Patents by Inventor Satoshi Umemura
Satoshi Umemura 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: 20020157410Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner including a refrigerant circuit that incorporates a variable displacement compressor driven by an engine of the vehicle. The air conditioner includes a control valve for varying the displacement of the compressor and an ECU for controlling the control valve. The control valve has a bellows, a valve body, and a coil. The ECU varies the displacement of the compressor by energizing the coil to apply a force, which counters the movement of the bellows, to the valve body to move the valve body. This alters the moved amount of the bellows. The air conditioner control unit gradually changes the force applied to the valve body by the coil to adjust the pressure difference and vary the displacement of the compressor when the engine is running at an idle speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Ken Suitou, Kazuya Kimura, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Ryo Matsubara, Satoshi Umemura, Kazuki Najima
-
Patent number: 6471024Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism for transmitting power from an external drive source to the drive shat of a compressor. A pulley, which is coupled to the external drive source, has elastic members. A hub, which is attached to the drive shaft, has engaging portions. A coupler member is located between the pulley and the hub. The coupler member is engaged with the elastic members and with the engaging portions such that power is transmitted from the pulley to the hub. The urging members urge the coupler member such that the coupler member is disengaged from the engaging portions. When power is transmitted from the pulley to the hub, the elastic members maintain the coupler engaged with the elastic members and the engaging portions. When load generated due to power transmission exceeds a predetermined level, the elastic members are deformed such that the coupler member is disengaged from the elastic members. When disengaged from the elastic members, the coupler member is disengaged from the engaging portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Masaki Ota, Kazuya Kimura, Satoshi Umemura, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Akifumi Uryu, Taku Adaniya
-
Publication number: 20020112493Abstract: A control valve is used for a variable displacement compressor installed in a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner. The compressor has a control chamber and a control passage, which connects the control chamber to a pressure zone in which the pressure is different from the pressure of the control chamber. The control valve has a valve body, which is accommodated in the valve chamber for adjusting the opening size of the control passage. A pressure sensing member moves in accordance with the pressure difference between two pressure monitoring points located in the refrigerant circuit. The pressure sensing member moves the valve body such that the displacement of the compressor is varied to counter changes of the pressure difference. The force applied by an actuator corresponds to a target value of the pressure difference. The pressure sensing member moves the valve body such that the pressure difference seeks the target value. An urging member is accommodated in the valve chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Satoshi Umemura, Tatsuya Hirose, Kazuhiko Minami, Yuji Hashimoto, Masami Niwa, Masaki Ota
-
Publication number: 20020098091Abstract: A control valve has a valve housing and a valve chamber defined in the valve housing. A valve body is accommodated in the valve chamber for adjusting the opening degree of a supply passage. A pressure sensing chamber is defined in the valve housing. The pressure at a pressure monitoring point in a refrigerant circuit is applied to the pressure sensing chamber. A bellows is located in the pressure sensing chamber. The bellows has a movable end. A transmission rod is slidably supported by the valve housing. The transmission rod includes the valve body. A support spring is located between the inner wall of the pressure sensing chamber and the movable end of the bellows. The spring supports the movable end such that the movable end can be displaced. The movable end of the bellows includes a protrusion such that the spring and the movable end of the bellows are fitted to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: Satoshi Umemura, Tatsuya Hirose, Taku Adaniya, Ken Suitou, Ryo Matsubara, Kazuhiko Minami
-
Publication number: 20020094279Abstract: A control valve has a valve housing. A valve chamber and a pressure sensing chamber are defined in the valve housing, respectively. A pressure sensing member is located in the pressure sensing chamber. A pressure sensing rod is slidably supported by the valve housing. A valve body is accommodated in the valve chamber. An end of the pressure sensing rod is connected to the pressure sensing member and the other end of the pressure sensing rod contacts the valve body. A solenoid chamber is defined in the valve housing. A stationary iron core is located between the valve chamber and the solenoid chamber. A solenoid rod extends through and is slidably supported by the stationary iron core. An urging force applied to the pressure sensing member by an actuator through the solenoid rod corresponds to a target value of the pressure difference. The pressure sensing member moves the valve body such that the pressure difference seeks the target value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2002Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Ken Suitou, Kazuya Kimura, Ryo Matsubara, Satoshi Umemura, Kazuhiko Minami, Masaki Ota
