Engine Controlled By Clutch Control Patents (Class 477/181)
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Publication number: 20030087726Abstract: A control system and calibration method are provided for a vehicle drive line having an automated master friction clutch. The control system utilizes engine torque data supplied by a serial communication data link to identify a clutch control parameter value corresponding to an urge-to-move position of the clutch. The clutch control parameter value identified by the calibration method is stored and utilized by the control system to control the engagement position of the automated clutch in an “urge to move” mode of operation. The inventive calibration method can be utilized across multiple vehicle platforms having different engine, clutch and transmission system components.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: William Joseph Mack, Donald Speranza, Anthony Stasik, Kwok Wah Chan, Jeffrey Philip Hawarden, Robert Stanley Wheeler, Timothy Peter Kelly
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Patent number: 6553303Abstract: A correction coefficient setting unit calculates as a difference in an actual revolution speed the difference between the actual revolution speed of a front driving axle and the actual revolution speed of a rear driving axle. Moreover, the correction coefficient setting unit calculates the ideal reference revolution speed of the front driving axle and the ideal reference revolution speed of the rear driving axle in consideration of a difference in a radius of gyration between the driving axles. The correction coefficient setting unit also calculates as a difference in a reference revolution speed the difference between the ideal reference revolution speed of the front driving axle and the ideal reference revolution speed of the rear driving axle.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Matsuno
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Patent number: 6540643Abstract: A control apparatus for a synchromesh automatic transmission (3) for automatically changing over a plurality of speed gear stages from one to another in an internal combustion engine (1), which apparatus is capable of suppressing occurrence of rapid deceleration of the engine, engine blowup or like problems even when the accelerator pedal is manipulated during a period in which the throttle valve is being closed. The control apparatus includes an electromagnetic clutch (2), an accelerator pedal position sensor (13), an engine rotation speed sensor (15), and a control unit (4) arranged such that upon decision of start of upshift operation, a closing speed of an electronically controlled throttle valve (11) is arithmetically determined by the control unit (4) on the basis of a data map prepared in advance with opening degree of the throttle valve (11) being controlled in response to a command value issued by the control unit (4).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Kenki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshio Ohtsuka
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Patent number: 6536296Abstract: An apparatus and a method of controlling a vehicle is provided for correcting a lowered value of the torque of an output shaft in the gear shifting and suppressing a revolution speed of an input shaft on the basis of the lowered torque correction. The torque of the input shaft is adjusted at the termination of the gear shifting on the basis of the lowered torque correction.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Toshimichi Minowa, Takashi Okada, Mitsuo Kayano, Tatsuya Ochi
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Patent number: 6502474Abstract: A control apparatus and method of a vehicle is provided for correcting a lowered value of the output shaft torque in the gear shifting and suppressing a input shaft speed on the basis of the lowered torque correction. The input shaft torque is adjusted at the termination of the gear shifting on the basis of the lowered torque correction.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Toshimichi Minowa, Takashi Okada, Mitsuo Kayano, Tatsuya Ochi
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Patent number: 6488609Abstract: A motor control apparatus for a motor combined with an engine for a vehicle includes clutch switches operated in response to pressing movement of a clutch pedal. A first clutch switch is OFF when the clutch is in a fully engaged state wherein the clutch pedal is not pressed down, and switches to ON when the clutch is in a partially engaged state as the clutch pedal is pressed down. A second clutch switch is OFF when the clutch is in a fully released state wherein the clutch pedal is fully pressed down, and switches to ON when the clutch is in a partially engaged state after partial return of the clutch pedal from the fully pressed down position. A motor controller responds to the clutch switches to stop driving and power generation of the motor when the first clutch switch switches to ON from OFF.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Kazuhiko Morimoto, Yoshiaki Omata
