Constant Output Shaft Speed Patents (Class 477/108)
  • Patent number: 11112006
    Abstract: An automatic transmission may include rotation shaft, sliding unit mounted on the rotation shaft and slidable up and down along the rotation shaft, diaphragm spring coupled to the sliding unit and deformed to be oriented toward first or second end of the rotation shaft along the rotation shaft according to position of the sliding unit, shift fork connected to the sliding unit or the diaphragm spring and configured to cause synchronizer to engage with speed change gear according to the position of the sliding unit, sliding-unit position adjuster connected to the sliding unit and adjusting the position of the sliding unit by causing the sliding unit to slide up or down along the rotation shaft, and controller for controlling the sliding-unit position adjuster to adjust elastic force of the diaphragm spring according to the vehicle speed by causing the sliding unit to slide upward or downward along the rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Soon Ki Eo, Woo Jin Chang, Sun Sung Kwon
  • Patent number: 10982758
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle disposed on a vehicle including an engine and a fluid transmission device including a lockup clutch, the control device of a vehicle comprises: an automated-driving running control portion automatically controlling at least an engine torque so that the vehicle runs in a predefined target running state without requiring an acceleration/deceleration operation; and a lockup control portion engaging/releasing the lockup clutch in accordance with a predefined lockup condition. The automated-driving running control portion includes a fuel efficiency priority running portion setting the target running state such that the lockup clutch is brought into an engaged state in accordance with the lockup condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Yamada, Akihiro Sato
  • Patent number: 10744892
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting charging of a battery before entry into a zero emissions zone. In one example, the battery is charged with a ratio of motor torque drawn from a first electric motor of an electric turbocharger and a second electric motor of an HEV driveline. The ratio is coordinated with adjustments to an exhaust waste-gate and an intake throttle so as to maintain operator torque demand and propel the vehicle while charging the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Bell, Julia Helen Buckland, Tyler Kelly, Timothy Stolzenfeld, Baitao Xiao
  • Patent number: 10618517
    Abstract: A system and method for minimizing shift cycling for low speed engine operation with a vehicle cruise control. A vehicle control system operating in a cruise control mode determines a deficiency in vehicle speed between a measured vehicle speed and a cruise set speed. The deficiency is determined by comparing the vehicle speed to the cruise set speed, and includes using the compared value to find a cruise speed margin, which is continuously updated. While the cruise control system is active, the control system logic determines the time at which a transmission upshift occurs based on the cruise speed margin. The vehicle speed, at which the upshift is made, is determined as a function of the updated cruise speed margin. An upshift is not made, if a likely drop in vehicle speed would result in the event a downshift would occur once the upshift is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen West
  • Patent number: 10486710
    Abstract: This cruise control device enables more accurate prediction of running resistance and prevents worsening of fuel economy. In this device, a coasting prediction unit (12c) of an automatic cruise control device (12), which is for performing cruise control of the vehicle (1) on the basis of a resistance coefficient, predicts, on the basis of the resistance coefficient, the change in vehicle speed if the vehicle (1) were to coast; if the vehicle (1) does coast, a vehicle information acquisition unit (12b) acquires information about the detected vehicle speed; and a running resistance updating unit (12f) updates the value of the resistance coefficient on the basis of the information about the change in vehicle speed predicted by the coasting prediction unit (12c) and information about the vehicle speed acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit (12b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Shinichi Ishiguro, Ryuu Yamakado, Kazutaka Shimoda
  • Patent number: 10399558
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle and a control method of gear shift therefor are provided. The hybrid vehicle and the control method of gear shift therefor minimize torque fluctuation during gear shift to enhance driving force and fuel efficiency. The method includes predicting a time point when gear shift occurs and estimating an intervention amount of the gear shift. Engine torque corresponding to the estimated intervention amount is then reduced up to the time point when the gear shift occurs and motor torque corresponding to the reduced engine torque is increased up to the time point when the gear shift occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Joon Young Park
  • Patent number: 10391395
    Abstract: An operating device includes a moving member that reciprocates, a motor that applies a force for moving forward and a force for moving rearward to the moving member, a position sensing unit that detects a position to which the moving member is moved, and a control device that varies a load applied to the motor in accordance with an output signal from the position sensing unit. According to the operating device, a reaction force that acts on a finger or the like can be changed in accordance with the position of the moving member that is operated by using a hand or the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunio Sato, Shun Miyazaki, Yasuji Hagiwara, Shoji Sakurai, Keigo Wakana
  • Patent number: 10024419
