Circuit Controls An Electric Throttle Operator Patents (Class 123/361)
  • Patent number: 6976470
    Abstract: A control device for a throttle valve, by dispensing a position sensor for the throttle valve, can reduce a cost of the sensor and which is excellent in durability and reliability and is reduced in its control delay. The control device includes an air flow sensor 1 for detecting an air flow rate flowing through a intake pipe of an internal combustion engine, a motor 33 for driving the throttle valve 2 disposed in the intake pipe and an ECU 15 for controlling the driving operation of the motor. The ECU 100 feedback-controls the output of the air flow sensor so that a difference between the output of the air flow sensor 1 and an air flow rate required for the engine reduces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Hoshino, Minoru Oosuga
  • Patent number: 6973916
    Abstract: In an electronic control type throttle valve apparatus, a throttle valve position sensor includes a magnet provided at a throttle valve shaft and a hall element which output changes in accordance with the rotational deviation of the magnet. The hall element is housed within a sensor chip together with an amplifier circuit. In a control unit provided separately from the sensor chip, there are provided with an A/D conversion circuit for converting an analog output from the hall element through the amplifier circuit into a digital signal and a digital processing circuit for performing temperature compensation and zero-span adjustment of the hall element in a digital manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Eisuke Wayama
  • Patent number: 6962139
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John David Russell, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6962138
    Abstract: A speed control apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a poppet valve seat and a poppet valve pintle assembly disposed coaxially for variably regulating the flow of air into the engine across the valve seat. The pintle is axially positioned by a stepper motor actuator responsive to an engine speed sensor and electronic controller. The controller varies the axial position of the pintle in accordance with a programmed algorithm to provide any desired engine speed, and especially a fixed engine speed, under a range of engine loads. The invention eliminates the need for a governor, rotary mechanical throttle, and cable or mechanical linkages, and is especially useful for small engine applications such as in powering a portable electric generator, yard equipment, or outboard motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Garrick, Donald G. Witzel
  • Patent number: 6959241
    Abstract: An engine control device capable of improving engine efficiency by operating the engine in an area where fuel consumption is small (good) while allowing high responsivity of the engine to be maintained. The object can be achieved by operating to match at a point on a target torque line of a torque diagram and operating an electric motor when a matching point moves on the target torque line in a direction in which a load applied to the engine output shaft becomes large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Itow, Hikosaburou Hiraki, Jun Morinaga
  • Patent number: 6952642
    Abstract: A microprocessor base interengageable engine generator set control and profile throttle control devices that provide directional communication and control via common J1939 protocol of electronic engine control units. Such engine and throttle control units provide critical engine information and control using manufacturers proprietary codes that are readable by the interface engine control or independent throttle control input parameters. Engine commands are issued by programmable software and operational input in response to information received and analyzed thereby for ultimate control for known preset parameters in multiple manual and non-fully automatic modes of the profile throttle control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Cowen
  • Patent number: 6948990
    Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion unit. The engine control system is configured to limit engine speed under certain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Hattori
  • Patent number: 6947824
    Abstract: Internal combustion engine control is generally in accordance with RPM and torque modes. Transition from RPM to torque control is accomplished by employing a mass airflow term accounting for any nonequivalence between RPM mode and torque mode mass airflows corresponding respectively to an RPM mode mass airflow and a closed-throttle mass airflow contribution to a total torque mode mass airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Scott J. Chynoweth, Todd R. Shupe, Michael A. Kropinski
  • Patent number: 6932055
    Abstract: An engine control system for maintaining the operator-commanded speed setting of an internal combustion engine over a range of engine loads and for easy starting and improved efficiency over a range of ambient and engine operating temperatures. The engine control system includes a governor assembly driven by the engine, the governor assembly supplying an output to a sensor assembly through a mechanical coupling member operator. The sensor assembly provides an engine speed control signal which corresponds to operator commanded engine speed and actual engine speed. The engine speed control signal is provided to a throttle actuator to control actual engine speed is controlled to correspond with the operator-commanded engine speed regardless of loads imposed on the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Gordon E. Rado
