Shutdown Safety Device Patents (Class 123/397)
  • Patent number: 10815925
    Abstract: A vehicle includes two accelerator position sensors and an electronic control unit. The two accelerator position sensors are configured to detect accelerator operation amounts. The electronic control unit is configured to perform drive control based on the accelerator operation amounts from the two accelerator position sensors. The electronic control unit is configured to, when failure occurs in one accelerator position sensor out of the two accelerator position sensors, perform the drive control based on the accelerator operation amount from the other accelerator position sensor out of the two accelerator position sensors, the accelerator operation amount being restricted by an accelerator operation amount upper limit that has a tendency of becoming larger as the vehicle speed is larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Uchida, Tadaaki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9624849
    Abstract: In a method for stopping an internal combustion engine, a quantity of air supplied to the internal combustion engine via an air-metering device, e.g., a throttle valve, is reduced after a stop request has been determined, and the quantity of air supplied to the internal combustion engine via the air-metering device is increased again when a detected speed of the internal combustion engine falls below a predefinable speed threshold value. The predefinable speed threshold value is increased when, after the metered quantity of air is increased up to stopping of the internal combustion engine, an intake cylinder no longer passes through a bottom dead center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Karthik Rai, Norbert Mueller
  • Patent number: 9022007
    Abstract: An embodiment of an engine is described. The engine includes a first throttle valve. The first throttle valve is provided in a first intake passage coupled to an intake manifold. The first throttle valve has a default closed position. The engine further includes a second throttle valve. The second throttle valve is provided in a second intake passage coupled to the intake manifold. The second throttle valve has a default open position. The engine further includes a venturi pump that is provided between the second throttle valve and the intake manifold. When the second throttle valve is in the default open position, intake air flows through the venturi pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Patent number: 8939127
    Abstract: A stop control apparatus (100) for an internal combustion engine performs stop control of a three-or-less cylinder internal combustion engine (200). The stop control apparatus for the internal combustion engine is provided with: a determining device (161) configured to determine a compression stroke immediately before the internal combustion engine stops; and a throttle valve controlling device (168) configured to control an opening degree of a throttle valve (208) to be a predetermined opening degree while an intake valve (211) is closed in all cylinders, in the compression stroke immediately before the internal combustion engine stops, which is determined by the determining device. This reduces an influence of an intake negative pressure in an intake stroke, and makes it possible to preferably control the crank angle when the engine stops, even in the three-or-less cylinder internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuta Tsukada
  • Patent number: 8700289
    Abstract: A snowmobile includes an engine, an engine power controller, an operation portion, an operation input detector, an operation amount detector, and a control portion. The control portion does not control the engine power controller based on an amount detected by the operation amount detector in a preliminary zone in which the operation amount detected by the operation amount detector is not more than a first operation amount. The control portion controls the engine power controller based on an operation amount detected by the operation amount detector if the operation amount is greater than the first operation amount. A second operation amount smaller than the first operation amount is set in the preliminary zone and the control portion determines whether operation of the operation portion is carried out based on whether operation corresponding to the second operation amount is detected by the operation input detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tokinari Nagao, Atsushi Sawabuchi, Takashi Ashida, Tomokazu Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 8662055
    Abstract: An engine system is disclosed. The engine system may have an engine, an intake duct, and a valve disposed within the intake duct and movable between a flow-passing first position, and a flow-blocking second position. The engine system may also have an actuator configured to move the valve from the second position toward the first position, and a biasing element configured to move the valve from the first position toward the second position. The engine system may additionally have a sensor configured to sense an operating condition of the engine, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive an input indicative engine activation, and to activate the actuator based on the input. The controller may also be configured to make a determination that the operating condition of the engine has deviated from a desired operating condition, and to deactivate the actuator based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ryan Kabrich, Matthew Christopher Greving, Eric John Kuester, Scott Allen Weiss
  • Publication number: 20120240899
