Patents by Inventor Hideo Tomomatsu

Hideo Tomomatsu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20030203790
    Abstract: A vehicle drive control apparatus includes an engine that generates power through combustion of fuel, an automatic transmission that transmits a reverse input from a driving wheel to the engine and automatically performs a gear shifting among a plurality of forward gear stages each having a different gear ratio, a fluid power transmission device interposed between the automatic transmission and the engine for transmitting power through fluid, the fluid power transmission device having a lockup clutch, and a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Hideo Tomomatsu, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Ayato Noumori
  • Patent number: 6626797
    Abstract: In the case where a cooperative gear change control of an automatic transmission is executed on the basis of information with respect to a condition around a vehicle or in front of a vehicle, in a cooperative gear change control means, a gear change of the automatic transmission is directly determined on the basis of actual curve information and road surface inclination information in accordance with a previously stored downshift map, and a gear stage is switched such that a determined gear change is executed. Therefore, it is possible to directly obtain the gear stage or the gear ratio corresponding to the curve of the road and the inclination of the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Shiiba, Tomokazu Inagawa, Yoji Takanami, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Hideo Tomomatsu, Yoshio Ito, Teru Konishi, Masao Kawai
  • Publication number: 20030148850
    Abstract: An electric oil pump capable of suppressing wear of an electric oil pump used as auxiliary to a main oil pump to thereby prolong the life of the pump and avoid any need to provide a larger pump. An electric oil pump (40) is operated only for a predetermined acceptable operation time, and the engine (12) is thereafter activated to cause the mechanical oil pump (36) to supply oil pressure. This arrangement can limit successive operating time for the electric oil pump (40), suppressing wear of the electric oil pump (40) and thus prolonging its life. Provision of a larger electric oil pump (40) can also be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadasu Tomohiro, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Katsumi Nakatani, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 6589131
    Abstract: A method for controlling gear shifting of a transmission in a vehicle. The transmission is supplied with electric power from a battery or an alternator and drives an actuator to shift gear ranges of the transmission. The transmission has an output shaft that becomes difficult to rotate if a predetermined range is selected when the engine stops running. The method includes determining whether a gear range differing from the predetermined range is selected when the vehicle stops traveling, and forcibly shifts the gear range to the predetermined range when a gear range differing from the predetermined range is selected by driving the actuator with electric power supplied from the alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Miyata, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu
  • Publication number: 20030042863
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling a synchronous motor having a rotor, and a stator which produces a magnetic flux for rotating the rotor about an axis thereof, the method including the steps of detecting an angular position and a rotating speed of the rotor; estimating a phase difference between a voltage and an electric current of the synchronous motor, on the basis of the detected rotating speed of the rotor; and adjusting an advance angle of the rotor upon excitation of the synchronous motor, as a result of comparison of the detected rotating speed of the rotor with a target value, to thereby control the rotating speed and direction of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Miyata, Akira Hoshino, Hideo Tomomatsu, Masashi Hori, Hiromichi Yamazaki, Hitoshi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20020193206
    Abstract: A condition for driving an electric oil pump is set. A turbine speed or an input speed of an automatic transmission is measured. A correction amount for a hydraulic pressure is calculated on the basis of the turbine speed obtained by reference to a relation between the turbine speed and hydraulic pressure, and a correction amount for a drive duty ratio of the electric oil pump which is required for generation of the corrected hydraulic pressure is calculated. The procedure is resumed after the procedure has been performed. The condition for driving the electric oil pump is updated on the basis of the correction amount for the drive duty ratio calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Tadasu Tomohiro, Katsumi Nakatani
  • Publication number: 20020193930
    Abstract: An automatic engine stop/restart-type vehicle and control method determine whether a vehicle is in a non-running range. The vehicle comprises: an engine; a transmission, an oil pump and a controller. The transmission has a coupling element that transmits an output torque of the engine. The oil pump supplies a hydraulic pressure to the transmission. The controller controls an output from the engine; controls the hydraulic pressure supplied to the transmission; and determines whether the engine is in an automatic stop state when a manually set mode of the transmission is shifted from a non-running range to a running range. A hydraulic pressure compensation procedure is performed to conform friction coupling characteristics of the coupling element and input characteristics of the transmission with each other if the controller determines that the engine is in the automatic stop state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Tadasu Tomohiro, Katsumi Nakatani
