Condition Responsive Control Of Starting Device Patents (Class 123/179.3)
  • Patent number: 11859840
    Abstract: A photovoltaic air conditioning system startup method, a controller, and a photovoltaic air conditioning system. The photovoltaic air conditioning system starting method includes: when a photovoltaic device meets a preset power generation condition, controlling a bidirectional converter to enter an operating state; and when the bidirectional converter enters the operating state, controlling a direct current-direct current converter connected to the photovoltaic device to enter an operating state, so that the photovoltaic device provides electric energy to an air-conditioning device by means of the direct current-direct current converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES, INC. OF ZHUHAI
    Inventors: Dongrui Qu, Ningning Chen, Wu Wen, Xianqiao Yu, Zunhui Xiao
  • Patent number: 11815059
    Abstract: In some implementations, a controller may determine whether a machine is operating in an autonomous mode or a manual mode. The controller may cause, based on a determination that the machine has been in an idle state for a first timer period, shutdown of an engine of the machine. The controller may monitor, based on a determination that the machine is operating in the autonomous mode, whether a condition for starting the engine is satisfied. The controller may cause, based on a determination that the engine has been shut down for a second timer period and that the condition is not satisfied, the machine to transition to a low power mode. The controller may cause, when the condition is satisfied, starting of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Nathaniel Doy
  • Patent number: 11746735
    Abstract: An engine-driven generator may comprise an engine, a generator, a motor, a battery, a power supply circuit, and a processor. The processor may be configured to detect that the battery has a sufficient power supply capability that enables a piston of the engine to pass over a compression top dead center, at the start of the engine. The processor may permit ignition of the engine in a case where the processor has detected that the battery has the sufficient power supply capability. The processor may avoid the ignition of the engine in a case where the processor has not detected that the battery has the sufficient power supply capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sho Takada, Kohei Takizawa
  • Patent number: 11739710
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a controller (104) and method (400) for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine (101). The controller (104) is configured to: receive a first request signal indicative of a request to stop fuel being supplied to the engine (101), and cause an intake valve (301) of a cylinder (103) of the internal combustion engine (101) to remain closed during the current revolution of the internal combustion engine (101) and revolutions of the internal combustion engine (101) immediately following the current revolution of the internal combustion engine (101) in dependence on at least one of: the intake valve (301) being closed at the time of receiving the first request signal; or a next opening of the intake valve having not been scheduled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventor: Adam Moorcroft
  • Patent number: 11674491
    Abstract: Systems and methods of providing fault protection on direct current (DC) feeds to various engine or generator set components are provided. In some embodiments, generator set includes a ground fault device arranged between a DC power distribution circuit and a subsystem of the generator set. The ground fault device is configured to detect a fault condition based on a comparison of a first current in a first wire with a second current in a second wire between the DC power distribution circuit and the subsystem. In response to detecting the fault condition, the ground fault device is configured to disconnect the subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Lane Woodland, Randall J. Johnson, Sagar Sharma, Elias M. Ayana, Michael Fegley
  • Patent number: 11598304
    Abstract: An idling-stop control apparatus includes an idling-stop controller and an auxiliary-machine controller. The idling-stop controller is configured to automatically stop an engine to cause the engine to be in a state in which idling is stopped in a case where a predetermined condition for stopping idling is satisfied and configured to automatically restart the engine in a case where a predetermined condition for restarting the engine is satisfied. The auxiliary-machine controller is configured to control a drive state of an auxiliary machine that is to be driven by the engine. The auxiliary-machine controller is configured to control the drive state of the auxiliary machine that is driven by the engine such that, in a case where the engine is automatically restarted from the state in which idling is stopped by the idling-stop controller, a time differential value of an engine speed of the engine is constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuki Hata
  • Patent number: 11566574
    Abstract: A system and method includes a paving machine, a vehicle, and one or more controllers. The paving machine includes an engine for powering the paving machine and the vehicle is associated with the paving machine. The one or more controllers are configured to determine an estimated time of arrival for the vehicle at the paving machine based on a location of the vehicle; identify a startup time for the paving machine, wherein the startup time comprises a time period between starting the engine of the paving machine and an operational parameter of the paving machine reaching a threshold value; and generate an indication to shut down the engine of the paving machine if the startup time for the paving machine is less than the estimated time of arrival of the vehicle associated with the paving machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan K. Just