    Abstract: An engine system is disclosed. The engine system may have an engine, an intake duct, and a valve disposed within the intake duct and movable between a flow-passing first position, and a flow-blocking second position. The engine system may also have an actuator configured to move the valve from the second position toward the first position, and a biasing element configured to move the valve from the first position toward the second position. The engine system may additionally have a sensor configured to sense an operating condition of the engine, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive an input indicative engine activation, and to activate the actuator based on the input. The controller may also be configured to make a determination that the operating condition of the engine has deviated from a desired operating condition, and to deactivate the actuator based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Todd Ryan KABRICH, Matthew Christopher Greving, Eric John Kuester, Scott Allen Weiss
  • Patent number: 8201542
    Abstract: A safety device for the throttle operation includes a shaft, a linking plate having an end connected and moving with the shaft and another end provided with an projecting bent wing, a pulling plate having one end formed with a shaft hole for combining with the shaft and located at a side of the bent wing and another end resting on an end surface of the bent wing and connected with a throttle line. The bent wing moves the throttle line to move the pulling plate for an angle for opening the throttle. The safety device further includes a contact switch for contacting the linking plate so an engine control system may be electrified by the contact switch to reduce its speed to a slow condition even if the throttle line is stuck immovable and unable to return to its original position after pulling open the throttle, keeping safe a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Aeon Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui-Hui Huang, Wen Ru Tseng
  • Patent number: 7987834
    Abstract: An electronically controlled throttle valve unit includes a valve shaft supported by a throttle body, a throttle valve provided on the valve shaft rotatably therewith, an actuator for controlling the valve shaft, and a mechanical valve opening/closing mechanism. The mechanical valve opening/closing mechanism comprises: a valve lever provided on the valve shaft rotatably therewith; a cam lever supported rotatably with respect to the valve shaft so as to be directly operated through a throttle operation; and a link lever supported rotatably by the throttle body and transmitting a rotation of the cam lever in a direction of opening the throttle valve to the valve lever so as to rotate the valve lever and the valve shaft in a throttle valve opening direction with a predetermined rotation angle characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Itagaki
  • Patent number: 7726279
    Abstract: An electronic control device on an internal combustion engine side connected to an abnormal internal combustion engine detects an abnormality and outputs the abnormal signal; the target throttle opening angle signal is transmitted to the electric throttle actuator to set a throttle opening angle of an abnormal internal combustion engine to a predetermined opening angle; the abnormal signal is transmitted to the electronic control devices on a remote control device side of a normal internal combustion engine; and the electronic control devices on a remote control device side of a normal internal combustion engine, on receiving the abnormal signal, transmit the target throttle opening angle signal to the electronic control devices on an internal combustion engine side of a normal internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Okuyama, Isao Kanno
  • Patent number: 7584742
    Abstract: A control system for an engine comprises a fault determination module and a remedial action control module. The fault determination module generates a fault signal after detecting an infrastructure fault. The remedial action control module directs a throttle valve of the engine to a default position after receiving the fault signal, determines when the throttle valve is moving to the default position, and directs engine shutdown when the throttle valve is not moving to the default position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Dennis M. Bogden
  • Patent number: 7571710
    Abstract: A throttle valve controller configured to control opening and closing of a throttle valve disposed in an air-intake passage of a throttle body coupled to an engine, including an input member that is rotatable in association with a rider's hand operation, a power transmission device with an input part thereof coupled to the input member, an output member that is coupled to an output part of the power transmission device and causes the throttle valve to rotate in association therewith, an actuator configured to drive the power transmission device to cause the output member to rotate relative to the input member to change a rotational ratio of the output member to the input member independently of the hand operation, and a movable stopper configured to change and restrict a rotational range of the input member in a closing direction of the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoji Fukami, Satoru Sakanaka, Tatsuya Hirokami, Mitsuhiro Yazaki
  • Patent number: 7509193
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for limiting the driving speed of a motor vehicle that allow a selectable, fixed fuel consumption per distance traveled to be maintained without limiting short-term acceleration. In this context, the driving speed is limited to a maximum value (vmaxbe), at which a predefined maximum fuel consumption (Besetpoint) for steady driving speed is not exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Kustosch
  • Patent number: 7497200
