Feedback Control (e.g., Closed Loop) Patents (Class 701/60)
  • Patent number: 11834049
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle (1) is provided. The hybrid vehicle includes an electric motor (13) that drives the vehicle to travel, a generator (12) that supplies power to the electric motor, and an engine (11) that drives the generator. The method includes calculating an amount or factor of change in target driving force (Fd) for the vehicle, setting a change rate (NRu, NRd) of a rotational speed of the engine in accordance with the amount or factor of change in the target driving force, and controlling the rotational speed of the engine on the basis of the change rate of the rotational speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ariyoshi, Satomi Eto
  • Patent number: 11754178
    Abstract: A shift device includes a shift switching member including a plurality of valley portions corresponding to shift positions, a motor including a rotor and a stator and configured to drive the shift switching member, a first drive system including a first inverter configured to output a voltage for driving the motor, a second drive system provided separately from the first drive system and including a second inverter configured to output a voltage for driving the motor; and a positioning member configured to be fitted into any one of the plurality of valley portions of the shift switching member to establish the corresponding shift position. When driving the motor, the shift position is switched by the voltages output from the first drive system and the second drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsuto Ogino, Kota Ishikawa, Yutaka Uchida
  • Patent number: 11691687
    Abstract: A solar wireless collector beacon (data hub) and associated method stores source data, received wirelessly from a data source, in a data buffer of the data hub. Sensor data is read from one or more onboard sensors of the data hub and stored as structural and/or environmental data in the data buffer. The environmental data is processed to determine an operating status of a vehicle being used with the data hub and an energy harvester of the vehicle is controlled to harvest energy from the vehicle based on the operating status. One or more of the operating status, the source data, and the environmental data is wirelessly transmitted from the data hub to an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: 4IIII INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Kipling William Fyfe, Ben Hilborn, Ken Fyfe
  • Patent number: 11603928
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device (1) is disclosed that includes a shift detent mechanism (90); an actuator (74) that generates drive power for allowing the shift detent mechanism to operate; a sensor (135) that generates sensor information indicating an amount of operation of the shift detent mechanism; a control part (153) that controls the actuator; and a clutch (30) that is synchronized with operation of the shift detent mechanism, and when the control part changes a state of the clutch, the control part performs feedback control of the actuator based on a relationship between a target value for an amount of operation of the shift detent mechanism and the sensor information, and before completing the change in the state of the clutch, the feedback control ends and operation of the actuator stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Sato, Subrata Saha, Hideki Kakisako, Shotaro Kondo, Junichiro Ohtsubo
  • Patent number: 11219797
    Abstract: A real-time performance management may be used for cycling. A first computing device retrieves profile data related to a cyclist. The first computing device receives sensor readings from one or more sensors. A first sensor of the one or more sensors detects cyclist tilt. Profile data and the sensor readings from the one or more sensors determine cyclist status. A notification based on the determined cyclist status communicates to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Werner, Eli M. Dow, Kavita Sehgal, Sneha Varghese, Diane Stamboni, Nicholas Danyluk, Sarah Wu
  • Patent number: 11168786
    Abstract: An ECU executes processing including a step of counting up a duration Ntime when a Ready-On state is brought, and a shift position is an N position, a step of counting up a duration Not_Ntime when the duration Ntime is equal to or greater than a threshold value A, the duration Ntime is greater than a threshold value C, and the shift position is other than the N position, a step of resetting the duration Ntime and the duration Not_Ntime to initial values in a case where the duration Not_Ntime is greater than a threshold value D, and a step of executing warning processing when the duration Ntime is greater than the threshold value A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Manabu Katoh
  • Patent number: 11124266
    Abstract: A human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller that controls a human-powered vehicle component including at least one of a motor assisting in propulsion of a human-powered vehicle and a transmission changing a first ratio of a rotational speed of a drive wheel to a rotational speed of a crank of the human-powered vehicle. The electronic controller controls the human-powered vehicle component in a first control state and a second control state differing from the first control state. The electronic controller changes the first control state to the second control state upon determining a value related to a first change rate of an inclination angle of the human-powered vehicle is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value in the first control state. The inclination angle of the human-powered vehicle includes at least one of a yaw angle and a roll angle of the human-powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Shahana
  • Patent number: 11067171
