Engine Controlled By Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/181)
  • Patent number: 11946429
    Abstract: An engine includes a single cylinder, at least one sensor, a fuel injector, and a controller. The at least one sensor is configured to generate sensor data for an engine condition. The controller is configured to perform a comparison of the engine condition to a threshold and in response to the comparison, generate a first command to deactivate the fuel injector after a first predetermined time period and a second command to reactivate the fuel injector after a second predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventors: Martin Radue, Brian Hartwig
  • Patent number: 11913399
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a fuel mass to be injected into an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine including an intake tract, at least one cylinder, and an exhaust tract. In the method, an air mass introduced into the internal combustion engine is ascertained and a fuel mass to be injected into the internal combustion engine is determined. An air-fuel ratio in the exhaust tract of the internal combustion engine is determined which is adjusted in time. Based on the time-adjusted air-fuel ratio and the calculated fuel mass to be injected, a first wall film fuel mass is calculated and the fuel mass to be injected is adjusted based on the first wall film fuel mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Alexandre Wagner, Benedikt Alt
  • Patent number: 11820388
    Abstract: An information processing device to be mounted on a vehicle includes a processor. The processor is configured to determine, in response to a request for the vehicle, one mode out of a plurality of modes defining behavior of the vehicle that is related to usage and operation of the vehicle, make transition of a status of the vehicle among a plurality of statuses that is based on a state and a sub-mode, and control the vehicle based on the status of the vehicle that has been achieved by the transition. The state and the sub-mode are permitted in the determined mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Noritake Mitsutani
  • Patent number: 11808348
    Abstract: A system and method for operating the same includes a drive sprocket assembly, a clutch lever, a user interface generating a reverse signal at a user interface, a wheel speed sensor generating a wheel speed signal, a transmission position sensor generating a transmission position signal and a vehicle control module receiving the reverse signal, the wheel speed signal and the transmission position signal. The vehicle control module engages a reverse gear at a drive sprocket in response to the reverse signal, the wheel speed and transmission gear position and controls the drive sprocket assembly in response to the clutch lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
    Inventors: Corey A. Simonetta, Dustin D. Keller, Andrew J. Ellsworth
  • Patent number: 11628818
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes an automatic transmission with a torque converter clutch is described. In one example, the method includes predicting a time that the torque converter clutch will open so that stopping rotation of the engine may be requested before the torque converter clutch is opened. The stopping rotation of the engine is requested to conserve fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Christopher John Teslak, Stuart N. Ford, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Judhajit Roy, Chenliu Stephen Lu, Girish Gokul Chennupalli
  • Patent number: 11608791
    Abstract: A CPU of a control device is configured to perform a specific cylinder fuel cutoff process of causing an internal combustion engine to operate such that supply of fuel to some cylinders out of a plurality of cylinders is stopped and supply of fuel to the other cylinders is maintained and a fastening force decreasing process of decreasing a fastening force of a lockup clutch of a torque converter. The CPU is configured to start the specific cylinder fuel cutoff process in a state in which the fastening force has been decreased through the fastening force decreasing process when the specific cylinder fuel cutoff process is performed in a state in which the internal combustion engine operates with a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuki Nose, Yuto Ikeda, Takanobu Gotoh
  • Patent number: 11519353
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine. In one example, a method comprises stopping an engine via a soft-stop method in response to a likelihood of condensate forming being less than or equal to a threshold likelihood. The method further comprises stopping the engine via an exhaust gas evacuation method in response to the likelihood of condensate forming being greater than the threshold likelihood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Hesketh, Aaron John Oakley
  • Patent number: 11268614
    Abstract: A working vehicle includes a traveling clutch to be switched between an engaging state and a disengaging state, a brake to brake the traveling device according to an operation of a brake operator, and a controller to perform a braking control to perform the braking, and an auto-switching controller to switch the traveling clutch from the engaging state to the disengaging state. The controller performs a first processing to switch the traveling clutch from the engaging state to the disengaging state when the brake operator is operated in a case where the auto-switching control is valid and a vehicle speed is less than a threshold, and a second processing to prevent the traveling clutch from being switched from the engaging state to the disengaging state even when the brake operator is operated in a case where the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Kuroshita, Tetsuo Yamaguchi, Michita Kono, Hitoshi Azuma, Shinji Ohara
