Patents by Inventor Kazutoshi Nobumoto

Kazutoshi Nobumoto has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5584541
    Abstract: A slip control system for a motor vehicle controls slippage of driving wheels and includes a sensor for detecting a slip ratio of each driving wheel, a device for decreasing slip of each driving wheel by controlling a driving force transmitted to the driving wheel so that the slip ratio of the driving wheel is at least equal to a predetermined desired slip ratio when the slip ratio of the driving wheel is equal to the desired slip ratio, a sensor for detecting a yawing rate of the vehicle, and a sensor for detecting a steering amount of the vehicle. The slip decreasing device includes a correcting device for decreasing the desired slip ratio when a steering condition is detected based on amounts detected by both the yawing rate detecting sensor and the steering amount detecting sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Sone, Toshiaki Tsuyama, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Fumio Kageyama, Haruki Okazaki, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5469359
    Abstract: A traction control device operates to determine the speed of each of the left and right drive wheels of a vehicle, determine the speed of each of the left and right passive wheels of the vehicle, calculate the actual slip rate of the drive wheels of the vehicle directly based on the measurements of the speeds for the drive and passive wheels, establish a target slip rate and control the driving condition of the vehicle by making the actual slip rate equal the target slip rate. The actual slip rate is matched to the target slip rate by controlling engine output and braking power. The step of controlling the driving condition of the vehicle by controlling the engine output and the braking power is carried out according to the time differential of the difference between the actual slip rate and the target slip rate at least until the actual slip rate matches the target slip rate for the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Toru Onaka, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5428539
    Abstract: When a wheel slip value of the driven wheel relative to a surface of road becomes excessive during acceleration, torque to be applied to the driven wheels is controlled by the traction control so as to make the actual wheel slip value of the driven wheel become a predetermined target value. There is counted the duration of time during which the actual wheel slip value of the driven wheel becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value set as a value smaller than the target value, and a control value for the traction control is corrected in accordance with the duration of time counted. This correction is implemented so as to increase the torque to be applied to the driven wheels larger as the duration of time counted becomes longer. The control value to be corrected includes the target value itself or a road surface friction coefficient .mu. as a parameter for setting the target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Kawamura, Toshiaki Tsuyama, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Haruki Okazaki
  • Patent number: 5365443
    Abstract: A traction control device operates to determine the speed of each of the left and right drive wheels of a vehicle, determine the speed of each of the left and right passive wheels of the vehicle, calculate the actual slip rate of the drive wheels of the vehicle directly based on the measurements of the speeds for the drive and passive wheels, establish a target slip rate and control the driving condition of the vehicle by making the actual slip rate equal the target slip rate. The actual slip rate is matched to the target slip rate by controlling engine output and braking power. The step of controlling the driving condition of the vehicle by controlling the engine output and the braking power is carried out according to the time differential of the difference between the actual slip rate and the target slip rate at least until the actual slip rate matches the target slip rate for the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Toru Onaka, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5353225
    Abstract: A traction control system for a motor vehicle having driving wheels and driven wheels includes a device for detecting the speed of each of the driving wheels of the vehicle, a device for detecting the speed of each of the driven wheels of the vehicle, a device for calculating a slip value of the driving wheels based on the detected speeds of the driving and driven wheels, a traction control device for controlling the driving wheel so that the slip value of each driving wheel is equal to a predetermined desired slip value when the slip value of each driving wheel is greater than the predetermined desired slip value, and a device for estimating a friction coefficient of a road surface which is employed when the predetermined desired slip value is determined. If slip of the driving wheel occurs when the vehicle is started, the estimating device calculates an acceleration of the driving wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Toru Onaka, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5340204
    Abstract: A slip control system for a vehicle having rear right and left drive wheels includes a traction control for controlling a slip rate of a wheel by controlling a braking hydraulic pressure for the wheel under a non-braking condition. The slip rate of a wheel is controlled, by controlling the braking hydraulic pressure for the wheel under a braking condition, so as to provide an anti-skid control. A start of the control of the slip rate is restricted by the anti-skid control. The control of the slip rate by the anti-skid control is applied commonly to the right and left drive wheels, while the control of the slip rate by the traction control is applied independently to the right and left drive wheels. The anti-skid control can be always properly carried out without being affected by the traction control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Haruki Okazaki, Makoto Kawamura, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Fumio Kageyama
  • Patent number: 5328006