  • Patent number: 6928981
    Abstract: A speed control apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a poppet valve seat and a poppet valve pintle assembly disposed coaxially for variably regulating the flow of air into the engine across the valve seat. The pintle is axially positioned by a stepper motor actuator responsive to an engine speed sensor and electronic controller. The controller varies the axial position of the pintle in accordance with a programmed algorithm to provide any desired engine speed, and especially a fixed engine speed, under a range of engine loads. The invention eliminates the need for a governor, rotary mechanical throttle, and cable or mechanical linkages, and is especially useful for small engine applications such as in powering a portable electric generator, yard equipment, or outboard motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Garrick, Donald G. Witzel, Charles A. Iannone
  • Patent number: 6925376
    Abstract: A system for diagnosing operation of a cooling system for an internal combustion engine includes a coolant temperature sensor producing a temperature signal corresponding to coolant fluid temperature, means for determining either an engine load or a throttle percentage, and a control computer configured to diagnose operation of the cooling system as a function of the temperature signal, either the engine load or throttle percentage, and a fuel delivery command for controllably supplying fuel to the engine. After expiration of a diagnostic period, the control computer diagnoses the cooling system as normally operating if the diagnostic period ended by the temperature signal meeting or exceeding a predefined temperature and if a total energy used by the engine during the diagnostic period is less than an estimated energy, and diagnoses the cooling system as failing if the total energy used during the diagnostic period otherwise meets or exceeds the estimated energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoqiu Li, Todd C. Slater, Mark R. Stepper, Anthony J. Abbenante, Stephanie L. Goerges, Yue Yun Wang
  • Patent number: 6920865
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for controlling a motor vehicle powertrain. The controller comprises means for measuring an operator request for acceleration, and means for controlling the component as a function of the operator request for acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Kim M Lyon
  • Patent number: 6918373
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for controlling the position of a motorized throttle assembly. The system includes a controller, a motor, throttle position sensors, driver, and a motor. A pulse width modulator is included in the controller to generate a control signal. The motor driver receives the signal and manipulates the motor to control the position of the throttle based on the signal. The control signal includes a magnitude component corresponding to a change in the throttle position, a direction component corresponding to the direction of the change in the throttle position, and a disable command component providing the ability to disable the motor. All three components are combined in a single signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Wilker
  • Patent number: 6915779
    Abstract: An engine control system in a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, an electronic throttle controlling air flow to the internal combustion engine, a controller controlling the position of the electronic throttle, an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal sensor that generates a signal to the controller, and where the controller computes a rate of change for the accelerator pedal and actuates the electronic throttle to a desired position based upon the rate of change for the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Bhargav Sriprakash
  • Patent number: 6915778
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to combustion engines, and more specifically, to an apparatus for controlling the power of combustion engines which have electrically-modulated throttle systems (also known as drive-by-wire throttle systems). There many applications in which it is desirable to modify the throttle control system of vehicles, for example, in limiting the power production of trucks operating in under ground mines. It is prohibitively expensive for vehicle manufactures to supply such modified vehicles, so a system must be provided and installed as an after market product. The invention provides a simple and inexpensive solution in the form of a voltage modifying device which can be installed inline, between the accelerator pedal sensor and the engine control unit. The voltage modifying device can be designed to limit the power of the engine, or alter the performance profile in a desired manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventors: Mark Clemence, Donald Elliott
  • Patent number: 6907339
    Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine having intermittently actuated inlet valves, wherein intake pressure is determined between two final control elements, positions of the control elements are determined, an air quantity flow into the combustion chamber is predicted at preselected times and at preselected positions of the control elements and air is introduced into the engine as a function of the predicted air quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Henn
  • Patent number: 6895929