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Patent number: 6471620Abstract: In a control method for an automatic transmission, it is first determined if the automatic transmission is in a fourth speed and the vehicle is being driven in a power off state, then a damper clutch operation slip control signal is output when the vehicle is in a power off state. Next, an engine fuel cut-in rpm reduction signal is output to engine control unit when a damper clutch is operated by the damper clutch operation slip control signal. A lower engine fuel cut-in signal is transmitted from the engine control unit according to the output engine fuel cut-in rpm reduction signal. Then, it is determined if engine output is undergoing continuous reduction, and a duty ratio is controlled using a learned value during 4-3 shifting when engine output is being reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hee-Yong Lee
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Publication number: 20020151410Abstract: A method/system for controlling an automated mechanical transmission system (10) utilized on a vehicle and having a manually operated master friction clutch operator (48). To protect from driveline damage due to dynamic clutch “popping,” upon sensing dynamic vehicle conditions (OS>REFVSPEED) and clutch (16) not engaged, transmission (14) engaged and THL>REFTHL, a controller (28) causes engine speed (ES) to be limited to a target value (EST) substantially equal to input shaft speed (IS).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Applicant: Eaton Corporation, Eaton CenterInventors: Mark D. Boardman, Karen L. Marx
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Patent number: 6443872Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an automatic clutch from overheating, capable of holding down the generation of heat in the clutch even when the condition in which a traveling load at a vehicle starting time exceeds a predetermined level continues for a predetermined period of time. The automatic clutch is provided in a transmission path extending between an internal combustion engine and a transmission adapted to change a speed represented by an output from the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masami Nakashima
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Patent number: 6434467Abstract: A method is described for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle. In particular, the method attempts to minimize transmission gear separation, or “clunk”. Under some circumstances, it is determined whether torque converter output speed has become greater than torque converter input speed while the torque converter was unlocked. Such a situation represents a change from positive powertrain output to negative powertrain output. If such a situation has occurred, under certain circumstances, the torque converter is then locked.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian Michael O'Neil, Bradley Dean Riedle
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Publication number: 20020107106Abstract: An improved vehicle driving control device controls a vehicle without giving vehicle occupants a feeling of abnormality during acceleration and deceleration and optimally controls the operating torque of the engine. A vehicle driving control procedure sets the target operation torque of the vehicle and determines a target engine torque and a target engine speed from the target operation torque. Engine control is performed according to the target parameters. To compute each target parameter of the engine, the target output torque of a torque converter is first computed from the target operation torque, to determine the condition of a lockup clutch. Furthermore, each target parameter is computed in accordance with a control law set in accordance with the condition of the lockup clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2002Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: Yoshifumi Kato, Tsutomu Tashiro
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Publication number: 20020077215Abstract: Method for reclosure of the clutch during a change of gear, wherein the clutch is closed in order to adjust the angular speed of the drive shaft to match the angular speed of the primary shaft of the gearbox; the power supply to the engine is stopped, so as not to generate useful torque, the clutch is quickly disposed in a predetermined position, such as to transmit constant torque, which is substantially equal to the drive torque supplied by the engine immediately before the change of gear, and the clutch is kept in the predetermined position, until synchronisation of the drive shaft and the primary shaft takes place.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Applicant: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.P.A.Inventors: Gabriele Serra, Alessandro Palma
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Publication number: 20020045516Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an automatic clutch from overheating, capable of holding down the generation of heat in the clutch even when the condition in which a traveling load at a vehicle starting time exceeds a predetermined level continues for a predetermined period of time. The automatic clutch is provided in a transmission path extending between an internal combustion engine and a transmission adapted to change a speed represented by an output from the internal combustion engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventor: Masami Nakashima