  • Patent number: 11215132
    Abstract: A first pressure upstream of a throttle is received. A temperature upstream of the throttle is received. A throttle position is received. A second pressure at a convergent end of a convergent nozzle positioned downstream of the throttle is received. An air flow is estimated based on the received first pressure, the received temperature, the received throttle position, and the received second pressure, wherein estimating the air flow includes determining one or more models to use for calculating air flow based on the throttle position, the models including a throttle flow model, a convergent nozzle flow model, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Yi Han
  • Patent number: 11174809
    Abstract: The method includes the following features. A first pressure upstream of a throttle is received. A temperature upstream of the throttle is received. A second pressure within an intake manifold is received. An engine speed is received. An air flow is estimated based on the received first pressure, the received temperature, the received second pressure, and the received engine speed. Estimating the air flow includes determining one or more models to use for calculating air flow based on the received first pressure and the received second pressure. The models include a throttle flow model, a port flow model, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Han, David O. Richards, Jason Barta, Michael Ryan Buehner, Gregory James Hampson
  • Patent number: 11059470
    Abstract: An in-vehicle controller includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry stops injection of fuel under a preset fuel cutoff condition including a lockup clutch being in an engagement state. A request for raising heating performance of a heater core is a heater actuation request, and an amount of particulate matter deposited on a filter is a deposition amount. The processing circuitry controls the lockup clutch in a disengagement state when a heater actuation request is generated and the deposition amount is less than a preset deposition amount threshold. The processing circuitry controls the lockup clutch in the engagement state when the heater actuation request is generated and the deposition amount is greater than or equal to the preset deposition amount threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Isao Takagi
  • Patent number: 11060262
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for a working machine, the drive system including: a gearbox; an internal combustion engine having an engine output shaft; a power takeoff coupled to the engine output shaft; a torque converter having an input shaft operatively coupled to the engine and an output shaft operatively coupled to the gearbox; a hydraulic cooling fan; a hydraulic fan pump coupled to the power takeoff and connected to the hydraulic fan via a first hydraulic valve. The drive system further includes: a hydraulic motor coupled to the gearbox and configured to provide power to the gearbox for vehicle propulsion, wherein the hydraulic motor is coupled to the hydraulic fan pump via a second hydraulic valve and arranged to receive power from the hydraulic fan pump. The invention further relates a method for controlling the described drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Bo Vigholm, Karl Uebel
  • Patent number: 10960890
    Abstract: An idling stop control device includes an authenticator, a storage, a getting-off detector, and an engine restart permitter. The authenticator is installed in a vehicle, performs authentication via a wireless communication with a mobile device, and repeatedly performs, while the vehicle travels, an authentication operation at predetermined intervals. The storage stores result and time of authentication as the authentication history during travel. The engine restart permitter determines permission or prohibition of restart of the engine in accordance with the authentication history and getting-off information, permits restart of the engine when the authentication is successful and permits, in a case where the authentication fails, restart of the engine when a history of success of authentication has been stored in the storage during travel and the getting-off is not detected after the authentication has been successful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yosuke Ohtomo
  • Patent number: 10801554
    Abstract: A multiplate friction clutch includes: a pressure plate having a boss portion which penetrates a clutch center; a clutch lifter plate joined to the boss portion and receiving a drive force in a axial direction at a time of disconnection between a friction plate and a clutch plate; and a spring sandwiched between the clutch lifter plate and the clutch center, and capable of generating an elastic force in a direction that the friction plate and the clutch plate are pressed to each other. A position restricting portion is provided on the clutch lifter plate, the position restricting portion being brought into contact with the boss portion from an outside in a radial direction of the clutch lifter plate so as to restrict a position of the clutch lifter plate with respect to the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Ito, Akira Takahashi, Kinya Mizuno