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for determining an impact-free extremal set position of an actuating member (1, 5) of an internal combustion engine (10) provides for an increase of the tolerances in the position of the actuating member and a reduction of the requirements on the mechanics of the actuating member and the read-back accuracy for the set position. In the extremal set position of the actuating member (1, 5), an actuating quantity, which is to be adjusted, has an extreme value. In an operating state of the internal combustion engine (10), which is substantially independent of the set position, the actuating quantity is measured with the aid of a sensor (15, 20) for various set positions in a range wherein the extreme value for the actuating quantity is suspected and that set position is determined as the extremal set position whereat the measured actuating quantity has an extreme value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Alex Grossmann, Torsten Baumann
  • Patent number: 6883496
    Abstract: In the event that an abnormality is detected in a throttle valve driving apparatus, an upper limit value for a throttle valve opening is set according to a vehicle speed when a brake switch is not switched on. When the brake switch is on, the upper limit value is set at a predetermined idle opening. When the target opening which is calculated according to an accelerator pedal depression amount is larger than the upper limit value, the target opening is changed to the upper limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Suzuki, Yosuke Tachibana, Jun Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6871133
    Abstract: An output power controlling apparatus and a method for reducing vibration caused by accelerating or shifting gearing in a vehicle includes a vibration component prediction section/step for predicting a vibration component to be generated on the vehicle from the target torque correlation value using a predetermined prediction model, and a feedback correction section/step for feedback correcting the target torque correlation value based on the predicted vibration component to suppress vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhide Togai, Kyoung-gon Choi, Tadashi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6859717
    Abstract: A control system for a plant is disclosed. The control system includes a response specifying type controller for controlling the plant with a response specifying type control. The response specifying type controller calculates a nonlinear input according to a sign of a value of a switching function and an output of the plant. The switching function is defined as a linear function of a deviation between the output of the plant and a control target value. A control input from the response specifying type controller to the plant includes the nonlinear input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Yasui, Yoshihisa Iwaki, Eiji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6845314
    Abstract: An apparatus for remote identification of the combustion performance of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a throttle device for control of fuel into an engine of a vehicle. A combustion sensor is in operative communication with the vehicle for the purpose of analyzing a vehicle combustion performance parameter. A remote communication device is in operative communication with the combustion sensor for communicating the combustion performance parameter. A remote monitoring network is included for receiving the combustion performance parameter from the remote communication device over a network to enable remote monitoring of vehicle performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Mirenco, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwayne Fosseen
  • Patent number: 6840215
    Abstract: An engine control system and method according to the invention controls torque in an internal combustion engine. Engine parameters are measured and an engine torque is estimated. A desired air per cylinder of the engine is calculated. A desired manifold absolute pressure of a manifold of the engine is calculated based on a function of engine torque. A desired RPM of the engine is calculated based on a measured engine RPM and a reference torque of the engine. A desired area is calculated based on the desired manifold absolute pressure. The desired area is implemented into the controller to control torque output of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Scott J. Chynoweth
  • Patent number: 6837215
    Abstract: A hybrid automobile runs by transmitting a power from an engine and a power from a motor-generator MG2, and can store a part of the power from the engine and an electric power generated by a motor-generator MG1. In this hybrid automobile, a power requirement Pr* of a drive shaft is set based on an accelerator opening, and a battery charge electric power Pbi is set based on SOC, and the sum of the power requirement Pr* and the battery charge electric power Pbi are set as an engine target power Pe*. When the engine target power Pe* is less than a predetermined minimum value Plow, the engine target power Pe* is changed to the minimum value Plow. Further, in accordance with this change, the battery charge electric power Pbi is also changed, and the engine and the motor-generators MG1, MG2 are operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Nishigaki, Katsuhiko Yamaguchi, Yukio Kobayashi, Osamu Harada, Kiyoshiro Ueoka, Mamoru Tomatsuri
  • Patent number: 6830032