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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: 6371888Abstract: A gear changing operation of a synchronous mesh type automatic transmission is automated through positional control on a shift select actuator unit. To this end, a throttle opening control condition at a fully released position of an accelerator pedal is monitored. A throttle actuator opens and closes the throttle valve in an air intake pipe of an engine. A throttle opening sensor senses an opening degree of the throttle valve. A control unit determines an abnormal throttle opening condition when the opening degree of the throttle valve sensed by the throttle opening sensor is not less than a predetermined value under the condition that the shift lever position is in a drive range and that the accelerator sensor senses a fully-released position of the accelerator pedal, so that it controls the power transmitting clutch or the transmission into a power interrupting state or a neutral state for safety driving.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinji Watanabe
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Patent number: 6352491Abstract: A fuel supply amount control apparatus for an internal combustion engine uses an idling control amount QISC obtained by reducing an idling control amount Qa by an idling control amount correction value KQISC, when determining the amount of fuel injected for the lean combustion when the vehicle is running. Therefore, during the lean combustion with the D range is selected, there is substantially no difference between the road load amount of fuel injected during the idling state and the road load amount of fuel injected during a low-speed running of the vehicle. Hence, an increase in the amount of fuel injection during the low-speed running of the vehicle based on the lean combustion achieved upon a fuel increase request does not result in an excessively great output torque of the engine, so that the low-speed running of the vehicle becomes stable and good drivability can be maintained.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Zenichiro Mashiki, Isao Takagi, Hirofumi Kubota, Hiroya Tanaka, Shinichi Mitani
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Publication number: 20020020396Abstract: A fuel injection controller for a diesel engine to be mounted on an engine-operated vehicle, having a control unit which conducts computation to determine a total amount of fresh intake air per an engine cylinder through the computation of the sum of a residue amount of fresh air that remains in the computed amount of exhaust gas entering the engine cylinder and the computed amount of intake air, to obtain an amount of fuel injection under the total amount of fresh intake air, which defines a smoke generation limit as a basic limitative smoke generating fuel injection amount, to store the basic limitative smoke generating fuel injection amount as a stored basic limitative smoke generating fuel injection amount upon judging whether or not the engine comes into either accelerating or decelerating operation, to compare the stored basic limitative amount of fuel injection and the basic amount of fuel injection computed during the accelerating or decelerating operation to thereby determine a larger or smaller oneType: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventor: Hiroki Sakamoto
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Publication number: 20020006848Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a lock-up clutch disposed in a drive system of an automotive vehicle which includes a lean-burn engine provided with a turbocharger. The apparatus is arranged to place the lock-up clutch in a fully engaged state and/or a slip control state while a running condition of the automotive vehicle is in a predetermined engaging area or slip control area of the lock-up clutch. The apparatus includes an engaging-area changing device operable to change the engaging area of the lock-up clutch, on the basis of a turbocharging pressure established by the turbocharger, and/or slip-control-area changing means for changing the slip control area, on the basis of the turbocharging pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Atsushi Tabata
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Publication number: 20020006851Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle having a first clutch mounted between an engine and a gear drive transmission, and dog clutch type torque transmission means disposed between an input shaft and an output shaft of the gear drive transmission, and wherein the first clutch is controlled at starting the vehicle or at gear shifting, comprising the steps of controlling a transmission torque of the first clutch based on a difference between the engine speed/revolution speed of the input shaft at starting the vehicle so as to control a quantity of increase in a transmission torque of the first clutch in accordance with the value of the difference; and controlling the engine torque based on the transmission torque of the first clutch so as to increase the engine torque according to an increase in the transmission torque of the first clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventors: Tetsuo Matsumura, Hiroshi Sakamoto, Mitsuo Kayano, Tatsuya Ochi
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Publication number: 20010051558Abstract: A control apparatus for a synchromesh type automatic transmission (3) for automatically changing over a plurality of speed gear stages from one to another in an internal combustion engine (1), which apparatus is capable of suppressing occurrence of raid deceleration of the engine, engine blowup event or the like problem even when the accelerator pedal is manipulated during a period in which the throttle valve is being closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2000Publication date: December 13, 2001Inventor: Toshio Ohtsuka