  • Patent number: 10781764
    Abstract: A target torque control device and a target torque control method capable of maintaining a temperature within an allowable temperature even when a lock-up clutch is engaged are provided. In a target torque control device (ECU) for setting a target torque of a prime mover (E) that outputs a torque to a multi-stage transmission (3) including a torque converter (2) and a lock-up clutch (2a), when the lock-up clutch (2a) is in an engaged state (STEP 1), a target torque reduction control for reducing a target torque of the prime mover (E) (STEP 3) is executed so that an output torque of the prime mover (E) becomes an output torque at which a heat generation temperature of the lock-up clutch (2a) does not exceed an allowable temperature during the up-shift transmission (STEP 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumio Egashira
  • Patent number: 10507832
    Abstract: In a drive control device, a controller automatically stops an engine if an execution condition of an idling stop is satisfied, and an electric oil pump is driven during an automatic stop of the engine. A first friction engaging element establishes a starting gear position and a second friction engaging element is released when a vehicle starts. A second solenoid drains oil to be supplied to the second friction engaging element according to an indicator current. A drain degree becomes smaller by reducing the indicator current. The controller reduces the indicator current below a minimum value during the automatic stop of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kawamoto, Ruofeng Liu, Hideshi Wakayama
  • Patent number: 10392006
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electrical machine for driving the hybrid vehicle is provided, where the internal combustion engine is supplied with fuel from a fuel tank, a fuel filling level of the fuel tank being determined using a fuel filling level sensor, wherein the electrical machine is supplied with electrical energy from an energy store, and the vehicle is configured to be driven in a purely electric mode, with the internal combustion engine switched off, using the electrical machine. In certain embodiments, the method includes establishing that the fuel filling level sensor indicates that a lower filling level has been reached or undershot, and, in response to this establishing, switching off the internal combustion engine and driving the vehicle in the purely electric mode, with the internal combustion engine switched off, using the electrical machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Johannes Schwarz
  • Patent number: 10258421
    Abstract: A surgical instrument arrangement has a modular motor drive unit which has a drive arrangement having at least one output element, an instrument shaft that can be detachably connected to the drive unit, and a drive arrangement having at least one input drive element. The output drive arrangement and the input drive arrangement can be coupled to each other by a mechanical interface that has at least one single-sided linkage, a pin, and a cut-out, wherein the pin can be radially expanded in the cut-out. Alternatively, a gap may be formed between the pin and the cut-out, which gap is wavy in the radial direction, and in which a radially displaceable, axially fixed intermediate element arrangement is arranged. The surgical instrument arrangement may also include a sterile barrier, which is provided to envelop the drive unit and to be arranged between the drive unit and the instrument shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: KUKA Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Lohmeier, Wolfgang Schober, Sven Brudniok
  • Patent number: 10072752
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission of an electric vehicle includes: applying a driving force to an actuator of a synchronizer by a controller such that the synchronizer is disengaged from a current gear stage, when a power-on shifting instruction to shift from the current gear stage to a desired gear stage is given; engaging a servo-clutch by the controller such that torque is transmitted from an input shaft to an output shaft through a servo-gear unit, after the applying of a driving force; and disengaging the synchronizer from the current gear stage using a driving force of the actuator, when torque of the current gear stage is switched to the servo-gear unit, after the engaging of the servo-clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jong Yun Park
  • Patent number: 9950705
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, a clutch, and a controller. The clutch is configured to couple the engine and transmission during engine starts. The controller is programmed to alter an engine start torque apply schedule for the clutch such that the actual engine start time is less than the upper threshold time for a next engine start event. The controller may be further programmed to, in response to the actual engine start time being less than a lower threshold time for the engine start event, alter the engine start torque apply schedule for the clutch such the actual engine start time is greater than the lower threshold time for a next engine start event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Xiaoyong Wang, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • Patent number: 9821796