  • Publication number: 20020162699
    Abstract: A shift device, which sends a command signal to an electric actuator for shifting a plurality of gear ranges of a transmission of a vehicle by the electric actuator. The gear ranges include a plurality of drive ranges and a parking range. A shift lever is arranged to move between a neutral position and a plurality of manipulation positions located about the neutral position. A restoration mechanism restores the shift lever to the neutral position. A first sensor electrically detects a manipulation performed to select one of the drive ranges. A second sensor electrically detects a manipulation performed to select the parking range. The first sensor detects toward which of the manipulation positions the shift lever is manipulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Shiomi, Yoji Matsumoto, Akihiro Takezaki, Haruo Tuge, Akinosuke Shindou, Hideki Miyata, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu
  • Patent number: 6463375
    Abstract: An automatic start controlling apparatus for automatically starting an internal combustion engine. A transmission is coupled to the engine. The transmission has a clutch, which is actuated by an oil pump other than the engine when the engine stops. The transmission has an input shaft and an output shaft. The input shaft is connected to the engine. The automatic start controlling apparatus has a controller. When the engine is automatically started, the controller detects whether the clutch is completely engaged. When the controller judges that the clutch is partially engaged, the controller reduces the output torque of the engine or limits an increase of the output torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu, Tadasu Tomohiro, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Katsumi Nakatani
  • Publication number: 20020115527
    Abstract: A method for controlling gear shifting of a transmission in a vehicle. The transmission is supplied with electric power from a battery or an alternator and drives an actuator to shift gear ranges of the transmission. The transmission has an output shaft that becomes difficult to rotate if a predetermined range is selected when the engine stops running. The method includes determining whether a gear range differing from the predetermined range is selected when the vehicle stops traveling, and forcibly shifts the gear range to the predetermined range when a gear range differing from the predetermined range is selected by driving the actuator with electric power supplied from the alternator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Miyata, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu
  • Publication number: 20020049116
    Abstract: In the case where a cooperative gear change control of an automatic transmission is executed on the basis of information with respect to a condition around a vehicle or in front of a vehicle, in a cooperative gear change control means, a gear change of the automatic transmission is directly determined on the basis of actual curve information and road surface inclination information in accordance with a previously stored downshift map, and a gear stage is switched such that a determined gear change is executed. Therefore, it is possible to directly obtain the gear stage or the gear ratio corresponding to the curve of the road and the inclination of the road surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Shiiba, Tomokazu Inagawa, Yoji Takanami, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Hideo Tomomatsu, Yoshio Ito, Teru Konishi, Masao Kawai
  • Publication number: 20020042672
    Abstract: A vehicular automatic shift control unit for executing a cooperative shift control (an upshift inhibition and a downshift) of an automatic transmission based on an information associated with a road condition around a vehicle or a road condition in front of the vehicle, is provided with judging means for judging whether a vehicle exists in a predetermined area including a branch point of the road during execution of the cooperative shift control, and gear ratio maintaining control means for maintaining a gear ratio of the automatic transmission if it is judged that the vehicle exists in the predetermined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Shiiba, Tomokazu Inagawa, Yoji Takanami, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Hideo Tomomatsu, Yoshio Ito, Teru Konishi, Masao Kawai
  • Publication number: 20020019691
    Abstract: An automatic start controlling apparatus for automatically starting an internal combustion engine. A transmission is coupled to the engine. The transmission has a clutch, which is actuated by an oil pump other than the engine when the engine stops. The transmission has an input shaft and an output shaft. The input shaft is connected to the engine. The automatic start controlling apparatus has a controller. When the engine is automatically started, the controller detects whether the clutch is completely engaged. When the controller judges that the clutch is partially engaged, the controller reduces the output torque of the engine or limits an increase of the output torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu, Tadasu Tomohiro, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Katsumi Nakatani
  • Patent number: 6178372