    Abstract: A control system for a throttle valve actuating device is disclosed. The throttle valve actuating device includes a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine and an actuator for actuating the throttle valve. A control object model is defined by modeling the throttle valve actuating device. The throttle valve actuating device is controlled based on a controlled object model so that an opening of said throttle valve coincides with a target opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Yasui, Yoshihisa Iwaki, Jun Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6830031
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling the engine of a vehicle comprising an accelerator pedal and an engine speed control circuit comprising in particular: a circuit for closed-loop control of the engine speed, a circuit for interpreting the position of the accelerator pedal, which supplies an engine speed setpoint to the circuit for closed-loop control of the engine speed depending on the position of the accelerator pedal, a circuit for estimating loads external to the vehicle, a circuit for estimating maximum speed likely to be reached by the engine as a function of the estimate of external loads and this maximum speed is supplied by the circuit for interpreting the position of the accelerator pedal and makes the engine speed setpoint very independently of the position of the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive
    Inventor: Mariano Sans
  • Patent number: 6816771
    Abstract: An intake air control system for an internal combustion engine is provided which comprises an intake throttle valve that controls an intake air quantity of air flowing into the engine, an EGR valve that controls a quantity of exhaust gas recirculated back to a portion of an intake system of the engine downstream of the intake throttle valve, and a control unit that controls the intake throttle valve and the EGR valve in accordance with an operating condition of the engine. The control unit includes a target opening area calculating section that calculates a target opening area of the intake throttle valve based on a target EGR ratio corresponding to the operating condition of the engine, and a control section that controls an opening degree of the intake throttle valve based on the target opening area. An intake air control method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Miura, Hiroyuki Aizawa, Takashi Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 6816772
    Abstract: An electronic throttle control system has a main computer and a sub-computer. The main computer calculates a target throttle angle, and the sub-computer controls a throttle actuator. In the computers, a throttle angle monitor value is set based on an accelerator angle to determine a normal range, and monitor an electronic throttle control operation by determining whether an actual throttle angle is within the normal range. The data characteristic of the monitor value is defined in a logic with which the throttle angle is controlled in the throttle closing direction upon occurrence of a memory retention abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 6802113
    Abstract: A position sensor for an electronic control pedal is carried by the pedal mounting bracket and includes a linear potentiometer having a slider operable along a substrate in only a linear direction for providing an output voltage representative of slider displacement. A drive arm is connected to the pedal shaft for rotation during pedal movement. A coupler connected to the slider is slidable within a slot in the drive arm for providing the linear displacement through a rotational movement of the shaft. The drive arm has an inner arm in a telescoping connection with an outer arm for setting the drive arm at a desired length after potentiometer calibration. The longitudinal axis of the slot is at an non-zero angle to the longitudinal axis of the drive arm for desensitizing the sensor calibration and adjustment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: William C. Staker
  • Patent number: 6779509
    Abstract: To provide a throttle valve control apparatus which simultaneously realizes quick response and stability even when the throttle valve gets stuck in its operation. The apparatus conducts control where a small control coefficient is used to emphasize the convergence stability when the deviation is large. In addition, the apparatus includes a coefficient limiting unit (14) which can gradually increase the control coefficients based on the predetermined permissible changes as the deviation decreases with the elapse of time. This enables the throttle valve control apparatus which simultaneously realizes the quick response and stability by using the controlled variable calculated from the gradually increased control coefficients to drive the throttle valve even when the throttle valve gets stuck, and its motion encounters an obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeki Kondo
  • Patent number: 6766785
    Abstract: An electronic throttle control apparatus is provided with an electronic throttle (1) including a throttle valve (4) which is opened and closed by a motor (5), and a microcomputer (11) which controls the motor (5). The microcomputer (11) calculates a deviation between a target opening degree which is set by detection of an accelerator sensor (5) and an actual opening degree which is detected by a throttle sensor (6) to calculate a motor control amount in accordance with the deviation and a control gain in correspondence to the deviation. The microcomputer 11 sets a control gain which becomes smaller as the deviation becomes larger, and limits the control gain by the previous control gain at a time when the control gain is larger than the previous control gain. The microcomputer (11) cancels the limit of the control gain when the calculated actual opening degree change is reduced from a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsumi Ishida, Hiroyuki Makisako, Yoshiyasu Itoh