    Abstract: A cruise control system of a motor vehicle includes additional functionality to address increasing vehicle speed on a down gradient. A downshift is commanded upon detection of repeated or prolonged activation of a speed-down control, the additional engine braking reducing vehicle speed to cruise speed in a manner which is within driver expectation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventor: Andi Lowndes
  • Patent number: 10023189
    Abstract: Provided is a device for preventing sudden unintended acceleration. The device includes a driving information collector, a vehicle characteristic storage, a controller configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a sudden unintended acceleration state, and a switch configured to block input power of the electronic throttle motor of vehicle on the basis of the determination of sudden unintended acceleration by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: BLUECAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung-suk Ko
  • Patent number: 9884554
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure includes a cruise control system with (a) a vehicle having a steering system, an accelerator system, a braking system, a battery, a display, a processor, and memory; and (b) a cruise control program, operatively coupled to the accelerator system and configured to display a most recent cruising setpoint and a menu of user-adjustable cruising setpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Erich Kemnitz
  • Patent number: 9475483
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an engine, a motor, and a controller. The controller is programmed to inhibit a scheduled transmission downshift and increase a torque of the motor for a specified period of time in response to a torque demand being greater than a maximum torque capability of the engine but less than a maximum combined torque capability of the engine and motor. Upon expiration of the specified period of time, the controller may permit the downshift to occur. The specified period of time may be based on a state of charge of a battery at a time when the torque demand exceeds the maximum torque capability of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Ming Lang Kuang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Xiaoyong Wang, Wei Liang, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 9346456
    Abstract: A transmission control system can include a main transmission. The transmission control system can also include a sub transmission that has two forward transmission gears mechanically shiftable in response to a shift operation. The transmission control system can further include a controller that shifts the transmission gears of the main transmission by activating a shift control motor, and control the clutches configured to enable and disable transmission of a rotational driving force of an engine. When one forward transmission gear of the sub transmission is shifted to the other forward transmission gear in response to the shift operation, the controller can relax engagement of the clutch if an engine speed exceeds a clutch release speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naoki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 9238461
    Abstract: A method for managing output bump/clunk in a neutral state in a strong hybrid vehicle includes calculating a motor torque for an electric traction motor connected to a third node of a planetary gear set. The motor torque is calculated as a product of a predetermined inertia of the electric traction motor, the calculated acceleration of the engine, and a gear ratio of the planetary gear set. The calculated motor torque is commanded from the electric traction motor via a controller in a direction opposite the calculated acceleration of the output shaft, including transmitting a motor torque command to the electric traction motor for the duration of the neutral state. The vehicle includes the engine, a damper assembly, the transmission, and the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chia-Shang Liu, Shaochun Ye, Robert L. Morris
  • Patent number: 8938343
    Abstract: A method of dissipating power on a propelled machine includes setting a target ground speed for the machine, and, if the throttle position is less than a first predetermined minimum and if the machine is on a negative grade in the direction of travel no greater than a second predetermined minimum, and the calculated machine resistance power is less than the calculated grade power, the method include engaging at least a portion of the energy-dissipating electrically or electrohydraulically controlled accessories to retard the machine to maintain the machine within a set range of a target speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140364277
    Abstract: A transmission device includes a rotatable shaft, a first transmission member, and a second transmission member. The first transmission member includes a first fitting portion fitted coaxially to an outer circumferential surface of the rotatable shaft, and is attached to the rotatable shaft to transmit torque. The second transmission member is rotatably driven by a driving device and includes a second fitting portion fitted coaxially to the outer circumferential surface of the rotatable shaft. The second transmission member is connected coaxially to the first transmission member while the first and the second fitting portions are fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the rotatable shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroaki TAKAGI
  • Patent number: 8868271
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a motor control system and method for a vehicle with a transmission comprising for improving the quality of shifting, by improving precision in shifting control with precise and active motor torque control by calculating a maximum and a minimum motor torque in response to determining a power-on up-shift for increasing a shifting gear and a power-off down-shift for decreasing the shifting gear in shifting of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 8801572