    Abstract: A traction control system for a motor vehicle having driving wheels and driven wheels includes a device for detecting the speed of each of the driving wheels of the vehicle, a device for detecting the speed of each of the driven wheels of the vehicle, a device for calculating a slip value of the driving wheels based on the detected speeds of the driving and driven wheels, a traction control device for controlling the driving wheel so that the slip value of each driving wheel is equal to a predetermined desired slip value when the slip value of each driving wheel is greater than the predetermined desired slip value, and a device for estimating a friction coefficient of a road surface which is employed when the predetermined desired slip value is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Toru Onaka, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5329453
    Abstract: The braking force to the driven wheels is subjected to feedback control so as to allow the actual slip value of the driven wheels to agree with a predetermined target value for controlling the brake. The control amount for the feedback control is determined by differentiation control. The feedback control amount contains a first control amount corresponding to a predetermined basic travelling state and a second control amount corresponding to a particular travelling state. In ordinary travelling state, the braking force is controlled by the first control amount, and the braking force is controlled by the second control amount when the automotive vehicle is travelling in such a particular state. When the the vehicle is travelling on a bad road, the second control amount is set so as to loosen the braking force, as compared with the first control amount. Alternatively, when the vehicle is cornering, the second control amount is set as to tighten the braking force as compared with the first control amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Toru Onaka, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Fumio Kageyama
  • Patent number: 5325300
    Abstract: A traction control system for a motor vehicle having driving wheels and driven wheels includes a device for detecting the speed of each of the driving wheels of the vehicle, a device for detecting the speed of each of the driven wheels of the vehicle, a device for calculating a slip value of the driving wheels based on the detected speeds of the driving and driven wheels, a traction control device for controlling the driving wheel so that the slip value of each driving wheel is equal to a predetermined desired slip value when the slip value of each driving wheel is greater than the predetermined desired slip value, and a device for estimating a friction coefficient of a road surface which is employed when the predetermined desired slip value is determined. The estimating device updates the friction coefficient of the road surface previously estimated with the friction coefficient of the road surface newly estimated when the slip value of the driving wheel is located in a predetermined region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Toru Onaka, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5320422
    Abstract: A slip control device includes a slip detecting device for detecting a slip rate of a drive wheel, an engine control device for reducing an engine output when the slip rate exceeds a first threshold value, and a brake control device for applying a brake force on the drive wheel when the slip rate exceeds a second threshold value. A frictional coefficient detecting device detects a frictional coefficient of a road, on which the vehicle is running, and a threshold determining device provides the first and second threshold values in accordance with the frictional coefficient. The engine output control and brake force control can be effectively utilized for the slip control in the traction control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Fumio Kageyama, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Makoto Kawamura, Haruki Okazaki
  • Patent number: 5297662
    Abstract: A traction control system for a vehicle has a sub-throttle valve provided in an intake passage of the engine in series to a main throttle valve which is operatively connected to an accelerator pedal to open and close in response to operation of the accelerator pedal. An engine output controller controls opening of the sub-throttle valve to control the output of the engine so that the slip value of the driving wheels converges on a target slip value. The engine output controller once moves the sub-throttle valve to an initial opening when the slip value of the driving wheels exceeds the target slip value and then controls the opening of the sub-throttle valve to control the output of the engine so that the slip value of the driving wheels converges on a target slip value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Toru Onaka, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Fumio Kageyama, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5281008
    Abstract: A traction control system for a motor vehicle having driving wheels and driven wheels. The traction control system comprises sensors for detecting a speed of each of the driving wheels of the vehicle; sensors for detecting a speed of each of the driven wheels of the vehicle; and a mechanism for calculating a slip value of the driving wheels based on the detected speeds of the driving and driven wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Kawamura, Toshiaki Tsuyama, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Haruki Okazaki
  • Patent number: 5263548
    Abstract: A slip control system for a vehicle having a differential which distributes engine output to left and right driving wheels suppresses the engine output when the slip of at least one of the driving wheels exceeds a first threshold value. Slips of the left and right driving wheels are periodically detected, and a spin pattern of the driving wheels is periodically determined on the basis of the slips of the left and right driving wheels. Whether the vehicle is running on a split surface road, where the parts of the road surface in contact with the left and right driving wheels have different friction coefficients, is determined on the basis of the present spin pattern and the preceding spin pattern according to a predetermined split surface determining rule. When it is determined that the vehicle is running on a split surface road, the first threshold value is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Kaoru Sotoyama, Makoto Kawamura, Fumio Kageyama, Haruki Okazaki
  • Patent number: 5262952
