Circuit Controls An Electric Throttle Operator Patents (Class 123/361)
  • Publication number: 20030196640
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicants: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Publication number: 20030187566
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle are suggested. A decentral torque coordination is provided. In addition to the resulting input quantity of the first coordinator, also, if required, resulting minimum quantities and/or maximum quantities are transmitted from a first coordinator to a second coordinator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Werner Hess, Juergen Pantring, Dirk Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20030183193
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling a drive unit are suggested wherein a maximum permissible value of an output quantity is determined. This maximum permissible value is compared to the actual value and, when the permissible value is exceeded by the actual value, reaction measures are initiated. The maximum permissible value is filtered at least in one operating state in accordance with filter means including a filter and a dead zone member. Furthermore, the maximum permissible value is continuously reduced in dependence upon the approaching of at least one quantity to a limit value. This quantity represents an operating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Frank Plagge, Ralf Dunke, Torsten Bauer, Frank Bederna, Berthold Steinmann
  • Patent number: 6625533
    Abstract: The upshift and downshift timing of an automatic transmission (5) is set with a predetermined hysteresis in response to the vehicle speed and the depression amount of the accelerator pedal (25). When the accelerator pedal (25) is depressed in a hysteresis region before a downshift, the output torque of the automatic transmission (5) is saturated before the depression amount takes a maximum value. As a result, even when depressing the accelerator pedal (25) further, increases do not result in the output torque of the automatic transmission (5). When the depression amount is less than a predetermined value, this invention sets the rate of increase in the target output torque of the automatic transmission (5) to a value which is smaller than the rate of increase when the depression amount is greater than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shusaku Katakura, Daisuke Yoshinoya
  • Publication number: 20030172906
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling an accelerator pedal (1) provide a signal to the driver of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine the entry into an uneconomical driving pattern via the accelerator pedal. A reset force (FPED) is applied to the accelerator pedal (1). A desired value (FPEDSOLL) for the reset force is increased in dependence upon a drop below a pregiven value for a degree of efficiency of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Mario Kustosch
  • Patent number: 6615160
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing operation and diagnosing faults in an engine including an electronic control unit. A diagnostic computer is coupled to the electronic control unit and displays engine testing and diagnostic text messages in any one of a plurality of selectable languages, energize ignition circuits on demand, display menu screen displays associated with engine testing, diagnostics and service, and generate summary screen displays and reports for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Bombardier Motor Corperation of America
    Inventors: Wilbur V. Quinnett, Scott A. Koerner, Lester M. Szukala, Phillip J. Bylsma
  • Patent number: 6605911
    Abstract: A process for adjusting a motor vehicle part between at least two positions and a drive device for executing this process. The motor vehicle part is driven by an electric motor. A pulse signal is generated according to the rotary motion of the electric motor (10) and is supplied to a control unit (24) for controlling the electric motor (10). The instant of input of each signal on the control unit (24) is acquired and between two such input instants at certain extrapolation instants from at least some of these measured instants the current force acting on the motor vehicle part is estimated, this estimate being used as the criterion in the decision whether the electric motor (10) is turned off or reversed or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Webasto Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Klesing
  • Patent number: 6598587
    Abstract: An electronic throttle apparatus permits aggregating of various parts and rationalization of installation, and can simplify assembling operation and wiring operation to an engine room for rationalization of an installation space. The throttle apparatus for an engine includes a throttle body housing therein a throttle valve and disposed in an air intake of the engine, a throttle actuating motor, a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle valve angle and an air flow sensor located on upstream of the throttle valve and measuring an intake air flow rate. The throttle actuating motor, the throttle position sensor and the air flow sensor are mounted on the throttle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamimura, Norio Tomita, Kazuo Nagayama, Yasushi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6600988