  • Patent number: 11555444
    Abstract: A self-contained, stand-alone power generator system comprising: an electric motor for applying torque to a shaft of a rotating mass, wherein the electric motor is powered by a dedicated power source; a battery for supplying additional power to the electric motor upon start up; at least one of a torque converter and a starter motor, for overcoming resting inertia of the rotating mass; a generator head coupled to the rotating mass, wherein the power generator is constructed such that when the generator head reaches operational speed, the generator head provides the additional power to the electric motor and recharges the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: Eugene Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11542905
    Abstract: A predictive driver intention to stop (DITS) system for a vehicle having an engine includes one or more sensors configured to measure a set of operating parameters of the vehicle including at least (i) vehicle speed and (ii) vehicle deceleration rate. A controller is configured to identify no-stop braking events and complete stop braking events, and reference a generated baseline probability table indicating a probability of a driver braking to bring the vehicle to a stop, based on at least the vehicle speed and vehicle deceleration rate measured during at least one of the identified no-stop braking events and complete stop braking events. The controller is further configured to predict a DITS event based on the generated baseline probability table, and control operation of the engine based on the predicted DITS event to facilitate reducing vehicle fuel consumption and/or tailpipe emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Chuanchi Tang, Papeeha Thombare, Drushan Mayalankar, Shuonan Xu
  • Patent number: 11536238
    Abstract: A method of starting an integrated starter generator drives a starter generator without using a rotor position sensor to start an engine. The method includes the following steps of: (a) applying a first drive current with a first frequency and a first amplitude to drive the starter generator to reversely rotate in a speed open-loop control mode, and acquiring a first load information according to a drive voltage and the first drive current of the starter generator, (b) confirming whether the first load information meets a heavy load condition, (c) stopping reversely rotating the starter generator when the first load information meets the heavy load condition, and (d) forwardly rotating the starter generator to drive the engine to start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Hung-Hsing Chiang, Chin-Hao Chen, Cheng-Chung Li
  • Patent number: 11530675
    Abstract: A control device prevents damage due to backward rotation of a rotary engine and prevents misjudgment of backward rotation of the rotary engine. The control device for a rotary engine includes a motor mechanically connected to the shaft of the rotary engine, a controller (a motor ECU) that performs energization control of the motor to start the rotary engine by driving the motor, and a sensor (such as a motor rotation sensor). When starting the rotary engine, the controller stops energization to the motor based on an electric signal from the sensor when the shaft of the rotary engine rotates backward a predetermined angle or more, and then the shaft of the rotary engine continues to rotate backward for a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takaaki Takemitsu, Koji Bekki
  • Patent number: 11519375
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes: an engine; a motor; a drive system battery connected to a drive system power line; an auxiliary system battery connected to an auxiliary system power line; a bidirectional power converter configured to step down power on the drive system power line to supply the stepped-down power to the auxiliary system power line, and configured to boost power on the auxiliary system power line to supply the boosted power to the drive system power line; and a control device. The control device is configured to, upon a cold start in which the engine is started, control the engine, the motor, and the bidirectional power converter to cause the motor to crank the engine while causing the bidirectional power converter to boost the power on the auxiliary system power line to supply the boosted power to the drive system power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuki Saito, Hiroyuki Azuma
  • Patent number: 11448177
    Abstract: A permanently engaged starter system for use in a vehicle, with the vehicle including a crankshaft and an engine block, includes a dual-mass flywheel and a permanently engaged starter assembly. The dual-mass flywheel extends along an axis and has an inner diameter portion disposed about and adjacent the axis and an outer diameter portion disposed about the axis such that the inner diameter portion is disposed between the outer diameter portion and the axis. The permanently engaged starter assembly includes a one-way clutch and a ring gear. The one-way clutch extends along the axis and includes an inner member disposed about the axis and an outer member disposed about the inner member. The ring gear is rotatably coupled to the one-way clutch and is adapted to be rotatably coupled to the outer diameter portion of the dual-mass flywheel through the one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Calahan B. Campton, James R. Papania, Michael W. Campbell
  • Patent number: 11441527