    Abstract: A slip control system for a motor vehicle controls slips in driving wheels and includes a sensor for detecting a slip ratio of each driving wheel and a traction control system for decreasing a slip of each driving wheel by controlling a driving force transmitted to each driving wheel so that the slip ratio of each driving wheel is at least equal to a predetermined desired slip ratio when the slip ratio of the driving wheel becomes equal to the desired slip ratio. An automatic transmission control system controls an automatic transmission by using a first shift property for a normal operation, and a second shift property for a traction control operation which is adapted to determine a relative higher speed stage. A device is provided for switching the first shift property to the second shift property when the traction control operation is started by the traction control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Fumio Kageyama, Makoto Kawamura, Akira Sone
  • Patent number: 5246279
    Abstract: An assumed vehicle body speed is determined on the basis of the wheel speed detected by a wheel speed sensor for each wheel and a slip value indicating the tendency of locking the wheel is determined for a predetermined wheel speed on the basis of the assumed vehicle body speed and a wheel speed of the predetermined wheel. The braking force is controlled on the basis of the slip value. When no braking force is controlled and when at least one of the wheel speeds for all the wheels detected by the wheel speed sensors is larger than the assumed vehicle body speed previously determined, a new assumed vehicle body speed which follows is inhibited from being renewed to a larger value and the new assumed vehicle body speed is set as a value equal to the previous assumed vehicle body speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Onaka, Toshiaki Tsuyama, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Yoji Kurihara
  • Patent number: 5211452
    Abstract: A shift to control for retaining the braking force from the control for elevating the braking force is implemented when deceleration of the wheel exceeds a first predetermined threshold value when the wheels are braked. The first predetermined threshold value is so set as to become smaller as an assumed road surface friction coefficient .mu. is smaller. The first threshold value is further altered to a larger value by altering the assumed road surface friction coefficient .mu. to a higher one when the period of time required from the start of the control for elevating the braking force to the start of the following control for retaining the braking force is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Haruki Okazaki, Fumio Kageyama, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Yoji Kurihara
  • Patent number: 5193888
    Abstract: A slip control system for a motor vehicle controls slippage of driving wheels and includes, a sensor for detecting a slip ratio of each driving wheel, a device for detecting a reduction in speed of each wheel, and a traction control system for decreasing a slip of each driving wheel by controlling brake fluid pressure in each driving wheel so that the slip ratio of each driving wheel is at least equal to a predetermined desired slip ratio when the slip ratio of each driving wheel becomes equal to the desired slip ratio. The system further includes an antiskid brake system for controlling brake fluid pressure, based on the reduction speed of each wheel, so as to cancel a lock condition of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Haruki Okazaki, Toru Onaka, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Fumio Kageyama, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5193061
    Abstract: A slip control mechanism of a motor vehicle has a brake provided for each driving wheel, a first detection device means for detecting slip of each driving wheel, a second detection device for detecting if a predetermined condition has been met during a starting period of the vehicle, and a slip control device for operating the brake for providing each driving wheel with braking force when an excessive slip is detected, based on signals from the first detection device, to thereby eliminate such excessive slip. The slip control device controls the brake for the respective driving wheels whereby substantially the same amount of braking force is applied to the driving wheels when the second detection device detects that the predetermined condition is not met. The slip control device also controls the brake for the respective driving wheels independently in accordance with signals from the first detecting device when the second detecting device detects that the predetermined condition is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Fumio Kageyama, Akira Sone, Makoto Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5190361
    Abstract: A shift is implemented from the control for elevating the braking force to the control for retaining the braking force when deceleration of the wheel exceeds a first predetermined threshold value when the wheels are braked. The first predetermined threshold value is so set as to become smaller as an assumed road surface friction coefficient .mu. is smaller. The first threshold value is further altered to a larger value by altering the assumed road surface friction coefficient .mu. to a higher one when the period of time required from the start of the control for elevating the braking force to the start of the following control for retaining the braking force is equal to or shorter than a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Onaka, Toshiaki Tsuyama, Kazutoshi Nobumoto
  • Patent number: 5159991
    Abstract: In performing slip control such as traction control or ABS control, a control degree for slip control is changed in accordance with a temperature of outside air, or outside air temperature. The slip control system enhances response to slip control on a road surface having a lower road surface friction coefficient .mu., or a slippery road, and prevent a frequent execution of slip control on a road surface having a higher road surface friction coefficient .mu., by appropriating the setting of the road surface friction coefficient .mu. in accordance with the outside air temperature. A mode of changing the control degree for slip control includes, for example, a change of the condition for starting slip control, a change of a target value for slip control, and a change of an initial value of the road surface friction coefficient .mu., in accordance with the outside air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tsuyama, Kazutoshi Nobumoto, Fumio Kageyama, Haruki Okazaki