Patents by Inventor Toshifumi Usui

Toshifumi Usui 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: 6691678
    Abstract: In a throttle body there are provided a throttle valve for controlling the flow of intake air in an internal combustion engine, and an electrically-driven actuator for actuating the throttle valve. A cover, which covers a receptacle portion, is attached to a side wall of the throttle body. The throttle assembly of the invention is provided with a potentiometer type sensor for detecting the degree of opening of the throttle valve, the sensor comprising a slider and a resistor, the slider being adapted to slide on the resistor and mounted to a peripheral surface of a driven gear so that a tip end thereof faces in a radial direction of a throttle valve shaft. The resistor is constituted by a curved resistor which confronts the slider in the said radial direction. A wall portion which holds the curved resistor is formed by molding integrally with the aforesaid cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Toshifumi Usui, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito, Eisuke Wayama
  • Patent number: 6691681
    Abstract: A throttle device is provided for driving to open and close a throttle valve which controls an intake air flow rate of an internal combustion engine via an electric actuator. A motor casing receives a motor forming the electric actuator, and a gear casing receives gear mechanism transmitting a driving force of the motor to a valve shaft. Both casings are integrally formed within a throttle body. A motor insertion opening of the motor casing is opened to the gear casings. The motor is mounted by securing a motor bracket by tightening threaded fasteners into a plurality of threaded holes formed on the peripheral edges of the motor insertion opening. The motor bracket has a curved edge between one thread fastening position to another thread fastening position, and the gear casing is provided a curved portion adapting to said curved edge of the motor bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito
  • Patent number: 6684850
    Abstract: An electrically-controlled throttle valve apparatus includes a motor, a speed reducing mechanism for reducing rotation speed transmitted from the motor, a throttle valve connected to the speed reducing mechanism, and a force applying device applying force to the throttle valve in the direction of returning the valve to its initial position and adjusting the opening of the throttle valve by driving the motor. Parameters of the motor, the speed reducing mechanism, and the force applying device have values such that the operation time t from the minimum to the maximum throttle valve opening, which is determined by an evaluation equation obtained from equations of throttle valve motion, is less than a prescribed target throttle valve operation time t*. Furthermore, resistance and an induction voltage constant of the motor are determined to satisfy a constraint equation obtained based on Ohm's law.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiko Kowatari, Yuzo Kadomukai, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito, Toshifumi Usui, Masaru Ito
  • Publication number: 20030196640
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicants: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Patent number: 6626143
    Abstract: A throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one surface of a throttle body side wall is formed a mounting space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power of a motor to a throttle valve shaft; and a throttle sensor for detecting the throttle valve opening is built inside of the gear cover covering the mounting space, and is covered with a sensor cover. A shaft hole of a rotor of the throttle sensor is exposed out through the sensor cover. When the gear cover is attached to the side wall of the throttle body, one end of the throttle valve shaft fits in the rotor shaft hole by elastically deforming a fitting spring inserted in the shaft hole, thereby enabling downsizing, weight reduction, and simplification of assembly and wiring harness of the electronically controlled throttle device, and realization of stabilized operation and improved accuracy of the throttle sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Yasuo Saito, Toshifumi Usui
  • Publication number: 20030178003
    Abstract: A returning spring 7 of the electronic control throttle and a default spring 8 for securing an initial opening degree (default opening degree) of the throttle valve 3 have diameters different from each other, and both of the springs 7, 8 are held around a shaft of the throttle valve shaft 3 and arranged between a gear 43 attached to the throttle valve shaft 3 and a wall portion of the throttle body 100. A shaft supporting gap of the throttle valve shaft 3 is filled with an air leak preventing material, and a minimum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve is set to a value larger than an amount of overshoot of the throttle valve occurring when opening degree of the throttle valve is changed from a maximum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve to the minimum opening degree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito
  • Publication number: 20030172905
    Abstract: A returning spring 7 of the electronic control throttle and a default spring 8 for securing an initial opening degree (default opening degree) of the throttle valve 3 have diameters different from each other, and both of the springs 7, 8 are held around a shaft of the throttle valve shaft 3 and arranged between a gear 43 attached to the throttle valve shaft 3 and a wall portion of the throttle body 100. A shaft supporting gap of the throttle valve shaft 3 is filled with an air leak preventing material, and a minimum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve is set to a value larger than an amount of overshoot of the throttle valve occurring when opening degree of the throttle valve is changed from a maximum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve to the minimum opening degree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito
  • Publication number: 20030136377
    Abstract: An electrically-controlled throttle valve apparatus includes a motor, a speed reducing mechanism for reducing rotation speed transmitted from the motor, a throttle valve connected to the speed reducing mechanism, and a force applying device applying force to the throttle valve in the direction of returning the valve to its initial position and adjusting the opening of the throttle valve by driving the motor. Parameters of the motor, the speed reducing mechanism, and the force applying device have values such that the operation time t from the minimum to the maximum throttle valve opening, which is determined by an evaluation equation obtained from equations of throttle valve motion, is less than a prescribed target throttle valve operation time t*. Furthermore, resistance and an induction voltage constant of the motor are determined to satisfy a constraint equation obtained based on Ohm's law.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Takehiko Kowatari, Yuzo Kadomukai, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito, Toshifumi Usui, Masaru Ito
  • Patent number: 6591809
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Patent number: 6559637