-
Publication number: 20020067994Abstract: A control valve is located in a variable displacement compressor, which is used in a refrigerant circuit. The control valve includes a pressure-sensing member. The pressure sensing member moves a valve body in accordance with the pressure difference between a first pressure monitoring point and a second pressure monitoring point, which are located in the refrigerant circuit. A first spring and a second spring urge the pressure-sensing member in one direction. The spring constant of the first spring is smaller than that of the second spring. A solenoid urges the pressure-sensing member by a force, the magnitude of which corresponds to an external command. The solenoid urges the pressure-sensing member in a direction opposite to the direction in which the springs urge the pressure-sensing member. The control valve quickly and accurately controls the displacement of the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Kazuya Kimura, Satoshi Umemura, Kazuhiko Minami, Tatsuya Hirose, Taku Adaniya, Atsuhiro Suzuki
-
Publication number: 20020064467Abstract: A control valve is used for a variable displacement compressor. The compressor has a crank chamber and a supply passage. The control valve includes a valve housing. A valve chamber is defined in the valve housing. A valve body is accommodated in the valve chamber for adjusting the opening size of the supply passage. A pressure sensing chamber is defined in the valve housing. A pressure sensing member separates the pressure sensing chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. The pressure at a first pressure monitoring point is applied to the first pressure chamber. The pressure at a second pressure monitoring point located is applied to the second pressure chamber. The pressure sensing member moves the valve body in accordance with the pressure difference between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. The pressure sensing member is a bellows or a diaphragm. an actuator applies force to the pressure sensing member in accordance with external commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventors: Masaki Ota, Ken Suitou, Kazuya Kimura, Tatsuya Hirose, Satoshi Umemura, Yuji Hashimoto, Masami Niwa, Kazuhiko Minami
-
Publication number: 20020037223Abstract: A control valve is used for a variable displacement compressor installed in a refrigerant circuit of a vehicle air conditioner. The control valve has a valve housing. A valve chamber is defined in the valve housing. A valve body is accommodated in the valve chamber. A pressure sensing chamber is defined in the valve housing. A pressure sensing member separates the pressure sensing chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. The pressure at a first location in the refrigerant circuit is applied to the first pressure chamber. The pressure at a second location in the refrigerant circuit, which is downstream of the first location, is applied to the second pressure chamber. The pressure sensing member moves the valve body in accordance with the pressure difference between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber such that the displacement of the compressor is varied to counter changes of the pressure difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2001Publication date: March 28, 2002Inventors: Ken Suitou, Masaki Ota, Kazuya Kimura, Taku Adaniya, Ryo Matsubara, Satoshi Umemura, Izuru Shimizu, Naoya Yokomachi, Toshiro Fujii, Yuji Hashimoto, Masakazu Murase
-
Publication number: 20020031432Abstract: A control valve is used for a variable displacement compressor. The compressor has a crank chamber and a bleed passage. The control valve includes a valve housing. A valve chamber is defined in the valve housing. A valve body is accommodated in the valve chamber for adjusting the opening size of the bleed passage. A pressure sensing chamber is defined in the valve housing. A pressure sensing member separates the pressure sensing chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. The pressure at a first pressure monitoring point is applied to the first pressure chamber. The pressure at a second pressure monitoring point located is applied to the second pressure chamber. The pressure sensing member moves the valve body in accordance with the pressure difference between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber such that the displacement of the compressor is varied to counter changes of the pressure difference. The pressure sensing member is a bellows or a diaphragm.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Masaki Ota, Tatsuya Hirose, Kazuya Kimura, Ken Suitou, Satoshi Umemura
-
