Engine Controlled By Transmission Patents (Class 477/107)
  • Patent number: 8224539
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine coupled to a transmission operative in one of a plurality of operating range states to transfer power between the engine and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes monitoring an operator torque request, monitoring barometric pressure and engine input speed to the transmission, determining an achievable range of input power transferable from the engine to the transmission based upon the barometric pressure and the engine input speed, and determining a preferred operating range state for the transmission and a preferred engine operating point at the preferred operating range state based upon the operator torque request and the achievable range of input power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Publication number: 20120179343
    Abstract: A method for control of a gearbox installed in a motor vehicle (1), which method effects a downshift of the gearbox (20) from a first gear (G1), for which the acceleration a of the vehicle (1) is negative, to a second gear (G2), for which the acceleration a is positive or substantially equal to nil. The downshift involves at least one intermediate gear step between the first gear (G1) and second gear (G2), with a maximum engine speed at each intermediate gear step which is as high as, or higher than, a highest engine speed at a preceding intermediate gear step. Also, a system, a motor vehicle, a computer program and a computer program product for performing the method are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Fredrik Swartling, Mikael Wågberg
  • Patent number: 8219291
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes signaling a transmission to shift into a first gear ratio and sensing a current gear ratio of the transmission after signaling the transmission to shift into the first gear ratio. The method further includes implementing a diagnostic transmission shift control strategy to override a normal transmission shift control strategy when the current sensed gear ratio is not equal to the requested first gear ratio to verify proper functionality of a mode control valve that is responsible for shifting the transmission into the first gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Emmanuel V. Yabes, Brian J. Pellerito, Michael Chernyak, Craig J. Hawkins, Cheol W. Kim
  • Patent number: 8214114
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is mechanically coupled to a hybrid transmission to transmit mechanical power to an output member. A method for controlling the internal combustion engine includes determining an accelerator output torque request based upon an operator input to the accelerator pedal, and determining an axle torque response type. A preferred input torque from the engine to the hybrid transmission is determined based upon the accelerator output torque request. An allowable range of input torque from the engine which can be reacted with the hybrid transmission is determined based upon the accelerator output torque request and the axle torque response type. The engine is controlled to meet the preferred input torque when the preferred input torque is within the allowable range of input torque from the engine. The engine is controlled within the allowable range of input torque from the engine when the preferred input torque is outside the allowable range of input torques from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Wilfried Brunssen
  • Publication number: 20120165155
    Abstract: A multi-mode internal combustion engine is described. As one example, the engine may be transitioned between a two stroke mode and a four stroke mode in coordination with a transmission shift by adjusting a number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle while shifting the transmission between different gear ratios. Under select conditions, the number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle may be reduced while shifting the transmission from a higher gear ratio to a lower gear ratio. Under other conditions, the number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle may be increased while shifting the transmission from a lower gear ratio to a higher gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Ford Globel Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, David Karl Bidner
  • Patent number: 8204639
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle 20, an engine 22, motors MG1 and MG2 are controlled so that the engine 22 is operated at a target operation point set at Step 120 based on a torque demand Tr* and the motor MG2 outputs lower power for driving in comparison with a turn-off condition of an ECO switch 88 when the ECO switch 88 is turned on upon driving with power from both the engine 22 and the motor MG2 (Steps S130-S150 and S170-S200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunihiko Jinno, Tadashi Nakagawa, Masahiko Maeda, Hideaki Yaguchi
  • Patent number: 8197383
    Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle and method of operation are described. In one example, the engine may operate in a two stroke cycle to provide increased engine torque when a recharging operation of the on-board energy storage device is requested. Further, a transition from a four stroke cycle to the two stroke cycle may be performed while maintaining the transmission in the previously selected gear ratio in response to a requested increase in charging or a requested increase in wheel torque as requested by the vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 8182395