    Abstract: A non-contact sensor for sensing a rotational position of a rotating object is provided. A ring-shaped permanent magnet magnetized in the axial direction is sandwiched between two pairs of magnetic plates from above and below. Two pairs of upper and lower protruded magnetic substance portions are provided between the upper and lower magnetic plates at opposite outer ends thereof. Magnetic sensitive devices are inserted in air gaps between the two pairs of upper and lower protruded magnetic substance portions. A magnetic flux generated from the ring-shaped permanent magnet is substantially concentrated to the protruded magnetic substance portions and passes the magnetic sensitive devices. The amount of magnetic flux passing each magnetic sensitive device is substantially proportional to the rotational angle of the ring-shaped permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Miyata, Satoshi Shimada, Fumio Tajima, Toshifumi Usui, Masanori Kubota
  • Publication number: 20030075147
    Abstract: There is provided an air flow meter for detecting the flow rate of air, an electronically controlled throttle for opening and closing a throttle valve and a calculating device to which a target engine intake air flow rate, a value detected by the air flow meter, the position of a throttle valve detected by a throttle position sensor, and a value detected by an engine speed sensor are input. The calculating device calculates a time constant of a delay of response of the air flow rate into the engine, and a air flow rate passing through the throttle valve to compensate for the delay of response, and drives the throttle valve such that the flow rate of air passing through the throttle valve agrees with the calculated value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Takehiko Kowatari, Yuzo Kadomukai, Toshihiro Aono, Toshifumi Usui
  • Publication number: 20030066515
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Patent number: 6543416
    Abstract: An electrically-controlled throttle valve apparatus includes a motor, a speed reducing mechanism for reducing rotation speed transmitted from the motor, a throttle valve connected to the speed reducing mechanism, and a force applying device applying force to the throttle valve in the direction of returning the valve to its initial position and adjusting the opening of the throttle valve by driving the motor. Parameters of the motor, the speed reducing mechanism, and the force applying device have values such that the operation time t from the minimum to the maximum throttle valve opening, which is determined by an evaluation equation obtained from equations of throttle valve motion, is less than a prescribed target throttle valve operation time t*. Furthermore, resistance and an induction voltage constant of the motor are determined to satisfy a constraint equation obtained based on Ohm's law.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiko Kowatari, Yuzo Kadomukai, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito, Toshifumi Usui, Masaru Ito
  • Publication number: 20030010316
    Abstract: An electrically-controlled throttle valve apparatus includes a motor, a speed reducing mechanism for reducing rotation speed transmitted from the motor, a throttle valve connected to the speed reducing mechanism, and a force applying device applying force to the throttle valve in the direction of returning the valve to its initial position and adjusting the opening of the throttle valve by driving the motor. Parameters of the motor, the speed reducing mechanism, and the force applying device have values such that the operation time t from the minimum to the maximum throttle valve opening, which is determined by an evaluation equation obtained from equations of throttle valve motion, is less than a prescribed target throttle valve operation time t★. Furthermore, resistance and an induction voltage constant of the motor are determined to satisfy a constraint equation obtained based on Ohm's law.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Takehiko Kowatari, Yuzo Kadomukai, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito, Toshifumi Usui, Masaru Ito
  • Publication number: 20020189585
    Abstract: A returning spring 7 of the electronic control throttle and a default spring 8 for securing an initial opening degree (default opening degree) of the throttle valve 3 have diameters different from each other, and both of the springs 7, 8 are held around a shaft of the throttle valve shaft 3 and arranged between a gear 43 attached to the throttle valve shaft 3 and a wall portion of the throttle body 100. A shaft supporting gap of the throttle valve shaft 3 is filled with an air leak preventing material, and a minimum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve is set to a value larger than an amount of overshoot of the throttle valve occurring when opening degree of the throttle valve is changed from a maximum opening degree on control purpose of the throttle valve to the minimum opening degree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito
  • Patent number: 6488010
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Publication number: 20020129790
    Abstract: There is provided an air flow meter for detecting the flow rate of air, an electronically controlled throttle for opening and closing a throttle valve and a calculating device to which a target engine intake air flow rate, a value detected by the air flow meter, the position of a throttle valve detected by a throttle position sensor, and a value detected by an engine speed sensor are input. The calculating device calculates a time constant of a delay of response of the air flow rate into the engine, and a air flow rate passing through the throttle valve to compensate for the delay of response, and drives the throttle valve such that the flow rate of air passing through the throttle valve agrees with the calculated value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Takehiko Kowatari, Yuzo Kadomukai, Toshihiro Aono, Toshifumi Usui
  • Publication number: 20020129791
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Patent number: 6418908
    Abstract: An electronic control throttle device includes a throttle body, a motor case containing a motor composing an electric drive actuator, and a containing portion of a connector plugged into a motor terminal provided in an end plate of said motor, formed as a unit. A motor terminal extracting port exposing the motor terminal to the containing portion is formed on a bottom portion of the motor case and a guide for guiding the connector to the motor terminal extracting port when the connector is plugged into the motor terminal is formed on an inner wall surface of the containing portion. A space containing a throttle sensor is provided at one end of a throttle valve shaft being formed in one room and a wire lead of the sensor is directed to the containing portion of the motor terminal connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito
  • Publication number: 20020089324
    Abstract: A non-contact sensor for sensing a rotational position of a rotating object is provided. A ring-shaped permanent magnet magnetized in the axial direction is sandwiched between two pairs of magnetic plates from above and below. Two pairs of upper and lower protruded magnetic substance portions are provided between the upper and lower magnetic plates at opposite outer ends thereof. Magnetic sensitive devices are inserted in air gaps between the two pairs of upper and lower protruded magnetic substance portions. A magnetic flux generated from the ring-shaped permanent magnet is substantially concentrated to the protruded magnetic substance portions and passes the magnetic sensitive devices. The amount of magnetic flux passing each magnetic sensitive device is substantially proportional to the rotational angle of the ring-shaped permanent magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Kenji Miyata, Satoshi Shimada, Fumio Tajima, Toshifumi Usui, Masanori Kubota