18225752. VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE simplified abstract (TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA)

VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE

Organization Name

TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Inventor(s)

Fumiya Kaji of Numazu-shi (JP)

Michio Yoshida of Shizuoka-ken (JP)

Tomoaki Yanagida of Susono-shi (JP)

VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18225752 titled 'VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE

Simplified Explanation

The vehicle control device described in the abstract includes two traveling modes: one driven by the torque output from a rotary electric machine and the other driven by the engine torque output in combination with the electric machine's torque output. During the transition from the first traveling mode to the second, there are sections for cranking the engine and assisting the driving force of the engine using the electric machine's output. Additionally, the increase in torque from the electric machine is limited in a specific section.

• Vehicle control device with two traveling modes: one driven by electric machine torque and the other by engine torque combined with electric machine torque.
• Sections for cranking the engine and assisting engine driving force during mode transition.
• Limitation on torque increase from electric machine in a specific section.

Potential Applications

The technology described in this patent application could be applied in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and other types of vehicles that utilize a combination of electric and internal combustion engine power sources.

Problems Solved

1. Efficient transition between different driving modes in vehicles. 2. Optimizing torque output from electric machines to assist engine performance without overloading the system.

Benefits

1. Improved fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance. 2. Enhanced driving experience with smoother transitions between driving modes.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could be utilized in the automotive industry for the development of more advanced hybrid and electric vehicles, catering to the growing demand for environmentally friendly transportation options.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be similar patents or innovations related to vehicle control devices that optimize the use of electric and internal combustion engine power sources for improved efficiency and performance.

Unanswered Questions

How does the device ensure a smooth transition between the two traveling modes?

The patent abstract mentions sections for cranking the engine and assisting the driving force of the engine during the transition, but it does not provide detailed information on the specific mechanisms or technologies used to achieve this.

What are the potential limitations or drawbacks of limiting the torque increase from the electric machine in a specific section?

While limiting the torque increase may prevent overloading the system, it could also potentially impact the overall performance or power output of the vehicle during certain driving conditions. Further information on this aspect would be beneficial for a comprehensive understanding of the technology.

Original Abstract Submitted

A vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle includes a first traveling mode being driven by the torque output from a first rotary electric machine, and a second traveling mode being driven by the engine torque output from an engine and the torque output from the first rotary electric machine, wherein a section for cranking the engine by the output of the second rotary electric machine and a section for assisting the driving force of the engine by the output of the first rotary electric machine are provided during a period from the first traveling mode to the engagement of the clutch at the time of starting the engine to the second traveling mode, and the torque increase of the first rotary electric machine is limited in the section