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle is described. The method determines a desired vehicle condition based on three driver actuated elements. In a preferred embodiment the first element can be pedal position, the second element can be a brake actuator or, more specifically, brake actuation duration, and the third element can be a gear selection lever. Further, the desired vehicle condition can be desired powertrain output, vehicle acceleration, or various other parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Da, Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 6595184
    Abstract: An intake control system has intake control valves disposed in intake passages of cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. ECU controls the opening degrees of the intake control valves of the respective cylinders based on signals from sensors to converge rotation speed of the engine in a lower limit rotation speed above which the engine does not stall during an idling operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Jiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 6591809
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Patent number: 6588400
    Abstract: A multi-strike throttle minimum learning system compares a signal received from at least one throttle position sensor to a predetermined minimum throttle position range based on throttle system component tolerances. A possible throttle obstruction is indicated when all of the sensor signal minimum values are outside the predetermined minimum range. In this case, the system deactivates electrical power for a predetermined delay period and then initiates another learn attempt in an effort to overcome the obstruction. This cycle is repeated until a valid throttle minimum position is detected, the number of learn attempts reaches a preset maximum, or a sensor fault is detected. If a valid throttle position minimum is detected within the allowed number of learning attempts, normal engine startup proceeds; otherwise, appropriate fault codes are communicated to the balance of the engine management system and, ultimately, to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Gyoergy, Joyce Dale Carsey
  • Publication number: 20030121497
    Abstract: An intake control system has intake control valves disposed in intake passages of cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. ECU controls the opening degrees of the intake control valves of the respective cylinders based on signals from sensors to converge rotation speed of the engine in a lower limit rotation speed above which the engine does not stall during an idling operation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Jiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 6581569
    Abstract: A valve control unit, especially for internal combustion engines, having a valve fixed on a valve spindle which is mounted for angular rotation in a valve body supporting a control motor for positioning the valve spindle. The motor is coupled to the valve spindle through a gear mechanism and is disposed in the valve body with a sensor unit for sensing an adjusted angular position of the valve spindle. A cover is provided to be fastened on the valve body and the cover supports an electric clutch element, a bearing for an end of the motor shaft of the control motor and functional parts of the control motor such that assembly of the control motor is completed upon mounting the cover on the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Pierburg GmbH
    Inventors: Mirko Arsic, Michael Jäger, Isao Fukumoto, Detlev Oellrich, Günter Preub, Edward Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 6574542
    Abstract: A method utilizing continual sensor-based data to design an adjustable set of corrective braking/accelerating actions for a vehicle. The invention capabilities include cognizance of the dynamic workings of the vehicle in a changing real environment. For example, the forces and accelerations experienced by the vehicle during normal driving operations, may be taken into design account, to thereby provide an optimal balance between safety, support, and comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome M. Kurtzberg, Menachem Levanoni
  • Patent number: 6564774
    Abstract: In an engine control system (10) for an industrial internal combustion engine (12) driving a load (14) and desired to run at constant speed as controlled by an engine control unit (16) including a governor controlling an engine throttle (18), a governing system is provided for holding the engine (12) at relatively constant speed, notwithstanding load changes, by anticipating load change with pre-set loop modification control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ellims, James R. Zurlo
  • Patent number: 6561162
    Abstract: A control unit for detecting an opening of an accelerator and an opening of the throttle valve to operate the throttle valve via a motor, sets a commanded value of an opening of the throttle valve at each of first predetermined cycles in accordance with an of the accelerator. A first opening/closing velocity is set in accordance with the set commanded value, a present opening of the throttle valve is read at each of second cycles shorter than the first predetermined cycles, the motor is rotated to open/close the throttle valve to follow a first predicted opening of the throttle valve until the opening of the throttle valve is smaller than the commanded value by a predetermined quantity, and the motor is caused to open/close the throttle valve to follow a second predicted opening of the throttle valve which is smaller than the first predicted opening of the throttle valve after the cycle when the opening of the throttle valve has been made smaller than the commanded value by a predetermined quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Kuretake
  • Publication number: 20030066515