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a transmission system is provided. One agricultural vehicle includes a vehicle controller configured to instruct an engine controller to maintain an engine at a constant speed and to receive a first signal from a transmission controller indicative of gear shift initiation. The vehicle controller is also configured to instruct the engine controller to maintain the engine at a current torque upon receipt of the first signal and to receive a second signal from the transmission controller indicative of gear shift completion. The vehicle controller is configured to instruct the engine controller to maintain the engine at the constant speed upon receipt of the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Justin Ringwald, Rex LeRoy Ruppert
  • Patent number: 8579758
    Abstract: In a method for operating a hybrid drive device for a motor vehicle having at least one internal combustion engine, another drive unit and a separating clutch, to start the internal combustion engine the separating clutch is engaged, and during the start of the internal combustion engine, a setpoint rotational speed is predefined for the other drive unit. This setpoint rotational speed for the other drive unit is determined with the aid of a drivetrain model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Seel
  • Patent number: 8498795
    Abstract: A method and cruise control system for controlling a vehicle cruise control includes driving the vehicle with the cruise control active and set to maintain a vehicle set target speed, and registering a current vehicle condition, which includes at least a current vehicle position, a currently engaged gear ratio, available gear ratios, current vehicle speed, available maximum propulsion torque and road topography of coming travelling road comprising a next coming uphill slope. Based on the current vehicle condition a downshift is predicted at a coming vehicle position in the coming uphill slope due to vehicle speed decrease and at least one activity is selected which results in that the downshift can be postponed or avoided. The cruise control is controlled according to the selected activity in order to postpone or avoid, for example a downshift from a direct gear and thereby saves fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Johan Bjernetun
  • Patent number: 8296034
    Abstract: To provide a vehicle speed limiting system that is capable of executing a maximum speed limiting control without influencing a driving feeling of a vehicle. A vehicle speed limiting system includes: a three-dimensional map 46a and a throttle valve driving unit 47. A first maximum speed limiter opening degree is calculated by adding a first predetermined opening degree, a second predetermined opening degree, and a current throttle valve opening degree, the first predetermined opening degree being calculated by multiplying a speed difference of the vehicle by a preset P-term coefficient, the second predetermined opening degree being calculated by multiplying an acceleration of the vehicle by a preset D-term coefficient. Once the calculated first maximum speed limiter opening degree falls below the target throttle valve opening degree ?B, the throttle valve motor 30 is driven on a basis of the first maximum speed limiter opening degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Tetsuka, Kenichi Machida, Yukihiro Asada, Masanori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8251871
    Abstract: A method for operating a semi-automatic or automatic mechanical transmission of a heavy truck when driving at idle speed is provided. The method includes supplying fuel to the engine of the heavy truck at a rate that facilitates engine-idle operation. In another step, the method engages the automatic or semi-automatic transmission in a gear higher than the starting gear of the transmission and permits the truck to operate at a first substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. Depending upon traffic and environmental requirements which require a higher speed, the driver upshifts the semi-automatic or automatic transmission by depressing a control device for manual gear selection arranged on a gear shift lever of the truck and then drives the truck at a second substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. The second substantially uniform driving velocity is greater than the first substantially uniform driving velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Erik Lauri, Fredrik Karpenman
  • Patent number: 8206264
    Abstract: A load control structure for a work vehicle comprises: set rotation speed detection device for detecting a set rotation of an engine of the work vehicle; actual rotation speed detection device that senses an actual rotational speed of the engine; continuously variable speed change device that receives power from an engine of the work vehicle; speed change position detecting device for detecting a speed change operation position of the continuously variable speed change device; operating device for speed-shifting the continuously variable speed change device; control device for controlling the operation of the operating device; wherein the control device calculates a drop amount of the actual engine rotation speed from the set rotation speed based on the detected information from the set rotation speed detection device and the actual rotation speed detection device, and sets a limit operation position for the continuously variable speed change device based on the calculated drop amount and a correlation data t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Nishi, Keishiro Nishi, Atsushi Shinkai, Yasunobu Nakatani
  • Patent number: 7996139