    Abstract: A motor vehicle drive system controller is adapted to automatic drive control, the engine and the transmission being among the objects of control. The power output of the motor is controlled so as to maintain either a consistent drivable mode or a consistent undrivable mode as the automatic transmission shifts gears while the vehicle is running under automatic drive control. The consistent drivable mode refers to a state where the output torque of the motor is greater than the sum of the average running resistance and the variation in the running resistance and the consistent undrivable mode refers to a state where the output torque of the motor is smaller than the difference of the average running resistance and the variation in the running resistance. The automatic drive control function is prohibited when the controller detects abnormality in the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Kagenori Fukumura, Yasunari Nakamura, Hideo Tomomatsu, Hiroji Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 6149546
    Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission including a range switching mechanism for switching a shift range by electric means. It is detected that the switching of the shift range has been instructed by the range switching mechanism. It is decided that a gear change will occur according to the instructed switching of the shift range. It is decided that the decided gear change can be executed. The range switching of the shift range is inhibited, when it is not decided that the gear change is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Hideo Tomomatsu, Shinji Kasuga, Hiroji Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 6125321
    Abstract: A motor vehicle drive system controller is adapted to automatic drive control, the engine and the transmission being among the objects of control. The power output of the motor is controlled so as to maintain either a consistent drivable mode or a consistent undrivable mode as the automatic transmission shifts gears while the vehicle is running under automatic drive control. The consistent drivable mode refers to a state where the output torque of the motor is greater than the sum of the average running resistance and the variation in the running resistance and the consistent undrivable mode refers to a state where the output torque of the motor is smaller than the difference of the average running resistance and the variation in the running resistance. The automatic drive control function is prohibited when the controller detects abnormality in the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Kagenori Fukumura, Yasunari Nakamura, Hideo Tomomatsu, Hiroji Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 6076414
    Abstract: A shift range control system for an automatic transmission, comprising: a first range switching mechanism for selecting a shift range mechanically; and a second range switching mechanism for outputting an electric signal, while a predetermined shift range is being selected by the first range switching mechanism, to switch the shift range electrically. Further comprised is a return switch mechanism for releasing the shift range, which is lower by two or more steps than the predetermined shift range selected by the first range switching mechanism, to switch the same to the predetermined shift range. Thus, it is possible to improve the conveniences for switching the shift range of the automatic transmission by the electric operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Hideo Tomomatsu, Etsuo Shimizu, Kenji Niwa, Haruyuki Kodera, Atsumu Otobe
  • Patent number: 6067492
    Abstract: A display system for an automatic transmission including: a first range switching mechanism for switching a shift range by a mechanical operation; and a second range switching mechanism activated by electric enabling mechanism for switching the shift range by an electric operation. The display system comprises: a first display device for displaying the shift range which is selected by the first range switching mechanism; a second display device for displaying the active state of the enabling mechanism; and a third display device for displaying the shift range which is selected by the second range switching mechanism activated by the enabling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Hideo Tomomatsu, Haruyuki Kodera, Kenji Niwa
  • Patent number: 6059688
    Abstract: Automotive vehicle control apparatus including a running stability control device for reducing engine output and/or applying brake to vehicle wheels for improving vehicle running stability, a shift control device for shifting an automatic transmission by engagement of at least one hydraulically operated frictional coupling device, depending upon a detected vehicle running condition as compared with a predetermined shift boundary pattern, a running stability control detecting device for detecting an operation of said running stability control device, and one of (a) a coupling pressure control device for controlling a hydraulic pressure of the frictional coupling device to be engaged to shift the automatic transmission, such that a rate of rise of the hydraulic pressure is lower when the operation of running stability control device is detected by the running stability control detecting device, than when the operation of the running stability control device is not detected, and (b) a shift point changing device
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Nozaki, Hiroji Taniguchi, Hideo Tomomatsu
  • Patent number: RE37513
    Abstract: A running stability controller is activated upon the instability of a vehicle and controls at least one of an output of an engine, a braking force applied to the vehicle and a gear ratio of an automatic transmission. A manual shifting controller which shifts the automatic transmission according to an operation of a manual shifter is provided. A running stability control detector detects the activation of the running stability controller. A manual shifting control inhibitor operates upon detection of the activation of the running stability controller, and inhibits an operation of the manual shifting controller while the running stability controller is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Hideo Tomomatsu, Kagenori Fufkumura, Hiroji Taniguchi