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Patent number: 6543417
    Abstract: In an intake air control device, a valve gear for driving a shaft of a throttle valve is made of non-magnetic metal that does not interfere with a magnetic circuit constituted by split type permanent magnet and yoke. Accordingly, as the magnetic flux from the magnetic circuit is effectively used without leakage to the valve gear, an opening degree of the throttle valve is accurately detected by a non-contact type Hall element. Further, it is not necessary to reinforce with other metal a ring shaped fixing portion of the valve gear that is rigidly fixed to an end of the shaft by staking or welding and an outer protrusion of the valve gear that comes in hitting contact with a stopper of a throttle body when the throttle valve is fully closed, resulting in less number of component parts and lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio Tanaka, Takashi Hamaoka
  • Patent number: 6526941
    Abstract: A method for controlling a positioning device of an internal combustion engine includes the steps of: providing an electric motor for actuating the positioning device with the positioning device applying a torque to the; detecting a commanded position of the positioning device; detecting a sensed position of the positioning device; forming a damping term based upon the sensed position; forming a dynamic feedforward term based upon the commanded position; and forming a control action based separately upon the damping term and the dynamic feedforward term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McDonald, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 6523522
    Abstract: method and apparatus for controlling throttle plate position by compensating for characteristics of return springs acting on the throttle plate and static friction against movement of the throttle plate. The spring characteristic compensation includes static spring force and non-linear spring action force compensation. The method also learns the spring force characteristics to compensate for differences in the return springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mark H. Costin
  • Patent number: 6513491
    Abstract: The subject invention is a linkage assembly for an electronically controlled throttle (ETC) that provides for the precise setting of a limp home engine speed for a vehicle. Essentially a controlled amount of movement is attained between a closed position and a limp home throttle position. A throttle valve is attached to a first shaft and rotates to regulate air intake. The first shaft is attached to a sector gear. The sector gear is driven by the ETC. A stop bracket limits the amount that the sector gear can close the throttle valve. The stop bracket defines an opening, and a cam is disposed within the opening. A spring biases the stop bracket against the cam. Normally, the ETC can overcome the spring and the stop bracket is forced against the cam such that stop bracket contacts the cam to define a closed throttle position. Of course, when operational the ETC can drive the valve to open position as demanded by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce James Harvey
  • Patent number: 6499449
    Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a variable cam timing mechanism in cooperation with a plurality of deactivatable cylinders and corresponding intake valves includes the steps of scheduling a transition mode of the engine, determining a desired engine torque during the transition mode, determining a VCT phase angle based on the desired engine torque and operating the variable cam timing mechanism in accordance with the VCT phase angle to provide the desired engine torque during the transition mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ottavio Michelini, Stephen Lee Cooper, Shunsuke Okubo
  • Patent number: 6499461
    Abstract: Hall ICs constituting a redundant throttle valve position sensor are used to measure a rotational angle value indicative of a position of a throttle valve and a temperature value indicative of an ambient temperature change, which is continuously monitored, around the Hall ICs. The rotational angle value measured by the Hall ICs is appropriately adjusted based on the measure temperature value of its own, and a throttle valve position is determined in an externally connected ECU based on the adjusted angle value. In addition, the temperature value measured by one Hall IC is inputted to the ECU. In the ECU, various control values, such as a resistance value of an electric motor, can be appropriately adjusted based on the measured temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takamitsu Kubota, Naoyuki Kamiya, Hirofumi Hagio, Takashi Hamaoka
  • Patent number: 6491019
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a position device that includes an angular rotation sensor for use in connection with a throttle valve assembly. The rotation sensor consists of a stationary and rotating unit provided in an enclosed cap element. The present invention also includes an adjusting device having an angular rotation sensor and a throttle unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: AB Elektronik GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Apel
  • Patent number: 6488010
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Patent number: 6488009