    Abstract: A method for adapting a drive train based upon a PTO load is provided. The method includes continually during vehicle driving determining a torque magnitude indicative of said power take off unit's torque consumption by sensing a fluid pressure produced by a power take off fluid pump. The sensed power take off unit torque consumption is continually compared with an output torque produced by a prime mover. Using the difference from said output torque expected value and the measured PTO torque consumption, a control unit adjusts transmission shifting (if automatic) of a transmission and/or prime mover control because the PTO will cause the prime mover to lose some of its available torque. Based on the PTO load, the engine control will selected the appropriate prime mover torque production and the transmission control unit will select the appropriate start gear, upshift gears, and downshift gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Johan Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8180536
    Abstract: During control of a shift of a first friction engagement element from an engaged state into a disengaged state and a shift of a second friction engagement element from a disengaged state into an engaged state for a gear shift to a first target gear from a second target gear, a desired torque capacity of the first friction engagement element is set based on an actual transmission gear ratio by interpolation from values of the desired torque capacity corresponding to at least first and second reference transmission gear ratios, wherein the first reference transmission gear ratio is a transmission gear ratio at start of an inertia phase of the shift control. When the first reference transmission gear ratio is between the actual transmission gear ratio and the second reference transmission gear ratio, the desired torque capacity is set to the value corresponding to the first reference transmission gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Masami Suzuki, Goh Endo
  • Patent number: 8180537
    Abstract: An engine control apparatus controls an engine rotational speed to a target rotational speed by using a detected input side transmission rotational speed of a manual transmission as the target rotational speed upon detecting a clutch pedal depression amount during shifting being equal to or larger than a first prescribed depression amount, which is equal to or larger than a depression amount corresponding to a clutch disconnect position. The engine rotational speed is controlled to the target rotational speed by using the smaller of a computed transmission rotational speed (based on vehicle speed and gear ratio using a shift position) and the detected input side transmission rotational speed, upon detecting the clutch pedal depression amount during shifting being smaller than the first prescribed depression amount and larger than a second prescribed depression amount, which is smaller than the depression amount corresponding to the clutch disconnect position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Murayama, Masahiro Iriyama
  • Publication number: 20120094800
    Abstract: A vehicular shift control device is provided that controls the input rotational speed of a geared transmission by adjusting the rotational speed of a drive source at downshift of the geared transmission. The greater the deceleration of the vehicle, the smaller is set the change gradient of the input rotational speed of the geared transmission. Therefore, even if the decrease rate of the post-shifting synchronization rotational speed is great, the incident angle ? of the input rotational speed of the geared transmission relative to the post-shifting synchronization rotational speed is maintained as a large angle. Even when the deceleration of the vehicle during downshift is great, the downshift is smoothly executed without producing an excessive synchronization shock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshinari Suzuki, Kenta Kumazaki, Yoshiki Ando, Masakazu Kaifuku
  • Patent number: 8147377
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle operation in the transmission lash region. One method includes transitioning a combustion mode of a cylinder, and varying a timing of said transition responsive to whether the transmission is operating within the lash region of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Harald Stoffels, Klemens Grieser
  • Patent number: 8137240
    Abstract: A method for engaging a drive shaft of a turbo engine with an output shaft by means of a clutch is provided. The turbo engine is run up to a rotational speed that is subsynchronous to the speed of the output shaft and is maintained at the steady speed before a signal is set or before starting the engagement process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias Humer, Heribert Werthes
  • Patent number: 8133153
    Abstract: A multi-mode internal combustion engine is described. As one example, the engine may be transitioned between a two stroke mode and a four stroke mode in coordination with a transmission shift by adjusting a number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle while shifting the transmission between different gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, David Karl Bidner
  • Patent number: 8131436
