A battery system for a vehicle. The battery system includes: a battery module; a junction box which connects the battery module to other electronic components; and a case which includes the battery module and the junction box. The junction box is integrally mounted on a side surface of the battery module which is fixed to the case, and at least the junction box is non-contact with an inner surface of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20150024902
    Abstract: A drive device of a hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric motor acting as power sources, and further includes: a first rotating member coupled to the electric motor; a second rotating member to which power from the engine is transmitted; and a gear pair made up of helical gears formed on the first rotating member and the second rotating member to couple the first rotating member and the second rotating member in a power transmittable manner, within a case, an inner wall extending from an outer wall of the case toward an inside of the case is in the case, and an elastic member pressing the first rotating member toward the inner wall is provided in a preloaded state between the first rotating member and the inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuo Hori, Hiroatsu Endo, Kenji Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 8863926
    Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting power to a transmission input includes first and second sources of rotary power, first and second transmission input shafts, a clutch hub driveably connected to the first and second power sources, and first and second clutches secured to the clutch hub, for alternately closing and opening a drive connection between the first and second transmission input shafts and the clutch hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Shaun G. Knowles
  • Patent number: 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.
  • Patent number: 8779639
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, includes an input shaft configured to be rotatably connected to an engine, a motor including a rotor and a stator held inside a stator holder, an output shaft arranged coaxially with a rotation axis of the rotor and connected integrally with the rotor, a clutch device selectively engaging the input shaft with the output shaft, and a case supporting the input shaft and the output shaft, accommodating the motor and the clutch device, and including an oil sump for pooling oil, wherein at least one recessed portion is provided on a peripheral wall portion of the case, at a position where the peripheral wall portion is located lower than a level of the oil pooled in the oil sump and where the peripheral wall portion faces the stator holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigetaka Isogai, Kazumi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8646563
    Abstract: A work machine in which the engine and power output system is to be contained within a minimal volume in an engine compartment. A gear housing is mounted to and receives the output of the internal combustion engine and has side by side gears meshing with a first input gear, one of which drives a generator and the other drives an internal lubricant pump as well as an external hydraulic pump. The gears are in substantially the same plane. The output of the generator is connected via a controller to a motor which drives a transmission system for driving the wheels of the vehicle. The gear housing permits placement of additional components within the engine compartment while taking up a minimum volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Danny G. Voth, Kyle K. McKinzie, Galen R. Love
  • Publication number: 20140008137
    Abstract: A vehicle rear structure protects a battery unit in a rear-end collision. The vehicle rear structure has a battery unit positioned behind a torsion beam; first and second cross members spanning between side members; a frame member that supports the battery unit; a bridge member spanning from the first cross member to the second cross member, and connected at a rear flange to the second cross member; and reinforcements that are respectively disposed to the side members and reinforce the side members from the front edge to the rear edge of the second cross member. The torsion beam is positioned near directly below the second cross member. The side members slope down to the front from the front end part of the reinforcement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Hiroyasu SHIROMURA, Hideyuki TAMAKI
  • Publication number: 20130248268
    Abstract: There is provided a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle including: a propeller shaft that transmits a driving force in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and a battery unit that is disposed below the propeller shaft under the floor of the vehicle body so that the battery unit is detachable from the vehicle body when the propeller shaft is pushed down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi MATSUDA, Toshiaki NARUKE, Minoru IIDA
  • Patent number: 8490725
    Abstract: There is provided a motor insulation protecting device 200 comprising a motor 40 installed in a motor chamber 14; an inverter 16 that supplies an inverter voltage for driving the motor 40; and pressurizing means for monitoring an internal pressure in the motor chamber 14 and the inverter voltage of the inverter 16, and increasing the pressure in the motor chamber when an occurrence of discharge of the motor is predicted, wherein the pressurizing means comprises a pressure detection unit 50 that detects the internal pressure in the motor chamber 14; a voltage detection unit that is provided in a control unit 60, and detects the inverter voltage of the inverter 16; and a pressurizing mechanism 70 that increases the pressure in the motor chamber 14 in accordance with the output from the control unit 60 when the detected internal pressure is lower than a preset discharge occurrence prediction internal pressure, and the detected inverter voltage is higher than a preset discharge occurrence prediction inverter volt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoyoshi Takamatsu, Daigo Kikuta
  • Patent number: 8376072
    Abstract: A molded motor includes a ring-shaped stator and a rotor disposed inside the stator. The stator has teeth, insulators surrounding the teeth, coils wound around the insulators, and a molded part molding the teeth, insulators and coils. The insulators are partially exposed from the molded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Sagara, Kenji Taguchi, Tetsuji Ueta, Takeshi Nagao, Takashi Uchino
