Circuit Controls An Electric Throttle Operator Patents (Class 123/361)
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Publication number: 20080295801Abstract: A method for detecting the angular position of a gas knob of a motorcycle; the method presents the steps of: detecting simultaneously four mutually redundant measurements of the angular position of the gas knob by means of two mutually independent angular-position sensors forming part of an acquisition system; making a cross comparison two by two between the four measurements for diagnosing any possible malfunctioning of the angular-position sensors; and determining the angular position of the gas knob, using at least one measurement supplied by an angular-position sensor operating properly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Massimo Zanotti, Claudio Grossi, Loris Lambertini
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Patent number: 7444234Abstract: There is provided a method and system for monitoring an intake air filter for an internal combustion engine of a hybrid powertrain operative to transmit an output torque to a driveline. The engine has a controllable throttle valve. The method comprises determining a first pressure state comprising an ambient barometric pressure. A second pressure state is determined downstream of the air filter during engine operation at a high flow engine operating point. The hybrid powertrain is controlled to maintain the transmitted output torque to the driveline. The first and second pressure states are compared.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Paul A. Bauerle
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Patent number: 7434565Abstract: The electronic throttle control apparatus for a vehicle engine includes a throttle actuator including an electric motor generating torque for driving a throttle valve in an opening direction and a closing direction of the throttle valve through a transmission gear device a throttle opening degree sensor detecting an opening degree of the throttle valve, and a throttle control unit controlling the electric motor such that opening degree of the throttle valve detected by the throttle opening degree sensor becomes equal to a target throttle opening degree.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Kazutaka Miyachi
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Patent number: 7433775Abstract: A method of controlling a torque output of an internal combustion engine includes determining a pressure ratio, determining a reference torque based on the pressure ratio and a torque request, calculating a desired throttle area based on the reference torque and regulating operation of the engine based on the desired throttle area to achieve the desired torque.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Bahram Younessi, Richard B. Jess, Richard H. Clutz
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Patent number: 7387106Abstract: A throttle valve for an internal combustion engine, the throttle valve having: a valve seat; a throttle disk, which engages the valve seat and is rotated by an electric motor between an open position and a closed position; a gear transmission connecting the electric motor to a shaft of the throttle disk; a position sensor for determining the position of the throttle disk; a housing chamber housing the electric motor, the gear transmission, and the position sensor; and a rigid plate, which is housed inside the housing chamber, and supports a stator of the position sensor, electric terminals of an electric connector, and a connecting printed circuit which connects the stator of the position sensor and the electric motor electrically to the electric terminals of the electric connector.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.Inventors: Roberto Piciotti, Mario Marconi, Giorgio Ferretti, Claudio Fauni, Riccardo Nazzaro, Stefano Musolesi
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Patent number: 7380538Abstract: A vehicle has a vehicle body, a seat, an engine, an ECU, a throttle body, a throttle valve, a throttle valve actuator, a throttle operator, and a throttle operator position sensor. A shifter is disposed on the vehicle in proximity to the seat for selecting a vehicle operation direction between a forward direction and a reverse direction. A vehicle operation direction sensor senses the vehicle operation direction. The ECU limits a maximum speed of the vehicle when it operates in the reverse direction. In another aspect, the ECU limits the degree of opening of the throttle valve when it operates in the reverse direction. Methods of controlling an engine are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Marc Gagnon, Jean Daunais
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Patent number: 7373920Abstract: For controlling an internal combustion engine, the activation of an accelerator pedal is sensed and a setpoint value for the angle setting of the throttle valve is determined in dependence on the measured variable of an accelerator pedal value signal transmitter and on further influencing variables from a vehicle movement dynamics control device, a cruise controller device and/or a gearbox control device. The setpoint value is restricted to an unthrottled throttle valve angle of an unthrottled state of the engine. An over travel of the throttle valve, which corresponds to an adjustment range of the throttle valve between the unthrottled throttle valve angle and a fully open setting of the throttle valve is used, in dependence on the measured variable and at least one of the influencing variables, to open the throttle valve beyond the unthrottled throttle valve angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AGInventor: Thomas Gruenter
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Patent number: 7367315Abstract: The invention provides a throttle valve control apparatus provided with a throttle sensor which is in trouble at a low possibility and has a long service life, whereby an accurate output of a throttle opening degree can be obtained. The throttle valve control apparatus of an internal combustion engine has a throttle opening degree sensor constituted by an non-contact sensor using hole elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito
