With Starter Patents (Class 477/167)
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Publication number: 20110118078Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor/generator, a starter motor, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and at least one clutch disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, various parameters are controlled to ensure a smooth engine start wherein driveline torque disturbances are minimized. The starter motor is used to crank the engine at the lowest engine speeds when the engine-required torque is the highest. This reduces the amount of torque necessary to be supplied from the motor/generator, and further helps to reduce torque disturbances in the driveline. If the motor/generator is producing torque to propel the vehicle at the time the engine start is requested, a launch clutch or one or more transmission clutches can be controlled to provide slip between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels to further reduce torque disturbances in the driveline.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Marvin Paul Kraska, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Brandon R. Masterson, Daniel Scott Colvin, Francis T. Connolly, Andrew John Silveri
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Publication number: 20110034299Abstract: In one embodiment, a hydraulic pressure control circuit (4) of an automatic transmission includes a mechanical oil pump (MOP) and an electrical oil pump (EOP). The discharge side of the electrical oil pump (EOP) is caused to be in communication with the direct upstream side of a hydraulic pressure servo of a first clutch (C1) via a shunt hydraulic pressure supply passage (430). At the time of idle reduction, a linear solenoid (411) on the upstream side of the first clutch (C1) is caused to enter a forced closure state, thus preventing oil from the electrical oil pump (EOP) from flowing to a manual shift valve (410) side.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuaki Nakamura, Toshimitsu Sato
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Patent number: 7874956Abstract: A hybrid-vehicle engine start controlling apparatus includes an engine, a motor connected to a vehicle driving shaft, a first engaging element provided between the engine and the motor for connecting and disconnecting the engine and the motor and engine start control means. The engine start controlling means is configured to start the engine by increasing a driving torque of the motor and increasing a transmission torque capacity of the first engaging element so as to increase a rotation speed of the engine by the driving torque of the motor in a state in which the engine is stopped and the first engaging element is released. The engine start controlling means includes a first engaging phase for increasing the transmission torque capacity of the first engaging element at a first velocity, and a second engaging phase for changing the transmission torque capacity at a second velocity lower than the first velocity.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuyuki Kouno
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Publication number: 20100331143Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle drive train (1) comprising a combustion engine (2), a turbo charger (22) assigned to the combustion engine, a mechanism for the injection of additional compressed air into an air intake system (8) of the combustion engine (2), a start and shift clutch (60), and a transmission (62). To optimally prepare and execute a start procedure of such an equipped vehicle, additional compressed air is only injected into the air intake system (8) of the combustion engine (2) if, depending upon the actual operating situation of the vehicle, the injection of additional compressed air benefits the safety of the driver, fuel consumption, drive comfort and/or the clutch wear.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Thomas Jager, Christoph Ruchardt, Roland Mair
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Publication number: 20100174465Abstract: Systems and methods for assisted direct start control are provided. An example method of controlling a system including an engine includes operating in a first mode during a first vehicle grade and during automatic re-starting from an engine stopped condition. The first mode includes starting the engine in a driving gear, and adjusting engine torque responsive to launch behavior. The method may further include operating in a second mode during a second vehicle grade and during automatic re-starting from an engine stopped condition. The second mode includes starting the engine in the driving gear, and adjusting one or more of a transmission forward clutch and wheel brakes responsive to launch behavior.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
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Publication number: 20100162723Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided that includes a gearbox operable to selectively couple a relatively high pressure spool shaft to a relatively low pressure spool shaft. In one form the gearbox includes a cone clutch that engages a male member of the cone clutch to a female member of the cone clutch during an engine start of the gas turbine engine. A relatively high pressure of a working fluid can be used to bring the male member and the female member together. A spring can also be used to urge the male member and the female member apart when the working fluid is at a relatively low pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Andrew D. Copeland, Al Cookerly