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Patent number: 6325744Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for controlling a clutch which is arranged between the motor of a vehicle generating a motor torque and the wheels of the vehicle. With this clutch, and in response to a drive signal, the force flow between the motor of the vehicle and the wheels can at least be reduced. The essence of the invention is that the drive signal of the clutch is formed in dependence upon a signal which represents a change of the motor torque of a specific extent. The invention is also directed to a system for controlling the motor of a vehicle with an adjusting element for influencing the motor torque which can be adjusted at least in dependence upon the detected command torque. When a specific extent of a change of motor torque is present, the execution of the command to adjust the motor torque is delayed.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Martin Streib
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Publication number: 20010036882Abstract: A method for controlling the drive mechanism of a utility vehicle having a power take-off shaft, where the drive mechanism including an engine, a transmission, a power take-off shaft clutch and a controller, operates the drive mechanism in a careful and economical manner. The method of controlling the engine includes the step of issuing an instruction for engaging the power take-off shaft clutch at a low rotational speed of the engine so that the power take-off shaft clutch is engaged in a controlled manner. If the rotational speed of the engine is above a threshold, the rotational speed is automatically reduced before the engaging the power take-off shaft clutch. After fully engaging the power take-off shaft clutch, the rotational speed of the engine is automatically increased until reaching of the rotational speed of the engine required for the nominal rotational speed of the power take-off shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventor: Oliver Hrazdera
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Patent number: 6259986Abstract: A method is presented for controlling powertrain torque by minimizing the error between the actual powertrain torque (as read by the torque sensor) and the desired powertrain torque (as requested by the vehicle driver). Since torque sensors are known to drift under certain conditions, such as high ambient temperature, the output of the torque sensor is adjusted by an offset value. This offset value is determined by reading the torque sensor output when the speed ratio (engine speed/turbine speed) is substantially unity, and the net torque at the torque converter is substantially zero. This adjusted output is then filtered to avoid abrupt fluctuations in the powertrain torque, and used to improve powertrain control so that better drive feel and increased fuel economy can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Allan Joseph Kotwicki
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Publication number: 20010003720Abstract: In a control method for an automatic transmission, it is first determined if the automatic transmission is in a fourth speed and the vehicle is being driven in a power off state, then a damper clutch operation slip control signal is output when the vehicle is in a power off state. Next, an engine fuel cut-in rpm reduction signal is output to engine control unit when a damper clutch is operated by the damper clutch operation slip control signal. A lower engine fuel cut-in signal is transmitted from the engine control unit according to the output engine fuel cut-in rpm reduction signal. Then, it is determined if engine output is undergoing continuous reduction, and a duty ratio is controlled using a learned value during 4-3 shifting when engine output is being reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2000Publication date: June 14, 2001Inventor: Hee-Yong Lee
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Patent number: 6218743Abstract: A starting apparatus for starting an engine only under constant conditions includes an electronically controlled clutch which is engaged or disengaged by an actuator in accordance with output signals from various detectors. The detectors sense a driving state, wherein a starter cut relay having normally-closed contacts is connected to an output terminal of an electronic control unit. One of the contacts of the starter cut relay is connected to one end of a relay coil for a starter relay. The other end of the relay coil is connected to a power source through a key switch. The other contact of the starter cut relay is connected to a non-grounded side contact of a neutral relay which is connected to the power source.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Isuzu Motors LtdInventors: Masahiko Hayashi, Junichi Imai, Kazuhiko Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Arai
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Patent number: 6165102Abstract: A system for controlling output torque characteristics of an internal combustion engine includes a control computer operable to control the output power/torque of the engine that is coupled to a transmission through a torque converter. The system is operable to determine an engine speed range of interest and limit engine output power/torque to a predefined maximum value if the current engine speed is within the engine speed range of interest when the torque converter is operating in torque converter mode (i.e., not in lockup mode). The predefined maximum value of engine output power/torque is preferably a maximum horsepower value that may be a constant value or a function of engine speed within the engine speed range of interest. Alternatively, the predefined maximum value of engine output power/torque is a dynamic function of a torque ratio of the torque converter and a predefined turbine torque limit.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.Inventor: Steven M. Bellinger
