Engine Controlled By Transmission Patents (Class 477/107)
  • Patent number: 8868271
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a motor control system and method for a vehicle with a transmission comprising for improving the quality of shifting, by improving precision in shifting control with precise and active motor torque control by calculating a maximum and a minimum motor torque in response to determining a power-on up-shift for increasing a shifting gear and a power-off down-shift for decreasing the shifting gear in shifting of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 8862248
    Abstract: A control apparatus capable of improving the control accuracy and stability when controlling a controlled object with a predetermined restraint condition between a plurality of model parameters, or a controlled object having a lag characteristic, using a control target model of a discrete-time system. The control apparatus has an ECU which arranges a control target model including two model parameters such that terms not multiplied by the model parameters and terms multiplied by the same are on different sides of the model, respectively. Assuming the different sides represent a combined signal value and an estimated combined signal value, respectively, the ECU calculates onboard identified values of the model parameters such that an identification error between the signal values is minimized, and calculates an air-fuel ratio correction coefficient using the identified values and a control algorithm derived from the control target model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Yasui
  • Patent number: 8855875
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a prime mover adapted to drive at least one ground engaging element of a working machine. The method includes receiving an operator control input indicative of the control of the prime mover and determining at least one operation signal in response to the operator control input, which operation signal is sent for controlling the prime mover. The method also includes receiving a operating state input indicative of an operating state of the machine and selecting a control mode from at least one speed control mode in which the determined operational signal comprises a desired speed of the prime mover and at least one torque control mode in which the determined operational signal comprises a desired torque of the prime mover in response to the operating state input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bobbie Frank, Reno Filla
  • Patent number: 8845489
    Abstract: A powerplant (8) is provided with a drive shaft (4) and at least one engine (1) having an outlet shaft (2) that is necessarily set into rotation during starting of the engine (1), the drive shaft (4) being suitable for setting a mechanical system (7) into motion. The powerplant (8) includes a link member (3) having a clutch (15) and a declutchable freewheel (25) for mechanically linking the outlet shaft (2) to the drive shaft (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventor: Michel Vialle
  • Patent number: 8849527
    Abstract: A machine may include a continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively coupled to a power source. A virtual gear ratio may be selected from a plurality of virtual gear ratios associated with the CVT. A power source speed may be locked between a minimum power source limit and a maximum power source limit that are associated with the selected virtual gear ratio. If the virtual gear ratio is changed, a controller including one or more control maps may compare the power source speed as locked to the minimum power source limit and the maximum power source limit as they relate to the newly selected virtual gear ratio. If power source speed is outside the minimum or maximum power source limits, the method may limit the power source speed. In some embodiments, the minimum and/or maximum power source limits may vary with respect to the plurality of virtual gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Davis, Adam Nackers, Steven Ott
  • Patent number: 8836268
    Abstract: A pulse signal output unit sends three-phase pulse signals according to movement of the movable member. A counter unit adds a first predetermined value or a second predetermined value to a count value or subtracts the first predetermined value or the second predetermined value from the count value, according to a combination of the pulse signals appearing when all the pulse signals are normal and a combination of the pulse signals appearing when one of the pulse signals malfunctions. A position detection unit detects the position of the movable member according to the count value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20140248995
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system and method of operation are presented. As one example, cylinder deactivation and transitioning from four to two strokes is coordinated with transmission shifting to improve vehicle response. Additionally, it is possible to reduce transitions in operating modes to improve drive feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, John Ottavio Michelini
  • Patent number: 8801568
    Abstract: Controlling a hybrid vehicle includes: reducing a rotation speed of a motor generator before a locking apparatus that locks the motor generator is switched from a disengaged condition to an engaged condition; starting to switch the locking apparatus to the engaged condition when the rotation speed decreases to a predetermined operation permission rotation speed; controlling the locking apparatus such that from the start of the switch to the engaged condition onward, the rotation speed decreases from the operation permission rotation speed to an engagement rotation speed with the motor generator in the engaged condition; and controlling the locking apparatus such that a decrease rate of the rotation speed when switching from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition in a low torque operation mode is higher than the decrease rate of the rotation speed when switching from the disengaged condition to the engaged condition in a high torque operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Hori, Hiroatsu Endo, Isao Sato, Hiroki Kuwamoto, Akihiro Sato, Ryo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8801571