    Abstract: A continuous throttle regulation device employs a motor throttle body located proximate to a motor or engine, and an accelerator pedal located remote from the motor or engine. A return switch (RS) is responsive to the motor throttle body, and a pressure sensitive switch (PSS) is responsive to the accelerator pedal position. Power is passed through both switches then to a critical electronic element required to run the motor, such as a distributor. Therefore, when both switches are open, power to the critical element is interrupted, slowing or stopping the motor. When both switches are closed, the power is restored to the ignition causing the motor to operate. Therefore, the system may engage and disengage automatically and intermittently numerous times in a short period of time, thereby safely limiting motor speed, while restoring power in a split second to keep the motor running and operational. This technology may also be applied to gasoline, diesel, and electric motors to regulate their operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Terrance Golden, Mark Ayers, John A. Hynak
  • Patent number: 7490590
    Abstract: A throttle having: a housing having an airflow passage therein; a throttle plate rotatably mounted to the housing and disposed within the passage; a motor disposed outside the passage for rotating the throttle plate within the passage between an open position and a closed position in accordance with demanded torque signals; a spring coupled to the throttle plate for urging the throttle plate to a closed position in the absence of a demanded torque signal; and, an actuator assembly operative to place a stop, disposed outside the passage, in a position to limit rotation of the throttle plate to a predetermined minimum closed position in the absence of a demanded torque signal and for removing the stop when the motor receives a demanded torque signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Raymond Martin
  • Patent number: 7461630
    Abstract: An electronic throttle valve control system prevents rapid rotation of a throttle valve reliably when the control system has a failure. A throttle valve controls the amount of intake air to an internal combustion engine, an electric motor drives the throttle valve, and a rotational speed reduction mechanism reduces the rotation of the electric motor to control the rotation of the throttle valve. An urging mechanism urges the throttle valve in the closing direction. An attenuation mechanism attenuates the speed at which the throttle valve is rotated in the closing direction by the urging mechanism when the control system has a failure. The attenuation mechanism is the electric motor in a regenerative mode or an air damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Maruo, Tomoaki Kishi, Takeshi Matsuda, Masato Yokoi, Naoya Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7444982
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a shut-off valve for stopping the air-flow to an engine. A butterfly valve disposed in an air passage is moved between a first open position and second closed position in a controlled fashion to prevent the build up un-burnt fuel in the event of the activation of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Darren Rivet
  • Patent number: 7363907
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle, such as a motorcycle, has an electric ignition system for igniting fuel delivered to the engine of the vehicle, and a rotatable handle which the driver holds in one hand when driving the vehicle and rotates to control the power output of the engine between an idling end position and a high power end position. The device includes a switch for cutting out the ignition system temporarily. This is achieved by turning the handle towards and beyond a yieldable engine-idling abutment, by exerting a strong torque that exceeds a pre-chosen value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Jan Norrman
  • Patent number: 7316217
    Abstract: An ECU performs stop control for operating an engine for a prescribed time after an ignition switch is turned off. During performance of the stop control of the engine, the ECU prohibits an update of an accelerator press-down degree signal and controls an opening degree of a throttle valve such that, the opening degree of the throttle valve becomes constant regardless of an amount of pressing-down of an accelerator pedal, in order to prevent a variation in an output of the engine due to an operation of the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazumi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7191758
    Abstract: A controller of a engine control device according to the present invention is configured to activate an automatic stop control of an engine when there is met a condition that an open state of a gate lever is detected by a limit switch and a rotation speed of the engine detected by a rotation sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined engine stop rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu Umezu
  • Patent number: 7159562
    Abstract: A engine control device for a construction machine of the present invention is configured so that the engine control device comprises a first switch for selecting effectiveness/ineffectiveness of an automatic deceleration control by a controller and a second switch for selecting effectiveness/ineffectiveness of an automatic stop control, and that when a predetermined automatic stop condition is met even if the ineffectiveness of the automatic deceleration control is selected by the controller, the automatic deceleration control which reduces an engine speed is caused to be operated for a fixed period prior to the automatic stop control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiko Asakage
  • Patent number: 6988031
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for determining engine stop position and includes an engine tracking subsystem and a throttle control subsystem. The engine tracking subsystem is coupled to the engine and determines the engine position by sensing rotation of the crankshaft. Once the engine controller receives an engine shutdown signal, the throttle is controlled to lower the air pressure in the intake manifold of the engine. Lowered as such, the resulting reversal torque caused by compression of air in the cylinders is smaller than the friction load torque of the engine and engine reversal is eliminated or substantially reduced. When the engine has stopped, the engine tracking system stores the last engine position for use during the next engine startup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McDonald, Ross D. Pursifull