    Abstract: When reproduction of a filter is required, and a filter temperature is within a first temperature range, an ECU executes a control process including the steps of executing a successive motoring control, determining an intermittent motoring period, an intermittent stopping period, and an intermittence number when the filter temperature is within a second temperature range, and executing an intermittent motoring control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Inoue, Tsukasa Abe, Tomoaki Honda, Keita Fukui, Hidekazu Nawata, Taichi Ohsawa, Yuta Niwa
  • Patent number: 9644733
    Abstract: A method of determining at least one drag torque acting on the input side of an automatic transmission, such that prior to the determination a separator clutch located between the transmission and an engine is disengaged. To be able to carry out the determination regardless of the type of transmission concerned, also prior to the determination, the transmission is shifted to neutral and subsequently the drag torque is calculated when the engine is deactivated. For this, a first gradient of a transmission input rotational speed is determined, before an engine rotational speed of the engine falls below the transmission input rotational speed, and a second gradient of the transmission input rotational speed is determined, after the engine rotational speed falls below the transmission input rotational speed. The method is stored as a computer program stored on data carrier of a drive-train control unit of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Marcus Gansohr, Benjamin Berger, Florian Schneider
  • Patent number: 9573579
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transitioning a torque source between speed control and torque control modes during a vehicle creep mode are disclosed. In one example, torque of an electric machine is adjusted in response to a torque converter model. The torque converter model provides for a locked or unlocked torque converter clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Francis Thomas Connolly, Wei Liang, Bernard D. Nefcy, Xiaoyong Wang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Ming Lang Kuang, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 9531671
    Abstract: A computer or microchip including a master controlling microprocessor and firmware, network communication components, one or more microprocessors and RAM, and an internal hardware firewall located between a protected portion that is protected by the internal hardware firewall and a network portion. The internal hardware firewall denies access to at least the protected portion of the computer or microchip from the network. The firewall permits unrestricted access by the network to the network portion so that processing operations conducted with the network are executed by microprocessors and RAM in the network portion. The master controlling microprocessor and at least a part or all of the firmware are located in the protected portion of the computer or microchip. The master controlling microprocessor has preemptive control of the microprocessors and RAM in the network portion including erasure of the random access memory (RAM) prior to the use of the network portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 9476372
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a desired throttle area module, a correction factor module, a throttle control module, and an airflow compensation diagnostic module. The desired throttle area module determines a desired throttle area based on a driver input. The correction factor module determines a throttle area correction factor based on a difference between an estimated intake airflow and a measured intake airflow to compensate for a decrease in the measured intake airflow due to a flow restriction. The throttle control module determines a desired throttle position based on the desired throttle area and the throttle area correction factor. The airflow compensation diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in an amount of intake airflow compensation based on the throttle area correction factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James L. Worthing, Paul A. Bauerle
  • Patent number: 9393948
    Abstract: An object is to provide a vehicle start-up control, mechanism capable of preventing the occurrence of clutch judder with no need of paying excessive attention thereto for a driver. For this purpose, the present invention is provided with a clutch judder detection device (1) for detecting the occurrence of clutch judder, a clutch state detection, device (3) for detecting a partially engaged clutch state, and a control unit, (10), wherein the control unit (10) has a function, for storing an accelerator opening (position) in the partially engaged clutch state in a case where the clutch judder has occurred during start-up and a function, for comparing an accelerator opening during next start-up with an accelerator opening in case where the clutch judder has occurred during previous start-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: UD TRUCKS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kunihiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 9381911
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle with a hybrid powertrain with an engine and a motor/generator includes monitoring net axle torque on the drive axle, monitoring vehicle deceleration rate, monitoring vehicle speed, and controlling the motor/generator to stop rotation of the engine crankshaft when the vehicle speed is non-zero and below a predetermined vehicle speed auto-stop enable threshold if torque percentage braking torque is greater than a predetermined percentage braking torque and the vehicle deceleration rate is greater than a predetermined threshold vehicle deceleration rate. A hybrid vehicle has a controller with a processor that executes a stored algorithm to carry out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Paul S. Lombardo, Jeffrey R. Aldrich