    Abstract: A control device for a continuously variable transmission performs feedback control so that an actual transmission control value becomes a target transmission control value. The control device includes a phase lead compensation unit configured to perform phase lead compensation of the feedback control, a phase delay compensation unit configured to perform phase delay compensation of the feedback control, a first peak value frequency determination unit configured to change a peak value frequency of the phase lead compensation according to a transmission ratio of the continuously variable transmission, and a second peak value frequency determination unit configured to change a peak value frequency of the phase delay compensation based on the peak value frequency of the lead compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Okahara
  • Patent number: 10948073
    Abstract: A shift range control device switches a shift range by controlling the driving operation of a motor. When a difference between a target angle at which the motor is to be stopped and an actual angle becomes smaller than an angle determination threshold, the shift range control device switches from a feedback control to a control with a fixed duty. When the motor reverses, the shift range control device switches from the control with the fixed duty to a stationary phase energization control for energizing a stationary phase of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeru Kamio
  • Patent number: 10895062
    Abstract: Provide is a loading vehicle capable of quickly operating an object handling device in the upward direction while traveling forward. A wheel loader 1 comprises an engine 3, an HST pump 41, an HST motor 42, a forward/reverse changeover switch 62, a step-on amount sensor 610, a pressure sensor 73, and a controller 5. In a case where a specific condition for specifying lifting operation of a lift arm 21 during forward traveling of the vehicle body is satisfied, the controller 5 increases maximum rotational speed of the engine to a predetermined value Nmax2 which is greater than maximum engine rotational speed Nmax1 during traveling on the flat ground, and limit maximum vehicle speed to a predetermined value Vmax2 which is smaller than maximum vehicle speed Vmax1 prior to the lifting operation of the lift arm 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Yuki Ahiko, Tetsuji Tanaka, Isamu Aoki, Masaki Nukii, Masashi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10875604
    Abstract: A shifting system for a human-powered vehicle comprises a controller. The controller is configured to receive a driving torque and a cadence of the human-powered vehicle from at least one sensor. The controller is configured to determine a permitted shift timing based on the driving torque and the cadence. The controller is further configured to control a shift mechanism to perform a gear shift during the permitted shift timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Fujimoto, Takeshi Ueda, Tsuyoshi Fukumori
  • Patent number: 10760681
    Abstract: In a control unit of a hydraulic control device, a vehicle state grasping unit grasps a vehicle state of a vehicle, and an output determination unit determines whether an operation point depending on the vehicle state that is decided by an operation point decision unit is over a discharging capability limit line. A pump controller stops a second pump or decreases a rotation number if the output determination unit determines that the operation point is over the discharging capability limit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masamichi Harada, Kyohei Sakagami
  • Patent number: 10618600
    Abstract: A speed-changing method of bicycle suitable for controlling a gear ratio of a bicycle is provided. The bicycle has a front electronic derailleur, a rear electronic derailleur, a controller, and a controlling switch. The controller stores a gear-ratio table. The speed-changing method of bicycle includes the following steps. The controlling switch is triggered to generate a speed-increasing signal or a laborsaving signal. The controller controls the front and rear electronic derailleurs according to the speed-increasing signal or the laborsaving signal to increase the gear ratio along a speed-increasing path of the gear-ratio table or decrease the gear ratio along a laborsaving path of the gear-ratio table respectively. On the other hand, the front and rear electronic derailleurs are started simultaneously at a first switch point of the speed-increasing path or a second switch point of the laborsaving path, and the first switch point is different from the second switch point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Wei Lin, Min-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 10400890
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle having a transmission (1), the method including closing a first number of shift elements and opening a second number of shift elements in each selected, force locking gear ratio of the transmission (1); closing one shift element less, and therefore opening one shift element more than in a selected, force locking gear ratio when a transmission (1) is not force locking in the sailing mode; adjusting the respectively closed and opened shift elements as a function of at least one operating condition of the motor vehicle in the sailing mode; and checking, at least on the basis of the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft (2), whether a previously closed, positively locking shift element (A, F) to be opened is actually opened in the sailing mode during adjusting of the respectively closed and opened shift elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Magnus Stiefenhofer, Steffen Peine
  • Patent number: 10385841
    Abstract: A pump monitoring and notification system for a hydraulic pump includes a transmission speed sensor and a controller. The transmission speed sensor is associated with a transmission connected to the pump to determine an output speed of the transmission. The controller is configured to access a transmission threshold, access a time threshold, and determine a rotational speed of the transmission based upon the transmission speed sensor. The controller is further configured to determine a variation in rotational speed of the transmission based upon the rotational speed, compare the variation in rotational speed of the transmission to the transmission threshold, and generate an alert signal when the variation in rotational speed of the transmission exceeds the transmission threshold for a time period exceeding the time threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yanchai Zhang, Vijay Janardhan, Jason Weber, Venkata Dandibhotla