  • Publication number: 20130020139
    Abstract: Provided is a mounting structure for a battery in an electric vehicle capable of increasing a driving distance of the electric vehicle by mounting a plurality of battery modules in an existing vehicle body of en electric vehicle. The mounting structure for a battery in an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a main relay box electrically connected with an inverter, a plurality of first battery modules mounted beneath the rear seats of the electric vehicle, and a main housing positioned between a pair of front seats in the electric vehicle and below the rear seat. More specifically, the main housing is configured to house the main relay box and first battery modules therein, and is fixed to the vehicle body of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Minwook Kim, Dal Kim, Shinhyuk Yoon
  • Patent number: 8276697
    Abstract: A structure for mounting a battery onto an electric vehicle comprises: a body member forming a body of the electric vehicle; a battery case containing a battery; a supporting member, which is projected outward from the battery case and is disposed under the body member, fixed to a bottom of said battery case; and a clash-proof block connecting between the battery case and the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seiichi Takasaki
  • Patent number: 8261867
    Abstract: The wheeled vehicle drive apparatus attaches to an existing wheeled vehicle, such as a wheelchair or shopping cart and uses the existing wheels of the vehicle for drive. The circular drive case provides efficient space utilization in typically cramped confines in and around a wheeled vehicle. The two-piece case allows easy service and parts replacement. Two levers are provided for attachment to existing vehicle handles, with one providing throttle speed control and one providing breaking. Braking is provided internal to the drive case, thereby negating the need for an external brake on the vehicle. Positive engagement with vehicle wheels is assured by the adapters with adapter lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Della R. Gainer
  • Publication number: 20120187784
    Abstract: A machine includes a high voltage element and an enclosure surrounding the high voltage element. The enclosure includes a first insulating insert disposed at least partially within a first wall and being electrically non-conductive and surrounding a first conductive insert and an enclosure cover formed at least partially of an electrically non-conducting substrate and having a first opening formed therein sized to allow a first fastener or an extension of the first conductive insert to pass through it. Removal of the enclosure cover causes the high high-voltage element to cease operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: REMY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Colin James Hamer, Brad D. Chamberlin
  • Publication number: 20120160583
    Abstract: An improved integration system for a battery pack mounted between the passenger cabin floor panel of an electric vehicle and the driving surface is provided, the system utilizing at least one insulating layer interposed between the battery pack enclosure and the passenger cabin floor panel, where the insulating layer provides noise isolation, thermal isolation and vibration damping, and where the insulating layer is compressed when the battery pack enclosure is mounted to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventor: Peter Dore Rawlinson
  • Patent number: 8201650
    Abstract: A casing for integrally accommodating a motor generator and an inverter includes an accommodating portion forming an inverter accommodating space, and an accommodating portion forming a motor accommodating space. The casing has a structure wherein the accommodating portions are integrally formed. Thereby, a drive device for a hybrid vehicle having the inverter and the motor generator accommodated in an integrated fashion prevents external leakage of electromagnetic noises of the inverter from the drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadafumi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8187736
    Abstract: A cooling system for hybrid vehicles is provided with a battery case with a battery storage room for receiving a battery, a motor control unit for controlling an electric motor and a DC-DC converter for converting a voltage of the battery. The cooling system includes a blower for drawing an air existing in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, an introduction duct through which the air is introduced into the battery storage room to cool the battery, a first supply duct through which the air is supplied from the battery storage room to the DC-DC converter to cool the latter, a second supply duct through which the air is supplied from the battery storage room to the motor control unit to cool the latter, and an air distributor means for distributing the air flowing out of the battery storage room to the first supply duct and the second supply duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Min Woo Park, Dae Woong Lee, Hyung Joo Kim, Il Guk Son, Sung Je Lee
  • Patent number: 8186468
    Abstract: A porous, sound absorbing structural foam load floor support is provided that defines an integral duct. The duct is configured as a ventilation air passage from the air outlet of a heat-emitting component, such as an energy storage system in a hybrid vehicle, so that the load floor support serves both to support the load floor as well as to provide a route for heat dissipation. By integrating the duct within the load floor support, a separate duct, which would have to route around other vehicle components located under the load floor, is not required. The structural foam load floor support is configured to absorb noise of a cooling system for the energy storage system. A porous expanded polypropylene foam is especially well-suited for noise attenuation and load floor support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan V. Parrett, Kyle W. Stanforth, Hua He, Timothy J. Roggenkamp
  • Publication number: 20110315461
    Abstract: A vehicle is a hybrid vehicle including an engine driven by fuel, and the vehicle includes a motor-generator driven by electric power and a charge plug to which a connector is removably connected, the charge plug being capable of at least one of being supplied with electric power from the connector and supplying electric power to the connector. An engine is arranged to be offset toward one side surface and the charge plug is provided in the other side surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naoto Suzuki