    Abstract: A machine powertrain includes an engine operably connected to a torque converter and a transmission. A switch associated with the torque converter provides a locking signal indicative of a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter. A throttle sensor associated with the throttle provides a throttle signal. An electronic controller receives the locking signal and the throttle signal, and controls operation of the engine at least partially based on the throttle signal and the locking signal. The electronic controller determines whether a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter is present based on the locking signal, determines whether a part throttle operating condition or a full throttle operating condition is present based on the throttle signal, and selects a load-control power curve when the part throttle operating condition is present and when the torque converter switches from the unlocked to the locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sairam Velamakanni, Aaron Ho, Catrina Swan, Warren Pepper, Douglas Carlson
  • Patent number: 8805604
    Abstract: In a method for adjusting a steering system in a vehicle, a setpoint trajectory is produced to which a tolerance corridor is assigned, a basic steering torque for guiding the vehicle within the tolerance corridor being generated. In the event that the vehicle leaves the tolerance corridor, a steering guidance torque which acts upon the vehicle in the direction of the tolerance corridor is superimposed on the basic steering torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Buerkle, Michael Weilkes, Tobias Rentschler
  • Patent number: 8794194
    Abstract: An ECU includes: an electronically controlled valve opening degree control unit for increasing the opening degree of an electronically controlled valve, as a temperature of a coolant detected by a water temperature detecting unit is higher; and a gear ratio control unit for changing the gear ratio of an automatic transmission to a gear ratio to be used when a vehicle runs at a slow speed, when the temperature of the coolant detected by the water temperature detecting unit is equal to or higher than a temperature when the electronically controlled valve opening degree control unit sets the opening degree of the electronically controlled valve to be a maximum opening degree, and when an engine speed detected by an engine speed detecting unit is slower than a preset engine speed and a load to an engine detected by a load detecting unit is larger than a preset load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Shinya Takiguchi
  • Patent number: 8788166
    Abstract: A downshift control method during a coasting drive condition includes computing changes in output torque and input speed from initial output torque and initial input speed; reducing offgoing element pressure, provided a change in input speed exceeds a reference input speed change; using closed loop control based on output torque and a change in measured output torque to adjust oncoming element pressure such that output torque remains between predetermined maximum and minimum torques; and fully engaging the oncoming element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev
  • Patent number: 8777803
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a constraint module that generates a plurality of constraints. An output torque module generates a commanded output torque based on a torque request and the plurality of constraints. A split torque module determines a first torque and a second torque to be applied to a transmission of the vehicle based on the plurality of constraints and the commanded output torque. A first one of the plurality of constraints corresponding to a first clutch is adjusted from a first range of values to a second range of values that is different from the first range of values in response to a command to offload the first clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Sean W. McGrogan, Anthony H. Heap, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Pinaki Gupta
  • Patent number: 8771144
    Abstract: A control system and a method for controlling an automatic transmission that determines the disengagement of an off-going clutch and the engagement of an on-coming clutch by monitoring the corresponding hydraulic clutch pressures, and/or the calculated gear ratios with or without the assistance of off-pressure timer controls, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mike Dickinson, Aaron Dorn
  • Patent number: 8764607
    Abstract: A start-stop system includes a fuel type module that determines a fuel type of a fuel supplied to an engine. A threshold module determines a first threshold based on the fuel type. A temperature module estimates a temperature of a catalyst of an exhaust system of the engine. A comparison module compares the temperature to the first threshold and generates a comparison signal. A power module adjusts power to a heating circuit based on the comparison signal. The heating circuit is configured to increase temperature of the catalyst. The power module adjusts the power to the heating circuit to increase the temperature of the catalyst when the engine is shutdown. An engine control module shuts down and restarts the engine to reduce idling time of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso
  • Patent number: 8727943
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system and method of operation are presented. As one example, cylinder deactivation and transitioning from four to two strokes is coordinated with transmission shifting to improve vehicle response. Additionally, it is possible to reduce transitions in operating modes to improve drive feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, John Ottavio Michelini
  • Patent number: 8708082
    Abstract: A control system for a transmission of a vehicle including an engine includes a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) module and an accumulator module. The DFCO module initiates a DECO period of engine operation. The accumulator module increases a working pressure of a transmission accumulator in response to a start of the DFCO period. A method for controlling a transmission of a vehicle including an engine includes initiating a DECO period of engine operation, and increasing a working pressure of a transmission accumulator in response to a start of the DFCO period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Richard A. Weaver
  • Patent number: 8696516
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicular drive system having (i) an engine, (ii) an electrically controlled differential portion operative to control an operating state of an electric motor connected to a rotary element of a differential mechanism for power-transmissive state for thereby controlling a differential state between a rotation speed of an input shaft connected to the engine, and a rotation speed of an output shaft, and (iii) a shifting portion forming a part of a power-transmitting mechanism between the electrically controlled differential portion and drive wheels, the control device including high-speed rotation preventing means for preventing high-speed rotations of each rotary elements of both the differential mechanism and the shifting portion, when a drop occurs or drop occurrence is predicted, in a supplied hydraulic pressure applied to a hydraulically operated frictional engaging device of the shifting portion, to a level less than a given value, wherein the high-speed rotation preventing means red
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shibata, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku, Hidenori Kato
  • Patent number: 8696517
    Abstract: A control system for use with an engine and a transmission in a vehicle is provided that includes at least one controller having a processor with at least one stored algorithm that determines different crankshaft torque capacities associated with different respective torque actuators including a relatively slow torque actuator, such as an airflow actuator, and at least one relatively fast torque actuator, such as a spark actuator or a fuel actuator. The algorithm determines a torque actuation range over which to modify engine torque during an oncoming shift of the transmission. The torque actuation range may be based at least partially on a target gear of the upshift, desired shift duration, and a vehicle operating condition indicative of an operator intent regarding shift duration. Requests for torque modification by use of the torque actuators are then made to provide the torque actuation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Mark A. Schang, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Andrew W. Baur, Ning Jin
  • Publication number: 20140100081
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a throttle plate to adjust airflow to the engine are provided. A transmission having an input speed and an output speed and including a clutch and a driver-selectable transmission lever is controlled to adjust engine speed to a synchronous speed in a future gear ratio in response to driver foot pedal positions and driver-selectable transmission lever positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8690730
    Abstract: A method is provided for improving shift quality in an automatic transmission. In many automatic transmissions, the shift quality during lift foot upshifts is unsatisfying. Generally, two types of complaints concerning shift quality are known: harsh feel right after the shift order and bump at the synchronization of the shift. In order to provide an automatic transmission which overcomes these two problems, a first and a second positive torque requests are initiated on upshift coasts. This measure improves the global shift feel by controlling the engine toque level at shift order and at synchronization: the engine torque level at the beginning of the gear shift is smoothly decreased to reduce the initial bump and is controlled at the synchronization to reduce the amplitude of underlap when the clutch capacity is rising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David W. Wright, Philippe Ramet, Morgan Postic
  • Publication number: 20140057756
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for restarting an engine that can be selectively deactivated during idle-stop conditions. In one embodiment, the engine is restarted with torque reduction over an interval of the restart, for example, by upshifting the transmission. In response to a vehicle launch request, the torque reduction is decreased, for example, by downshifting the transmission, to expedite return of driveline torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Alex O'Connor Gibson
  • Patent number: 8655562