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Publication number: 20100093491Abstract: A device includes a driving or driven rotating shaft (AM) of axis (XX?), at least one piston (P1) which slides in a cylinder (C1) of axis (X1X1?) separate from the axis (XX?), an oscillating structure (SO) having a protuberance of axis (YY?) and being able to oscillate by a universal joint that prohibits its rotation about the axis (YY?), at least one link rod which transmits the forces between the piston and a point (CS?1, CS?2) on the oscillating structure such that when the piston (P1) moves, the axis (YY?) sweeps a cone of axis (XX?), a crankshaft (V) turning about the axis (XX?), articulated connection (F) between the oscillating structure (SO) and the crankshaft (V), an adjusting device which causes the connection means to pivot, resulting in a variation in the level of compression or cylinder capacity of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: SOCIETE ROBERT, JEAN-CHRISTIANInventor: Jean Christian Robert
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Publication number: 20100048353Abstract: A starting control system that starts an engine by an electric motor, including: a starting device including a plurality of the electric motors for starting the engine; and a starting device controller that controls the starting device to prevent an occurrence of a resonance when starting the engine by the electric motor of the starting device. The starting control system can prevent an occurrence of vibration and noise in a power transmission route from an electric motor to an engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2006Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuji Iwase, Takuma Kakinami, Atsushi Tabata
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Publication number: 20090298646Abstract: A device having an engine, a motor/generator and an accessory system having an accessory that is driven by rotary power. The device can be operated in a first mode in which the engine provides rotary power for driving the accessory and the motor/generator. The device can be operated in a second mode for starting the engine and driving the accessory in which rotary power is output from the motor/starter in a first rotational direction. The device can also be operated in a third mode in which the motor/generator outputs rotary power in a second, opposite rotational direction for driving the accessory while the engine is not operating. A method for operating the device is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventor: Scott Parsons
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Publication number: 20090286652Abstract: A system and method for starting an ICE of a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle having a generator with a rotor rotating at an angular speed and a clutch provided between the ICE and the rotor. The method includes steps of disengaging the clutch so that the rotor and the ICE can operate independently; increasing the angular speed; upon the angular speed reaching a predetermined speed, engaging the clutch; allowing the ICE to crank; and starting the ICE.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Philippe Noel, Ghislain Lambert, Maalainine El Yacoubi, Jean-Marc Cyr, Martin Houle
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Publication number: 20090286651Abstract: The invention is a starting and generating apparatus for an engine, including: a rotator configured to be used as a generator driven by an engine as well as used as a starter motor for starting the engine; a power transmission mechanism configured to connect the engine with the rotator; a starter drive unit configured to supply an electricity to the rotator to drive the rotator as the starter motor when the engine is to be started; a clutch mechanism configured to shut off a power transmission from the engine to the power transmission mechanism when the engine is to be started; and a clutch control unit configured to bring the clutch mechanism into a connected state when a rotational speed of the rotator has reached a given rotational speed at which the engine can be started.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenichiro TANAKA, Tatsuhiko GOI, Kazushige SUGIMOTO, Masahide NAKAMURA, Yasutaka HIROTA, Koji WATANABE
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Publication number: 20090131216Abstract: A vehicle drive unit control system. The vehicle includes a prime mover arranged on a power transmission route from a continuously variable transmission to a wheel, a clutch mechanism arranged on a first route from the prime mover to the wheel, and a shift range or shift position can be shifted selectively between a drive range or drive position where a power can be transmitted through the first route and a non-drive range or non-drive position where a power cannot be transmitted through the first route. The control system includes a vehicle speed control demand judging mechanism judging a vehicle speed control demand in case of shifting the shift range or shift position from the non-drive range or non-drive position to the drive range or drive position; and a prime mover controller controlling torque of the prime mover based on the judged vehicle speed control demand.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2006Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tooru Matsubara, Takashi Ohta, Hideaki Komada, Yukihiko Ideshio, Hiroyuki Shibata
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Publication number: 20090124452Abstract: A method is provided for starting a piston engine of a hybrid drive in an electric travel state. The hybrid drive includes at least the piston engine, an electric motor, a transmission, and a clutch situated between the piston engine and the electric motor. A converter lockup clutch, which is switchable into a slip state, is also provided. A slip is set at the converter lockup clutch, and a speed of the electric motor is then increased. The speed and the torque either do not change or only change in a predefined range at the output side of the converter lockup clutch. The clutch is closed to transmit a torque pulse, so that a first top dead center of the piston of the piston engine may be overcome. A predefined slip is then set at the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Martin FUECHTNER, Dieter KRAXNER, Markus GOEHRING, Marco FLECKNER, Nils SAUVLET