    Abstract: When it is judged that a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined very low value, that is, for example, 5 km/h, the hydraulic pressure applied to an engaging-side frictional element is sharply increased, sharply reduced and then held higher than a given value capable of effecting a piston stroke of a corresponding piston unit until a time when the piston stroke is completed. Upon completion of the piston stroke, the hydraulic pressure is increased to a maximum value in a time that is smaller or shorter than that set when the detected vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined very low value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Masami Suzuki, Goh Endo
  • Patent number: 8131435
    Abstract: A control system for a transmission of a vehicle comprises an actuation module and an upshift control module. The transmission has a first gear that corresponds to a first transmission ratio and a second gear that corresponds to a second transmission ratio that is less than the first transmission ratio. The actuation module controls an amount torque transferred to the second gear using a friction device. The upshift control module selectively increases the amount of torque transferred to the second gear based on a comparison of the first transmission ratio and a measured transmission ratio at a predetermined period of time after an upshift to the second gear is commanded, wherein the measured transmission ratio is determined based on an input speed of the transmission divided by an output speed of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph P Ivacko, James Robert Somerville, John J. Koenig, Andriy Nikitin
  • Patent number: 8123658
    Abstract: Restriction of hunting in the gear ratio of an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) for a vehicle. A gear ratio change mechanism has a crankshaft as an input shaft, an output shaft and a motor. The motor continuously varies the gear ratio between the crankshaft and the output shaft. An electronic control unit (ECU) performs feedback control of the gear ratio to achieve a target gear ratio. The ECU reduces an output of the motor when a hunting state of the gear ratio is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryousuke Asaoka
  • Publication number: 20120046841
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle in a freewheel mode or a rolling mode, in which the vehicle has a drive train comprising a controllable drive engine, an automatic or automated transmission, and a controllable shifter for interrupting a flow of power in the drive train. To enable fuel-efficient and low-emission, as well as safe and comfortable driving, it is intended that the freewheel mode or the rolling mode is prognostically activated, deactivated or retained by performing a plausibility check of a currently active, automatic driving speed control function or a driving speed and a distance control function and/or other current driving operation or driving state data. The method includes coordinating and adapting relevant marginal conditions of the active driving speed control function or the driving speed and the distance control function, and of the freewheel mode or the rolling mode, according to the driving situation, and initiating control measures by a transmission control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Maik Wurthner, Johannes Kemler, Joachim Staudinger, Ingo Sauter
  • Patent number: 8118706
    Abstract: The machine may have a power system that includes a prime mover, a multiple-ratio transmission, a propulsion device, and power-system controls. The method may include propelling the machine by transmitting power from the prime mover to the propulsion device through the multiple-ratio transmission, while controlling operation of the prime mover and the multiple-ratio transmission with the power-system controls. This may include determining with the power-system controls at least one energy-efficiency estimate based at least on energy-efficiency characteristics of the prime mover and energy-efficiency characteristics of the multiple-ratio transmission. Controlling the prime mover and the multiple-ratio transmission may further include controlling a prime-mover operating speed of the prime mover and a transmission drive ratio of the multiple-ratio transmission based at least in-part on the at least one energy-efficiency estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Coutant, Michael G. Cronin, Steven A. Daniel, Norval P. Thomson
  • Patent number: 8096920
    Abstract: An approach is described that coordinates transmission shifting with changing between two-stroke and four-stroke combustion to improve shift and drive performance. In one example, responsive to a driver tip-in, the system may transition the engine to a two-stroke combustion mode from the four-stroke mode and increase a transmission gear ratio in order to avoid transmission shifts during the subsequent acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, David Karl Bidner
  • Patent number: 8090511
    Abstract: A parameter having an accelerator pedal position and a drive force as components is set according to information representing driver's operations such as the accelerator pedal position and a stroke amount of a brake pedal. Similarly to the information representing the driver's operation, a parameter having the accelerator pedal position and the drive force as the components is set according to information representing running environment of a vehicle such as a gradient of a road surface, a curvature of the road surface, a friction coefficient ? of the road surface, a type of a road and a length of traffic jam. One parameter ?(OUT) is set by mediating a parameter ?(1) obtained from the information representing the driver's operation and a parameter ?(2) obtained from the information representing the running environment of the vehicle. The gear corresponding to the parameter ?(OUT) is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seiji Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 8090492