    Abstract: A method for setting a vehicle in motion: The vehicle includes a combustion engine for generating driving force for transmission to at least one powered wheel via a clutch and a gearbox. The driving force is selectively transmitted from the engine to the powered wheels by closure of the clutch. Gear changes by the gearbox are at least partly controlled by a control system. With the clutch closed and upon demand for the vehicle to be set in motion with the clutch closed, the control system activates the vehicle's starter motor with gear engaged, and uses the starter motor to accelerate the combustion engine to an initial speed which represents a speed at which the combustion engine will start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Scania CB AB
    Inventors: Peter Juhlin-Dannfelt, Richard Boström, Peter Asplund, Johan Kingstedt
  • Patent number: 8652006
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a multi-mode transmission having a plurality of torque machines. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes identifying all presently applied clutches including commanded applied clutches and the stuck-closed clutch upon detecting one of the torque-transfer clutches is in a stuck-closed condition. A closed-loop control system is employed to control operation of the multi-mode transmission accounting for all the presently applied clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: R. Anthony Hansen
  • Patent number: 8639418
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a power system. The method includes receiving an operator request for a propulsion direction change. The method also includes directing power into a power source and reducing a supply of fuel to the power source while directing power into the power source. The method further includes basing a first threshold speed on a speed of the power source produced by directing power into the power source and increasing the supply of fuel to the power source when the speed of the power source falls below the first threshold speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Paul Bertsch, Bruce Henry Hein, Jeremy Joe Wilson, Timothy Allen Goldammer
  • Patent number: 8628452
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an output torque of an automated transmission coupled to an internal combustion engine and having a transmission controller. The internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas turbocharger and an injection air device for injecting air into an intake line. The method receives a torque requirement by the transmission controller, generates an injection air signal by the transmission controller based on the torque requirement and current operating parameters of the internal combustion engine and the automated transmission, and controls the output torque by activating the injection air device based on the injection air signal for injecting air into the intake line of the internal combustion engine for a duration to be determined. A corresponding device is provided for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Huba Nemeth, Mathias Mayr, Manuel Marx, Michael Herges
  • Patent number: 8630778
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a required throttle position and operating a throttle in the required throttle position to attain a required engine speed for fuel cut acquisition is disclosed. A lock-up clutch may be engaged without a shock if a required engine speed is achieved that corresponds to a current transmission speed. Fuel economy may be increased by cutting fuel to the engine when a lock-up clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chris Hopp
  • Patent number: 8630775
    Abstract: When an automatic transmission is in a manual mode, a transmission ECU calculates a speed sftrng manually requested by the driver and a speed sftrngmap set by a shift map and then performs a shift prohibition procedure. In this procedure, if the engine coolant temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined coolant temperature or the AT fluid temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined fluid temperature, a prohibition, determination flag xthlow is set to “on”, and if the engine coolant temperature is higher than the predetermined coolant temperature and the AT fluid temperature is higher than the predetermined fluid temperature, the prohibition determination flag xthlow is set to “off”. When the prohibitions determination flag xthlow is “on”, the speed sftrngmap is set as the upper limit of the speed sftrng.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ichiro Kitaori, Seiji Kuwahara, Hiroyuki Sawada, Kazuyuki Shiiba, Toshihiro Fukumasu
  • Patent number: 8617028
    Abstract: A system is provided for managing torque in a vehicle driveline coupled to an internal combustion engine and to a hybrid motor/generator. An engine control circuit provides to a transmission control circuit an engine torque value corresponding to torque applied by the engine to the driveline. A hybrid control circuit provides to the transmission control circuit a motor torque value corresponding to torque applied by the hybrid motor/generator to the driveline. The transmission control circuit controls operation of at least one friction device and controls shifting of the transmission, and also manages torque applied to the drive line by the engine and by the hybrid motor/generator based on the engine torque value and the motor torque value such that the friction device control and shift schedule instructions do not require modification to accommodate inclusion of the hybrid motor/generator in the system or exclusion of the hybrid motor/generator from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kresse, Jeffrey Runde
  • Patent number: 8620544