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Patent number: 7343897Abstract: An engine control system includes an engine with an output shaft. A power take-off device interfaces with the output shaft and provides rotational power to an auxiliary device. A user input device includes a first engine speed control that commands an increase in engine speed by a first amount to increase the rotational power to the auxiliary device when a user selects the first engine speed control. A second engine speed control commands an increase in engine speed by a second amount that is greater than the first amount to increase the rotational power to the auxiliary device when the user selects the second engine speed control. The user input device includes a speed cancellation control that commands a reversal of a net increase in the speed of the engine that is commanded via the user input device when the user selects the speed cancellation control.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Donald A. Eveleth, Barbara A. Shuler
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Patent number: 7331326Abstract: A carburetor automatic control system in an engine includes, a temperature-sensitive operating device for operating a choke valve so that the choke valve is opened with a temperature increase of the engine and a governor for opening and closing a throttle valve to maintain a preset rotational speed of the engine. The governor device includes, a stepping motor opening and closing the throttle valve over a range from an idling opening degree to a fully opening degree, and an electronic control unit driving the stepping motor so that the rotational speed of the engine is maintained the preset speed. A relief mechanism is interposed between the choke valve and the temperature-sensitive operating device, the relief mechanism opening the choke valve in response to an intake vacuum pressure within the intake passage when the engine is in a cold state and the choke valve is in a fully closed state.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Arai, Hiroshi Moriyama, Takashi Suzuki
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Patent number: 7325533Abstract: A leisure vehicle comprising an electronic control throttle system of an engine in which an actuator drives a throttle valve in response to an operation signal according to an operation amount of a throttle operation device, the electronic control throttle system including a throttle valve controller configured to send a control signal to the actuator to drive the throttle valve. The throttle valve controller is configured to give a gain to compensate for a deviation between a target opening degree of the throttle valve that is set based on the operation amount of the throttle operation device and an actual opening degree of the throttle valve which is a detected opening degree of the throttle valve. The throttle valve controller is configured to set the gain that causes the throttle valve to enter an overshooting region that exceeds a fully open position in a movement range of the throttle valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
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Patent number: 7319929Abstract: An air flow state determining system that determines a mass air flow into a cylinder of an engine having a cam phaser includes a first module that determines whether an air flow state is one of steady-state and transient based on a cam phaser position. A second module determines the mass air flow using one of a mass air flow sensor signal and a speed density relationship based on whether the mass air flow state is one of steady-state and transient.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Ronald A. Davis, Gregory P. Matthews
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Patent number: 7305301Abstract: An engine control system for regulating operation of an engine having a throttle includes a first module that determines an intermediate parameter based on engine operating parameters and a second module that determines a pressure upstream of the throttle based on the intermediate parameter. A third module regulates operation of the engine based on the pressure. The engine operation is regulated based on a pre-determined relationship between a throttle position and an effective throttle area.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Wenbo Wang, Michael A. Kropinski, Kurt D. McLain
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Publication number: 20070273152Abstract: A self-propelled working machine, which performs work by using power of an internal combustion engine 10 and travels by using power of an electric motor 30, includes a mechanical governor 75 for maintaining the engine at a designated engine rotational speed Nf. A load control mechanism for the working machine has a maximum working output calculator that calculates a maximum working output Qf from the designated engine rotational speed, an actual working load calculator that calculates an actual working load Qr from the designated engine rotational speed Nf and a detected actual engine rotational speed Nr, and a limit speed calculator that calculates a limit speed Vc from the maximum working output Qf and the actual working load Qr. A travel controller operates and controls the electric motor 30 by setting a travel speed V to the limit speed Vc when the actual engine rotational speed Nr is decreased to be lower than the designated engine rotational speed Nf.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshiaki Kawakami, Hiroshi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7299786Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine having an intake manifold and an outlet control device coupled to the manifold for controlling flow exiting the manifold and entering at least one cylinder of the engine. The engine further includes an inlet control device for controlling flow entering the manifold. The method includes providing an engine command; calculating a desired cylinder charge based on said command; and adjusting the outlet control device to provide said desired cylinder charge. The engine command may be, for example, a driver command, such as a driver torque command. Further, the outlet control device may be implemented in with a variety of mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment the outlet control device is a valve of the engine having a variable lift. In one embodiment the outlet device is a valve having variable timing. Likewise, the inlet device may be adjusted in response to a variety of parameters.