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Patent number: 7527579Abstract: A clutch control device is used to engage and disengage a clutch of a straddle-type vehicle. A method of using the device comprises detecting a predetermined operation, such as positioning a key switch in an ON position, for starting use of the straddle-type vehicle, detecting application of a brake of the straddle-type vehicle, and actuating clutch control means that disconnects the clutch upon detection of application of the brake if the predetermined operation for starting use is detected.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toru Zenno, Atsushi Kamo
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Publication number: 20090098977Abstract: A method is proposed for controlling and/or regulating a starting process in a hybrid drive arrangement of a vehicle, in which at least one control unit (8) is used by means of which a combustion engine (1), at least one electric machine (3), a transmission (4) and a first clutch (2) arranged between the combustion engine (1) and the electric machine (3) and a second clutch (5) arranged between the electric machine (3) and the transmission (4) are controlled so as to carry out a starting process, such that to change from electric starting to at least partially combustion-engine-powered staring the clutch torque that can be transferred is adjusted to the nominal driving torque so that the torque of the electric machine (3), the torque of the combustion engine (1) and/or the clutch torque of the first clutch (2) are matched.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Johannes Kaltenbach
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Publication number: 20090017988Abstract: A method for actuating a starting clutch in the power train of a hybrid vehicle, where during a starting phase of the combustion engine by means of an electric machine the starting clutch operating between them is engaged in a first starting phase by means of a pre-control and in a second starting phase depending on the acceleration of the crankshaft of the combustion engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: LUK LAMELLEN UND KUPPLUNGSBAU BETEILIGUNGS KGInventor: Michael Reuschel
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Publication number: 20080200302Abstract: The invention relates to a method of transmitting power between a shaft (10) of a heat engine (2) and a wheel (6) axle shaft (12) of a hybrid vehicle. The inventive method involves the use of: a power transmission device (1) comprising an electric machine (4) which is connected to (i) the heat engine by means of a clutch (3) and (ii) a wheel (6) axle shaft (12); and a starting system (31) which is mechanically independent of the electric machine (4) and which is connected to the heat engine (2). According to the invention, the heat engine (2) is started by applying a torque to the shaft (10) simultaneously using the starting system (31) and the clutch (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2006Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SAInventors: Gaetan Rocq, Yvan Le Neindre, Cedric Launay
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Patent number: 7399257Abstract: A system for controlling an automatic transmission includes a start clutch, an engagement element arranged in series to the start clutch and engaged during vehicle driving, and an ECU for controlling the start clutch and the engagement element, wherein the ECU is programmed to select, at vehicle start, one of the start clutch and the engagement element in accordance with one of the oil temperature within the transmission and the throttle-valve opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Yoshiaki Katou, Yasushi Yabe
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Patent number: 7387591Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an external control type fan clutch. The method controls the On/Off of an electromagnet-activated valve for an oil feed adjusting hole. The method uses a PID control on the basis of radiator cooling liquid temperature, fan speed, transmission oil temperature, vehicle speed, engine speed, compressor pressure of an air conditioner, and an On/Off signal of the air conditioner. Individual gains of the PID control are determined by a gain matrix containing the optimum fan speed demanded by the engine, the actual metered fan speed, and the engine speed. The PID control is made on the basis of the gains to that a control signal is outputted. The control method can improve mileage, raise the cooling efficiency of an air conditioner and suppress fan noise.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha LimitedInventor: Ken Shiozaki
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Patent number: 7381148Abstract: A system for ensuring the ability to start an internal combustion engine contained within a drive train of a vehicle includes, in addition to an actuation device, a torque transmission device contained in the drive train between the internal combustion engine and driven vehicle wheels, an enabling device that is operable by a person operating the vehicle and by means of which the operability of the starter is enabled for starting the internal combustion engine when the torque transmission between the internal combustion engine and the driven wheels of the vehicle is interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Betelligungs KGInventors: Behzad Nazari, Jens Martin, Matthias Ehrlich, Joachim Hirt, Frank Stengel, Martin Fuss, Alexander Schweizer, Martin Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20080121202Abstract: Engine starting apparatus comprising a one way clutch. A first oil seal is located on the outer side of a second oil seal in the radial direction of a ring gear. Upon starting of an engine, the time that the first oil seal is slid on the ring gear is short, and after the start of the engine, the first oil seal is not slid on the ring gear. The second oil seal is located on the inner side of the first oil seal in the radial direction of the ring gear. Therefore, the second oil seal hardly deteriorates even if slid on a flywheel at high speed after the start of the engine. By locating the first and second oil seals at different positions in the radial direction of the ring gear, it is possible to improve the startability and the lifetime of a starting apparatus. At least one oil seal has a taper shape in order to generate a thrust force which forces the ring gear away from the flywheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2005Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshiaki Asada, Shuichi Ezaki, Makoto Ishikawa, Kazuhito Sakai