  • Patent number: 6837216
    Abstract: An electronic throttle control system includes an electronic control unit that performs failsafe control for cases where failure of throttle valve is detected, and stores failure information about the throttle valve in a memory 1a so that the failure information can be referenced by an external tool during failure diagnosis, and that initializes the memory 1a when failure diagnosis is complete. The electronic throttle control system further includes a crank angle sensor for detecting engine speed. The electronic control unit initializes the memory that stores failure information relating to electronic control of the throttle valve for cases where an initialization request signal for initializing the memory that stores the throttle valve failure information is inputted from the external tool, and the engine speed that is computed based on the crank angle detected by the crank angle sensor is zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsuneo Tanabe
  • Patent number: 6799110
    Abstract: Evacuation operation performance is improved when any abnormality occurs in an electronic throttle control system. When any serious abnormality occurs, a first abnormality storage element (133) operates, a load relay for a power supply circuit (104a) of a throttle valve open/close controlling motor (103) is de-energized to operate a first alarm and display (109a). Thus a first device carries out the evacuation operation by a fuel cut control. When any slight abnormality occurs, a second abnormality storing element (136) comes to actuate thereby a second alarm and display (109b) being operated. Thus a second device carries out the evacuation operation using together a throttle valve opening control by the motor 103 and the fuel cut control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohji Hashimoto, Katsuya Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 6543227
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an engine diagnostic system for detecting malfunctions in an engine system having a variable geometry turbine exhaust system. The engine diagnosis system includes an electronic control module adapted to periodically initiate a preprogrammed variable geometry turbine diagnostic routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Chuan He, Paul R. Miller
  • Patent number: 6539918
    Abstract: A method for controlling a positioning device (34) of an internal combustion engine includes providing an electric motor (30) for actuating the positioning device (34). The positioning device (34) is commanded to change to a commanded position. A control effort required to change to the commanded position is then detected. Whether the control effort exceeds a threshold for a predetermined time period is determined. The control effort is reduced when the control effort exceeds the threshold for the predetermined time period. Each full stop position is relearned each time a close stop is commanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 6499462
    Abstract: A system and method for determining when a position of a throttle is not adequately conforming to a command signal provided by a control module, such that a fault indication should be provided, is disclosed. The system includes a throttle assembly including the throttle, which is configured to generate a position signal indicative of the position of the throttle, and a processor that is coupled to the throttle assembly and is configured to receive the command signal and the position signal. The processor is further configured to determine a first limit that is functionally dependent upon the command signal, the first limit delimiting an acceptable range of throttle positions from a first unacceptable range of throttle positions, and to determine that the position of the throttle is not adequately conforming to the command signal when the position of the throttle as indicated by the position signal is in the first unacceptable range of throttle positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 6474300
    Abstract: A device for controlling the speed of an internal combustion engine in a working tool including a device for recognizing a special operating state of the working tool. By way of example, a special operating state can be taken to mean the start-up of the internal combustion engine or a danger that can occur when the user lets go of said working tool or the tool tips over. An adjustment device adjusts the engine speed of the internal combustion engine to a safety speed that is below the operating speed of the internal combustion engine when the special operating state is recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Wacker-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Patent number: 6470259
    Abstract: An electronic throttle control apparatus includes a powertrain control module having at least two microprocessors. The powertrain control module is coupled to controls an internal combustion engine and an electronic throttle. A main microprocessor is located in the powertrain control module that includes control logic operative to monitor and control the internal combustion engine. A secondary microprocessor is also located in the powertrain control module and is in communication with the main microprocessor. The secondary microprocessor control throttle plate position, while interrogating the main microprocessor to verify correct execution of throttle control software in the main microprocessor. If a malfunction is detected, then the secondary microprocessor disables the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Christopher Round
  • Patent number: 6363911