Publication number: 20020014729Abstract: A liquid-filled cylinder-shaped hydraulic vibration isolator includes a main axial fitting, an intermediate cylinder fitting, a rubber elastic body, an outer cylinder fitting, and a sealing rubber. The intermediate cylinder fitting includes a pair of ring members and a bridging member bridging the ring members. The respective ring members include a drawn major-diameter portion, positioned on an outside in the axial direction and subjected to drawing, and a minor-diameter portion disposed inside the drawn major-diameter portion by way of a stepped portion, formed as a smaller diameter than that of the drawn major-diameter portion and having a plurality of slits formed along the peripheral direction. The sealing rubber is fastened to outer peripheral surfaces of the minor-diameter portion and the bridging member so as to enclose window portions, formed in the intermediate cylinder fitting. Thus, as one of the advantages, the durability of the rubber elastic body can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Satoshi Umemura
-
Publication number: 20020006337Abstract: A displacement control mechanism used for compressor is installed in a refrigerant circuit. The compressor has a bleed passage and a supply passage. The displacement control mechanism includes a first control valve and a second control valve. The first control valve includes a first valve body and a pressure sensitive member. The first valve body adjusts the opening size of the supply passage. The pressure sensitive member moves in accordance with a pressure in the refrigerant circuit. A pressure detection region is located downstream of the first valve body. The second control valve includes a second valve body. The second valve body adjusts the opening size of the bleed passage. The second valve body moves in accordance with the pressure of the pressure detection region. When the pressure of the pressure detection region increases, the second control valve decreases the opening size of the bleed passage. This permits to start with rapid cooling performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventors: Kazuya Kimura, Satoshi Umemura, Izuru Shimizu, Taku Adaniya, Kazuhiko Minami
-
Publication number: 20020004011Abstract: ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A control valve used in a variable displacement compressor includes a valve chamber, a valve body and a pressure sensing chamber. A pressure sensing ball is movably located in the pressure sensing chamber and divides the pressure sensing chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. First and second pressure monitoring points are located in a refrigerant circuit. The first pressure chamber is exposed to the pressure at the first pressure monitoring point. The second pressure chamber is exposed to the pressure at the second pressure monitoring point. The ball is displaced based on the pressure difference between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. The position of the valve body is determined based on the position of the pressure sensing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventors: Ken Suitou, Kazuya Kimura, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Masaki Ota, Satoshi Umemura, Tomoji Tarutani, Norio Uemura, Kouji Watanabe, Hideki Higashidouzono, Syuji Hukunaga
-
Publication number: 20010027134Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism includes a pulley and a hub. The pulley has a transmission spring. The hub has a groove. A transmission ring is engaged with the transmission spring such that power can be transmitted between the pulley and the hub. The transmission ring includes a coupler block and a coupler. The coupler block is engaged with the transmission spring and the groove. The coupler is connected to the coupler block. The coupler urges the coupler block in a direction disengaging the coupler block from one of the transmission spring and the groove. When the load between the pulley and the hub exceeds a predetermined level, the coupler block is disengaged from the pulley and the hub. Thereafter the coupler keeps the coupler block disengaged from the pulley and the hub. This positively discontinues power transmission according to an applied load and maintains the discontinuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventors: Masaki Ota, Kazuya Kimura, Satoshi Umemura, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Akifumi Uryu, Taku Adaniya
-
Publication number: 20010025761Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism for transmitting power from an external drive source to the drive shat of a compressor. A pulley, which is coupled to the external drive source, has elastic members. A hub, which is attached to the drive shaft, has engaging portions. A coupler member is located between the pulley and the hub. The coupler member is engaged with the elastic members and with the engaging portions such that power is transmitted from the pulley to the hub. The urging members urge the coupler member such that the coupler member is disengaged from the engaging portions. When power is transmitted from the pulley to the hub, the elastic members maintain the coupler engaged with the elastic members and the engaging portions. When load generated due to power transmission exceeds a predetermined level, the elastic members are deformed such that the coupler member is disengaged from the elastic members. When disengaged from the elastic members, the coupler member is disengaged from the engaging portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventors: Masaki Ota, Kazuya Kimura, Satoshi Umemura, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Akifumi Uryu, Taku Adaniya