  • Patent number: 10302002
    Abstract: The present invention provides a deterioration diagnosis apparatus for an exhaust gas purification apparatus, including a first sensor that measures the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust gas purification apparatus, a second sensor that measures the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas flowing out of the exhaust gas purification apparatus, and diagnosing means for diagnosing deterioration of the exhaust gas purification apparatus on the basis of a difference that appears between a measurement value of the first sensor and a measurement value of the second sensor when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust pas purification apparatus is switched from a lean air-fuel ratio to a rich air-fuel ratio, wherein, when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is switched from a lean air-fuel ratio to a rich air-fuel ratio, a water-gas shift reaction is generated upstream of the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Hagiwara, Toru Kidokoro, Yasushi Iwazaki, Taisuke Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10253880
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Brad P. Pohl, Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles B. Lohr, Scott T. McBroom
  • Patent number: 10041588
    Abstract: A working machine having a belt-type continuously variable transmission in a working power transmission system includes a target working speed setting section for optionally setting a target working rotational speed of a working unit, a working unit speed sensor that detects an actual working rotational speed of the working unit, a speed reduction ratio regulation mechanism that regulates a minimum speed reduction ratio of a rotational speed of a driven pulley with respect to a drive pulley, and a control unit. The control unit controls a drive source rotational speed to bring the actual working rotational speed close to the target working rotational speed, obtains a minimum limit speed reduction ratio based upon a target minimum rotational speed of a drive source and the target working rotational speed, and controls the speed reduction ratio regulation mechanism to keep the minimum limit speed reduction ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Yuki, Yoshihisa Hirose, Hiroo Kanke
  • Patent number: 10005462
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a vehicle driveline that includes an engine and an automatic transmission with a torque converter are presented. In one non-limiting example, the engine may be stopped while a vehicle in which the engine operates is rolling. A transmission coupled to the engine may be shifted as the vehicle rolls so that vehicle response may be improved if a driver requests an increase of engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Steven Anatole Frait, Matthew John Shelton, Hong Jiang, Kirk Pebley
  • Patent number: 9752675
    Abstract: A transmission control circuit for controlling a system pressure provided by a pressure pump in a transmission. The circuit includes a pressure control valve and an electronic control unit. Load states and operating states of the working machine can be detected by the control unit and transmission input torque limits associated with the load states and state values representing at least one first operating state and state values representing at least one second operating state are stored therein. The first operating state corresponds with the maximum system pressure and the second operating state corresponds with a reduced system pressure compared to the maximum system pressure. The circuit includes a pressure limiting valve activated by the control unit to overrule the pressure control valve in order to variably set the reduced system pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Helmut Schaefer, Guenter Rheinheimer, Steffen Frassek
  • Patent number: 9726280
    Abstract: A transmission calibration tool automatically generates a detailed gearbox model based on a user input transmission topology description. During transmission calibration, the tool accepts inputs from transmission speed and torque sensors and estimates component torques for each gear element and each shift element. Following a shift or other transmission event, the calibration tool plots the component torques as a function of time, permitting the calibration engineer to better understand what is occurring during the event, and thus reducing the time required for calibration. The calibration tool also adapts several transmission component models and outputs the adapted models to provide insight into actual transmission component behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jason Meyer, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
  • Patent number: 9169921
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling double transition shifts in an automatic transmission having multiple gear sections. During a double transition shift, the system performs simultaneous closed loop control of the primary oncoming clutch in the primary gear section and the secondary off-going clutch of the secondary gear section. Before the input shaft of the secondary gear section is fully pulled down or the secondary off-going clutch becomes overheated, the system switches closed loop control of the input shaft to the secondary on-coming clutch of the secondary gear section. The system utilizes model-based calculations to determine the initial clutch pressure settings when a clutch enters closed loop control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: John Andrew Byerly, John P. Kresse, Mark A. Rains, Jeffrey K. Runde