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Patent number: 6094611Abstract: A fuzzy control method of a damper clutch and, more particularly, a fuzzy control method enhances engine brake effect by directly connecting a pump to a turbine by engaging the damper when a shift control unit identifies an engine brake state. The fuzzy control method of a damper clutch includes receiving or checking input signals relating to a damper clutch; controlling shift timing by a fuzzy control; determining if an engine brake should be used or not; checking an amount of driver's engine brake will if the engine brake should be used; determining if an emergency brake should be used or not; engaging the damper clutch when an emergency brake should be used; and controlling the damper clutch through a normal control when both the engine brake and emergency brake are not used.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1996Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Hyundai Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sung-Hong Gil
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Patent number: 6042507Abstract: A control for providing a smooth, high quality torque converter lockup event in an automated mechanical transmission system (10) including a fuel-controlled engine (12) and a mechanical transmission (14) drivingly coupled by a torque converter and torque converter lockup clutch assembly (16). To achieve smooth torque converter lockup, engine torque is smoothly ramped down to a relatively low value and maintained at that value until the torque converter lockup clutch is effectively engaged.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Thomas A. Genise, Ronald K. Markyvech
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Patent number: 6033342Abstract: A drive train arrangement for a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. The engine output or torque of the internal combustion engine (1) is controllable by means of an engine output control (11) via a user-operated accelerator pedal (15). A friction-gearshift clutch (3) is arranged in the torque transmission path of the internal combustion engine (1). To allow the friction-gearshift clutch (3) to be designed for reduced transmission reliability, a slip control (39) reduces the engine output or torque of the internal combustion engine (1) for a time-limited period via the engine output control (11) when the friction-gearshift clutch (3) slips in its fully engaged state. To this end, the slip control (39) responds to a clutch position sensor (41) that detects the engagement position of the friction-gearshift clutch (3), and to speed sensors (43, 45) that detect the input and output speeds of the friction-gearshift clutch (3).Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1999Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AGInventors: Klaus Steinel, Hans-Jurgen Drexl, Gerhard Tebbe
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Patent number: 6033341Abstract: A clutch connection/disconnection system which causes a friction clutch to slip appropriately when the clutch is automatically disconnected and connected. An engine is controlled according an accelerate command signal. During automatic clutch connection, the accelerate command signal approaches an actual accelerator pedal position signal. An approaching speed of the accelerate command signal is stepwise changed based on comparison between a particular value and a threshold value. The "particular value" is a differential value of a difference between an engine rotational speed and clutch rotational speed. When the clutch is slipping, the engine rotational speed is controlled to rise gently so that overslipping of the clutch is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Yasushi Yamamoto, Masaki Ishihara, Nobuyuki Iwao, Masaaki Nishito
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Patent number: 6024674Abstract: A frictional engaging clutch for an automatic vehicle transmission which discriminates judder which has occurred on the vehicle and controls to decrease the same. A clutch slip ratio is calculated, the calculated ratio is then converted into an ac waveform which is filtered by filters similar to a judder filter and a disturbance filter to extract frequency components of an appropriate range, and the number of times (NTEX) at which the filtered waveform peaks exceeds threshold values (appropriately set) is counted, and based on the counts, the judder is discriminated or determined. The configuration is simple and makes it possible to discriminate judder in an automatic vehicle transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazumi Sato, Kazuomi Kiku, Akio Fujii, Tomoharu Kumagai, Hiroyuki Abe