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: John D. Russell, Allan J. Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 7296557Abstract: A final control element for a control unit, for a throttle body located in a conduit carrying a gaseous medium in an internal combustion engine, is disclosed which has a control shaft, supporting the control unit in a manner fixed against relative rotation; a power takeoff member of a final control element gear, the power takeoff member being seated on the control shaft in a manner fixed against relative rotation; and an error sensor, detecting the rotary position of the control shaft, with a rotor part that is connected to the control shaft in a manner fixed against relative rotation. The error sensor is a contactless measurement rotary angle sensor, whose rotor part is integrated by material and positive engagement with the drive member. Preferably, the rotor part is made of sheet metal, and the positive engagement is established by spraying the power takeoff member, made of plastic, onto it. The rotor part is welded to the control shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Friedrich Wendel, Reiner Schweinfurth, Johannes Meiwes, Udo Utz, Michael Knorpp
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Patent number: 7290526Abstract: A throttle body includes a housing that accommodates a connector for a rotation shaft of a throttle valve disposed in the throttle body and a throttle position sensor, a fuel return passage that communicates the housing with an air intake passage in the throttle body, a T-shaped pipe that communicates with the air intake passage upstream from the throttle body to function as a pressure control chamber, and an air inflow passage that communicates the housing with the T-shaped pipe. The throttle body smoothly returns the fuel accumulated in a housing that accommodates a connector that connects a throttle position sensor to the end of the rotation shaft of a throttle valve to an air intake passage.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Maruo, Mitsuharu Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7267100Abstract: An internal combustion engine controller, is used with a fuel-based torque-on-demand control type, multi-cylinder, direct-injection internal combustion engine, to provide an air flow rate control that excels in response and convergence. The internal combustion engine controller includes a section for computing a target throttle opening from operating conditions, which in turn includes a first computing section for determining a target throttle opening by feedback control in accordance with operating conditions including an intake air flow rate; a second computing section for determining a target throttle opening by feed-forward control in accordance with operating conditions; and a third computing means for determining a target throttle opening based on the target throttle opening value determined by the first computing means and the second computing means.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Nakagawa, Minoru Oosuga, Masami Nagano, Mamoru Nemoto, Toshio Hori
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Publication number: 20070199540Abstract: A method for controlling the idle speed of an internal combustion engine is presented. The method comprises controlling an ignition timing at least partly based on the engine speed and controlling a position of a throttle valve at least partly based on the ignition timing. Preferably, the ignition timing is controlled so that it is restricted by at least one ignition timing limit, and the position of the throttle valve is controlled at least partly based on the ignition timing as not restricted by the at least one ignition timing limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Stefan Solyom, Thomas Lyngfelt, Soren Eriksson
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Patent number: 7219653Abstract: An electronically controlled throttle body has a torque motor including a stator and a moving portion (a slider), and a throttle shaft which is rotated by the torque motor. A rack as a plurality of gear teeth is formed at the moving portion, and a gear which mates with the rack is disposed at the throttle shaft. By arranging the radius of the gear appropriately to the reciprocating range of the slider, the motion of the slider is transmitted to the throttle shaft effectively. Therefore, the electronically controlled throttle body, can efficiently transmit motion of the torque motor, including a linear type, to the throttle shaft with a simple structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Mikuni CorporationInventor: Tetsuo Muraji
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Patent number: 7210452Abstract: A control apparatus of an internal combustion engine, for preventing a throttle valve from freezing when the internal combustion engine is stopped. A control unit is constructed to receive power from a battery ancillary to an internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is stopped and perform a probability determination of whether or not the probability of a throttle valve freezing is high. When this probability is high, the control unit controls the throttle valve to execute a freeze protection operation, including a valve opening and closing operation of the throttle valve, before the throttle valve freezes. The probability determination is carried out using environmental temperature detecting means, engine temperature detecting means, date/time information outputting means, location information detecting means, and a drive level of an exhaust recirculating device.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shogo Nakashima, Ikuo Musa, Ken Tachibana, Masato Oonishi