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a measured signal detector 11, a vehicle parameter obtainer 12, a sideslip angle temporary estimator 13, a sideslip angle differential corresponding value computer 14 and a sideslip angle real estimator 15. A sideslip angle temporary estimate value is computed from one or plural vehicle parameters including at least the mass. A sideslip angle differential corresponding value is computed from a measured signal and the vehicle parameters including no mass. A sideslip angle is derived from the sideslip angle temporary estimate value and the sideslip angle differential corresponding value. A sideslip can be detected without a steering angle detection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: National University Corporation Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
    Inventors: Masao Nagai, Yohei Michitsuji, Pongsathorn Raksincharoensak
  • Patent number: 8079936
    Abstract: A method for controlling a gear shift of a dual clutch transmission having an offgoing clutch and an oncoming clutch, includes using torque transmitted by the oncoming clutch to control torque at a transmission output, using a speed of a power source to control a transfer of torque between the offgoing clutch and the oncoming clutch, and varying said torque capacity to produce a target slip across the oncoming clutch when the shift is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin MacFarlane, Brian Keyse, Eileen A. Davidson, David Orton, Thomas R. Langeland
  • Patent number: 8079933
    Abstract: A method to control a powertrain including a transmission, an engine, and an electric machine includes monitoring a rotational speed of the engine, monitoring a temperature of a transmission fluid, determining a maximum hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic control system based upon the rotational speed of the engine and the temperature of the transmission fluid, determining a predicted clutch torque capacity based upon the maximum hydraulic pressure, generating a preferred input torque from the engine based upon the predicted clutch torque capacity, and utilizing the preferred input torque to control the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20110287892
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a throttle plate to adjust airflow to the engine are provided. A transmission having an input speed and an output speed and including a clutch and a driver-selectable transmission lever is controlled to adjust engine speed to a synchronous speed in a future gear ratio in response to driver foot pedal positions and driver-selectable transmission lever positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8062179
    Abstract: Method for exiting an engine-idle driving mode in a heavy land vehicle having an automatic transmission. The engine-idle driving mode is established in the vehicle when the engine is running substantially constantly at idle speed and a gear is engaged propelling the vehicle at a corresponding substantially constant, relatively slow vehicle speed. The method includes receiving a driver request, when in engine-idle driving mode, to accelerate from the prevailing substantially constant, relatively slow vehicle speed. The engine torque requirement is assessed for delivering the requested acceleration that can be developed from the engine while maintaining the automatic transmission in the same gear in which engine-idle driving is taking place. The requested acceleration is delivered by increasing the engine's torque output and without downshifting the automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Sixten Berglund
  • Patent number: 8057357
    Abstract: An object oil temperature is determined by adopting a gradual change process for an oil temperature of a cooling lubricant oil, which is used to lubricate and cool down a motor and a transmission constructed to cause an output power of the motor to be subjected to speed change and to be transmitted to a driveshaft. A load factor of the motor is subsequently set based on the set object oil temperature and a motor coil temperature. A motor torque command is set with the load factor, and the motor is then driven and controlled to ensure output of a torque equivalent to the set motor torque command. This arrangement drives and controls the motor with consideration of the oil temperature of the cooling lubricant oil and thus ensures more adequate actuation of the motor, compared with a conventional drive control without consideration of the oil temperature of the cooling lubricant oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Kimura, Kentaro Haruno, Takeshi Aoki, Atsushi Kayukawa, Shoji Nagata
  • Patent number: 8050828
    Abstract: A system includes a pressure sensor that measures a transmission fluid pressure at a first fluid cavity of a transmission. A transmission control module receives the transmission fluid pressure, determines a transmission fluid temperature in the first fluid cavity based on the transmission fluid pressure, and controls the transmission fluid pressure based on the transmission fluid temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Randall B. Dlugoss, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 8032287