    Abstract: An implement is provided that is driven by an internal combustion engine having sparked ignition and a carburetor. The implement has a first control device, for controlling engine power, that includes a throttle lever, a butterfly valve in the carburetor, a connecting element for operatively connecting the throttle lever and butterfly valve, and a restoring spring for automatically closing the butterfly valve in an uncoupled state of the connecting element. The implement also has a second control device for terminating ignition and for uncoupling the connecting element to uncouple the operative connection of the throttle valve and the butterfly valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Manfred Reinhardt, Axel Rauch
  • Patent number: 6345603
    Abstract: A throttle control system employs redundant throttle signals in which faults may be detected so that control may continue using a non-faulted channel when one channel fails. Rehabilitation of the failed channel may occur when the fault condition ends, and changes in throttle setting based on that rehabilitation, are phased in gradually to prevent abrupt changes in vehicle operation. In this way, high availability and reliability are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Amin Micheal Abboud, Daniel Robert Parks
  • Patent number: 6276332
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a powertrain using multiple position sensors for electronic airflow control include comparing values corresponding to position signals generated by each of the sensors to upper and lower thresholds to determine if each signal is within a first range, and comparing at least one pair of values corresponding to the signals to generate at least one difference value which is compared to a corresponding difference threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Matthew Storhok, Kelly M Arbanas
  • Patent number: 6178947
    Abstract: In a computer-controlled internal combustion engine with an electronically-controlled throttle system, a duplex throttle-position sensor system, a duplex accelerator-position sensor system, and other engine/vehicle sensors/switches, a sensor-failure detection and fail-safe system is configured to be electronically connected to the two throttle position sensors, the two accelerator position sensors and a vehicle-deceleration sensor for responding to a failure in at least one of the two throttle position sensors and the two accelerator position sensors for failsafe purposes. The sensor-failure detection and fail-safe system comprises a duplex failsafe system for the throttle-position sensor system and a duplex failsafe system for the accelerator-position sensor system, to provide superior fail-safe functions despite the presence of a throttle-position sensor failure and/or an accelerator-position sensor failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignees: Unisia Jecs Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Machida, Masahiro Iriyama, Hideki Hyoudou, Masaru Mizuguchi, Mikio Nozaki
  • Patent number: 6125322
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling a drive unit of a vehicle are suggested. In this method, the control functions for the power of the drive unit and the monitoring of these control functions are carried out by a single microcomputer. A monitoring module, which is separate from the microcomputer, is provided for checking the monitoring functions. The monitoring module transmits test signals to the microcomputer at a given time. The microcomputer then computes the monitoring function on the basis of test data. The result of the computation is transmitted to the monitoring module which checks the operability of the monitoring function in the microcomputer by making a comparison to stored values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Bischof, Martin Streib
  • Patent number: 6009853
    Abstract: A throttle control apparatus that maintains a vehicle's ability to run during a throttle system failure includes a throttle-controlling ECU that calculates a throttle opening instruction value from an accelerator stroke signal outputted from an accelerator pedal sensor, and supplies a motor with a current value based on the instruction value, to control the opening of a throttle valve. If the deviation between the instruction value and the output value from a throttle sensor is greater than a reference value, the ECU determines that there is a system failure. If it is determined that a system failure exists, an internal combustion engine controlling ECU varies the number of cylinders of the engine in operation to vary the engine output, depending on whether the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal by the driver is greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Fujikawa, Futoshi Kushigemachi, Masaru Shimizu, Hirotaka Kurita
  • Patent number: 5950597
    Abstract: In an electronic throttle control for an engine, two throttle sensors are used to detect a throttle opening. When a sensor failure is detected in either of those throttle sensors, a feedback control is executed according to the output of the other normal sensor if any. If both throttle sensors fail or it cannot be determined whether there is any normal sensor, the feedback is stopped and the feedback variables are initialized and a motor control duty is set to -30% or 0% according to the existing accelerator depression. Thereafter, if the throttle sensors are not restored even after a preset determination delay time is over, an electromagnetic clutch and a DC motor are turned off to stop the electronic throttle control. A throttle valve is controlled mechanically for a limp-home running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Kamio, Shigeo Kikori
  • Patent number: 5947086
    Abstract: It is an object to improve the opening control resolving power in the case where the opening/closing of a throttle valve is controlled by a motor driven actuator. An additional control signal for finely vibrating the throttle valve is given to the actuator in a specific period until the opening of the throttle valve approaches its target value. Consequently, the throttle valve vibrates finely only as occasion demands. Accordingly, in spite of the fact that the opening of the throttle valve can be controlled with finer control resolving power than ordinary control resolving power, good response can be obtained as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Hoshino, Nobuo Kurihara, Katsuji Marumoto