    Abstract: A starting apparatus for internal combustion engines, having a drive pinion for engagement into a ring gear of the internal combustion engine, an electrical rotary actuator and an electrical linear actuator, the rotary actuator to rotate the drive pinion and the linear actuator to slide a pinion, and the electrical linear actuator having a linear-stroke magnet that has a sliding armature is moved by a retraction winding, within the retraction winding, along a sliding armature axis, having a holding winding by which the sliding armature can be held in a retracted state. The linear actuator also actuates a switching apparatus to activate the electrical rotary actuator into a second actuation stage. A second retraction winding is connected in parallel with the first retraction winding, such that the first retraction winding can be shut off by a normally closed switch while a current path through a second retraction winding is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hartmut Wanner
  • Patent number: 11421614
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for increasing a catalyst temperature prior to entering a vehicle mode where combustion is temporarily discontinued. In one example, a method for increasing a temperature of an emission control device before a transient fuel shut-off (TFSO) event of an engine via a spark timing adjustment and an exhaust valve opening timing adjustments. Adjustments of the spark timing and the exhaust valve opening timing may change depending on whether a transient fuel shut off event of an auto-stop event occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Glugla
  • Patent number: 11421640
    Abstract: A disclosed method of automatically stopping and restarting a vehicle engine determines if one or more stop/start enablement condition has been met. If the stop/start enablement condition or conditions have been met, the method initiates an engine shutdown. If a restart request is made before the engine reaches a predetermined threshold speed, then a first restart sequence is initiated. If a restart request is made when the engine speed is less than the predetermined threshold speed but still greater than 0, then a second restart sequence is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Gerty, Uday Vadlamani, Jordan Mosher, Sundeep S. Tuteja, Constantin E. Nedelcu
  • Patent number: 11391256
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a stop rotation position of an engine is described. In one example, the system includes an integrated starter/generator that may be selectively coupled to the engine. The integrated starter/generator may rotate the engine in a first direction (e.g., reverse direction) or a second direction (e.g., a forward direction) in response to a position at which the engine stops rotating following cessation of combustion in the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Baxendale, Thomas Ciccone, Corey Blue
  • Patent number: 11390264
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stopping rotation of an engine of a vehicle in a requested or desired crankshaft window are described. In one example, spark timing of one or more engine cylinders is adjusted responsive to an actual total number of cylinder events occurring after an engine stop request is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Paul Glugla
  • Patent number: 11384724
    Abstract: A permanently engaged starter system for use in a vehicle includes a flex plate. The vehicle includes a crankshaft and an engine block. The flex plate extends along and is rotatable about an axis. The flex plate is adapted to be rotatably coupled to the crankshaft. The permanently engaged starter system also includes a one-way clutch including an outer and inner race. The permanently engaged starter system additionally includes a ring gear rotatably coupled to one of the inner race and the outer race of the one-way clutch. The permanently engaged starter system further includes a starter support plate, and a pilot support plate coupled to the ring gear. The pilot support plate is fixedly coupled to the starter support plate and is configured to axially and radially align and retain the ring gear and one of the inner race and the outer race with respect to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Calahan B. Campton, Michael W. Campbell
  • Patent number: 11365711
    Abstract: An energy storage system (ESS) for a vehicle propulsion system includes a first battery electrically coupled to a first voltage bus, a second battery electrically coupled to a second voltage bus, and a bidirectional DC/DC power converter electrically coupled to the voltage buses. A starter for cranking an engine is electrically coupled to the first voltage bus. A controller executes computer code stored in memory. The computer code is configured to operate the converter in a boost mode to transfer power from the second voltage bus to the first voltage bus, in response to the controller determining that: a power capability of the first battery is below a power demand on the first voltage bus; a state of charge of the first battery is below a state of charge threshold; or a temperature of the first battery is below a temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan, Chandra S. Namuduri, Suresh Gopalakrishnan, Dongxu Li, Chunhao J. Lee, Neeraj S. Shidore, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 11358492
    Abstract: An electrical system includes a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a controller. The RESS includes first and second battery packs connected to a voltage bus, each pack having a respective plurality of battery cells and a corresponding cell balancing circuit. The RESS further includes switches that selectively connect or disconnect the packs to or from each other to achieve series and parallel modes. The controller executes a method by detecting a requested series to parallel mode transition. Responsive to a threshold imbalance being present in a state of charge or pack voltage of the packs relative to each other, the controller balances the state of charge/voltage using open/closed state control of the cell balancing circuits, and possibly a switching block having PWM-controlled switches and a circuit element. The controller may execute the requested mode transition upon balancing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Suresh Gopalakrishnan, Lei Hao
  • Patent number: 11352996