    Abstract: A transmission includes a plurality of clutches that are selectively engageable alone or in combination with each other to establish a plurality of forward drive modes, wherein one of the clutches is configured as a neutral idle (NI) clutch that is selectively actuated to shift the transmission into an NI state, and a controller. The controller is adapted to shift the transmission from a forward drive mode into the NI state during a coast-down maneuver prior to the transmission reaching a zero output speed. A method of shifting the transmission into the NI state includes determining the presence of a predetermined one of the forward drive modes using the controller, and using the controller to actuate a designated one of the clutches as an NI clutch to enter the NI state during the forward drive mode, during a coast-down maneuver, and prior to the transmission reaching a zero output speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Sindu Sebastian, David W. Wright
  • Patent number: 8616169
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the stopping and starting of a heat engine (2) of a vehicle. The invention is of the type in which (i) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine stop request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the stopping of the engine (2), in order for the engine (2) to be stopped or (ii) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine start request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the starting of the engine (2), in order for the engine to be started. The invention is characterized in that the vehicle operating conditions that oppose the stopping of the engine (2) comprise slow congested traffic conditions constituting specific identification criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobile SA
    Inventors: Guillaume Levasseur, Jean-Emmanuel Guy, Arnaud Celisse, Herve Klein
  • Patent number: 8602941
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a throttle plate to adjust airflow to the engine are provided. A transmission having an input speed and an output speed and including a clutch and a driver-selectable transmission lever is controlled to adjust engine speed to a synchronous speed in a future gear ratio in response to driver foot pedal positions and driver-selectable transmission lever positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8579760
    Abstract: An engine start-up control device for a vehicle is provided with a structure which prevents the occurrence of an uncomfortable shock arising from amplified engine load torque fluctuation caused by resonance, when an output of a first motor generator starting up an engine by driving the same is limited. With a second motor generator having reactive torque restricting the rotation of a transfer member, the first motor generator rotatably drives a sun gear to crank the engine for start-up thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Keita Imai, Yuji Iwase, Takuma Kakinami
  • Patent number: 8579761
    Abstract: A gearshift control method for a motor vehicle whose drive train comprises a turbo-charged combustion engine, a startup clutch and a shift clutch and an automatic stepped transmission, in which drive engine torque deficiencies, that occur during the build-up of load at the end of a tractive upshift, are avoided without assisting the engine with an additional device or increasing the charge pressure. The method provides that the engine accelerates at the earliest, after the disengagement of the load gear, and at the latest, at the start of the load build-up after the engagement of the target gear up to the boost threshold speed or an engine speed which is slightly above the boost threshold speed, and is loaded, during the load build-up, with a largely constant engine speed beyond the intake torque of the engine to nearly the full load torque, before slipping of the friction clutch ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Florian Schneider, Roland Mair
  • Patent number: 8577579
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a forward vehicle sensor transmitting a forward vehicle message based on a range to a forward vehicle. An adaptive cruise controller receives the forward vehicle message from the forward vehicle sensor. The adaptive cruise controller transmits a cruise controller message based on the range to the forward vehicle. A braking system controller receives the cruise controller message and transmits an engine control message based on the cruise controller message. An engine controller receives the engine control message and controls a torque and/or speed of an engine as a function of the engine control message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Grolle
  • Patent number: 8571773
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gear selection method and device for an automatic transmission for a traction phase (Z2) after a coasting phase (S) of a motor vehicle. According to the method, in a traction phase (Z1) before the coasting phase (S), a sliding average value of the rotational speed level (n) and/or of the traction force level (Fx) is formed depending on the particular velocity (v) and particular gradient (ST) and is taken into consideration for defining at least one gear choice of the automatic transmission for the traction phase (Z2) after the particular coasting phase (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Roth
  • Patent number: 8565986
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining the operation of an automated transmission (16), particularly a dual dutch transmission, for a motor vehicle, in case of a failure of an engine speed sensor (50) or a bus connection (44) between a first control module (42) controlling an engine (28) being connectable to the transmission (16) through at least one separation clutch (12, 149), and a second control module (34) controlling regulating units (12, 14) for connecting the engine (28) to the transmission (16) or to one or more driving wheels (34) in a force-transmitting manner, wherein gear-shift relevant data, particularly a number of revolutions (no) of the engine, is exchanged between the control modules (34, 42) over the bus connection (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG, GETRAG Transmission Corporation