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle that decreases shift shock generated by full engagement of a clutch at completion of an inertia phase. The apparatus includes a driving source, a step automatic transmission arranged to attain a predetermined shift stage by engagement of frictional engagement elements, a rotational speed control to control the driving source so that an input rotational speed of the transmission becomes a predetermined target value during the inertia phase, a torque control to control the driving source so that the input torque of the transmission becomes a predetermined target value during the non-inertia phase, and a torque correction to correct the engagement torque of the engagement element or the input torque of the transmission so that the engagement torque of the engagement element before completion of the inertia phase is substantially identical to the input torque of the transmission after completion of the inertia phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Nozaki, Shoji Kan
  • Publication number: 20110237390
    Abstract: A method of operating of a drivetrain, having at least a drive motor and an automatic transmission with at least five shift elements, to improve a shift speed such that during a first upshift or a first downshift, at least one required shift element is prepared such that, when a synchronization point is reached, the successive upshift or the successive downshift can be immediately carried out. The method comprises the steps of requiring, at most, two of the at least five shift elements be disengaged and a remainder of the shift elements be disengaged for each gear for transferring one of torque and force; and one of increasing and decreasing a torque of the drive motor, relative to a torque of the drive motor derived from a driver's wish, during one of the first upshift or downshift and the successive upshift or downshift to assist with an overlapped implementation of the successive upshifts or the successive downshifts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Klaus STEINHAUSER, Christian POPP
  • Patent number: 8016722
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automatic transmission, which allows changing a gear change and downshifting with minimal interruption of traction while the phase of reduction of the drive torque of the drive motor, the phase interruption of the frictional connection phase in the automatic transmission and the phase of rotational speed adjustment in the transmission input shaft are designed for a suitable target rotational speed such that they at least partially overlap. Upon interruption of the frictional connection in the automatic transmission, the drive motor transmits a drive torque to the input shaft of the automatic transmission, via the main clutch, which adjusts the rotational speed of the input shaft of a transmission to the synchronous speed of the new gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann, Bernd Doebele
  • Patent number: 8016721
    Abstract: A semiautomatic vehicle gearbox comprising, for said gearbox, a shift lever (10) directly coupled to the gearbox itself; a shaft of said gearbox; and connection means between said shift lever and said shaft; characterised by comprising a sensor (20) for sensing the operation of said shift lever coupled to said connection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Starlane S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luca Funiciello
  • Patent number: 8012062
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for controlling torque in a powertrain having an engine and a transmission capable of operating a power take-off unit. The apparatus includes: a controller selectively operable to send a power take-off unit activation request to a transmission control module within the powertrain; a transmission control module capable of receiving the power take-off unit activation request; and wherein the apparatus is configured to prevent the torque of the engine from exceeding a maximum defined torque value when the power take-off unit is in operation. The apparatus includes an engine control module capable of receiving commands from the transmission control module through a data link connecting them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William J. Wegeng, John D. Hylton
  • Patent number: 8000868
    Abstract: A method controls a friction clutch disposed between an internal combustion engine and a change speed transmission. The friction clutch is controlled in such a way that it transmits an average coupling torque of the internal combustion engine and does not transmit periodically occurring peak values of the coupling torque. In addition, a control unit is programmed to carry out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Frank Kurrle, Katja Treutner, Peter Baur
  • Patent number: 7993242
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a power system. The method includes receiving an operator request for a propulsion direction change. The method also includes selecting a power boost map in response to the propulsion direction change request. The power boost map increases the power rating of a power source of the power system. In addition, the method includes directing power into the power source. The method further includes regulating the power system and accelerating a power source speed according to the power boost map when the power is no longer being directed into the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Paul Bertsch, Bruce Henry Hein, Jeremy Joe Wilson, Timothy Allen Goldammer
  • Patent number: 7987035
