Patents by Inventor Hiroaki Amano

Hiroaki Amano 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).

  • Patent number: 11965315
    Abstract: The invention of the present application intends to provide a work machine that can ensure high operability by preventing abrupt actuation of an actuator and a shock to a machine body by use of a bleed-off function at the time of starting of the actuator and that can improve the energy-saving performance by reducing a bleed-off flow rate after the starting of the actuator. For this purpose, a controller opens a bleed-off valve at a timing at which an operation device is being operated and before a flow rate of a hydraulic pump starts increasing, and closes the bleed-off valve at a timing at which the operation device is being operated and after the flow rate of the hydraulic pump has started increasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kento Kumagai, Shinya Imura, Yasutaka Tsuruga, Takaaki Chiba, Hiroaki Amano, Shinji Nishikawa, Akihiro Narazaki, Genroku Sugiyama, Shinjiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11932118
    Abstract: The electric vehicle according to the present disclosure calculates motor torque using an MT vehicle model simulating an MT vehicle having a manual transmission and an internal combustion engine. In the first operation mode, an operation amount of a pseudo-clutch pedal and a shift position of a pseudo-gearshift are input to the MT vehicle model to reflect operation of the pseudo-clutch pedal and operation of the pseudo-gearshift in electric motor control. In the second operation mode where the operation of the pseudo-clutch pedal is not needed, an operation amount of a clutch pedal calculated by a driver model is input to the MT vehicle model instead of the operation amount of the pseudo-clutch pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akiko Nishimine, Yoichiro Isami, Yoshio Itou, Hiroyuki Amano, Tatsuya Imamura, Hiroaki Ebuchi, Hiroaki Kodera
  • Patent number: 11926222
    Abstract: An electric vehicle is configured to be able to perform running by an MT mode that controls an electric motor with a torque characteristic like an MT vehicle having a manual transmission and an internal combustion engine, and running by an EV mode that controls the electric motor with a normal torque characteristic. The electric vehicle includes a mode changeover switch for switching to the running by the MT mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoichiro Isami, Yoshio Itou, Hiroyuki Amano, Tatsuya Imamura, Akiko Nishimine, Hiroaki Ebuchi, Hiroaki Kodera
  • Publication number: 20230358022
    Abstract: The invention of the present application intends to provide a work machine that can ensure high operability by preventing abrupt actuation of an actuator and a shock to a machine body by use of a bleed-off function at the time of starting of the actuator and that can improve the energy-saving performance by reducing a bleed-off flow rate after the starting of the actuator. For this purpose, a controller opens a bleed-off valve at a timing at which an operation device is being operated and before a flow rate of a hydraulic pump starts increasing, and closes the bleed-off valve at a timing at which the operation device is being operated and after the flow rate of the hydraulic pump has started increasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Kento KUMAGAI, Shinya IMURA, Yasutaka TSURUGA, Takaaki CHIBA, Hiroaki AMANO, Shinji NISHIKAWA, Akihiro NARAZAKI, Genroku SUGIYAMA, Shinjiro YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 11781285
    Abstract: Provided is a construction machine which can promptly adjust the rotational speed of a swing motor to a target rotational speed. A controller calculates a target rotational speed of the swing motor based on input from an operation device, calculates a degree of deviation of a rotational speed detected by a rotational speed sensor from the target rotational speed, sets a target driving pressure of the swing motor according to a moment of inertia about a swing axis of a swing structure and a work device and controls a pressure adjusting device in such a manner as to reduce a difference between a driving pressure detected by a pressure sensor and the target driving pressure, when the degree of deviation is larger than a predetermined value, and controls the pressure adjusting device in such a manner as to reduce a difference between the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed sensor and the target rotational speed, when the degree of deviation is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Amano, Kento Kumagai, Shinji Nishikawa, Akihiro Narazaki
  • Patent number: 11753103
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a branch frame, a hanging frame, a front cowl, and a radar device. The branch frame is located in front of a head pipe and supported by the head pipe. The hanging frame is connected to the branch frame and includes a plurality of extension portions extending downward from the branch frame and an attachment portion connecting at least two of the plurality of extension portions to each other. The front cowl is arranged at a front part of the motorcycle and protrudes forward. A recess is formed at a rear side of the front cowl. The radar device is supported by the attachment portion of the hanging frame and arranged in the recess in the front cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: KAWASAKI MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Saeki, Shinji Ikeda, Hiroaki Amano
  • Patent number: 11739502
    Abstract: Provided is a work machine which can increase the operation speed of an actuator by a regeneration function while securing the position control accuracy of the actuator. A controller is configured to calculate a regeneration flow rate on the basis of an input amount of an operation lever and a target actuator flow rate, subtract the regeneration flow rate from the target actuator flow rate to calculate a target actuator supply flow rate, calculate a target flow rate control valve opening amount on the basis of the target actuator supply flow rate, calculate a target pump flow rate that is equal to or higher than a total target actuator supply flow rate, control a selector valve on the basis of the input amount of the operation lever, control a flow rate control valve according to the target flow rate control valve opening amount, and control a hydraulic pump according to the target pump flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kento Kumagai, Shinya Imura, Yasutaka Tsuruga, Takaaki Chiba, Hiroaki Amano, Shinji Nishikawa, Akihiro Narazaki, Genroku Sugiyama, Shinjiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11718977