    Abstract: A throttle gear 5 is fastened to a throttle shaft 2. A relief lever 9 is pivotally mounted on the throttle shaft 2. A return spring 11 urges the relief lever 9 in a valve closing direction with respect to a throttle body 1. The throttle body 1 contacts the relief lever 9 at a second contact position 20A when the relief lever 9 pivots to a predetermined pivot position B in the valve closing direction. A relief spring 10 urges the throttle gear 5 in a valve opening direction with respect to the relief lever 9. The relief lever 9 contacts the throttle gear 5 at a first contact position 20B when the throttle gear 5 pivots to the predetermined pivot position B in the valve opening direction. The first and second contact positions 20B, 20A are located within or to one side of a plane P that is perpendicular to the rotational axis L of the throttle shaft 2. Plane P preferably includes a third position 20C at which the biasing force of the return spring 11 acts on the relief lever 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Sakurai, Tsutomu Nishitani, Takashi Tsuge
  • Patent number: 6478012
    Abstract: To connect a potentiometer (2) and a brush holder (1) of a servomotor of a throttle-valve actuator for a motor-vehicle engine with actuating electronics, use is made of a conductor bridge (3). This has supports (8, 9), by which it is supported in the throttle-valve actuator. The conductor bridge (3) is furthermore provided with two rigid conductor bars (4,5) for supplying energy to the servomotor and conductors for making contact with conductor tracks (21-24) of the potentiometer. The two conductor bars (4, 5) and the conductors are each connected to a plug pin (11-16) of a plug socket (10) of the conductor bridge (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Günther Bender
  • Patent number: 6474301
    Abstract: An electronic control throttle body has a default mechanism for securing the self-propelling of a vehicle at the time of faulty. A throttle control unit controls the position of a throttle valve by using a motor on the basis of a target throttle valve opening degree obtained by an engine control unit. In this respect, when the target throttle valve opening degree inputted from the engine control unit crosses over a default opening degree f0 of a default mechanism, an integration value having been added is set to 0, and an integration value having been calculated hereinafter is added to the set value to thereby perform a feedback control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamimura, Yasushi Sasaki, Norio Tomita, Tsugio Tomita, Syuuichi Nakano
  • Publication number: 20020129791
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Publication number: 20020121266
    Abstract: The method of air to be introduced is controlled for each cylinder, whereby it is intended to make it possible to control the torque generated in each cylinder, perform an ultra-lean burn operation, purify the exhaust gas, and increase the output of an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Nogi, Takuya Shiraishi, Minoru Ohsuga, Youko Nakayama, Noboru Tokuyasu
  • Patent number: 6445153
    Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for automatically adjusting a selected following interval for the vehicle based on driving conditions is provided. The method includes determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving a signal indicative of a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on the driven wheel speed, and capable of adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald L. Sielagoski, Mark Peter Friedrich, Sam G. Rahaim
  • Patent number: 6435160
    Abstract: An electronic throttle control apparatus includes a variable voltage generator, such as an H-driver, controlling the positioning effort of an electronic throttle motor by generating a variable voltage signal. A current sensing element is coupled to the H-driver and generates a voltage proportional to motor current. A microprocessor is coupled to the H-driver and the current sensing element. The microprocessor determines electronic motor resistance based upon the voltage generated by the H-driver and the current sensing voltage signal. The microprocessor may then modify controller gains based upon the calculated electronic throttle motor resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Christopher Round, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Robert James Wilker
  • Patent number: 6414607
    Abstract: A throttle position sensor is provided with a plurality of sensing elements which allow the throttle position sensor to provide a high resolution output to measure the physical position of a manually movable member, such as a throttle handle, more accurately than would otherwise be possible. The plurality of sensors significantly increases the redundancy of the sensor and allows its operation even if one of the sensing elements is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Gonring, John R. Boatman
  • Patent number: 6397816
    Abstract: A method for controlling a throttle of an electronic throttle control-equipped engine. The method includes the steps of providing a desired throttle position derived from the driver demand and vehicle system requests. The method generates first and second throttle positions by interpolating the desired throttle position within the resolution of the throttle position controller. A duty cycle is also generated as a function of the desired throttle position and system resolution. The resulting conditioned throttle position command having the first throttle position for a first time period and the second throttle position for a second time period is communicated to the throttle controller. The ratio of the time periods corresponds to the duty cycle such that the average throttle position command is approximately equal to the desired throttle position. In this way, the control method can achieve a desired throttle position of higher resolution than the throttle position sensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 6390061