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Patent number: 7210453Abstract: A throttle control device for transmitting signals to an electronic fuel control system for a vehicle engine is provided that includes an electromagnetic field generator and first and second electromagnetic field sensors positioned proximal to electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field and the first and second sensors being manipulatable relative to each other, and the sensors being responsive to the relative manipulation. The sensors configured to independently transmit signals representative of said relative manipulation.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Williams Control Industries Inc.Inventors: John Herrick, Fred Yates, Jeffrey Scott Morgan, Edward Ramsden
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Patent number: 7204231Abstract: A control device of an internal combustion engine which determines a target throttle opening degree in accordance with a required intake pipe internal pressure and which suppresses the occurrence of hunting of the throttle opening degree is provided, wherein, when the required intake pipe internal pressure becomes a predetermined pressure or more, the target throttle opening degree is determined by adding an addition-corrected throttle opening degree calculated in accordance with a difference between the required intake pipe internal pressure and the predetermined pressure based on a predetermined equation to an opening degree of a throttle valve making the intake pipe internal pressure the predetermined pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Harufumi Muto, Yuichiro Ido
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Patent number: 7185630Abstract: An engine includes a throttling device configured for both mechanical and electrical control. For example, the throttling device can include a throttle cable connection assembly configured to allow a throttle valve shaft of the throttling device to be controlled by movement of throttle cables and an electronic control section configured to allow the throttle valve to be moved by an electronic actuator. The throttling device can include a connector member configured to selectively engage and disengage the mechanical control section from the throttle valve shaft so as to allow the electrical control section to adjust the throttle valve shaft without resistance from the mechanical control section. The engine can also include a switch for indicating to an electronic controller whether or not the mechanical control section is engaged with a throttle valve shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masanori Takahashi, Katsumi Ochiai
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Patent number: 7177753Abstract: A method for limiting the rotational speed in an internal combustion engine is provided. A detection device detects prevailing operating parameters. Based on the prevailing operating parameters, the control variables for the ignition, injection and throttle valve position are determined. When the prevailing rotational speed (nact) reaches a preselectable maximum rotational speed value (nmax), through a change in at least one of the control variables, the rotational speed is limited to this preselectable maximum rotational speed value, and a hard rotational speed limitation is achieved by fade-in and fade-out of the injection and/or by intervention in the ignition with simultaneous support by the throttle valve and whereby a soft rotational speed limitation is achieved by retarding the ignition and by varying the throttle valve. Activation of a soft rotational speed limitation or hard rotational speed limitation is coordinated by the control unit according to the requirements of driving performance.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Andreas Bader
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Patent number: 7171945Abstract: In a multipurpose engine throttle device having a throttle body disposed at an intake pipe of the engine and housing a throttle valve, a case is integrally attached to the throttle body and housing an electric motor moving the throttle valve, a speed reducer connecting an output shaft of the motor with the throttle valve, an electronic circuit board having an electronic control unit that controls operation of the motor and a connector mounted thereon, and a harness connecting the motor with the connector, thereby reducing in overall size by efficient layout of these components.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hayato Matsuda, Tomoki Fukushima, Takao Tamechika, Shinichi Katsuragawa
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Patent number: 7152581Abstract: The invention provides a throttle valve control apparatus provided with a throttle sensor which is in trouble at a low possibility and has a long service life, whereby an accurate output of a throttle opening degree can be obtained. The throttle valve control apparatus of an internal combustion engine has a throttle opening degree sensor constituted by an non-contact sensor using hole elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito
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Patent number: 7143745Abstract: An electronic throttle control unit for an engine can perform precise control by using a single inexpensive AD converter. The unit includes an electronic throttle that controls an engine, a throttle opening detection section that detects the throttle opening of the electronic throttle, and a control section that controls the throttle opening to a target value in accordance with an operating condition of the engine. The throttle opening detection section includes a throttle opening sensor that generates a sensor voltage corresponding to the throttle opening, an offset part that converts the sensor voltage into a plurality of voltages with offsets, a distribution circuit for distributing the voltages with offsets to a single path, an AD converter that AD converts the voltages distributed to the single path; and a distribution switching section that performs distribution switching control of the distribution part, wherein the distributed voltages are detected as a final throttle opening to be controlled.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Michihisa Yokono