  • Patent number: 9316274
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a powertrain in a motor vehicle, the powertrain having an internal combustion engine and components for coupling the internal combustion engine to the drive wheels of the motor vehicle in a controllable manner. The internal combustion engine is decoupled from the drive wheels if specified operating conditions are present while the motor vehicle is traveling in order to allow the vehicle to coast. Further, a rotational engine speed is set to a specified target idle speed. The target idle speed is specified in a variable manner depending on the situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Doubek
  • Patent number: 9283851
    Abstract: A low temperature drive control device is used for a motor mounted automotive vehicle in which the rotation of a motor is transmitted to a wheel and a common oil is used for cooling the motor and also for lubricating gears. The motor mounted automotive vehicle includes a command torque calculator for calculating a command torque to be applied to the motor in dependence on an acceleration input, a motor drive controller for controlling an electric current value to be supplied to the motor in dependence on the command torque calculated by the command torque calculator an oil temperature detector for detecting the oil temperature, and a motor torque changer for changing the command torque in dependence on the oil temperature detected by the oil temperature detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Kanda
  • Patent number: 9221451
    Abstract: The vehicle described herein employs an electronic control unit (“ECU”) and/or accessory control module configured to improve actual fuel, economy. The ECU and/or the accessory control module monitors vehicle operating conditions and reduces load from an accessory when the vehicle achieves predetermined operating conditions. The ECU and/or the accessory control module is also configured to engage a fuel cut and a torque converter lock up condition. The lock up condition causes the wheels to drive the motor to avoid engine stall. At a predetermined low level, the ECU and/or the accessory control module can re-engage the accessory and fuel supply and disengage the lock up condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel S. Ahn
  • Patent number: 9150210
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively opening a drivetrain of a vehicle is described. In one example, an electrically operated clutch is opened during selected driving conditions to conserve kinetic energy of the vehicle. The method may reduce fuel consumption during selected conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Edward Pedlar, Urs Christen, Rainer Busch, Chris Connelly, Ingo Lenz, Harry Cho
  • Patent number: 9073550
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive-train which comprises a drive aggregate, a transmission and a starting clutch connected between the drive aggregate and the transmission such that during rolling and coasting, in a thrust operation, the drive-train is operated in such manner that a target value for the position of the clutch is determined as a function of a transmission input speed. The target value for the position of the clutch is compared with a corresponding actual value and, on the basis of the deviation between the target and actual values, a control parameter is generated for adjusting the clutch. The target value for the position of the clutch, during rolling and coasting, is determined in such manner that for a defined value of the transmission input speed, a target value is determined for the position of the clutch when rolling which is different from that determined when coasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Norbert Wiencek
  • Patent number: 9061675
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and a transmission assembly having a stationary member, gear sets, an input member connected to one of the plurality of gear sets, a binary clutch assembly, and a transmission control module (TCM). The binary clutch assembly includes a freewheeling element which holds torque only in a first rotational direction and a binary device that, when engaged, prevents rotation of the binary clutch assembly in a second rotational direction, and that allows the binary clutch assembly to freewheel in the second rotational direction when released. The TCM executes a method via instructions to determine a total amount of clutch energy of the binary clutch assembly, compare the determined total amount of clutch energy to a calibrated clutch energy threshold, and delay an execution of the requested shift when the determined total amount of clutch energy exceeds the calibrated clutch energy threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Randall B. Dlugoss
  • Patent number: 9002600
    Abstract: An example method of operation comprises, selectively shutting down engine operation responsive to operating conditions and without receiving an engine shutdown request from the operator, maintaining the automatic transmission in gear during the shutdown, and during an engine restart from the shutdown condition, and with the transmission in gear, transmitting reduced torque to the transmission. For example, slippage of a forward clutch of the transmission may be used to enable the transmission to remain in gear, yet reduce torque transmitted to the vehicle wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Peter John Grutter, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Felix Nedorezov