    Abstract: An engine management system and a method of operating the same within a vehicle. The system uses a plurality of software modules one of which communicates with the vehicle engine to communicate information and additionally communicates with at least one other software module that provides information regarding auxiliary device operations and parameters such that the first software module produces an input torque curve signal for the vehicle engine. Additionally, secondary software modules are able to provide reduced power requirements signals to a plurality of auxiliary devices in order to ensure optimum fuel economy and noise reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Nelson, Jeremy E. Nack
  • Patent number: 7983824
    Abstract: A method for operation of a drivetrain including a drive motor and an automatic transmission having at least five shift elements, of which, at least two elements are disengaged in each forward and reverse gear and the other shift elements are engaged. Two successive shifts are accomplished by two overlapped single gear shifts such that: a) during the first shift, a first shift element is engaged or disengaged while a second shift element is disengaged or engaged; b) during the first shift, second and third shift elements are prepared for either engagement or disengagement; and c) during the first and the second shifts at least one fourth shift element is kept engaged or nearly engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp
  • Publication number: 20110165993
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle operation in the transmission lash region. One method includes transitioning a combustion mode of a cylinder, and varying a timing of said transition responsive to whether the transmission is operating within the lash region of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Harald Stoffels, Klemens Grieser
  • Patent number: 7972242
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a throttle plate to adjust airflow to the engine are provided. A transmission having an input speed and an output speed and including a clutch and a driver-selectable transmission lever is controlled to adjust engine speed to a synchronous speed in a future gear ratio in response to driver foot pedal positions and driver-selectable transmission lever positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7967726
    Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic transmission includes determining whether a coast-down control condition is met, and performing coast-down control if the condition is met. The coast-down control includes selectively downshifting, such that engine speed is maintained above a fuel-cut threshold speed. The coast-down control condition may include a throttle opening being below a threshold opening, a shift-speed being higher than or equal to a threshold shift-speed, and a road slope being smaller than a predetermined slope. The method may also include determining whether a deceleration lock-up control condition is met, and performing deceleration lock-up control, including engaging a lock-up clutch, if the condition is met. The deceleration lock-up control condition may include a throttle opening being below a threshold opening, a shift-speed being below a threshold shift-speed, a brake not being operated, and a difference between an engine speed and a turbine speed being smaller than a reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hoegab Kim
  • Patent number: 7967725
    Abstract: A method for controlling a power assisted propulsion system in a motor vehicle so as to perform a transition from a lower gear to a higher gear without interrupting a driving torque applied to driving wheels; the propulsion system displays an internal combustion engine provided with a drive shaft and a power assisted transmission including: a power assisted mechanical gearbox provided with a primary shaft connectable to the drive shaft and a secondary shaft coupled to a transmission shaft which transmits motion to the driving wheels; a power assisted clutch interposed between the drive shaft and the primary shaft of the gearbox to couple and decouple the drive shaft to the primary shaft of the gearbox; a power assisted brake; and an epicycloidal gear having three rotating elements: a first rotating element coupled to the drive shaft, a second rotating element coupled to the secondary shaft of the gearbox, and a third rotating element coupled to the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Amisano, Aldo Sorniotti, Mauro Velardocchia
  • Patent number: 7963883
    Abstract: A skidder having a diesel engine coupled to a multiple gear ratio transmission driving a pair of wheel sets for a skidder. The diesel engine is controlled by an operator manipulated foot pedal or hand lever to control the power output and ultimately the maximum skidder ground speed. A controller is provided to pre-select the maximum gear into which the transmission may be placed to ultimately limit the maximum ground speed of the skidder so that the operator sets the forward speed in a binary fashion by depressing the foot pedal or hand operated device to a maximum output condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Kevin G. Braun, Andrew Quinn, Todd Velde, Borislav Trifunovic
  • Patent number: 7957869
    Abstract: A method of operating an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular a variable-speed transmission. The automatic transmission includes at least five shift elements, at least three of which are engaged in a forward and a reverse gear to transfer torque or force. When disengaging gears for shifting the automatic transmission from a forward or reverse gear to a neutral position, at least one of the at least three shift elements that are engaged in the respective forward or reverse gear is completely disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Christian Popp, Klaus Steinhauser, Peter Schiele, Bernd Allgaier, Thilo Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7946956