  • Patent number: 9168825
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid electric powertrain includes, in response to a request to increase a powertrain braking force on at least one of a plurality of traction wheels, (i) commanding at least one clutch to increase a gear ratio of a transmission, and (ii) during clutch stroke, commanding an electric machine to act as a generator such that the electric machine applies a braking force to at least one of the traction wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Daniel Scott Colvin, Marvin Paul Kraska
  • Publication number: 20150142283
    Abstract: There is provided a shift range switching apparatus that can perform appropriate fail-safe control when a power source supplied to an electronically controlled shift range switching apparatus is instantaneously interrupted. When due to instantaneous interruption of a power source supplied to the shift range switching apparatus, the shift range switching apparatus is reactivated, a target shift range is determined based on a rotation position of a detent plate detected by a detent position sensor immediately after the reactivation, and the rotation position of the detent plate is controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiko ONO
  • Patent number: 9037368
    Abstract: A method for electronically controlling a bicycle gearshift comprising at least one derailleur is disclosed, comprising the sequential steps of: a) imparting a movement on the derailleur of the gearshift until the derailleur is in an intended position; b) waiting for a predetermined time period, c) performing a check whether the derailleur is in the intended position, within a possible predetermined tolerance, d) in case said check has a negative outcome, imparting a movement on the derailleur of the gearshift until the derailleur is in the intended position. A derailleur and an electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift comprising control electronics comprising modules adapted to carry out the method outlined above are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Federico Miglioranza
  • Patent number: 9031752
    Abstract: A device for controlling an automatic transmission including a lock-up clutch control portion and a zero slip control portion for bringing a lock-up clutch into a zero slip state immediately before slippage occurs in accordance with a zero slip request outputted during a non-gear shift, wherein in a case where a target slip amount is equal to or smaller than a slip amount threshold value upon transition to the zero slip state, the zero slip control portion fixes the target slip amount to the slip amount threshold value and retains the fixed target slip amount for a predetermined period of time, and after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, gradually decreases the target slip amount from the slip amount threshold value to a zero slip amount with a predetermined gradient with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Morimasa Yamawaki, Tatsuya Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9026288
    Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the gear of a gearshift of an electric bicycle. At least one actual operating parameter of a drive component of the electric bicycle is recorded by recording an operating variable of the drive component. The at least one actual operating parameter is compared to a setpoint default, which reflects an operating point of the electric drive, which is linked to a higher efficiency, a greater reliability or a greater durability of components of the electric drive or of the drive component than in response to an operation according to the at least one actual operating parameter. The at least one actual operating parameter is approximated to the setpoint default by changing the gear. A corresponding device for automatically controlling the gear is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ivica Durdevic, Peter Kimmich, Philipp Kohlrausch, Gregor Dasbach, Sigmund Braun
  • Patent number: 9026329
    Abstract: A method for managing torque transmitting mechanism actuator output pressure under low supply pressure conditions is provided. The method is executable to control engagement of a torque transmitting mechanism during such conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Shultz, Peter Swingler
  • Publication number: 20150112560
    Abstract: A computer-implemented shifting method for a vehicle is described. The method is based upon, at least in part, identifying a reference output torque at an output shaft associated with a transmission of the vehicle. The method includes reducing a torque capacity of an off-going output clutch from a starting capacity and determining a torque load for the off-going output clutch. The method includes maintaining a first transition torque capacity during a first transition period after the determining of the torque load, and increasing a torque capacity of the on-coming output clutch to a second transition torque capacity. The method includes maintaining the second transition torque during a second transition period. The method includes reducing the torque capacity of the off-going output clutch to a first final torque capacity and increasing the torque capacity of the on-coming output clutch to a final torque capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Ronald D. Bremner
  • Patent number: 9014934
    Abstract: A method of controlling a pump for a hybrid transmission includes commanding a first line pressure of the transmission and deriving a first torque value—an open-loop torque value—from the first line pressure command, and commanding the pump to operate at the first torque value. The method monitors actual speed of the pump and derives a second torque value—a closed-loop torque value—therefrom. A third torque value is derived from the first and second torque values, and the pump commanded to operate at the third torque value. A first speed value may be derived from the first line pressure command, and the second torque value derived from the difference between the monitored and the first speed values. Deriving the third torque value may include a substantially-linear combination of the first and second torque values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20150094921
