Patents by Inventor Toru Zenno

Toru Zenno 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: 8751123
    Abstract: A control device for a transmission including a clutch driven by an actuator mechanism, such as a motor, is provided. The control device controls the actuator so that the rider does not perceive generation of a braking force when the clutch is shifted from a disengaged state to an engaged state while traveling, thereby enhancing riding comfort. In performing the control to actuate a clutch from a disengaged state to an engaged state, the control device makes a determination about whether or not to restrict engagement of the clutch based on information about a rotational speed on an upstream side of the clutch and information about a rotational speed on a downstream side of the clutch. If it is determined that engagement of the clutch is to be restricted, the control device delays engagement of the clutch until the engine speed is increased to an acceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Patent number: 8177684
    Abstract: A gear change control device is provided for a straddle-type vehicle having a clutch and a transmission. The device includes a clutch actuator configured to engage and disengage the clutch. A transmission actuator is configured to change a gear of the transmission. At least one sensor is configured to sense an operational condition of the straddle type vehicle. At least one switch is configured to generate a gear change command. A controller is operatively connected to the clutch actuator, the transmission actuator, the at least one sensor, and the at least one switch. The controller is configured to change gears in response to the gear change command and during the gear change reengage the clutch under either a first control routine or second, different control routine based upon the operational condition of the straddle-type vehicle determined by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Patent number: 8090510
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a clutch and a transmission, an additional shift command is accepted during an already ongoing shift operation, thereby providing control that makes possible a responsive shift operation. When a shift command is issued during an ongoing shift operation and engagement operation of the clutch, the disengagement operation of the clutch and the dog insert operation of the transmission are conducted according a second schedule so that the dog insert operation of the transmission is conducted during the disengagement operation of the clutch, and a second shift operation including the re-engagement of the clutch is conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Patent number: 7810621
    Abstract: In a clutch engaging and disengaging operation at the time of a shift change, a state in which the clutch position of the clutch is at a specific value between a first clutch position at which a half clutch state finishes and a second clutch position at which the clutch is in a mechanical maximum disengaged state is maintained until completion of a gear change is detected by a gear position sensor. Therefore, even if a dog abutment state occurs between first gears with engaging projections and second gears with engaging recesses, the dog abutment can be resolved properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Publication number: 20100100288
    Abstract: In a clutch engaging and disengaging operation at the time of a shift change, a state in which the clutch position of the clutch is at a specific value between a first clutch position at which a half clutch state finishes and a second clutch position at which the clutch is in a mechanical maximum disengaged state is maintained until completion of a gear change is detected by a gear position sensor. Therefore, even if a dog abutment state occurs between first gears with engaging projections and second gears with engaging recesses, the dog abutment can be resolved properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Publication number: 20090292429
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a clutch and a transmission, an additional shift command is accepted during an already ongoing shift operation, thereby providing control that makes possible a responsive shift operation. When a shift command is issued during an ongoing shift operation and engagement operation of the clutch, the disengagement operation of the clutch and the dog insert operation of the transmission are conducted according a second schedule so that the dog insert operation of the transmission is conducted during the disengagement operation of the clutch, and a second shift operation including the re-engagement of the clutch is conducted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Publication number: 20090271082
    Abstract: A control device for a transmission including a clutch driven by an actuator mechanism, such as a motor, is provided. The control device controls the actuator so that the rider does not perceive generation of a braking force when the clutch is shifted from a disengaged state to an engaged state while traveling, thereby enhancing riding comfort. In performing the control to actuate a clutch from a disengaged state to an engaged state, the control device makes a determination about whether or not to restrict engagement of the clutch based on information about a rotational speed on an upstream side of the clutch and information about a rotational speed on a downstream side of the clutch. If it is determined that engagement of the clutch is to be restricted, the control device delays engagement of the clutch until the engine speed is increased to an acceptable level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Patent number: 7527579
    Abstract: A clutch control device is used to engage and disengage a clutch of a straddle-type vehicle. A method of using the device comprises detecting a predetermined operation, such as positioning a key switch in an ON position, for starting use of the straddle-type vehicle, detecting application of a brake of the straddle-type vehicle, and actuating clutch control means that disconnects the clutch upon detection of application of the brake if the predetermined operation for starting use is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Zenno, Atsushi Kamo
  • Patent number: 7478714
    Abstract: Engagement of a clutch is at least partially controlled based upon the difference in rotational speed between the drive side of the clutch and the driven side of the clutch. As the rotational speed difference varies, the approach rate of the drive side and the driven side also varies for at least part of the total distance defined between the drive side and the driven side when the clutch is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Patent number: 7476179
    Abstract: A gear change control device is provided for a straddle-type vehicle having a clutch and a transmission. The device includes a clutch actuator configured to engage and disengage the clutch. A transmission actuator is configured to change a gear of the transmission. At least one sensor is configured to sense an operational condition of the straddle type vehicle. At least one switch is configured to generate a gear change command. A controller is operatively connected to the clutch actuator, the transmission actuator, the at least one sensor, and the at least one switch. The controller is configured to change gears in response to the gear change command and during the gear change reengage the clutch under either a first control routine or second, different control routine based upon the operational condition of the straddle-type vehicle determined by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Publication number: 20090011900