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Patent number: 5989156Abstract: A lock-up clutch slip control system for controlling a lock-up clutch, which is arranged in parallel with a hydraulic power transmission for connecting a prime mover and a speed change unit, selectively into a slip state. It is decided whether or not a slip control of changing the lock-up clutch from a complete apply state to a slip state is to be executed according to the operation of lowering the output of the prime mover. The output of said prime mover is changed to suppress the output fluctuation of the prime mover when it is decided that the slip control of the lock-up clutch is to be executed.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tooru Matsubara, Kunihiro Iwatsuki, Hideo Tomomatsu, Hiroji Taniguchi, Kazuyuki Shiiba
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Patent number: 5938561Abstract: A device for controlling a driving force which is mounted between a vehicle motor and the wheels of a motor vehicle controls at least to reduce the force flow between the vehicle motor and the wheels in response to a drive signal. The vehicle motor is controlled by the device of a motor control. The drive signal is formed in dependence upon a detected fault in the motor control. The force flow between the vehicle motor and the wheels is especially then interrupted when an emergency shutoff of the motor can cause a high drag torque on the wheels and therefore a driving situation critical with respect to safety. The device for controlling the driving force is comprising a clutch downstream of the motor, an automatic or automated transmission, and a converter bridge clutch which can bridge the torque converter downstream of the vehicle motor.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Peter Schubert
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Patent number: 5928111Abstract: A fuel cut-off and fuel-supply recovery control system for an internal combustion engine coupled to an automatic power transmission with a lock-up torque converter having a lock-up device operable at either one of an open converter state and a locked-up state through a lock-up control based on engine and vehicle operating conditions, comprises an electronic control module configured to store a fuel-cut engine speed (N.sub.1, N.sub.3) above which a fuel cut-off control is executed under a specified engine and vehicle operating condition and a fuel-supply recovery engine speed (N.sub.2) below which a fuel-supply recovery control is restarted so that fuel supply to the engine is recovered from the fuel cut-off control. The electronic control module variably determines a hysteresis between the fuel-cut engine speed and the fuel-supply recovery engine speed so that a deviation (N.sub.3 -N.sub.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Sakakibara, Hiromasa Sakai
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Patent number: 5924959Abstract: A device for controlling an automatic transmission and an engine for vehicles expanding a range of direct drive to improve fuel efficiency and decreasing the shock due to the transmission of torque at the time of acceleration or deceleration.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shiro Yonezawa, Satoshi Wachi, Hirofumi Ohuchi, Tatsuhiko Takahashi
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Patent number: 5890994Abstract: An output torque control system for an internal combustion engine for a vehicle is operable during an upshift of an automatic transmission of the engine to increase the output torque from the engine, based on a control amount for increasing the output torque, to reduce a shock generated by the upshift. During the upshift of the automatic transmission, a slip amount of one of a plurality of clutches of the automatic transmission which is selected for the upshift is compared with a predetermined value. A calculation is made of a value of the control amount assumed when the slip amount of the one clutch becomes equal to the predetermined value, as a result of the comparison. The control amount is limited to the calculated value when the slip amount exceeds the predetermined value, as a result of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazutomo Sawamura, Yoshiharu Saito, Shigetaka Kuroda
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Patent number: 5865709Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a releasing action of a lock-up clutch in a power transmitting system of a motor vehicle wherein the lock-up clutch is disposed between a pump impeller connected to an engine, and a turbine impeller operatively connected to a drive wheel of the motor vehicle, the lock-up clutch being engaged for direct connection of the pump impeller and the turbine impeller, the apparatus including a lock-up clutch switching device for effecting a releasing action of the lock-up clutch from a fully engaged state thereof to a fully released state thereof, and an engine output reducing device for temporarily reducing an output of the engine upon the releasing action of the lock-up clutch.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadashi Tamura, Kenichi Yoshizawa, Tokuyuki Takahashi, Masahiro Kojima, Naoki Kato
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Patent number: 5816975Abstract: A device for the automatic control of a clutch, in particular of vehicles in which the degree of clutch engagement is determined by the position of an accelerator of the vehicle, such as an accelerator pedal or handle. The device includes an actuation member connected to the clutch and two movable elements whose positions are associated with the degree of clutch engagement of the vehicle and the position of the accelerator, respectively. The movable elements include a switch for making or breaking an electric contact in dependence on the positions of the elements relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: T.C. Patent B.V.Inventors: Dirk-Jan Stoelinga, Jan Paul Wijlhuizen