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Publication number: 20080115756Abstract: The invention relates to a power transmission mechanism between an engine starting device and an engine. A side surface shape of a lever-shaped engaging and disengaging member (107) in a side facing to a ratchet wheel (120) of a rotation driven portion is formed in a concave shape concaved in a direction away from the wheel (120). The lever-shaped engaging and disengaging member (107) is engaged with and disengaged from a centrifugal clutch mechanism of the engine engaging with and disengaging from the ratchet wheel (120). A first engaging and disengaging lever (141) is engaged with the ratchet wheel (120), a sufficient force to start the engine is accumulated in a force accumulating power spring (131), thereafter the engagement of the first engaging and disengaging member (141) is disconnected by a manual operation, and the ratchet wheel (120) is rapidly rotated by releasing the accumulated force in the force accumulating power spring (131).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicants: Zenoah Co., Starting Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuu Sugishita, Minoru Shibasaki
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Patent number: 7367416Abstract: A drive train is proposed for a motor vehicle which is driven by an internal combustion engine, having a single friction clutch which has an input element and an output element, wherein the input element is to be connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine; a step-by-step variable speed transmission which has an input shaft connected to the output element of the friction clutch; and an electric machine which can be connected via a clutch to an output shaft of the step-by-step variable speed transmission in order to be able to apply traction force to the output shaft when the friction clutch is opened or closed, and which can be connected as a starter generator to the crankshaft in order to start the internal combustion engine or be driven by the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KGInventors: Martin Seufert, Hannes Kiessling, Reinhard Schaarschmidt
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Patent number: 7347803Abstract: A drive apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a motor, a clutch that transmits and cuts off a driving force between the motor and an engine, and a control device that performs an operation control for the motor and the clutch. If there is an engine start request during driving of a wheel by the motor, the control device increases an operating pressure of the clutch to start the transmission of torque from the motor to the engine side, and detects a transmission torque to be transmitted via the clutch. The control device also performs a control that sets an output torque of the motor as equal to a torque that is the sum of the transmission torque and a request torque for wheel driving, which is determined based upon an accelerator opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Yasuo Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7335133Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes an engine; a torque converter connected with the engine; an oil pump driven by the engine; a starting clutch adapted to be engaged by an engagement pressure produced by the oil pump to transmit propelling power of a vehicle at a start time of the vehicle; and a controller. The controller includes an idle stop control section configured to deactivate the engine when the vehicle is in a stopped state and a predetermined condition is satisfied, and configured to restart the engine when the predetermined condition becomes not to be satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Yoshiaki Katou, Isamu Ohtake
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Patent number: 7160225Abstract: A method, a device, and use thereof for operating a motor vehicle having a drive motor and a transmission in the drive train are proposed.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau BeteiligungsInventors: Reinhard Berger, Klaus Kupper, Georg Schneider
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Patent number: 7044888Abstract: A control strategy is provided for controlling engagement of a clutch during vehicle launch. A feed-back input command and a feed-forward input command are utilized and summed to determine a clutch control command. The feed back input command uses a reference slip profile having a low speed portion and a high speed portion. In the low speed portion, the slip is a function of engine speed. In the high speed portion, the slip is a function of transmission output speed or vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale
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Patent number: 7037234Abstract: There is provided a method for automatic operation of a vehicle comprising an engine, a starter motor, an engine clutch, and a plurality of vehicle systems. After detecting that the engine is running, the vehicle systems are checked to ensure an acceptable status for shutting down the engine. A negative torque is applied to the engine to shut it down. Vehicle systems are monitored until they indicate that the engine should be restarted. The engine is restarted, and a successful start of the engine is then confirmed. Similarly, there is provided a method for the cold start of a vehicle as above. The starter motor is powered up with an initial torque and vehicle systems are monitored to determine whether the engine should be started. The engine is started from the torque of the starter motor, and a successful start of the engine is then confirmed.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gurinder Singh Kahlon, James J. Klocinski, Ning Liu, Shawn Harold Swales
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Patent number: 6881172Abstract: A method and an arrangement automatically restarts a drive unit (1) when there is an unintended stalling of the drive unit (1). In the case of stalling, checks are made as to whether the drive unit (1) was already in a steady-state condition directly before the stalling, as to whether the stalling took place because of an operator input, especially at an input unit (5) and as to whether a force-tight connection between the drive unit (1) and a transmission (25 or 80) is present. A restart of the drive unit (1) is automatically initiated when: the drive unit (1) was already in a steady-state condition directly before the stalling; when the stalling took place in a departure from the operator input; and, when the force-tight connection between the transmission (25 or 80) and the drive unit (1) is interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Holger Huelser, Frank Bickendorf, Thorsten Juenemann
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Patent number: 6716138Abstract: A condition for driving an electric oil pump is set. A turbine speed or an input speed of an automatic transmission is measured. A correction amount for a hydraulic pressure is calculated on the basis of the turbine speed obtained by reference to a relation between the turbine speed and hydraulic pressure, and a correction amount for a drive duty ratio of the electric oil pump which is required for generation of the corrected hydraulic pressure is calculated. The procedure is resumed after the procedure has been performed. The condition for driving the electric oil pump is updated on the basis of the correction amount for the drive duty ratio calculated.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tooru Matsubara, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Tadasu Tomohiro, Katsumi Nakatani
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Publication number: 20040055800Abstract: A drive apparatus for a vehicle, the vehicle being comprised of an engine, a motor-generator capable of starting the engine as well as generating power, a battery connected to the motor generator, and a clutch disposed between the motor-generator and a transmission. The drive apparatus is comprised of a damper connected to the rear of the engine, a starter motor connected to the engine, and a control system which effects idle-stop control when a set of conditions is met including oil temperature being within a predetermined range. The motor-generator starts the engine instead of the starter motor only when the engine is being restarted at the end of idle-stop control. Engine rotation flows from the engine first through the damper and then through the motor-generator before flowing to the clutch and then to the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: JATCO LtdInventors: Yoshiaki Katou, Kouichi Iizuka
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Publication number: 20030224902Abstract: There is provided a method for automatic operation of a vehicle comprising an engine, a starter motor, an engine clutch, and a plurality of vehicle systems. After detecting that the engine is running, the vehicle systems are checked to ensure an acceptable status for shutting down the engine. A negative torque is applied to the engine to shut it down. Vehicle systems are monitored until they indicate that the engine should be restarted. The engine is restarted, and a successful start of the engine is then confirmed. Similarly, there is provided a method for the cold start of a vehicle as above. The starter motor is powered up with an initial torque and vehicle systems are monitored to determine whether the engine should be started. The engine is started from the torque of the starter motor, and a successful start of the engine is then confirmed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Gurinder Singh Kahlon, James J. Klocinski, Ning Liu, Shawn Harold Swales
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Patent number: 6592494Abstract: A clutch pedal assembly is provided including a support bracket for pivotally mounting a clutch arm and an actuator arm. The clutch arm includes a clutch pedal for enabling actuation by a vehicle operator and the actuator arm is attached to a linkage for manipulating a master cylinder of a hydraulically actuated clutch release system. The clutch arm and actuator arm are interconnected via a pair of drag links, whereby operator actuation of the clutch arm results in corresponding actuation of the actuator arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: John C St. Pierre, Robert L Brown, Michael J Drews, Michael X Schafer, Brian L Wagoner
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Publication number: 20030064859Abstract: A clutch pedal assembly is provided including a support bracket for pivotally mounting a clutch arm and an actuator arm. The clutch arm includes a clutch pedal for enabling actuation by a vehicle operator and the actuator arm is attached to a linkage for manipulating a master cylinder of a hydraulically actuated clutch release system. The clutch arm and actuator arm are interconnected via a pair of drag links, whereby operator actuation of the clutch arm results in corresponding actuation of the actuator arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2001Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventors: John C. St. Pierre, Robert L. Brown, Michael J. Drews, Michael X. Schafer, Brian L. Wagoner