    Inventors: Josef Glatthaar, Tobias Kalisch, Oliver Ottinger, Bruce Palansky
  • Publication number: 20130260962
    Abstract: A method of controlling a power source associated with a machine includes determining a difference between an underspeed setpoint associated with a peak power source torque and a first power source speed. The method also includes determining a torque distribution associated with the power source and at least one parasitic load receiving power from the power source. The torque distribution is based on the difference and respective torque priority values associated with the power source and the at least one parasitic load. The method further includes providing torque from the power source to the at least one parasitic load based on the torque distribution and modifying at least one of the respective torque priority values. Modifying at least one of the torque priority values reduces a difference between the underspeed set point and a second power source speed different than the first power source speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Wei Li
  • Patent number: 8523739
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system and method of operation are presented. As one example, cylinder deactivation and transitioning from four to two strokes is coordinated with transmission shifting to improve vehicle response. Additionally, it is possible to reduce transitions in operating modes to improve drive feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, John Ottavio Michelini
  • Patent number: 8527170
    Abstract: A method of operating a double clutch that is actuated by a hydrostatic actuating system having two clutch actuators assigned to two individual clutches and each clutch actuator including a pressure sensor for sensing the operating pressure of the respective clutch actuator, the method having the step of limiting a total actuating force of the double clutch in the event of a fault using the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Juergen Gerhart
  • Patent number: 8517893
    Abstract: A multi-mode internal combustion engine is described. As one example, the engine may be transitioned between a two stroke mode and a four stroke mode in coordination with a transmission shift by adjusting a number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle while shifting the transmission between different gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, David Karl Bidner
  • Patent number: 8521379
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle in a freewheel mode or a rolling mode, in which the vehicle has a drive train comprising a controllable drive engine, an automatic or automated transmission, and a controllable shifter for interrupting a flow of power in the drive train. To enable fuel-efficient and low-emission, as well as safe and comfortable driving, it is intended that the freewheel mode or the rolling mode is prognostically activated, deactivated or retained by performing a plausibility check of a currently active, automatic driving speed control function or a driving speed and a distance control function and/or other current driving operation or driving state data. The method includes coordinating and adapting relevant marginal conditions of the active driving speed control function or the driving speed and the distance control function, and of the freewheel mode or the rolling mode, according to the driving situation, and initiating control measures by a transmission control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Maik Wurthner, Johannes Kemler, Joachim Staudinger, Ingo Sauter
  • Patent number: 8500602
    Abstract: A method of operating a transmission positioned between a drive aggregate and an axle drive, a transmission input shaft is connected, via a clutch, with the drive aggregate, and a transmission output shaft is connected with the axle drive and power can be diverted from the transmission to drive a power take-off. The PTO is activated by an engine intervention, shifting the transmission to neutral and disengaging the clutch. Thereafter, the clutch is partially engaged at either a position dependent or distance dependent clutch speed while monitoring the input rotational speed and drive aggregate rotational speed. When the input rotational speed approximately equals the drive aggregate rotational speed and the idle rotation speed of the drive aggregate, the clutch is no longer being engaged at the position dependent or distance dependent clutch speed, but is fully engaged at a maximum clutch speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Joachim Staudinger, Peter Herter, Wolfgang Groener
  • Patent number: 8500599
    Abstract: A machine powertrain includes an engine operably connected to a torque converter and a transmission. A switch associated with the torque converter provides a locking signal indicative of a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter. A throttle sensor associated with the throttle provides a throttle signal. An electronic controller receives the locking signal and the throttle signal, and controls operation of the engine at least partially based on the throttle signal and the locking signal. The electronic controller determines whether a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter is present based on the locking signal, determines whether a part throttle operating condition or a full throttle operating condition is present based on the throttle signal, and selects a derated power curve when the part throttle operating condition is present and when the torque converter switches from the unlocked to the locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ho, Catrina Swan, Warren Pepper, Douglas Carlson, Sairam Velamakanni