    Abstract: A braking/driving force control device for changing output torque by controlling torque or a rotation number of a power source includes a unit for setting a plurality of ranges by a plurality of parameters including an output rotation number, a range judging unit that judges that a range corresponds to any of the plurality of ranges based on the parameter while driving, and a control unit that controls the torque or the rotation number of the power source based on a driving environment and a range judgment result by the range judging unit. This enables driving regulation control by, for example, a driving environment other than intentional shifting operation by a driver, in a vehicle of a type without a transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshio Ito
  • Patent number: 7935021
    Abstract: A vehicle-starting-engine-torque restricting device is provided to restrict engine torque upon starting of a vehicle with an engine used as a vehicle drive power source, so that a required output of a first electric motor which generates a reaction force corresponding to the engine torque can be made smaller than when the engine torque is not restricted. Namely, the vehicle-starting-engine-torque restricting device eliminates a need of increasing the maximum output of the first electric motor to generate the reaction force corresponding to the engine torque, making it possible to reduce the required size of the first electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga, Atsushi Kamada
  • Patent number: 7922618
    Abstract: An engine control apparatus for a vehicle provided with a drive system including an engine and a transmission portion which constitutes a part of a power transmitting path, the engine control including an engine control portion configured to change a timing of initiation or a method of a control of the engine according to contents of a requirement for implementing the control of the engine, when the control of the engine and a shifting control of said transmission portion are concurrently required to be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku
  • Patent number: 7925406
    Abstract: A first input torque value estimated when it is determined that an inertia phase has started is stored as an input torque value. Then, the input torque value is updated to a value determined based on the first input torque value and a second input torque value estimated when it is determined that the accelerator pedal has been operated by at least a predetermined amount. When the second input torque value is smaller than the first input torque value, the stored input torque value is updated to a value that is equal to or greater than the first input torque value. When the second input torque value is equal to or greater than the first input torque value, the stored input torque value is updated to the second input torque value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Asami, Toshio Sugimura, Takaaki Tokura, Nobufusa Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7918763
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle operation in the transmission lash region. One method includes transitioning a combustion mode of a cylinder, and varying a timing of said transition responsive to whether the transmission is operating within the lash region of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Harald Stoffels, Klemens Grieser
  • Patent number: 7917283
    Abstract: A predicted boat speed value generator, in accordance with one or more embodiments, receives an engine rotation signal, an intake pressure value, and other detection signals including shift position, and provides a predicted boat speed value. A control signal generator determines the fuel injection amount, the amount of air, and the ignition timing based on the predicted boat speed to provide respective control signals. The predicted boat speed value generator includes a predicted boat speed mapped value extraction process to search through the predicted boat speed value map during the constant speed operation and acceleration, based on the rotational speed and the intake pressure, to extract the predicted boat speed mapped value “d” for output. A predicted decelerating boat speed value output process establishes the initial predicted boat speed value to provide the attenuated predicted boat speed value in every cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takuya Kado
  • Patent number: 7909732
    Abstract: A selectable drivetrain control for a vehicle includes a controller configured to receive input signals and issue predetermined output command signals corresponding to the status of the input signals. A first sensor is configured to provide an input signal to the controller relating to the actuation status of a brake pedal. A second sensor is configured to provide an input signal to the controller relating to the actuation status of an accelerator pedal. A stability control selector is configured to provide an input signal to the controller relating to the engagement status of a stability control system of the vehicle. A drivetrain is configured to receive output command signals from the controller. The controller issues output command signals to the drivetrain to control the operational characteristics of the drivetrain, responsive to the engagement status of the stability control system while the brake and accelerator pedals are simultaneously actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joshua Sigmund