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a snowmobile is disclosed. The method comprises actuating a start switch of the snowmobile; in response to the start switch being actuated, sensing a temperature; in response to the sensed temperature being above a predetermined temperature, starting the engine using a motor-generator; and in response to the sensed temperature being below the predetermined temperature, starting the engine using a recoil starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Michel Bernier
  • Patent number: 11315368
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine following an engine idle-stop. In one example, a method may include, following a first unsuccessful engine restart attempt, prompting a driver, via a human machine interface (HMI) to apply a brake pedal and upon application of the brake pedal, carrying out one or more restart attempts. If the driver does not apply the brake pedal within the threshold duration, the driver may be prompted to manually restart the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, Eric Michael Rademacher, Ahmed Awadi, Daniel Yeaw, Paul Joseph Szuszman, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 11300066
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (ICE) includes a crankshaft, a cylinder head defining in part a variable combustion chamber of the ICE, a direct fuel injector mounted on the cylinder head, a power source, an electric turning machine (ETM) rotating the crankshaft, an absolute position sensor providing an indication of an angular position of a rotor of the ETM, and an engine control unit (ECU) operatively connected to the absolute position sensor. The ECU controls a delivery of electric power from the power source to the ETM based on the angular position of the rotor of the ETM and causes the direct fuel injector to inject fuel directly in the combustion chamber at a time selected based on the angular position reached by the rotor of the ETM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Michel Bernier, David Monfette, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Patent number: 11280307
    Abstract: An engine drive system comprises a processor and a control module coupled to the processor. The control module receives a signal from a crank sensor system, the signal being indicative of at least one of a speed and load of a crankshaft. Based on the signal received from the crank sensor system, the control module determines whether a load on the crankshaft is greater than a threshold value. Based on the determination, the control module controls an electrical machine coupled to the crankshaft to rotate the electrical machine in one of a forward direction and a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: INDIA NIPPON ELECTRICALS LIMITED
    Inventors: Raman Umashankar, Bose Senthilvalavan
  • Patent number: 11261815
    Abstract: A filter monitoring system and method are described. The filter monitoring system includes a remote telematics system, and a data link between the remote telematics system and an onboard telematics system. The remote telematics system is configured to receive, via the data link, an indication of a pressure drop across a filter cartridge of the filtration system from the onboard telematics system, determine a first value indicative of a remaining filter life of the filter cartridge of the filtration system, determine a second value indicative of a remaining filter life of the filter cartridge that is determined in a different manner than the first value, compare the first value to the second value to determine which value indicates a least amount of life remaining for the filter cartridge, and transmit an indication of the least amount of life remaining for the filter cartridge based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP, INC.
    Inventors: Bharadwaj R. Prabhala, Abhijeet Vaidya, Abhijit Shimpi, Amit Dhingra, Kyle J. Brewer
  • Patent number: 11247551
    Abstract: A hydraulic engine system includes a first hydraulic pump-motor coupled to an engine and a second hydraulic pump-motor coupled to an electric machine. A hydraulic link fluidly connects the first and the second hydraulic pump-motors. During a cranking operation mode, the electric machine operates as a motor and transfers power via the second hydraulic pump-motor, the hydraulic link and the first hydraulic pump-motor to provide cranking torque to the engine. During a generator operation mode, the power generated by the engine is transferred via the first hydraulic pump-motor, the hydraulic link, and the second hydraulic pump-motor to the electric machine, operating as a generator, to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: John P. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 11231005
    Abstract: An engine starter apparatus includes a starter motor, a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the starter motor, a light source integrated with the starter motor, and a controller operatively connected to the temperature sensor and the light source. The controller is configured to illuminate the light source in a first color in response to the temperature of the starter motor exceeding a first temperature threshold. The controller is configured to illuminate the light source further in a second color in response to the temperature of the starter motor exceeding a second temperature threshold. The second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold. The first and second color are different. The second temperature threshold corresponds to a life limit of the starter motor. Illumination of the light source indicates an overheated starter motor, which may warrant a replacement of the starter motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Fouad Rachid Dallal, Joe Lubinski, Landen Green, Trevor Adam Rowe, Ilco Aksovski, Tadakazu Nagata
  • Patent number: 11225938