  • Patent number: 6763582
    Abstract: A throttle device in the intake section of an internal combustion engine; the throttle device including a housing part, which contains a flow cross section for an air flow. In the housing part, bearing points are provided for a throttle valve device, which can be actuated by means of an actuating drive. The actuating drive can be inserted into a receiving housing, which has first and second guide surfaces that permit the installation of the actuating drive. Fastening means are provided on the circumference surface of the receiving housing and can accommodate a closing and contacting element, which contacts electrical contacts of the actuating drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Kaiser, Michael Brozio, Markus Michels, Stefan Josten
  • Patent number: 6763803
    Abstract: The pressure in an underpressure store of a pneumatically operated servo system is controlled by a method wherein the underpressure store is charged with an underpressure via a suction line. A higher desired pressure for the underpressure store is pregiven in a rest state of the servo system wherein the system is not actuated and no actuation is expected. A lower desired pressure for the underpressure store is preset in a state wherein the servo system is actuated or an actuation is expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Wild, Kristina Eberle, Lutz Reuschenbach
  • Publication number: 20040134463
    Abstract: A fuel injection system in an engine. The system includes a throttle body having a throttle valve, a first sensor, and a control unit coupled to the first sensor. The first sensor measures a sensed throttle valve angle and provides a first output corresponding to the sensed throttle valve angle. The control unit is operable to receive the output generated by the first sensor, operable to compute an expected throttle valve angle, operable to determine an offset between the expected throttle valve angle and the sensed throttle valve angle, operable to determine a corrected throttle valve angle, and operable to compute fueling calculations based on the corrected throttle valve angle. The corrected throttle valve angle is based on the offset and the sensed throttle valve angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carolyn Chong, John Wathen
  • Patent number: 6761146
    Abstract: A torque control system for a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, an electronic throttle coupled to the internal combustion engine, a powertrain controller controlling the electronic throttle, a first control loop operating in the powertrain controller including a feed forward function to control engine torque, a second control loop operating in the powertrain controller including a proportional function acting upon the torque variance in the internal combustion engine, a third control loop operating in the powertrain controller including an integral function acting upon the rpm variance in the internal combustion engine, and where the outputs of the first, second and third control loop are used to factor a desired mass airflow for the engine and the desired mass air flow is used to generate a position command for the electronic throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Onassis Matthews, Joseph R. Dulzo, Donovan L. Dibble, Scott J. Chynoweth
  • Patent number: 6741923
    Abstract: The vehicle driving force control apparatus includes a target driving force computing component that is configured to calculate a target driving force. The vehicle driving force control apparatus further includes a zone attribute detecting component that is configured to detect zone attributes and a requested driving force detecting component that is configured to detect a requested driving force. The target driving force computing component has a zone attribute compensation control section that is configured to calculate a compensation driving force according to the zone attribute being detected and a compensation driving force upper limit value setting section that is configured to set an upper limit value for the compensation driving force in response to the requested driving force. The compensation driving force limited with the upper limit value is used as a final compensation driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shusaku Katakura, Daisuke Yoshinoya, Yasuhito Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6732723
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling EGR rats of an internal combustion engine includes measuring a mass airflow passing to the intake throttle and a desired mass airflow. An error signal is produced representative of a difference between the measured mass airflow and the desired mess airflow. A pair of control signals is produced in response to such produced error signal. One of the pair of control signals is used to adjust the intake throttle to control mass airflow through such intake throttle. The other one of the pair of control signals is used to adjust EGR flow through the EGR valve. The pair of control signals operates the intake throttle and the EGR valve to drive the error signal to a null. In one embodiment, one of the control signals used to adjust the EGR valve is used to provide such adjustment only when the intake throttle is in a position to provide substantially maximum mass airflow through such intake throttle to the intake of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michiel J. van Nieuwstadt