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Patent number: 5762043Abstract: A fuel injection amount in an engine is determined based on a cylinder air volume equivalent fuel injection amount and a wall flow correction amount. The fuel injection amount is also decreased in an initial injection when fuel injection is restarted after it is has been stopped. In this way, sudden torque increases are suppressed without causing a loss of engine rotation speed when fuel injection is restarted after it has been stopped.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiaki Yoshioka, Hatsuo Nagaishi
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Patent number: 5738609Abstract: A clutch control system for the automatic control of a motor vehicle clutch (14) which connects an engine (10) with a gearbox (12) under the control of a driver-operated gear ratio selector member (24). The control system includes an electric control unit (36) which controls the level of clutch engagement in response to an engine speed error signal (E) derived from a comparison of current engine speed (Ve) and a reference speed signal (Vr) generated by the control unit. A sensing means (19a) is provided to detect a "foot-off" condition of an engine controlling accelerator pedal (19) and to provide and indication of the full range of movement of the accelerator pedal from the "foot-off" condition to the fully depressed position. The electronic control unit (36) responds to an accelerator pedal "foot-off" signal to ensure that the reference speed signal is above the engine idle signal by a predetermined amount to prevent creeping of the associated vehicle due to partial clutch engagement at engine idle.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Automotive Products, PLCInventors: Charles John Jones, Mark Stanley Willows, Katharine Dianna Bowker
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Patent number: 5692992Abstract: A shift assist apparatus for a marine drive includes a tube having a pair of biased springs, between which a sleeve at the end of a transmission cable is movably retained. A remote control cable is fixedly attached to the tube. High transmission cable shift forces associated with resistance to shifting cause the sleeve to move against the bias of one of the springs. A sensor detects this movement and sends an electrical signal to interrupt the engine ignition circuit, thereby preventing the firing of one or more cylinders of the engine. The interruption of the engine ignition reduces the torque on the shift mechanism, in turn reducing the shift forces in the transmission cable and enabling the operator to shift the transmission. When the shift operation is completed, the engine resumes normal firing.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1996Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Volva Penta of the Americas, Inc.Inventors: Lennart Arvidsson, Jan Grundberg
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Patent number: 5681242Abstract: A control for a vehicular automated clutch (14) drivingly interposed between a fuel-controlled engine (12) and a multiple-speed, change-gear transmission (16) providing enhanced low-speed maneuvering control is provided. Upon manual selection (40) of creep mode, an enhanced creep mode is activated, effective over a relatively large range (0% to 75%) of throttle pedal (32) displacement.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Ian Richard Joseph Bates
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Patent number: 5662553Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for bringing the driven load of an internal combustion engine into motion by controlling the throttle or fuel delivery system of the engine and supplying a series of voltages to an electromagnetic clutch in a clutch engagement cycle. The throttle is set to a position or the fuel flow is regulated such that a specified torque output is produced by the engine. A detection means designates the time at which this output torque has been achieved. At this time, as designated by the detection means, a series of voltages is output to the clutch comprising a first voltage or voltage sequence to ensure engagement of the clutch, a second lower voltage to rapidly reduce holding torque to induce clutch plate slippage, a third voltage to maintain a desired rate of slippage, and a fourth voltage, preferably the rated voltage of the clutch, to lock the clutch plates together.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Inventor: Gary Reichlinger
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Patent number: 5655996Abstract: In the fuel cut state during deceleration, an actual vehicle speed Vs is compared with a target vehicle speed Vso when the direct coupling state is changed into a semi-coupling state, or otherwise an actual engine rotational speed Ne is compared with a return engine rotational speed Neo at the return from fuel cut. Then, if Vs.ltoreq.Vso or Ne.ltoreq.Neo+K (K is a positive predetermined value), the clutch is changed from the direct coupling state into the semi-coupling state. Thus, shock due to torque change at the time of return from fuel cut can be reduced, and during the coast down, the fuel cut state can be maintained until the low rotational speed is attained. Both improvement of fuel economy and efficient use of engine brake can be attained. Engine stall can be prevented at the time of abrupt braking.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshio Ohtsuka