    Abstract: Provided is a work machine which can achieve both of excellent operability when an operator manually operates a machine body or a work device and an accuracy of control of the machine body or the work device when a controller performs automatic control. The controller is configured to, in a case where the automatic control function selector switch gives an instruction to disable the automatic control function, adjust an opening amount of a bleed-off valve to a maximum opening amount or an opening amount corresponding to input amounts of control levers, and in a case where the automatic control function selector switch gives the instruction to enable the automatic control function, adjust the opening amount of the bleed-off valve, in at least part of an operation region of the control levers, so as to be smaller than the opening amount with the instruction to disable the automatic control function being given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kento Kumagai, Shinya Imura, Yasutaka Tsuruga, Takaaki Chiba, Hiroaki Amano, Shinji Nishikawa, Akihiro Narazaki, Genroku Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20230167622
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a work machine that can increase the operation speed of an actuator by a regenerating function while ensuring accuracy of position control of the actuator. For this purpose, a controller computes a target actuator supply flow rate by subtracting a regeneration flow rate from a target actuator flow rate, computes a target flow control valve opening amount on the basis of the target actuator supply flow rate, computes a target pump flow rate equal to or more than the sum of a plurality of the target actuator supply flow rates, controls flow control valves according to the target flow control valve opening amount, and controls a hydraulic pump according to the target pump flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: Kento KUMAGAI, Shinya IMURA, Yasutaka TSURUGA, Takaaki CHIBA, Hiroaki AMANO, Shinji NISHIKAWA, Akihiro NARAZAKI, Genroku SUGIYAMA, Shinjiro YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20230141000
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a brake lamp, a brake operation unit, a first switching unit, a second switching unit, and a brake controller. The first switching unit is switched a circuit state so that a driving current is supplied to the brake lamp while the brake operation is being performed. The second switching unit is switched the circuit state between a closed state in which the driving current is supplied to the brake lamp regardless of the brake operation and an opened state in which the second switching unit is not electrically connected with the brake lamp. The brake controller controls to actuate the brake and switches the second switching unit from the opened state to the closed state when the brake activation condition is met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Hiroaki AMANO, Tomoaki SAIO, Gen OKUZUKA
  • Publication number: 20230114384
    Abstract: There is provided a detection device calibration method including: attaching a first reflector to a side surface of a vehicle such that a reflection surface of the first reflector is perpendicular to a vehicle width direction; adjusting a direction of a laser marker such that a first laser beam of the laser marker is emitted perpendicularly to the reflection surface of the first reflector; adjusting a direction of a second reflector disposed in front of or behind the vehicle such that a second laser beam of the laser marker is emitted perpendicularly to a reflection surface of the second reflector, the second laser beam being emitted in a vehicle length direction; emitting a detection wave from a detection device provided in the vehicle to the second reflector; and calibrating a transmission direction of the detection wave based on a detection result of a reflected wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Takashi KIMOTO, Hiroaki AMANO
  • Publication number: 20220333348
    Abstract: Provided is a work machine which can increase the operation speed of an actuator by a regeneration function while securing the position control accuracy of the actuator. A controller is configured to calculate a regeneration flow rate on the basis of an input amount of an operation lever and a target actuator flow rate, subtract the regeneration flow rate from the target actuator flow rate to calculate a target actuator supply flow rate, calculate a target flow rate control valve opening amount on the basis of the target actuator supply flow rate, calculate a target pump flow rate that is equal to or higher than a total target actuator supply flow rate, control a selector valve on the basis of the input amount of the operation lever, control a flow rate control valve according to the target flow rate control valve opening amount, and control a hydraulic pump according to the target pump flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Kento KUMAGAI, Shinya IMURA, Yasutaka TSURUGA, Takaaki CHIBA, Hiroaki AMANO, Shinji NISHIKAWA, Akihiro NARAZAKI, Genroku SUGIYAMA, Shinjiro YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20220333352
    Abstract: Provided is a work machine which can achieve both of excellent operability when an operator manually operates a machine body or a work device and an accuracy of control of the machine body or the work device when a controller performs automatic control. The controller is configured to, in a case where the automatic control function selector switch gives an instruction to disable the automatic control function, adjust an opening amount of a bleed-off valve to a maximum opening amount or an opening amount corresponding to input amounts of control levers, and in a case where the automatic control function selector switch gives the instruction to enable the automatic control function, adjust the opening amount of the bleed-off valve, in at least part of an operation region of the control levers, so as to be smaller than the opening amount with the instruction to disable the automatic control function being given.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Kento KUMAGAI, Shinya IMURA, Yasutaka TSURUGA, Takaaki CHIBA, Hiroaki AMANO, Shinji NISHIKAWA, Akihiro NARAZAKI, Genroku SUGIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20220290406