  • Publication number: 20040084012
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for controlling an output quantity of a drive unit of a vehicle for at least one operating state of the vehicle which makes possible to optimally consider the power requests of motor-specific or vehicle-specific components without affecting the driving comfort. A desired value for the output quantity is adjusted to a target value in dependence upon at least a request of a motor-specific component or a vehicle-specific component (1, 5). This target value is furthermore adjusted in dependence upon that a driver command, which is pregiven at an operator-controlled element (10), has reached this target value in the first operating state or in a second operating state different from the first operating state. The desired value for the output quantity is likewise increased up to reaching the target value with an increase of the driver command pregiven at the operator-controlled element (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Schuster, Stephan Israel
  • Patent number: 6729299
    Abstract: A throttle body (10) with a housing (12) comprising a housing cover (17) and a housing body (14) and with a through throttle aperture (20) for a throttle butterfly (26) arranged on a throttle-butterfly shaft (22), the throttle-butterfly shaft (22) being drivable as a function of specifiable parameters by an electronic system (56) arranged in the housing (12) by an electric actuator (32) likewise arranged in the housing (12) and having an actuator shaft (28), the position of the throttle-butterfly shaft (22) being detectable by a position detection device (70) arranged in the housing (12), is to have a particularly small space requirement and, at the same time, a contactless position detection device (70) for the throttle-butterfly shaft (22) For this purpose, the electronic system (56) for the electric actuator (32) is arranged in the housing cover (17), and the position detection device (70) comprises a Hall-effect magnet (76) arranged on the actuator shaft (28) and a Hall-effect sensor (72) arranged directl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rolf Anschicks, Eugen Bernarding
  • Patent number: 6725833
    Abstract: An throttle valve is controlled by using an electric actuator. A cover for covering one end side of the throttle valve shaft is attached to a side wall of a throttle body. A throttle position sensor unit and an electronic control module for controlling the throttle valve is attached to an inner face of the cover. The throttle position sensor and the electronic control module are contiguous to each other and connected at a position contiguous thereto. The cover is provided with a connector portion for external connection of the electronic control module. A group of lead frames constituting terminals of the connector portion are embedded in the cover. Power source is supplied to a motor via the connector portion for external connection, the electronic control module and intermediary connectors provided at the cover. Thereby, by simplifying the cover for protecting the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Irihune, Yasushi Sasaki, Sadayuki Aoki, Kazuo Nagayama, Yuuichi Ebata
  • Patent number: 6725149
    Abstract: There are provided, various sensors for detecting the operating state of the internal combustion engine; a rotational speed sensor, an air flow sensor, a throttle sensor, an intake air pressure sensor of an internal combustion engine; a storage where the charging efficiency corresponding to the rotational speed and throttle travel in the standard atmospheric condition is previously stored and set as a two-dimensional map, for outputting the stored and set value corresponding to the rotational speed and the throttle travel; and a CPU correcting the atmospheric pressure relational value including the atmospheric pressure calculated based on information of the intake air amount, rotational speed, charging efficiency, and throttle travel of the internal combustion engine by using the atmospheric pressure relational value including the atmospheric pressure calculated based on information of the rotational speed, throttle travel, and intake tube pressure of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuichi Wada, Koji Nishimoto, Norio Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20040045523
    Abstract: A speed control apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a poppet valve seat and a poppet valve pintle assembly disposed coaxially for variably regulating the flow of air into the engine across the valve seat. The pintle is axially positioned by a stepper motor actuator responsive to an engine speed sensor and electronic controller. The controller varies the axial position of the pintle in accordance with a programmed algorithm to provide any desired engine speed, and especially a fixed engine speed, under a range of engine loads. The invention eliminates the need for a governor, rotary mechanical throttle, and cable or mechanical linkages, and is especially useful for small engine applications such as in powering a portable electric generator, yard equipment, or outboard motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Robert D. Garrick, Donald G. Witzel
  • Patent number: 6701892
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito
  • Patent number: 6698398
    Abstract: A method and apparatus compensates throttle area in an engine control system with an electronic throttle using intake diagnostic residuals. A plurality of tables relate throttle area, breakpoint numbers, flow loss factors and residual values. At least one of the tables is updated based on the intake diagnostic residuals to generate a compensated throttle area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Alan Bauerle