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Patent number: 5651752Abstract: A lock-up controller of a lock-up control system reads-in a vehicle speed V, a throttle opening degree TVO, an engine speed Ne, and a turbine speed Kt from sensors and outputs a fuel-out command and a fuel-supply restart command to an engine controller, to operate a lock-up clutch in a torque converter of an automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle in an accelerator-off (coasting) state of the vehicle. The lock-up control system makes it possible to realize locking-up of the torque converter providing an improved fuel consumption ratio of the engine and a large braking force from the engine, even when a vehicle speed increases due to running down a downward slope while the accelerator-off state continues, or when an up-shifting speed change occurs due to the accelerator-off state.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuo Wakahara, Koichi Hayasaki
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Patent number: 5637052Abstract: In a control system for controlling motor vehicles in such a manner that the drive force of the vehicle is determined by the accelerator pedal stroke and the vehicle speed, the fuel consumption is minimized by appropriately selecting the gear ratio of the power transmission system under each current operating condition. In particular, the present invention accounts for the slip ratio of the lock-up clutch as well as the transmission efficiency of the torque converter by noting the fact that the lock-up clutch operates under semi-tight conditions as well as under tight and loose conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiaki Hirota, Hisashi Igarashi, Yoshiharu Saito, Jun Takahashi, Akira Kato, Toru Kitamura
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Patent number: 5626536Abstract: A slip control apparatus for a lock-up clutch in a power transmitting device of a motor vehicle equipped with a fuel-cut device for cutting a fuel supply to an engine when the engine speed is higher than a predetermined value, the apparatus including (a) a slip control device for controlling the lock-up clutch such that the actual slip speed coincides with a target slip speed, (b) a detector for detecting deceleration following acceleration of the vehicle, and (c) a timing control device for commanding the slip control device to initiate a slip control operation upon detection of the vehicle deceleration, and inhibiting the fuel-cut device from initiating a fuel-cut operation for a predetermined delay time after the initiation of the slip control operation. For controlling the lock-up clutch, the slip control means produces a slip control output determined on the basis of a feedback control value and a feed-forward control value.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsumi Kono, Shinya Nakamura
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Patent number: 5611754Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine adjusts at least one predetermined control parameter such that a rate of combustion variation calculated based on a detected state of combustion of the engine becomes equal to a desired rate of combustion variation, which is dependent on operating conditions of the engine. A state of engagement of a lock-up clutch connected to the engine and a slip ratio of a torque converter connected to the same are detected. The desired rate of combustion variation is corrected in dependence on at least one of the detected state of engagement of the lock-up clutch and the detected slip ratio of the torque converter.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Haga, Hidezo Umiyama
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Patent number: 5603244Abstract: An actuating device for a throttle valve of a carburetor used in connection with an automatic transmission, wherein the throttle valve is connected to a throttle shaft and a position of the throttle shaft is adjustable by the accelerator pedal of the vehicle, has a linkage including a first part and a second part. The first part is connected to the throttle shaft and the second part is connected to the accelerator pedal. During an automatic gear shifting operation the first part is displacable relative to the second part with a pressure medium. The first part is preferably a piston with a piston rod whereby the piston is loaded by the pressure medium. The second part includes a housing in which the position is displacably arranged.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1994Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring Antriebs-und Steuerungstechnik GmbHInventor: Dieter Tischer
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Patent number: 5527238Abstract: In a powertrain including an engine controlled by engine manifold conditions, a hydrodynamic torque converter having a bypass clutch, multiple ratio automatic transmission connected to the drive wheels of the vehicle, a solenoid-operated hydraulic valve, supplying pressurized fluid to engage and release the bypass clutch, is controlled by operation of a feedforward control system. An engine math model produces a signal representing predicted torque output by the engine, which signal is applied as input to an inverse mathematical model of the solenoid-operated valve that supplies hydraulic fluid to the bypass clutch.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Davorin D. Hrovat, Daniel S. Colvin