  • Patent number: 8504264
    Abstract: A target gear ratio calculation unit calculates a target gear ratio TGR of a transmission. A setting unit sets a target gear TG according to target gear ratio TGR. A multi-speed transmission control unit controls the transmission according to target gear TG. A target driving force calculation unit calculates target driving force TF of a vehicle. A correction unit corrects target driving force TF according to a gear ratio of the transmission. A conversion unit converts target driving force TF into target engine torque TTE. An engine control unit controls an engine according to target engine torque TTE. Modules used for the engine control unit, the target driving force calculation unit, the conversion unit, and the target gear ratio calculation unit are used in common in a case where the transmission is a multi-speed transmission and in a case where the transmission is a continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Kuwahara, Toshiya Oishi
  • Patent number: 8498795
    Abstract: A method and cruise control system for controlling a vehicle cruise control includes driving the vehicle with the cruise control active and set to maintain a vehicle set target speed, and registering a current vehicle condition, which includes at least a current vehicle position, a currently engaged gear ratio, available gear ratios, current vehicle speed, available maximum propulsion torque and road topography of coming travelling road comprising a next coming uphill slope. Based on the current vehicle condition a downshift is predicted at a coming vehicle position in the coming uphill slope due to vehicle speed decrease and at least one activity is selected which results in that the downshift can be postponed or avoided. The cruise control is controlled according to the selected activity in order to postpone or avoid, for example a downshift from a direct gear and thereby saves fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Johan Bjernetun
  • Patent number: 8489292
    Abstract: A downshift allowable vehicle speed is variably set according to a torque converter slippage amount. Specifically, a downshift allowable vehicle speed is variably set by, using a reference downshift allowable vehicle speed when the torque converter slippage amount is 0 and a gear ratio of the automatic transmission after a downshift, calculating an allowable vehicle speed correction amount based on the present torque converter slippage amount and the gear ratio after the downshift, and setting a value obtained by subtracting the allowable vehicle speed correction amount from the reference downshift allowable vehicle speed as the downshift allowable vehicle speed. By such setting, it is possible to set a higher downshift allowable vehicle speed as the torque converter slippage amount becomes smaller, so it is possible to expand a downshift allowable region when the manual gearshift mode is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushika Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Matsunaga, Kei Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20130178328
    Abstract: A fuel saving system for a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine and having a hydraulically activated automatic transmission. The system includes a hydraulic pump able to supply pressurized transmission fluid to the automatic transmission, an energy storage device, and at least one motor powered by the energy storage device including a motor that is mechanically connected to the hydraulic pump and a motor that is coupled to the engine. The system also includes a controller that is responsive to one or more operating conditions to turn off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and to use the motor that is mechanically connected to the hydraulic pump so as to activate the pump to supply sufficient power to the transmission to maintain engagement of the transmission in a driving gear. The controller is also responsive to one or more operating conditions to activate the motor that is coupled to the engine so as to restart the engine with the transmission engaged in a driving gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: DEVELOPPEMENT EFFENCO INC.
    Inventor: Développement Effenco Inc.
  • Patent number: 8473151
    Abstract: Excursion prevention methods and systems may include transmitting a speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor to the electronic control unit; transmitting a transmission signal from the transmission sensor to the electronic control unit; transmitting an accelerator pedal signal from the accelerator sensor to the electronic control unit; transmitting a brake pedal signal from the brake sensor to the electronic control unit; executing a machine readable control logic with the electronic control unit to determine if an excursion condition is present based on the speed of the vehicle, the status of the transmission, the application of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle, and the application of the brake pedal of the vehicle; and, transmitting an alert signal from the electronic control unit when the excursion condition is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Danil V Prokhorov
  • Patent number: 8473172
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assisted direct start control are provided. An example method varies engine torque, forward clutch engagement pressure, and wheel brake pressure during a vehicle launch responsive to longitudinal vehicle grade to improve launch performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Roger Lyle Huffmaster