  • Patent number: 6691679
    Abstract: A control system (10) and method for controlling an operational position of a throttle valve in an engine. The system includes a position sensor (16) operably connected to the throttle valve that generates a first signal. A controller is operably connected to the position sensor. The controller (18) is configured to determine a current position of the throttle valve using a transfer function defining a curve with no breakpoints and the signal from the position sensor. The controller (18) is further configured to change the operational position of the throttle valve based on the current position and a desired position of the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Tobias John Pallett
  • Patent number: 6683429
    Abstract: An electric positional actuator that includes a default device for positioning the actuated device in a default position. The actuator includes an electric motor that controls the rotational position of a shaft through a gear system. When the shaft rotates, it moves a link-bar that actuates the actuated device. A rotational sensor coupled to a printed circuit board detects the position of the shaft, and provide a feedback signal of the shaft's position. The default device includes a spring wrapped around the shaft. When the link bar is rotated away from its default position, one leg of the spring remains in contact with a housing spring boss while the other leg of the spring is in contact with the link bar opposing the movement and trying to return the link-bar to the default position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Hal Pringle, Robert Keefover, Michael Halsig, John Duddles
  • Patent number: 6675771
    Abstract: A control system must establish the same throttle position repeatedly to obtain fuel efficiency and prevent speed dropping during idling. Sensors determine the throttle position or other engine parameter associated with the throttle position and create an analog signal. The information is processed by a analog-to-digital converter which places the signal into a discrete level. A controller receives this signal and compares it to a point assigned between two discrete levels representing the desired throttle position or engine parameter. Therefore, the signal will never equal the assigned point. The controller makes corrections based on this comparison after every iteration because the error will never reach zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross D. Pursifull
  • Patent number: 6668530
    Abstract: A grass-cutting tractor has an internal combustion engine, an apparatus which changes engine speed, and a generator. The apparatus includes a user-manipulated mechanism having a plurality of operating positions. Two of the operating positions are each identified by different grass-related mnemonics, e.g., NORMAL, HEAVY, MEDIUM, HIGH, REGULAR or TALL, which relate to the height of the grass to be cut and one of the positions corresponds to operation of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Kern, Gerald C. Ruehlow, Steven J. Wilcox, Francis X. Wedel
  • Patent number: 6662779
    Abstract: A butterfly valve assembly includes a valve shaft supported by a bearing so as to rotate around its longitudinal axis and having a first end and a second end, an actuator connected to the first end of the valve shaft, and a valve-opening sensor connected to the second end of the valve shaft and having a return spring therein that applies a force to the valve shaft perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis. The return spring disposed in the valve-opening sensor continuously applies its resilient force to both ends of the valve shaft in one direction, so that the valve shaft can be restricted in its free movement within the bearing, therefore the rattling noise, due to the vibration of the valve shaft within the bearing, can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsurou Kotouge
  • Publication number: 20030213465
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling an engine, in which a control module calculates a setpoint torque based on an accelerator position and calculates an air mass and a fuel mass from this setpoint torque. In the process, a setpoint value for lambda (ratio of air mass to fuel mass) is taken into account when the fuel mass is calculated. A monitoring module calculates a monitoring value for the air mass from the fuel mass and compares it to a measured air mass for fault detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Gerhard Fehl, Winfried Langer
  • Patent number: 6647958
    Abstract: A throttle control apparatus for an internal combustion engine capable of controlling an opening degree of an electronic control type throttle with high accuracy by employing an inexpensive A/D converter. The apparatus includes a throttle opening degree detector, and a controller for controlling the opening degree to a target value in dependence on operation state of the engine. The throttle opening degree detector includes a throttle opening degree sensor, an offset unit for transforming the sensor voltage into a plurality of offset-weighted voltages (V1, . . . , V4), an A/D converter and an adder for adding the converted offset-weighted voltages (V1 to V4) wherein a sum value resulting from addition of the offset-weighted voltages (V1, . . . , V4) is detected as the opening degree of the throttle to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuaki Yokoyama, Koji Nishimoto, Shinji Watanabe