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle, the shifting characteristics for kick-down shifting for gear selection in the sense of a kick-down simulation are activated by at least one selection device by which the gears of the transmission can be manually shifted up and down in a manual mode, and by an electronic control unit that predetermines a gear selection for controlling the setting elements of the transmission as a function of the signals of the selection devices, of shifting characteristics, and of further input signals. For kick-down shifting, the further input signals are the activation of the selection device into the down-shift position that requests manual down-shifting and the holding of the selection device in this down-shift position for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Matthias REICHLER
  • Publication number: 20150094920
    Abstract: A method for assuring that a signal, for damping drive train vibrations, is overlaid during the same time period as the drive train vibration, and not delayed by one time period. The method comprises the steps of continuously calculating a correction torque for the vibration damping, determining, through a parallel signal path, whether the vibration damping is to be activated or deactivated, and overlaying the correction torque to the drive train vibration, if the necessity arises for activation of the vibration damping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Franz BITZER, Peter HERTER
  • Patent number: 8996266
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an engine control module (ECM), and a dual clutch transmission (DCT) assembly. The DCT assembly has first and second input clutches, first and second gear sets selectively connected to the engine via the respective first and second input clutches, and a transmission control module (TCM). In executing a launch control method, the TCM receives a launch request, receives an actual engine torque, and determines the inertia and acceleration of the engine. The TCM then calculates a clutch torque for the particular input clutch used for vehicle launch as a function of the actual engine torque and the product of the inertia and the acceleration, compares the calculated clutch torque to the commanded clutch torque, modifies a torque-to-position (TTP) table depending on the comparison result, and transmits a clutch position signal to the designated input clutch to command an apply position extracted from the TTP table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Colin Hultengren, Craig J. Hawkins, Matthew D. Whitton, Crystal Nassouri, Jonathan P. Kish
  • Patent number: 8989971
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for pressure transducer errors includes a valve for regulating operation of a hydraulic device, a pressure transducer for detecting a pressure output from the valve, and a microprocessor comprising logic for computing a pressure measurement error of the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer is configured to output a pressure reading representing the detected pressure. The pressure measurement error may be computed using a first pressure reading from the pressure transducer taken at an operating condition in which the actual output pressure of the valve is substantially known, together with the substantially known actual output pressure of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Mark L. Dell' Eva
  • Patent number: 8983742
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a vehicle having an automatic transmission arranged to transmit a vehicle drive force from a drive power source of the vehicle to drive wheels of the vehicle, such that a shift-down operation of the automatic transmission is performed as a result of a kick-down operation, the control apparatus includes a shift-down operation permitting/inhibiting portion configured to restrict the shift-down operation of the automatic transmission as a result of the kick-down operation, if a running speed of the vehicle upon detection of the kick-down operation is lower than a lower limit predetermined for a presently established gear positions or speed ratio of the automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaaki Tokura, Hiroyuki Sawada, Naoto Moriya
  • Patent number: 8977453
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for an automatic transmission that changes speed of an engine output and transmits it to driven wheels, having an electromagnetic control valve installed in a hydraulic pressure supply device of the transmission and operated upon receipt of current to control hydraulic pressure supply to the transmission; and a current supply controller composed of a microcomputer installed on an electronic circuit board, calculating a current supply command value of the current supplied to the valve based on a hydraulic pressure supply control value of the transmission calculated based on the vehicle's operating condition and controlling current supply from a battery to the valve based on the command value, a load detector detects load of an electric device that shares ground set on the board with the valve; and the current supply controller calculates the command value based on the hydraulic pressure supply control value and detected load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Nobuaki Komiya, Atsushi Kurauchi
  • Patent number: 8977447