  • Publication number: 20150045185
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a driveline disconnect clutch is based on temperature conditions of a catalyst. The driveline disconnect clutch may not be opened if catalyst temperature is greater than a threshold temperature so that the catalyst may be cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O`Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8930098
    Abstract: A clutch control device of a hybrid vehicle includes a battery, a generator, a motor, a motor shaft connected with a driving shaft of the vehicle by using electricity from the generator or the battery, an engine which drives the generator and the vehicle, a clutch, and a control unit. The control unit changes an engaged state of the clutch between the motor shaft and an engine shaft of the engine to a released state and changes an engine driving state of the hybrid vehicle, in which the hybrid vehicle is driven by the engine, to a motor driving state of the hybrid vehicle in which the hybrid vehicle is driven by the motor, when a vehicle velocity of the hybrid vehicle is the change vehicle velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukihiro Nissato
  • Patent number: 8911324
    Abstract: A powertrain comprising an engine, a motor, a disconnect clutch connected between the engine and the motor, and a transmission. The transmission is connected to the motor by a launch clutch and selectively and indirectly connected to the engine by the disconnect clutch. A controller receives an engine torque output signal and limits the torque output of the engine to the clutch capacity limit value. A system and a method are also provided for controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Francis Thomas Connolly, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • Patent number: 8897976
    Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission output speed (TOS) sensor providing a signal indicative of an output speed of the transmission. A controller estimates an actual torque output of the transmission and determines, in real time, a first TOS acceleration based on the signal provided by the transmission output speed sensor and a second TOS acceleration based on the actual torque estimation. The first and second accelerations are compared and a torque transient trigger is activated when the divergence exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Lister, Christopher Rhoades, Michael Beyer, Michael Barngrover
  • Patent number: 8897980
    Abstract: A method of estimating transmission torque of a dry clutch, may include a) slowly releasing a dry clutch until a slip of the dry clutch occurs, b) acquiring and storing stroke of an actuator and torque of an engine at a starting time point at which the slip of the dry clutch occurs at step a), and c) determining the stroke of the actuator and the transmission torque of the dry clutch at the starting time point at which the slip of the dry clutch occurs, by using the stroke of the actuator and the torque of the engine stored at step b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Young Min Yoon, Seung Sam Baek, Sung Hyun Cho, Ho Young Lee, Joung Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20140315687
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control device includes an accumulator configured to accumulate oil supplied by a mechanical pump and discharge the accumulated oil to a control system; a first oil path connected to a hydraulic path (clutch oil path) at an upstream side than an SLC linear solenoid; a second oil path connected to the hydraulic path (clutch oil path) at a downstream side of a manual valve; a connection control unit (switching valve, accumulation control valve) configured to control the connection between the accumulator and the hydraulic path to communicate the accumulator to either one of the first oil path and the second oil path; and a back pressure control oil path configured to supply the oil supplied by the mechanical pump to the back pressure side of the accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuro Morino, Shuji Moriyama, Yoshio Ito
  • Publication number: 20140309080
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine exhaust after treatment device is cooled at an opportunistic time. The approach may provide improved cooling for exhaust after treatment devices and it may also improve vehicle emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Patent number: 8852057
    Abstract: Problems to be solved: Providing a structure for connection and separation between an engine and a main unit, adapted to release coupling by separating a centrifugal clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kaaz Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20140256510
    Abstract: A method for controlling a clutch driveably connected to an engine and vehicle wheels includes stopping fuel supply to an engine cylinder, provided a misfire occurs in the cylinder, producing slip across the clutch, resuming fuel supply to the engine cylinder, provided engine speed and engine load remain below reference limits, and adjusting a state of the clutch without reference to engine misfiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris P. Glugla, Robert S. Baskins
  • Patent number: 8818653