-
Publication number: 20010021348Abstract: A piston type compressor has a housing, a crank chamber and a drive shaft supported by the housing. A front restriction and a rear restriction are located in the housing. The front and rear restrictions restrict axial movement of the drive shaft. The front restriction restricts forward movement of the drive shaft. The rear restriction restricts rearward axial movement of the drive shaft. A first clearance is located between the rear end of the drive shaft and the rear restriction when the drive shaft is restricted by the front restriction. A second clearance is formed between the piston and a valve plate when the drive shaft is restricted by the front restriction and when the piston is in the top dead center position. The first clearance is narrower than the second clearance. The method of assembly the piston easily sets the first clearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Inventors: Masaki Ota, Kazuya Kimura, Hiroaki Kayukawa, Satoshi Umemura, Ken Suitou
-
Positive-displacement-type refrigerant compressor with a novel oil-separating and lubricating system
Patent number: 6134898Abstract: A capacity type refrigerant compressor having a compression chamber in which a refrigerant introduced from a suction system is compressed and discharged as a compressed high pressure refrigerant, and an oil-separating and lubricating system for lubricating an interior of the compressor by an oil separated from the compressed refrigerant, which has an oil-separating unit to separate the oil from the compressed refrigerant, an oil-storing chamber storing the separated oil, an oil-supply passage to supply the oil from the oil-storing chamber to the suction system, a pressure-operated valve arranged in the oil supply passage to regulate an amount of flow of the oil, which includes a valve chamber and a movable valve spool in the valve chamber to control a communication between the upstream and downstream of the oil-supply passage.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Satoshi Umemura, Shinya Yamamoto, Keishi Nakagaki -
Patent number: 5944491Abstract: An improved compressor that is designed to minimize shock and vibration during start-up includes a plurality of pistons, each of which is positioned for movement within a cylinder in order to compress a gas, and conventional motive structure for driving the pistons. Advantageously, the compressor includes a sensor for sensing, from a condition that exists within the compressor, when the compressor is in a start-up phase. The sensor is designed to be operative regardless of the position of the pistons during start-up. Pressure relief structure, responsive to said sensor, is provided for relieving pressure in at least one of the cylinders when the sensor indicates that the compressor is in the start-up phase. This minimizes shock and vibration during the start-up.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Naoya Yakomachi, Satoshi Umemura, Hayato Ikeda, Takahisa Tokushige
-
Patent number: 5694828Abstract: Disclosed is a compressor designed to facilitate the assembling of the thrust bearing and reduce noise. A swash plate which moves in responsive to the drive shaft is arranged in a crank chamber defined in a pair of cylinder blocks. Ring washers are held between both bosses of the swash plate and seats formed on both cylinder blocks. Wedge-like clearances are formed between the washers and the seats of the cylinder blocks for the effective introduction of the refrigerant gas by the yawing of the swash plate which occurs as the compressor runs. At this time, the washers, together with the lubrication oil mist contained in the refrigerant gas, constitute the dynamic bearing to support the swash plate and permit the relative movement of the swash plate to the cylinder blocks.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Satoshi Umemura, Hayato Ikeda, Hideo Mori, Hirofumi Sato, Norikazu Deto, Hisato Kawamura, Hiromi Michiyuki, Tomoji Tarutani
-
Patent number: 5596920Abstract: A compressor includes a drive shaft rotatably supported on cylinder block. A swash plate rotates in accordance with rotation of the drive shaft. A plurality of pistons reciprocate in the associated bores in the cylinder block in accordance with the rotation of the swash plate. First an second thrust bearings are provided in the cylinder block at both sides of the swash plate, and receive the axial loads applied to the swash plate and drive shaft according to the reciprocation of the pistons. The first thrust bearing has the first seat portion clamped at both sides by the swash plate and cylinder block and the second seat portion located apart from one of the swash plate and cylinder block.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Satoshi Umemura, Hisato Kawamura, Toshiyuki Mizuno, Michelle Alberda, Hayato Ikeda, Tomoji Tarutani, Keishi Nakagaki, Yasunori Ueda, Hideo Mori, Kazuya Kimura, Yuji Kaneshige, Hirofumi Sato
-
Patent number: D384675Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventors: Kazuo Murakami, Toshiro Fujii, Satoshi Umemura, Kazuaki Iwama