  • Patent number: 5875760
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of controlling a drive unit of a motor vehicle wherein the drive unit is controlled in dependence upon at least one operating variable. The operating variable is detected with at least first and second measuring devices as first and second quantities, respectively, thereby providing a redundant detection of the operating variable. The two measuring devices are mounted so that they move in synchronism with each other within a predetermined tolerance. The second quantity is checked for a fault utilizing a comparison in the context of the tolerance of the synchronism of movement. A fault without a movement out of the tolerance is detected when the value of the second quantity does not change in correspondence to the value of the first quantity within at least a predetermined value range of the operating variable. The invention is also directed to an arrangement of controlling the drive unit in dependence upon the operating variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Bauer, Martin Streib
  • Patent number: 5327865
    Abstract: A control system is provided for an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle in which a potentiometer (11) responsive to the position of an accelerator pedal (12) provides a desired position signal to a comparator (15) controlling actuating signals to a servo motor (17) actuating a butterfly valve (18) and a second potentiometer (20) responsive to the position of the butterfly valve (18) provides a feedback signal to the comparator (15). The control system includes a safety device (24) controlling the fuel supply and/or ignition system, a third potentiometer (25) responsive to the position of the accelerator pedal (12), a fourth potentiometer (29) responsive to the position of the butterfly valve (18), and two threshold value switches (TS1,TS2) responsive respectively to the signals from the third and fourth potentiometers (25, 29) and providing output signals when such signals are respectively at or above a first predetermined voltage (V.sub.1), and below a second predetermined voltage (V.sub.2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Riehemann
  • Patent number: 5325832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus control the power to be delivered by a mixture-compressing internal combustion engine which, during normal operation of the internal combustion engine, is adjusted by matching the fuel injection quantity to the induced air mass flow corresponding to the current load demand and controllable by a setting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Kurt Maute, Wolfgang Strauss, Andreas Weber
  • Patent number: 5309883
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of operating an internal-combustion engine, in particular a vehicle engine, in which air is fed to the combustion chambers through an induction manifold in which different induction-pipe lengths and/or volumes for resonance-mode or pulse-mode supercharging can be included, a switchover unit monitoring operation and initiating corrective measures in the event of an out-of-adjustment condition occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Reiner Pischke
  • Patent number: 5235951
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a throttle control apparatus for controlling an opening of a throttle valve in an internal combustion engine, in response to operation of an accelerator operating mechanism. The apparatus includes a motor, a clutch, and a control circuit which controls the clutch to selectively take one of a first position of the motor engaged with the throttle valve and a second position disengaged therefrom. There is provided a first detector for producing a first signal corresponding to an amount of operation of the accelerator operating mechanism. Also provided is a second detector for producing a second signal corresponding to an opening angle of the throttle valve. Independent of the control unit, it is determined in accordance with the first and second signals if there is an abnormality, in which the throttle valve opens at an angle more than a predetermined angle when the accelerator operating mechanism is positioned at its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Taguchi, Shinichiro Tanaka, Keiji Aoki
  • Patent number: 5150679
    Abstract: An electronic butterfly valve adjusting mechanism wherein the current supply to the adjusting motor (6), which is equivalent to the sum of all of the mechanical moments acting on the motor shaft, is monitored and a "window" is preselected within which the motor current/moment must lie if the butterfly valve and its adjusting components are operating normally. If, in the static case, the sum of all of the mechanical moments acting on the motor shaft is detected to be outside the "window" then it is concluded that a mechanical fault condition exists and the maximum possible angle of the butterfly valve is arranged to be reduced to a safe level. The driver can also be warned by a suitable visual signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Cornelius Peter
  • Patent number: 5133320
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for a combustion engine includes a rotary member disposed in a rotating portion of the internal combustion engine, a spiral spring supported by the rotary member at one end and biasing the rotary member in a predetermined direction, an engaging member engaging with the other end of the spiral spring, a housing for receiving the spiral spring, and a guide member arranged over at least the outer side periphery of the overlapping portion of the spiral spring and extending along the circumferential direction of the spiral spring to prevent the spiral spring from expanding in diameter. With this construction, when breakage is caused in the spiral spring, hooking of the broken end onto the engaging member can be prevented by the guide member. Therefore, it can prevent the throttle valve from being biased toward opening direction by the broken spiral spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kato, Minoru Kuroda, Masaki Akutagawa, Kunio Nanba