    Abstract: A hydraulic start system and methods for operating an engine starter with the same is disclosed. The hydraulic start system may include an accumulator and at least two pumps fluidly coupled with and disposed upstream of the accumulator. The hydraulic start system may also include a first directional valve fluidly coupled with and disposed downstream of the accumulator and upstream of the engine starter. The hydraulic start system may further include a second directional valve fluidly coupled with and disposed downstream of the accumulator and upstream of the engine starter and the first directional valve. The second directional valve may be configured to direct at least a portion of the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the accumulator to the first directional valve to actuate the first directional valve to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: ONEHYDRAULICS
    Inventor: Mark Baughman
  • Patent number: 11220963
    Abstract: The invention provides an operation system for a vehicle, comprising an internal combustion engine (1) comprising a cylinder (301, 302), and an exhaust guide (500, 501, 502) being arranged to guide a gas flow from the cylinder (301, 302) to the atmosphere, wherein the vehicle operation system further comprises a pneumatic system (660), and an air conduit (661) connecting the pneumatic system (660) with the exhaust guide (500, 501, 502) for allowing a flow of compressed air from the pneumatic system into the exhaust guide (500, 501, 502).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jens Pedersen, Anders Mohlin
  • Patent number: 11203989
    Abstract: An engine start control device is provided with: a starter relay that is provided between a battery and a starter motor; a start abnormality determining means that determines the occurrence of start abnormality of an engine; and a start control means, which turns on the starter relay, and starts supplying power from the battery to the starter motor in the cases where a start instruction signal is inputted from a start switch, and which turns off the starter relay in the cases where the start abnormality determining means determined the occurrence of start abnormality of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kondo, Koichi Shimamura, Takeshi Yanagisawa, Yoshiaki Takeuchi, Hideki Uematsu, Mamoru Uraki, Naoki Murasawa, Atsushi Hatayama, Hirofumi Wakayama, Tomoya Makabe
  • Patent number: 11198423
    Abstract: A controller for a hybrid vehicle restarts an engine in a start mode selected from multiple start modes. The multiple start modes include a first start mode of starting combustion in the engine when a clutch starts transmitting torque and a second start mode of starting combustion in the engine after the clutch starts transmitting torque. The controller is configured to, in a case in which the engine is restarted in the second start mode, measure a cranking start time from when engagement of the clutch is commanded to when transmission of the torque through the clutch is started, and only when measurement of the cranking start time has been completed after the vehicle is activated, restart the engine in the first start mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomohiro Nakano
  • Patent number: 11192537
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain or driveline that includes an engine and an integrated starter/generator are described. In one example, rotation of an automatically stopped engine may be inhibited when engine braking is requested so that the engine may not be rotated without providing a desired outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew E. Burt, Minku Lee, Joshua Dewalt
  • Patent number: 11186266
    Abstract: A vehicle controller is applied to a vehicle having an engine, a transmission, a clutch connecting and disconnecting a crankshaft of the engine and an input shaft of the transmission to each other, a vehicle wheel connected to a drive axle of the transmission, and an electric motor disposed to be capable of transmitting torque to the crankshaft The vehicle controller controls driving of the electric motor such that a rotation speed of the engine is reduced when an operation state of the engine shifts from operation to stop. The vehicle controller controls rotation of the crankshaft so as to avoid coincidence between a crank angle and a top dead center angle of the engine in a vibration amplification region amplifying an amplitude of vibration generated when the operation state of the engine shifts to the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirotaka Mizuguchi
  • Patent number: 11168658
    Abstract: A method actuates a starter of an internal combustion engine by way of a starter relay. The starter relay is configured to supply the starter optionally with current via an on-board electrical system. The method has the following steps: determining an error status of the internal combustion engine; commencing repeated actuations of the starter relay; determining a current status of the internal combustion engine, wherein the current status of the internal combustion engine displays at least one error status or at least one operating status; and, if the current status displays at least one operating status, ending the repeated actuation of the starter relay, otherwise once again determining the current status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uemit Cansever, Peter Holt
  • Patent number: 11168657
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that may be automatically stopped and started is described. In one example, the method includes supply electrical current to a starter motor independently from supplying electrical current to a starter solenoid. In addition, the method includes adjusting and amount of electrical current that is delivered to the starter motor in response to a level of urgency of an automatic engine start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Alexander Gibson, David Andrew Ord, Imtiaz Ali, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 11125198