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cost-effective method and apparatus for controlling engine speed. One embodiment generally comprises a controller and a linear actuator. The controller generates a plurality of voltage pulses having a duration and frequency related to a difference between a desired engine speed and an actual engine speed. The linear actuator converts the plurality of voltage pulses into a throttle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Pemstar, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Melville, Peter M. Herman, Robert A. Rink, James M. Rigotti
  • Patent number: 6390062
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Patent number: 6386181
    Abstract: An electronic throttle control system for a vehicle utilizes wireless communication to provide command signals to a motor assembly that responsively drives the throttle control assembly. All communications between an accelerator pedal, a controller and the motor assembly preferably are wireless. Feedback information indicating motor operation or position information is provided to the controller through wireless communication. A power source for the motor assembly preferably is supported as part of the motor assembly so that no external wire connections are required. The power source preferably is provided with energy as a result of vibrations caused by vehicle operation or from a dedicated source of vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventor: Paul D. Daly
  • Patent number: 6371080
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle device for an internal-combustion engine, in which, on one side of the side wall of a throttle body, there are formed a space for mounting a reduction gear mechanism which transmits the power from a motor to a throttle valve shaft and a default opening setting mechanism for holding a throttle valve opening at a specific opening (default opening) when the ignition switch is in off position, and a gear cover mounting frame which edges the mounting space. The frame is formed lower than the mounting level of the reduction gear mechanism. A gear cover for covering the gear mounting space is attached on the frame. A stopper for defining the default opening and a stopper for defining the full-closed position of the throttle valve are juxtaposed so as to enable position adjustments in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Saito, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Eisuke Wayama, Toshifumi Usui
  • Patent number: 6367447
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine include determining a currently available maximum torque, determining a driver demanded torque based on a current accelerator pedal position and reference ambient conditions, and controlling the engine to deliver the lesser of the driver demanded torque corresponding to the reference ambient conditions and a calibratable percentage of the currently available maximum torque corresponding to the current ambient conditions. A similar torque is provided at high altitudes as that provided at sea level for a given low pedal position while smoothly blending into the currently available peak torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce John Palansky, Dennis Allen Light, Michael John Cullen, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 6367449
    Abstract: In electronically controlling the opening of a throttle valve mounted in an intake system of an engine, the opening is controlled through a sliding mode control, based on a control amount including a control amount portion proportional to the switching function and a control amount portion corresponding to a nonlinear spring torque of a return spring urging said throttle valve in a direction to reduce the throttle valve opening. According to this constitution, the response characteristic of the control unit is maintained while restraining overshoot, enabling the opening to converge to the target opening promptly while sliding along a switching plane. Further, since said control amount includes the control amount portion corresponding to the nonlinear spring torque of the return spring, uncertainty element is reduced, to thereby perform a high response control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Moteki, Kenichi Machida
  • Publication number: 20020033166
    Abstract: To achieve an integration of components and the rationalization of the default opening mechanism of the throttle valve, a reduction of the load of the motor drive and a stabilization of the throttle control operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Shimura, Yoshikatsu Hashimoto, Shigeru Tokumoto, Yasuo Saito, Toshifumi Usui, Eisuke Wayama, Yoshinori Fukasaku
  • Patent number: 6349701
    Abstract: A throttle control apparatus for an internal combustion engine in which wear particles due to sliding between components and vibration wear particles produced between components by engine vibrations are prevented from entering the area between a brush of a throttle sensor and a sensor substrate to prevent the occurrence of a contact failure between the brush and the substrate, thereby making it possible to detect an accurate throttle opening. A brush of a sensor unit is secured to an outer end portion of a throttle shaft projecting from a cover, and the sensor unit is accommodated in a sensor chamber formed outside the cover. A gear chamber for accommodating gears and the sensor chamber are isolated from each other by a dust seal. Therefore, wear particles will not enter the sensor chamber and accumulate in the area between the brush and the sensor substrate to cause a contact failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Sakurai, Tsutomu Nishitani, Sunao Kitamura, Takashi Tsuge