  • Patent number: 5117791
    Abstract: A safety method is provided for use with control systems for vehicles such as trucks, and in particular for electromechanical controls (10) that assist the driver in shifting the gears (12), operating the clutch (16), and in actuating the throttle (22, 24, 26) by remote control. The method, which is for use in a vehicle's throttle-actuator subsystem (26A), utilizes a transmission control processor (42A) and a throttle control processor (42B). The method ascertains whether, when the driver of the vehicle removes his foot from the accelerator pedal (24A), control of the fuel pump (26C) returns to the idle governor as it should. The flow of fuel is stopped if it does not return properly. Also, a method is provided that monitors the throttle actuator (26A) to insure that it accurately follows throttle commands such as the position of the accelerator pedal (24A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kwok W. Chan, William F. Cote, Louis E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5048481
    Abstract: A safety method is provided for use with control systems for vehicles such as trucks, and in particular for electromechanical controls (10) that assist the driver in shifting the gears (12), operating the clutch (16), and in actuating the throttle (22, 24, 26) by remote control. The method, which is for use in a vehicle's throttle-actuator subsystem (26A), utilizes a transmission control processor (42A) and a throttle control processor (42B). The method ascertains whether, when the driver of the vehicle removes his foot from the accelerator pedal (24A), control of the fuel pump (26C) returns to the idle governor as it should. The flow of fuel is stopped if it does not return properly. Also, a method is provided that monitors the throttle actuator (26A) to insure that it accurately follows throttle commands such as the position of the accelerator pedal (24A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kwok W. Chan, William F. Cote, Louis E. Miller
  • Patent number: 4577604
    Abstract: A fuel pump control system controls the operating speed of the fuel pump to control the fuel pressure in a fuel supply circuit for a internal combustion engine. The control system includes a main control circuit constantly connecting a fuel pump driver to a vehicle battery which acts as a power source and a normally-open auxiliary circuit. The main control circuit adjusts the power supply to the fuel pump driver to adjust the operating speed of the fuel pump to either a first maximum or a second minimum speed. The auxiliary circuit establishes electrical communication between the fuel pump driver and the battery when a demand for increasing of the fuel pressure in the supply line and thus for enrichment of the air/fuel mixture beyond a predetermined value is detected on the basis of one or more preselected engine operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yoichi Hara, Yasuo Seimiya
  • Patent number: 4574752
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine shutdown device is disclosed. The device stops an engine running at high speed in a controlled fashion when a condition arises in a peripheral device or apparatus being driven or operated by the engine. The device provides a relay, a fuel shutoff control, an engine throttle control, and a timer. Upon the receipt of an external signal such as the de-energizing of a conventional "kill switch", the device immediately reduces engine speed to idle by the throttle control and delays the stopping of the engine by the timer until a pre-set time period has passed. Once the time period has elapsed so that the engine is in the proper state to be stopped, the fuel to the engine is cut off by the fuel shutoff control. The device is particularly adapted to the operation of an internal combustion engine used in a center pivot irrigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Marvion E. Reichert, Jr.
    Inventors: Marvion E. Reichert, Jr., William D. Simmerman
  • Patent number: 4505357
    Abstract: A device for electrically controlling the speed of travel of an automotive vehicle, having a desired-value transmitter 2 which can be displaced by a gas pedal and whose output signal can act on a setting member 5 of a throttle valve 7. A pedal contact 14 can be acted on by the gas pedal 1 in such a manner that when the gas pedal 1 is moved out of the idling position, energy can be supplied to a unit which controls the speed of rotation of the engine. In series with the pedal contact 14 there is arranged a safety contact 15 which can be closed by mechanical actuation of the gas pedal 1 out of its idling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG
    Inventors: Manfred Pfalzgraf, Kunibert Graf
  • Patent number: 4491112
    Abstract: A failsafe system for an engine-control servomotor compares a servomotor command signal to a feedback signal from the servomotor. When the magnitude of the difference between the two signals is greater than a predetermined value for a predetermined time, the failsafe system shuts down the servomotor or performs some other engine shut-down procedure. The failsafe system includes a comparator for comparing the two signals, the output of which leads to two other op-amp-type comparators connected in parallel, which work on negative or positive outputs of the first-mentioned comparator, respectively. Each of the later comparators receives a reference voltage input against which to compare the output of the first-mentioned comparator. Their outputs lead parallelly to time-delay circuits which check for a positive output for a predetermined length of time by a well-known capacitor-integration technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kanegae, Masaharu Asano, Seishi Yasuhara, Masao Nakajima