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Patent number: 6504259Abstract: An engine automatic start stop control apparatus controls an engine of a vehicle to be automatically stopped or started in response to driving conditions of a vehicle. Particularly, the apparatus is applied to the vehicle that performs idle stop control for reduction of discharge gas. Herein, the apparatus controls the engine to restart based upon determination for restarting the engine under an engine stop mode. Namely, the apparatus controls the engine to restart if a driver depresses a clutch pedal or if a driver does not depress a brake pedal during an engine stall in which engine speed becomes zero. Thus, it is possible to restart the engine by prescribed operations even if the driver mistakenly recognizes that the engine is stopped by automatic stop control although the engine actually stalls due to an error operation of the driver so that the engine speed becomes zero.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigetaka Kuroda, Takashi Kiyomiya, Atsushi Matsubara, Shinichi Kitajima
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Patent number: 6502027Abstract: When a starter clutch slips, a wheel driving force is calculated based on a transmitting torque of the clutch obtained from not an engine torque but the clutch pressure (engagement force) of the starter clutch (S21-12), whereby a road gradient is calculated using the driving force so calculated and an acceleration of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Saotome, Shuichi Fujimoto
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Patent number: 6371889Abstract: The engine automatic start stop control apparatus that controls an engine to be automatically stopped or started in response to driving conditions of a vehicle, comprises: a clutch detector for detecting depression of a clutch pedal; an accelerator detector for detecting depression of an accelerator pedal; an automatic stop detector for detecting an automatic stop of the engine; a stop history checker for checking a history of stopping of the vehicle when the automatic stop detector detects the stop of the vehicle; and an automatic start device for terminating the automatic stop of the engine and starting the engine when the automatic stop detector detects the automatic stop, when the clutch detector detects the depression of the clutch pedal, when the stop history checker finds no stop history, and when the accelerator detector detects depression of the accelerator pedal.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigetaka Kuroda, Atsushi Matsubara, Shinichi Kitajima, Kazutomo Sawamura, Atsushi Izumiura, Takashi Iwamoto
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Patent number: 6244402Abstract: A power shift transmission (3) for motor vehicles in which instead of a hydrodynamic torque converter a controlled or regulated multiple disc clutch serves to assist starting. The loading of clutch is minimized by a fitted catch which prevents the motor vehicle from rolling in the opposite direction to the direction of travel intended by the gear selection. Catch can take the form of a mechanical catch, as sprag unit, or the form of an electronically adjusted catch which acts on one and/or more transmission brakes and/or clutches and/or into the service brake of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Hans-Jörg Domian, Ralf Dreibholz, Walter Kuhn
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Patent number: 5966984Abstract: A starting assembly for an automotive vehicle is connected to the clutch pedal thereof. The pivoting of the clutch pedal (in a clockwise direction in FIG. 1) pulls a clutch connector. The clutch connector pivots a clutch lever (in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1) which, in turn, actuates a translator. The translator transforms and translates the pivoting movement of the clutch lever into a linear movement of a starter pinion gear to engage the starter ring gear. The hyper-pivoting of the clutch pedal forces the closure of a contact switch which provides power for an electric motor (not shown) to rotate the starter pinion gear and, therefore, start the internal combustion engine of the automotive vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Thomas S. Moore, William W. Doolittle, III
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Patent number: 5951440Abstract: An engine controller provides for automatic starting of an internal combustion engine and engagement of a clutch to bring a driven load into motion. Automatic stopping and clutch disengagement is also provided. The engine controller is equipped with an operator interface which can be used by an operator to issue instructions to the controller. This operator interface can be implemented as a local keyboard display or as a remote communications link. The operator interface is also able to communicate changes in engine operating parameters so that starting performance can be improved and the engine can easily be adapted to different conditions and applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Gary Reichlinger
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Patent number: 5888166Abstract: A method and an apparatus control a car equipped with an automatic transmission having a lockup clutch. When the lockup clutch is in the lockup state, a variation of a generated torque is detected. When the range of the torque variation detected exceeds a predetermined value, an engine torque is reduced by controlling the engine, and the automatic transmission is controlled to compensate for a reduction of the driving torque due to a reduction of the engine torque. Thus, the speed change ratio is changed to the low gear side.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshimichi Minowa, Yutaka Nishimura, Ken'ichi Kawashima, Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Masahiko Ibamoto