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Patent number: 7143744Abstract: A throttle opening degree TA is converted to a reference opening area SB based on a map MAPsbta representing the relationship between the throttle opening degree and the opening area in a deposit-free state. An actual opening area SA after the deposit amount is changed is obtained by subtracting an opening area change amount dDS corresponding to a change in deposit amount from the reference opening area SB. Since the opening area change amount dDS is uninfluenced by changes of the engine operational zones, the actual opening area SA is accurately determined. By converting the actual opening area SA to a control throttle opening area TAa based on the map MAPsbta, the control throttle opening degree TAa that reflects the actual opening area with improved accuracy can be detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Araki
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Patent number: 7124012Abstract: A method for determining the driver torque setpoint uses inputs from a drive pedal sensor, which senses the pedal position of a drive pedal. Depending on at least one switching parameter, different modes of calculation are activated, thus enabling the pedal position to be assigned to the driver torque setpoint. After the switchover from an old mode of calculation to a new mode of calculation, the driver torque setpoint is progressively adjusted, starting from the driver torque setpoint under an old interpretation of the pedal position, corresponding to the old set of characteristics, towards the driver torque setpoint under a new interpretation of the pedal position, corresponding to the new set of characteristics, and specifically in dependence on the time graph of the pedal position and simultaneously as a function of time, disregarding the time graph of the pedal position.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Johannes Feder, Stefan Maier
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Patent number: 7121258Abstract: Intake throttle valves 21a to 21d disposed on the intake pipes 15a to 15d for each cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine 10 are provided with motors 20a to 20d for controlling valve opening of the intake throttle valves. The microprocessor 31 controls throttle valve opening in response to a degree of stepping on an accelerator pedal 42 in cooperation with a program memory 32A. The control of valve opening by each motor is sequentially subject to time division processing in the exhaust stroke of each cylinder, and a current valve opening is stored and held by a feedback control circuit section 39, 69B, 69C in the other strokes, thereby the control burden on the microprocessor being reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsuya Nakamoto, Kohji Hashimoto
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Patent number: 7117847Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine having an intake manifold and an outlet control device coupled to the manifold for controlling flow exiting the manifold and entering at least one cylinder of the engine. The engine further includes an inlet control device for controlling flow entering the manifold. The method includes providing an engine command; calculating a desired cylinder charge based on said command; and adjusting the outlet control device to provide said desired cylinder charge. The engine command may be, for example, a driver command, such as a driver torque command. Further, the outlet control device may be implement in with a variety of mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment the outlet control device is a valve of the engine having a variable lift. In one embodiment the outlet device is a valve having variable timing. Likewise, the inlet device may be adjusted in response to a variety of parameters.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan J. Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 7099767Abstract: An intake passage upstream of a throttle valve is divided into a plurality of intake divided-flow conduits, and air flow meters are arranged in the respective intake divided-flow conduits. The throttle opening is obtained, and a throttle valve passing-through air amount, which is an amount of air passing through the throttle valve, is calculated on the basis of the throttle opening. Each air flow meter-detecting intake air amount, which is an intake air amount to be detected by the air flow meter, assuming that air flows through each intake divided-flow conduit by a part of the throttle valve passing-through air amount, the part being determined by a divided-flow ratio of the corresponding intake divided-flow conduit, is estimated, and a total value of the estimated air flow meter-detecting intake air amounts is then estimated. The engine is controlled on the basis of the total air flow meter-detecting intake air amount.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso CorporationInventors: Harufumi Muto, Satoshi Furukawa, Naoki Maeda
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Patent number: 7093581Abstract: The invention provides a throttle valve control apparatus provided with a throttle sensor which is in trouble at a low possibility and has a long service life, whereby an accurate output of a throttle opening degree can be obtained. The throttle valve control apparatus of an internal combustion engine has a throttle opening degree sensor constituted by a non-contact sensor using hall elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito
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Patent number: 7081726Abstract: A drive system for a brushless motor. The brushless motor includes a rotor having opposite magnetic poles on its periphery, and a stator facing the rotor. The stator has, for example, three interconnected coils at equal angular intervals. The drive system includes a memory for storing drive data which represent drive currents supplied to the respective coils at each angular position of the rotor. The drive system also includes a controller for reading those drive data which best match a target angular position of the rotor, from the memory. The controller generates drive signals based on the drive data. The drive system also includes a drive circuit for supplying the drive currents to the respective coils, based on the drive signals, respectively. The drive system can precisely control the angular position of the brushless motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Keihin CorporationInventors: Hidefumi Abe, Takaharu Sugawara, Tsukasa Naganuma