    Abstract: When estimating a torque ratio, which is the ratio of an actually transmitted torque relative to the maximum transmittable torque of a continuously variable transmission, based on the transmission characteristics for transmitting a given variable component of an input shaft element to an output shaft element via a frictional element, since the torque ratio is estimated from a slip identifier, an indicator for difference in amplitude of a variable component between the two elements, or a phase lag, an indicator for difference in phase of the variable component between the two elements, it is possible to estimate the torque ratio, which is closely related to the power transmission efficiency of the continuously variable transmission, with good precision, thus improving the power transmission efficiency. Moreover, since the torque ratio is estimated from the slip identifier or the phase lag, it is possible to minimize the number of sensors necessary for estimation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyohei Sakagami
  • Patent number: 8977457
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine, transmission, torque converter assembly, and controller. The controller includes recorded lumped inertia models of the powertrain and instructions for executing a clutch-to-clutch shift using these models. The models collectively reduce powertrain dynamics to two or three degrees of freedom. The controller executes a method to estimate clutch torques using the models. The models may include a first primary inertia block describing engine inertia and inertia of a torque converter pump, and a second primary inertia model describing the inertia of the turbine and transmission as reflected to the input member. The second primary inertia model includes bulk inertia models for each fixed gear state and each possible shift maneuver. The controller derives a required output torque value as a closed-loop target value using the lumped inertia models and a requested input torque, and uses the estimated clutch torque to achieve the target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Darrell Lee Robinette, Daniel N. Wehrwein, Jeremy V. Horgan
  • Patent number: 8972129
    Abstract: Machines, such as large tractors used in earthmoving, operate in a cycle of pushing forward and reversing to a starting point. The net performance of the machine is a function of the speed at which the reverse segment is performed. Generally, using the highest gear for reverse accomplishes the goal of the fastest return. However, some high slope grade conditions may result in higher speeds using lower gears. A combination of slope, track speed vs. drawbar pull, and track slip may be used to recommend a gear and track speed with the greatest ground speed for reverse operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Faivre, Lance Cowper
  • Publication number: 20150057900
    Abstract: Within the framework of a method for terminating a gearshift for an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle, at which at least one positive-locking shifting element is involved, after the initiation of the gearshift, there is an evaluation of the continuous signals of at least one control unit of the vehicle, which affect the engine torque and thus the turbine speed gradient, whereas, based on the evaluation of the signals, an upcoming change to the turbine speed gradient that exceeds a first predetermined threshold value or falls short of a second predetermined threshold value is detected, and, upon the detection an upcoming change to the turbine speed gradient that exceeds the first predetermined threshold value or falls short of the second predetermined threshold value, the gearshift is terminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Jörg Arnold, Andreas Schmidt, Johannes Brockmann
  • Patent number: 8965647
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a continuously variable transmission is capable of continuously changing an output of an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle and allowing a transmission mode to be switchable between a continuous transmission mode in which a transmission ratio is set continuously and a stepped transmission mode in which the transmission ratio is set stepwise. A transmission mode selector is configured to change the transmission mode in such a manner that in a case where the stepped transmission mode is selected, when a engine rotation speed reaches a first predetermined rotation speed, then falls below a second predetermined rotation speed which is lower than the first predetermined rotation speed, and further falls below a third predetermined rotation speed, the transmission mode is switched from the stepped transmission mode to the continuous transmission mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihira Aoki
  • Patent number: 8965652
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, and a controller which executes a method. The transmission includes a clutch having an actuator which applies the clutch using position-based control logic. The transmission also includes a fluid pump and a variable-force or other solenoid valve positioned downstream of the pump and upstream of the clutch. The valve outputs a flow rate (Q) for a corresponding solenoid control current (I). The controller adapts a calibrated Q vs. I characteristic table of the valve for different transmission temperatures by applying closed-loop position control signals to the actuator at the different transmission temperatures and recording a null point(s) describing the corresponding solenoid control current (I) at a zero flow rate condition. The controller calculates an offset value for solenoid control current (I) using the recorded null point(s), applies the offset value to the characteristic table, and controls the clutch using the adapted characteristic table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, David H. Vu
  • Publication number: 20150051802
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus mounted on a vehicle has a front-wheel speed sensor for sensing a rotation speed of a front wheel. A control unit has a ratio-change correction part that determines a correction in transmission control of the transmission apparatus using the rotation speed of the front wheel sensed by a front-wheel speed sensor. The control unit limits execution of the correction under a condition that an external device is connected to a connector. Thereby, the execution of the correction based on the rotation speed of the front wheel without a worker's intention during driving on a chassis dynamo may be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsushi SAITOH