  • Patent number: 6345604
    Abstract: A throttle control for an internal combustion engine comprising an electric motor and a motor drive connecting the motor to a throttle plate of a throttle body, whereby throttle plate control is established solely by the electric motor without a mechanical motion-transmitting mechanism between the vehicle accelerator pedal and the throttle plate. The motor is under the control of an electronic microprocessor that responds to a signal indicating that the engine ignition system has been deactivated. A command is sent by the microprocessor at the time of engine shutdown to the motor to actuate the throttle plate to an intermediate position, thereby avoiding throttle plate freezing and avoiding throttle plate sticking at closed throttle due to deposits, such as hydrocarbon deposits, on the wall of the throttle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Ahrns, Michael Donald Bennett, Michael Joseph Weber
  • Patent number: 6341593
    Abstract: An electronic throttle apparatus permits aggregating of various parts and rationalization of installation, and can simplify assembling operation and wiring operation to an engine room for rationalization of an installation space. The throttle apparatus for an engine includes a throttle body housing therein a throttle valve and disposed in an air intake of the engine, a throttle actuating motor, a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle valve angle and an air flow sensor located on upstream of the throttle valve and measuring an intake air flow rate. The throttle actuating motor, the throttle position sensor and the air flow sensor are mounted on the throttle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamimura, Norio Tomita, Kazuo Nagayama, Yasushi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6332450
    Abstract: In a throttle control apparatus of an internal combustion engine, when the driver operates an accelerator so as to cause a motor vehicle to proceed to a steady-state running mode, a target throttle opening amount is no longer controlled to a throttle opening amount that depends upon an operated amount of the accelerator. Instead, the throttle opening amount is controlled to a value that provides a steady-state required torque. In this manner, the vehicle is immediately brought into a desired steady-state running mode, without requiring the driver to repeatedly operate the accelerator since the accelerator operation is not directly reflected by the throttle opening amount. Thus, the driver need not frequently repeat accelerator operations when the vehicle enters a steady-state running mode, thus assuring improved driveability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Harufumi Muto, Kei Masuda, Makoto Fujita, Naoto Kushi
  • Publication number: 20010045202
    Abstract: To achieve an integration of components and the rationalization of the default opening mechanism of the throttle valve, a reduction of the load of the motor drive and a stabilization of the throttle control operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: TAKAHIRO SHIMURA, YOSHIKATSU HASHIMOTO, SHIGERU TOKUMOTO, YASUO SAITO, TOSHIFUMI USUI, EISUKE WAYAMA, YOSHINORI FUKASAKU
  • Publication number: 20010045203
    Abstract: A valve control unit, especially for internal combustion engines, having a valve fixed on a valve spindle which is mounted for angular rotation in a valve body supporting a control motor for positioning the valve spindle. The motor is coupled to the valve spindle through a gear mechanism and is disposed in the valve body with a sensor unit for sensing an adjusted angular position of the valve spindle. A cover is provided to be fastened on the valve body and the cover supports an electric clutch element, a bearing for an end of the motor shaft of the control motor and functional parts of the control motor such that assembly of the control motor is completed upon mounting the cover on the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: PIERBURG AG
    Inventors: Mirko Arsic, Michael Jager, Isao Fukumoto, Detlev Oellrich, Gunter Preub, Edward Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 6317678
    Abstract: In a method for setting a presettable vehicle desired speed, control signals for manipulation of the engine and/or the transmission of the motor vehicle are produced in a cruise control system, taking account of vehicle state variables and operating variables. In order to avoid overshoots occurring as the desired speed is approached, a substitute speed is preset which differs from the desired speed and is formed by applying an offset to the desired speed. The substitute speed is above or below the desired speed depending on the actual vehicle speed. When the actual vehicle speed approaches the desired speed, the substitute speed is used for cruise control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Thomas Linden
  • Patent number: 6311670
    Abstract: A method for correcting fuel injection internal combustion engine torque jerks including an electronic engine control system which determines, according to engine operating conditions, engine control parameter values, and such that at least one control parameter value is corrected in response to the engine torque oscillations. The control parameter value is computed on the basis of an accelerator pedal position, and a correction is determined to be applied to the control parameter by filtering an engine shaft rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Renault
    Inventor: Pierre Constancis