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Patent number: 7077104Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning incipient build-up of commutation byproducts from the commutators and brushes of a DC motor actuator for an air intake valve on an internal combustion engine. A controller for controlling the position of the intake air control valve is programmed via an algorithm to force the air control valve, abruptly and rapidly, to its open and/or closed position at least once at predetermined times in the engine's operating cycle, preferably immediately after engine shutdown. Such abrupt and rapid motion of the motor breaks loose such incipient build-up and thereby maintains the motor actuator at a high power output.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles A. Iannone, Stuart M. Beck
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Patent number: 7069906Abstract: The invention relates to a throttle device to be received in the intake system of an internal combustion engine, and includes a mechanism housing for receiving an actuator that actuates a throttle valve. A lid element which can be mounted on the mechanism housing is embodied in modular form and includes an opening for receiving a sensor module, which can be positioned independently of the mounting position of the lid element on the mechanism housing relative to a bearing point.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Stefan Josten, Markus Michels
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Patent number: 7069905Abstract: A torque control system for an engine includes a first module that estimates a first engine torque based on an air-per-cylinder (APC) value and a second module that estimates a second engine torque based on a manifold absolute pressure (MAP). A third module determines a desired MAP based on the first engine torque and the second engine torque. A throttle opening is regulated based on the desired MAP.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Scott J. Chynoweth
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Patent number: 7055498Abstract: In a throttle body there are provided a throttle valve for controlling the flow of intake air in an internal combustion engine, an electrically-driven actuator for actuating the throttle valve, and a reduction gear mechanism for the actuator, and a receptacle portion for receiving the reduction gear mechanism therein is formed in a side wall of the throttle body. A cover which covers the 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 driven gear being disposed on the throttle valve shaft side of the reduction gear mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Toshifumi Usui, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito, Eisuki Wayama
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Patent number: 7051707Abstract: An electronically controlled throttle control apparatus prevents a throttle valve from malfunctioning due to deterioration in sliding resistance ascribable to abrasive dust at a sliding contact portion between a valve gear of a geared reduction device and a coil spring. The outer periphery of a spring inner periphery guide is provided with a plurality of groove portions as abrasive dust removing means for removing abrasive dust at least from a sliding contact portion between the outer periphery of the spring inner periphery guide and the inner periphery of a default spring, so that individual edge portions of the plurality of groove portions can rub the inner periphery of the default spring to scrape off abrasive dust from the inner periphery of the default spring and direct the abrasive dust into the plurality of groove portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Tanimura, Motoki Uehama, Akihiro Kamiya, Masato Arai
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Patent number: 7043351Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, combustion air is supplied to at least one combustion chamber via at least one intake duct. The intake duct includes at least two parallel control sections, to each of which one final controlling device is allocated. Using these final controlling devices, the flow cross-section of the particular control section may be influenced. At least two final controlling devices are activated based on one single setpoint variable, and, in fact, using only one control and/or regulating system associated with the intake duct.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Alex Grossmann, Torsten Baumann, Torsten Keller, Sinan Yilman, Boris Koehler, Bruno Zeyer
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Patent number: 7032570Abstract: A throttle valve control block in a microcomputer has a processing load judging means for judging a processing load status of the microcomputer, and an AD converting means for converting an analog opening degree detection signal and outputting a digital opening degree detection signal. The AD converting means has a first conversion mode in which the digital conversion is carried out with high conversion precision, and a second conversion mode in which the digital conversion is carried out with conversion precision lower than the first conversion mode. The first and second conversion modes are set to be switchable to each other, and also switched by the process load judging means.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Mtisubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinji Watanabe, Tsuneo Tanabe
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Patent number: 7032569Abstract: A throttle control device includes a throttle body that defines an intake air channel. A motor is coupled to a throttle shaft. As the motor is driven, the throttle valve rotates to open and close the intake air channel. A detection device serves to detect a degree of opening of the throttle valve and includes a pair of magnets and a sensor. The magnets are mounted to the throttle shaft via a magnet support and are positioned to oppose each other with respect to a rotational axis of the throttle shaft in order to produce a magnetic field. The sensor is mounted to the throttle body and serves to detect the magnetic field. The sensor comprises a sensing section and a computing section connected to each other. The sensing section may be inclined relative to the computing section in order to form a compact shape.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsutomu Ikeda, Koji Yoshikawa, Kazumasa Nakashima