    Abstract: A method of vehicular control includes providing a camera and a control at a vehicle. Image data captured by the camera is processed at the control to determine presence of a stopping area ahead of the vehicle and being approached by the vehicle as the vehicle is maneuvered along the road. Responsive to determination of presence of the stopping area, and responsive to determination that the driver releases the accelerator pedal of the vehicle, the operating capacity of the vehicle engine is reduced so that the engine operates at reduced capacity as the vehicle moves toward and stops, via the driver applying the brake pedal of the vehicle, at the determined stopping area. After stopping the vehicle, the control determines if a hazard is present in the field of view of the camera and restores the operating capacity of the engine its normal operating capacity if no hazard is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Tedesco, Sai Sunil Charugundla Gangadhar
  • Patent number: 11117568
    Abstract: An operating method for a hybrid vehicle having at least two drive engines, of which the first drive engine is a combustion engine with internal combustion and can be supplied with fuel from a first energy storage device, and a second drive engine, which can be supplied with energy from a second energy storage device. In order to determine a control command with which the first drive engine can be shut off the method includes determining a state value for the filling degree of the first energy storage device. The method also includes detecting a filling degree of the second energy storage device, and comparing said state value for the filling degree to a target state value. Depending on said comparison, the method also includes determining a control command for the first drive engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Altenhofer, Stefan Thum, Karl Lorenz
  • Patent number: 11084482
    Abstract: An operating method for a hybrid vehicle having at least two drive engines, of which the first drive engine is a combustion engine with internal combustion and can be supplied with fuel from a first energy storage device, and a second drive engine, which can be supplied with energy from a second energy storage device. In order to determine a control command with which the first drive engine can be shut off the method includes determining a state value for the filling degree of the first energy storage device. The method also includes detecting a filling degree of the second energy storage device, and comparing said state value for the filling degree to a target state value. Depending on said comparison, the method also includes determining a control command for the first drive engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Altenhofer, Stefan Thum, Karl Lorenz
  • Patent number: 11008992
    Abstract: An engine start control device that is capable of winding back a crankshaft more quickly at the time of an idling stop includes a swingback controller for performing a swingback control process for reversing a crankshaft when an engine is started by operating a starter switch, a windback reverse controller for performing a windback control process for reversing the crankshaft immediately after the engine is stopped by the idling stop control process, and a motor brake controller for performing a motor brake control process for braking the crankshaft reversed by the windback control process by rotating the crankshaft in the normal direction after the windback control process performed by the windback reverse controller. The value of a motor current supplied at the time the crankshaft is reversed by the windback reverse controller is set as a value equal to or larger than the value of a motor current supplied at the time the crankshaft is reversed by the swingback controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryohei Konno, Isao Shokaku, Ryuichi Takao, Ayumu Nishimiya
  • Patent number: 11002238
    Abstract: Methods and systems for starting an aircraft propulsion engine are described herein. Operation of the engine is controlled by an engine controller having a first channel and a second channel. An engine start request is received on the second channel while the first channel is inactive. It is determined which one of the first channel and the second channel was used to conduct a last successful engine start. Responsive to determining that the last successful engine start was conducted on the second channel, a predetermined time period is waited to elapse and for the first channel to reinitialize before commanding, via the first channel, an engine start based on the engine start request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Michael Youssef, Alexandre Charest, Giancarlo Zingaro, Jasraj Chahal, Carmine Lisio, Darragh McGrath
  • Patent number: 10948039
    Abstract: A braking system of an industrial vehicle includes an accumulator accumulating hydraulic oil, a hydraulic oil cooler cooling the hydraulic oil, an electromagnetic switch valve switching between an oil channel for the accumulator that allows supplying the hydraulic oil from a hydraulic pump to the accumulator and an oil channel for the hydraulic cooler that allows supplying the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic oil cooler, and a controller controlling the electromagnetic switch valve to switch from the oil channel for the hydraulic cooler to the oil channel for the accumulator with timing of an increase after a drop in an engine speed when a cargo-handling operation is detected while an oil is at a setting pressure value or less and while the engine speed is at a setting engine speed or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Takashi Yamamoto, Daisuke Maruyama
  • Patent number: 10941723