  • Patent number: 8958962
    Abstract: An electric shift operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member, a clicking mechanism, a signal generating arrangement and a controller. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The first operating member is movably supported on the base member from a rest position to an operated position. The clicking mechanism is operated by the first operating member to produce a haptic feedback response upon the first operating member reaching the first operated position. The signal generating arrangement generates a first shift start signal prior to or upon the first operating member reaching the first operated position. The controller controls a gear position of the electric gear changing device. The controller receives the first shift start signal and operates the electric gear changing device towards a target gear position upon receiving the first shift start signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miki, Satoshi Shahana
  • Patent number: 8954247
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus includes a continuously variable transmission, a clutch, a drive condition determination device, an input torque calculator, a belt transfer torque calculator, and a clutch transfer torque controller. The continuously variable transmission includes a drive pulley, a driven pulley, and a belt. The clutch transfer torque controller controls a transfer torque of the clutch so that the transfer torque of the clutch is higher than or equal to an input torque calculated by the input torque calculator and is lower than a transfer torque of the belt calculated by the belt transfer torque calculator if it is determined that the vehicle is under a drive condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kushiyama, Ukyo Ogata, Kenichi Namerikawa
  • Publication number: 20150039196
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for a vehicle includes a transmission and a controller. The transmission includes an input member, at least one clutch and gear set, and an output member. The input member receives an input torque from an engine. The output member receives an output torque from the clutch and gear set(s). The clutch and gear set(s) connect to the input member and establish a plurality of operating states including a neutral idle (NI) state. A designated NI clutch is selectively actuated to enter the NI state when the transmission is in a drive state and the vehicle is stationary. The controller calculates a reference slip error as a function of engine and turbine speed, and detects when the designated NI clutch is exhausting fluid while operating in the NI state using a function of the reference slip error. A control action executes when the exhausting NI clutch is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, JR., Sindu Sebastian, Min K. Kim
  • Publication number: 20150032347
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling double transition shifts in an automatic transmission having multiple gear sections. During a double transition shift, the system performs simultaneous closed loop control of the primary oncoming clutch in the primary gear section and the secondary off-going clutch of the secondary gear section. Before the input shaft of the secondary gear section is fully pulled down or the secondary off-going clutch becomes overheated, the system switches closed loop control of the input shaft to the secondary on-coming clutch of the secondary gear section. The system utilizes model-based calculations to determine the initial clutch pressure settings when a clutch enters closed loop control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: John Andrew Byerly, John P. Kresse, Mark A. Rains, Jeffrey K. Runde
  • Publication number: 20150032348
    Abstract: A powertrain of a vehicle has a drive unit, a transmission and an auxiliary gearbox. Operation of the transmission and the auxiliary gearbox is controlled by a transmission control unit. The transmission control unit controls shifting of the auxiliary gearbox and the transmission while the vehicle is in operation. The auxiliary gearbox may be electronically shifted, independently of activity of the vehicle operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce Faucett, Robert F. Combs, Leroy K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8942883
    Abstract: A pressure sensor module for a vehicle includes a sensing element module, a sampling module, a filtering module, and a monitoring module. The sensing element module measures a pressure of a fluid and outputs a pressure signal based on the pressure. The sampling module samples the pressure signal. The filtering module receives at least one filter coefficient from a control module and determines a filtered pressure based on at least one of the samples. The monitoring module receives a condition monitoring request from the control module, receives a predetermined value from the control module, and notifies the control module when a condition is satisfied based on a comparison of the predetermined value and one of the filtered pressure and a parameter determined based on the pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Randall B. Dlugoss, Paul G. Otanez
  • Publication number: 20150025761
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor consists of a transmitter device for producing a magnetic field and a detecting device for detecting the magnetic field. The transmitter device and the detecting device are arranged in such a way that they can move in relation to each other. The detecting device consists of a first sensor for producing a first sensor signal which is dependent on the magnetic field and a second sensor for producing a second sensor signal which is dependent on the magnetic field. The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged next to each other within the extension of a longitudinal axis of a detection range of a magnet in the transmitter device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Bernd Kernebeck