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Patent number: 7028666Abstract: An electronic throttle apparatus permits aggregating of various parts and rationalization of installation, and can simplify assembling operation and wiring operation to an engine room for rationalization of an installation space. The throttle apparatus for an engine includes a throttle body housing therein a throttle valve and disposed in an air intake of the engine, a throttle actuating motor, a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle valve angle and an air flow sensor located on upstream of the throttle valve and measuring an intake air flow rate. The throttle actuating motor, the throttle position sensor and the air flow sensor are mounted on the throttle body.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamimura, Norio Tomita, Kazuo Nagayama, Yasushi Sasaki
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Patent number: 7024305Abstract: A throttle area compensation system for use with an electronic throttle control of a vehicle includes a compensation datastore of compensation values indexed by pre-compensated throttle area. A compensation vector learning module receives a pre-compensated throttle area and at least one sensed vehicle condition, and informs the compensation datastore based on the pre-compensated throttle area and the sensed vehicle condition. A throttle area compensation module communicates with the compensation datastore, receives the pre-compensated throttle area, and determines a compensated throttle area based on the pre-compensated throttle area and a corresponding compensation value of the compensation data store.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: David A. Stamm, Todd R. Shupe
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Patent number: 7013870Abstract: An electronic throttle apparatus permits aggregating of various parts and rationalization of installation, and can simplify assembling operation and wiring operation to an engine room for rationalization of an installation space. The throttle apparatus for an engine includes a throttle body housing therein a throttle valve and disposed in an air intake of the engine, a throttle actuating motor, a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle valve angle and an air flow sensor located on upstream of the throttle valve and measuring an intake air flow rate. The throttle actuating motor, the throttle position sensor and the air flow sensor are mounted on the throttle body.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamimura, Norio Tomita, Kazuo Nagayama, Yasushi Sasaki
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Patent number: 7007666Abstract: A cover mounted on a throttle body is provided with an intermediate connector to be connected to a motor terminal and an electronic control module. Inductances installed on the inner surface of the cover are connected to the DC motor and motor drive terminals of the electronic control module, through the intermediate connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamimura, Kazuya Ishihara
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Patent number: 7000589Abstract: A torque control system for an engine includes a throttle plate having an adjustable throttle position to regulate a first mass air flow into the engine. A control module determines a first mass air flow into the engine and monitors an engine speed. The control module calculates a volumetric efficiency of the engine based on the first mass air flow and the engine speed and calculates the desired MAP based on the volumetric efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gregory P. Matthews, Michael Livshiz
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Patent number: 6997438Abstract: An electronically controlled butterfly valve comprising a valve body, a valve seat formed in the valve body, a butterfly disc adapted to engage the valve seat, a shaft on which the butterfly disc is keyed, an electric motor coupled to the shaft by means of a gear transmission having a final gear keyed on the shaft, a spiral return spring adapted to rotate the butterfly disc towards the closed position, and an opposing spring adapted to rotate the butterfly disc towards a limp-home position defined by an abutment body against the action of the return spring; the opposing spring is a flat leaf spring and is mounted on a moving member which is mounted coaxially and idly on the shaft and has a projection adapted to engage in abutment against the abutment body, an end of the opposing spring being free and ending in a projection which is disposed so as to be superimposed on the trajectory followed by a member rigid with the final gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.Inventor: Claudio Fauni
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Patent number: 6986336Abstract: An electronically controlled throttle control apparatus prevents a throttle valve from malfunctioning due to deterioration in sliding resistance ascribable to abrasive dust at a sliding contact portion between a valve gear of a geared reduction device and a coil spring. The outer periphery of a spring inner periphery guide is provided with a plurality of groove portions as abrasive dust removing means for removing abrasive dust at least from a sliding contact portion between the outer periphery of the spring inner periphery guide and the inner periphery of a default spring, so that individual edge portions of the plurality of groove portions can rub the inner periphery of the default spring to scrape off abrasive dust from the inner periphery of the default spring and direct the abrasive dust into the plurality of groove portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Tanimura, Motoki Uehama, Akihiro Kamiya, Masato Arai