    Abstract: A gear change control device is provided for a straddle-type vehicle having a clutch and a transmission. The device includes a clutch actuator configured to engage and disengage the clutch. A transmission actuator is configured to change a gear of the transmission. At least one sensor is configured to sense an operational condition of the straddle type vehicle. At least one switch is configured to generate a gear change command. A controller is operatively connected to the clutch actuator, the transmission actuator, the at least one sensor, and the at least one switch. The controller is configured to change gears in response to the gear change command and during the gear change reengage the clutch under either a first control routine or second, different control routine based upon the operational condition of the straddle-type vehicle determined by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Patent number: 7367923
    Abstract: A transmission control apparatus is provided for a straddle-type vehicle that has a clutch and a transmission with a dog clutch having a first gear and a second gear. The transmission control apparatus includes a clutch actuator configured to engage and disengage the clutch. A transmission actuator is configured to change a gear of the transmission. An input device is configured to generate a gear change command. A first sensor is configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a standstill condition. A controller is operatively connected to the clutch actuator, the transmission actuator and the first sensor. The controller is configured to, in response to the gear change command, set the clutch position between a partially engaged position and a completely released position if the vehicle is standing still as determined by the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Zenno, Makoto Kosugi
  • Patent number: 7174984
    Abstract: The invention prevents a decrease in a bank angle while cornering and reduces damage incurred to an AMT mechanism when tumbling over. A motorcycle 1 includes a cylinder block 47 of an engine, a crankcase 49 located below this cylinder block 47, a transmission 55 located behind this crankcase 49 and provided with a multistage shifting mechanism having multistage change gears, a clutch for connecting/disconnecting transmission of rotation when shifting the change gears of this transmission 55, and an AMT mechanism 63 for automatically actuating this clutch and shifting the change gears of the transmission 55. Since this AMT mechanism 63 is located behind the cylinder block 47 and above the transmission 55, a decrease in the bank angle is prevented while cornering, and fatal damage to the AMT mechanism 63 can be reduced when the motorcycle 1 tumbles over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Kosugi, Toru Zenno, Masaichi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20060160660
    Abstract: A transmission control apparatus is provided for a straddle-type vehicle that has a clutch and a transmission with a dog clutch having a first gear and a second gear. The transmission control apparatus includes a clutch actuator configured to engage and disengage the clutch. A transmission actuator is configured to change a gear of the transmission. An input device is configured to generate a gear change command. A first sensor is configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a standstill condition. A controller is operatively connected to the clutch actuator, the transmission actuator and the first sensor. The controller is configured to, in response to the gear change command, set the clutch position between a partially engaged position and a completely released position if the vehicle is standing still as determined by the first sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Inventors: Toru Zenno, Makoto Kosugi
  • Publication number: 20060124422
    Abstract: Engagement of a clutch is at least partially controlled based upon the difference in rotational speed between the drive side of the clutch and the driven side of the clutch. As the rotational speed difference varies, the approach rate of the drive side and the driven side also varies for at least part of the total distance defined between the drive side and the driven side when the clutch is disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Publication number: 20060128525
    Abstract: A gear change control device is provided for a straddle-type vehicle having a clutch and a transmission. The device includes a clutch actuator configured to engage and disengage the clutch. A transmission actuator is configured to change a gear of the transmission. At least one sensor is configured to sense an operational condition of the straddle type vehicle. At least one switch is configured to generate a gear change command. A controller is operatively connected to the clutch actuator, the transmission actuator, the at least one sensor, and the at least one switch. The controller is configured to change gears in response to the gear change command and during the gear change reengage the clutch under either a first control routine or second, different control routine based upon the operational condition of the straddle-type vehicle determined by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Publication number: 20060128527
    Abstract: A clutch control device is used to engage and disengage a clutch of a straddle-type vehicle. A method of using the device comprises detecting a predetermined operation, such as positioning a key switch in an ON position, for starting use of the straddle-type vehicle, detecting application of a brake of the straddle-type vehicle, and actuating clutch control means that disconnects the clutch upon detection of application of the brake if the predetermined operation for starting use is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Inventors: Toru Zenno, Atsushi Kamo
  • Patent number: 7044281
    Abstract: A clutch engagement control system 100 for engaging a friction clutch 1 by means of an actuator 3, can comprise a magnetostrictive sensor 71 for detecting the state of power transmission over the friction clutch 1, and can be configured to engage the friction clutch 1 at first engagement velocity until the magnetostrictive sensor 71 detects the start of the power transmission, and to change the engaging velocity to second engagement velocity lower than the first engagement velocity when the magnetostrictive sensor 71 detects the start of the power transmission such that the friction clutch 1 starts transmitting power after no power transmitted over the friction clutch 1, and the power transmissibility is gradually enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Kosugi, Toru Zenno, Masaichi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20050217915
    Abstract: The invention prevents a decrease in a bank angle while cornering and reduces damage incurred to an AMT mechanism when tumbling over. A motorcycle 1 includes a cylinder block 47 of an engine, a crankcase 49 located below this cylinder block 47, a transmission 55 located behind this crankcase 49 and provided with a multistage shifting mechanism having multistage change gears, a clutch for connecting/disconnecting transmission of rotation when shifting the change gears of this transmission 55, and an AMT mechanism 63 for automatically actuating this clutch and shifting the change gears of the transmission 55. Since this AMT mechanism 63 is located behind the cylinder block 47 and above the transmission 55, a decrease in the bank angle is prevented while cornering, and fatal damage to the AMT mechanism 63 can be reduced when the motorcycle 1 tumbles over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Makoto Kosugi, Toru Zenno, Masaichi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20050167232
    Abstract: A clutch engagement control system 100 for engaging a friction clutch 1 by means of an actuator 3, can comprise a magnetostrictive sensor 71 for detecting the state of power transmission over the friction clutch 1, and can be configured to engage the friction clutch 1 at first engagement velocity until the magnetostrictive sensor 71 detects the start of the power transmission, and to change the engaging velocity to second engagement velocity lower than the first engagement velocity when the magnetostrictive sensor 71 detects the start of the power transmission such that the friction clutch 1 starts transmitting power after no power transmitted over the friction clutch 1, and the power transmissibility is gradually enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventors: Makoto Kosugi, Toru Zenno, Masaichi Yamada