    Abstract: A work machine that can keep the control accuracy of actuators irrespective of temperature variation of a hydraulic operating fluid that passes through flow rate controllers that control the flow rates of supply to the actuators is provided. For this purpose, the flow rate controllers each have a valve body that is disposed on a main hydraulic line connecting a delivery line of a hydraulic pump and the actuator and that moves according to an operation pressure from a solenoid proportional pressure reducing valve, a sampling hydraulic line that branches from the main hydraulic line, and a temperature sensor set on the sampling hydraulic line. The controller is configured to correct a command electrical signal to the solenoid proportional pressure reducing valve according to a signal from the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Kento KUMAGAI, Shinya IMURA, Yasutaka TSURUGA, Takaaki CHIBA, Hiroaki AMANO, Shinji NISHIKAWA, Akihiro NARAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20220282450
    Abstract: Provided is a construction machine which can promptly adjust the rotational speed of a swing motor to a target rotational speed. A controller calculates a target rotational speed of the swing motor based on input from an operation device, calculates a degree of deviation of a rotational speed detected by a rotational speed sensor from the target rotational speed, sets a target driving pressure of the swing motor according to a moment of inertia about a swing axis of a swing structure and a work device and controls a pressure adjusting device in such a manner as to reduce a difference between a driving pressure detected by a pressure sensor and the target driving pressure, when the degree of deviation is larger than a predetermined value, and controls the pressure adjusting device in such a manner as to reduce a difference between the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed sensor and the target rotational speed, when the degree of deviation is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Hiroaki AMANO, Kento KUMAGAI, Shinji NISHIKAWA, Akihiro NARAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20220153374
    Abstract: An operation member is switchable between a first operation position, a second operation position, and a third operation position. When operating force is released while the operation member is at the third operation position, the operation member returns to the second operation position. The controller is switchable between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the controller sets the headlight to high beam when the operation member is at the first operation position or the third operation position, and sets the headlight to low beam when the operation member is at the second operation position. In the second mode, the controller controls to change an illumination mode by the light according to a situation acquired by the situation acquisition unit. The switching from the first mode to the second mode is performed by holding the operation member at the third operation position for a first threshold time or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Daisuke SAEKI, Hiroaki AMANO
  • Publication number: 20210188384
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a branch frame, a hanging frame, a front cowl, and a radar device. The branch frame is located in front of a head pipe and supported by the head pipe. The hanging frame is connected to the branch frame and includes a plurality of extension portions extending downward from the branch frame and an attachment portion connecting at least two of the plurality of extension portions to each other. The front cowl is arranged at a front part of the motorcycle and protrudes forward. A recess is formed at a rear side of the front cowl. The radar device is supported by the attachment portion of the hanging frame and arranged in the recess in the front cowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Daisuke SAEKI, Shinji IKEDA, Hiroaki AMANO
  • Patent number: 10968604
    Abstract: A work machine includes directional control valves 43 and 44 each controlling a direction and a flow rate of a pressurized fluid supplied to each a boom cylinder 32 and a bucket cylinder 36; operation amount sensors 51a, 52a, and 52b detecting operation amounts of operation devices 51 and 52; a variable flow control valve 45 that can restrict the flow rate of the pressurized fluid in a meter-in passage of the directional control valve 44 related to the bucket cylinder 36; and a controller 60 controlling the variable flow control valve on the basis of the detection results by the operation amounts from the operation amount sensors, and the controller changes over an action mode to any one of a normal mode for restricting the flow rate of the pressurized fluid by the variable flow control valve and a responsiveness priority mode for not restricting the flow rate of the pressurized fluid by the variable flow control valve in response to the detection results of the operation amounts of the plurality of operation
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Imura, Hiroaki Amano, Shinji Nishikawa, Masafumi Hita
  • Patent number: 10837159
    Abstract: A construction machine capable of achieving favorable operability in a combined operation is provided. A hybrid excavator includes: a boom cylinder 10 driven by hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump 16b; a swing hydraulic motor 5 driven by hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump 16b; a swing electric motor 6 connected mechanically with the swing hydraulic motor 5; an inverter 19 that controls operation of the swing electric motor 6; and a controller 21 that outputs to the inverter 19 a torque command value for controlling electric driving torque or electricity generating torque of the swing electric motor 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Ishihara, Shinya Imura, Shinji Nishikawa, Hiroaki Amano
  • Patent number: 10668802
    Abstract: It becomes possible to prevent deterioration of an electric storage device due to overdischarge of the electric storage device and engine stalling due to insufficient assist or disabled assist when a charge amount of the electric storage device falls, ensure that work is continuously conducted, suppress an operator from feeling discomfort in operation, and ensure favorable operability. A pump target output power computing section (21) computes present pump demanded power on the basis of work related information, limits the present pump demanded power in response to a degree of reduction of a state of charge of an electric storage device (12a) when the state of charge is lower than a preset threshold, and computes the limited present pump demanded power as present pump target output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Nishikawa, Shinya Imura, Masafumi Hita, Hiroaki Amano