    Abstract: A controller (125) for controlling an engine (102) of a vehicle (103) is disclosed, along with a control system (101) comprising a controller (125), a vehicle (103) and a method (200, 500). The controller (125) comprises control means configured to cause stopping of power generation of the engine (102) during movement of the vehicle (103) in dependence on at least one criterion being met and to cause restarting of power generation by the engine (102), in dependence of at least one input signal indicating a requirement for the engine (102) to restart to provide a required power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventor: Rob Jerger
  • Patent number: 10889174
    Abstract: A control apparatus sets an upper limit guard value to a base value when the MG provides torque assist to thereby limit the command value for the MG. Then, the control apparatus limits the command value for the MG using the upper limit guard value to limit the output of the MG. If an accelerator opening or the change rate thereof is not less than a predetermined value, the control apparatus corrects the upper limit guard value. The correction is made such that the larger accelerator opening or a larger change rate thereof causes the upper limit guard value to be larger to accomplish higher output. Similarly, if the SOC of the battery is not less than a predetermined value, the control apparatus corrects the upper limit guard value. If the engine speed is not less than a predetermined value, the control apparatus corrects the upper limit guard value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohei Saito, Shigeru Maeda
  • Patent number: 10864905
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a mild hybrid vehicle are provided. The method includes determining whether a first battery that supplies an electric power to a starter-generator of the mild hybrid vehicle is degraded. The starter-generator and a starter that receives an electric power from the second battery that stores a voltage less than a voltage of the first battery is operated to start an engine within the vehicle when the first battery is degraded and the ambient air temperature of the engine exceeds a temperature reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: YoungMin Kim
  • Patent number: 10859044
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for removing moisture from engine intake manifold and exhaust manifold. In one example, a method may include, during an engine non-combusting condition, while the ambient humidity is higher than a threshold humidity, operating an intake electric booster to route pressurized air via each of the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold, thereby removing accumulated moisture from the engine components. The electric booster may also be operated immediately prior to an anticipated vehicle key-on event to remove condensate from engine components prior to an actual engine start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 10837417
    Abstract: A control apparatus controls the operation of a starter such that, after an idling stop is executed and before a request for starting an engine is subsequently issued, the control apparatus executes a preset which causes a pinion to engage a ring gear. A control apparatus controls the operation of a starter such that, after an idling stop is executed and before a request for starting an engine is subsequently issued, the control apparatus executes a preset which causes a pinion to engage a ring gear. It is determined that the preset condition has been cancelled, and the preset is again executed. In that case, the pinion is already engaged with the ring gear at the time point when a request for starting the engine is issued. In that way it is unnecessary for the control apparatus to push out the pinion after a start request is issued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Takeuchi, Atsuyuki Hiruma, Akira Yamada, Akihiro Imura, Takuro Nakaoka
  • Patent number: 10830826
    Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining, based on actual crank conditions, an ability of a battery connected to an electric starter motor, to start an internal combustion engine, wherein the battery is a single monobloc or a plurality of monoblocs that are electrically connected in series or parallel. The method may include: receiving battery temperature data, representing a temperature of the battery at a time of cranking the internal combustion engine; receiving voltage data monitored from the battery, determining an instantaneous minimum voltage of the battery during the time of cranking the internal combustion engine; and determining a capability of the battery to crank the internal combustion engine based on the battery temperature data and the instantaneous minimum voltage of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: NORTHSTAR BATTERY COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Don Karner, Frank Fleming, Ulf Krohn, Christer Lindkvist
  • Patent number: 10823129
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dealing with a change of mind event during an automatic shut-down of an engine in which the speed at which a starter motor used to restart the engine is disengaged is based upon the comparison of current engine speed (N) with a cranking speed limit (SLIM). In one example, during an engine restart while the engine is spinning down, the starter motor may crank the engine to a threshold cranking engine speed adjusted based on a position of the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Hesketh, Gary Paisley
  • Patent number: 10822047
    Abstract: A traveling vehicle provided with a starting device for starting a power generation part, the traveling vehicle being capable of restart the power generation part quickly. In a traveling vehicle including a power generation part mounted on a vehicle body, a starting device for starting the power generation part, and an operation part of the starting device, the operation part includes a handlebar side operation switch provided on a handlebar to permit a rider to steer the vehicle, and an auxiliary start switch provided on the vehicle body side, and the auxiliary start switch is disposed at an inner position of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haruki Horikawa, Naoki Serizawa, Tomohiko Yashiro