    Abstract: A system and method of dithering speed and/or torque for shifting a transmission of a vehicle having an engine, a reversible, variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump which can be driven by the engine, a hydraulic accumulator supplied by said motor/pump, and at least one reversible hydraulic driving motor for propelling the vehicle supplied with fluid by the hydraulic accumulator and/or by said motor/pump operating as a pump. A transmission unit connects the engine with the variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump during a first mode of operation (city mode) and connects the engine to a vehicle drive wheel during a second mode of operation. The system utilizes stored hydraulic energy to dither the output of the driving motor in order to achieve quick and smooth shifts between city and highway mode, or between various ranges within the city mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Yisheng Zhang, John Loeffler
  • Publication number: 20140235407
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus comprising a clutch housing, an input member connected to an engine and mounted thereon, driving-side clutch discs, a clutch member connected to an output member, driven-side clutch discs arranged between the driving-side clutch discs, a pressure member for press-contacting the driving-side clutch discs and the driven-side clutch discs together and for releasing the press-contacting force on them, and a starter, such as a kick-starter, able to apply a rotational force to the output member to start the engine, the power transmitting apparatus adapted to transmit or cut off driving power of the engine inputted to the input member to or from the output member. The power transmitting apparatus can comprise a press-contact assisting cam of an inverse-driving side for increasing the press-contacting force on the driving-side clutch discs and the driven-side clutch discs when rotational force is applied to the output member by the kick starter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Masayuki Nonaka, Go Ando, Hideki Nagasaka, Hideyuki Oishi
  • Patent number: 8788160
    Abstract: A control system for a transmission engages at least three clutches to create braking within the transmission to slow a machine during a shuttle shifting operation. The control system may apply the clutches so as to allocate wear between the clutches equally or unequally, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Lorentz, Mathew Guldan, Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8777808
    Abstract: A working vehicle control apparatus includes: a selection device that selects a power mode or an economy mode; a determination device that determines whether or not a speed restriction condition and a load pressure have been established; an engine rotational speed restriction device that restricts a maximum rotational speed of the motor upon selection of the economy mode to a lower speed side than a maximum rotational speed of the motor upon selection of the power mode when it is determined that the speed restriction condition has been established; and a vehicle speed restriction device that restricts a maximum vehicle speed upon selection of the economy mode to a lower speed side than a maximum vehicle speed upon selection of the power mode when it is determined that a speed restriction condition has not been established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Hiroki Nakazono, Hirofumi Oouchi, Atsushi Shimazu
  • Patent number: 8781666
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: an engine; an electric motor connected to the engine via a gear; and a controller configured to perform control that includes at least one of increasing a rotational speed of the engine to a value that is equal to or higher than a given value and changing an output torque of the electric motor to a value that is out of a given range including zero, provided that a target output torque of the electric motor is within the given range including zero and a target rotational speed of the engine is lower than the given value, during deceleration accompanied by motoring of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Kamijo
  • Publication number: 20140121060
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine exhaust after treatment device is cooled at an opportunistic time. The approach may provide improved cooling for exhaust after treatment devices and it may also improve vehicle emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Patent number: 8712613
    Abstract: A control device controlling a hybrid vehicle drive apparatus that includes an internal combustion engine, a rotary electric machine drivingly connected to a wheel and a clutch selectively drivingly connecting the internal combustion engine with the rotary electric machine. The control device performs control such that, when a start request of the internal combustion engine is issued in the state in which the clutch is released and combustion of the internal combustion engine is stopped, a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine is raised to a rotational speed of the rotary electric machine by transmitting driving torque of the rotary electric machine to the internal combustion engine by increasing a torque transfer capacity of the clutch, and, after the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine is synchronized with the rotational speed of the rotary electric machine, the combustion of the internal combustion engine is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yoshida, Yomei Hakumura, Saoto Tsuchiya, Hiroaki Kioka