    Abstract: During a starting operation or a low-speed drive of a vehicle on a slope, the drive control of the invention sets a gradient-corresponding rotation speed N? as a rotation speed of an engine to output a required driving force against a longitudinal vehicle gradient ?fr (step S110), and sequentially sets a low-?-road correction rotation speed Nlow upon identification of a low-?-road drive condition, a vehicle speed difference-compensating rotation speed Nv based on a vehicle speed V, and a brake-based correction rotation speed Nb based on a brake pressure Pb (steps S120 through S250). The drive control sets a target engine rotation speed Ne* based on these settings (step S260) and subsequently sets a target throttle opening THtag (step S270). The operation of the engine is controlled with the greater between the target throttle opening THtag and a required throttle opening THreq corresponding to an accelerator opening Acc (step S290).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Okuda, Mitsuhiro Tabata, Hiroshi Sato
  • Patent number: 7909728
    Abstract: A vehicle drive apparatus is disclosed having a differential mechanism and an electric motor provided in the differential mechanism for miniaturizing the drive apparatus or improving fuel consumption while suppressing the occurrence of shifting shocks. A switching clutch C0 or switching brake B0 is provided for placing a shifting mechanism 10 in a continuously variable shifting state and a step variable shifting state, enabling the drive apparatus to have combined advantages including a fuel economy improving effect of a transmission, enabled to electrically change a speed ratio, and a high transmitting efficiency of a gear type transmitting device enabled to mechanically transmit drive power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • Patent number: 7740093
    Abstract: To provide a power plant which is capable of improving the drive efficiency and power generation efficiency when electric power is generated using power of the drive part thereof. In a power plant (1), an output shaft (3a) of an internal combustion engine (3) is connected to driven parts DW and DW, and a transmission (20) is connected between the output shaft (3a) of the engine (3) and the driven parts DW and DW, while one of first to third elements (31), (32), and (34) of a planetary gear train (30) is connected between the output shaft (3a) of the engine (3) and the transmission (20), another one of the first to third elements to the output portion (42) of the generator-motor (40), and the remaining one of the same to the driven parts DW and DW.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Abe, Shigemitsu Akutsu
  • Patent number: 7727114
    Abstract: A drive assembly for an agricultural machine. A power take off (PTO) output shaft is connected to a driving motor for driving an attachment. A drive transmission is positioned between and interconnects the driving motor and the support wheels of the agricultural machine. An input device is connected to an electronic control unit. A sensor senses the torque transferred between an attachment and the PTO output shaft, and an actuator is configured to change the transmission ratio of the drive transmission, thereby setting the propulsion speed of the agricultural machine such that the torque transferred between the PTO output shaft and an attachment does not exceed a pre-determined value. The electronic control unit further receives data from the input device and calculates a pre-determined value based on the data received, and thereafter controls the actuator accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Marco Reinards
  • Patent number: 7706949
    Abstract: A method and system for executing a shift from a first fixed gear to a second fixed gear in a powertrain system comprising a two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission operative to receive a speed input from an engine is described. It includes deactivating an off-going clutch, and generating a time-based profile for rotational speed of an oncoming clutch. The input speed is controlled based upon the rotational speed of the oncoming clutch and an output of the transmission. The oncoming clutch is actuated, preferably when the input speed is synchronized with a rotational speed of an output shaft of the transmission multiplied by a gear ratio of the second fixed gear, preferably after a predetermined elapsed period of time in the range of 500 milliseconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 7686736
    Abstract: A control system for regulating operation of a vehicle having a transmission driven by an engine during a cruise control mode includes a first module that determines an operating point of the vehicle and that compares the operating point to one of a shift line and a torque converter clutch (TCC) release line. A second module regulates a throttle of the engine to maintain the operating point a threshold distance from the one of the shift line and the TCC release line, when the operating point is at the threshold distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Stamm, Barbara A. Shuler
  • Patent number: 7641588
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission control system is disclosed. The control system has a first operator input device to receive operator input and produce a corresponding first signal indicative of a selected one of a plurality of available predetermined discrete machine travel speed ranges. The control system also has a second operator input device to receive operator input and produce a corresponding second signal indicative of desired machine travel. The control system also has a power source operatively coupled to drive a continuously-variable transmission, and a controller configured to regulate at least one of an output of the power source and an output of the continuously variable transmission in response to the first and second signals such that an actual machine travel speed remains within the selected one of the plurality of predetermined discrete machine travel speed ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Norval P. Thomson, Alberto Martinez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7637845
    Abstract: A system is provided for controlling the speed of a vehicle having a power plant and a transmission. A control unit is configured to receive a signal indicative of the speed of the vehicle. The control unit is further configured to determine a desired output speed of the power plant based on the signal indicative of the speed of the vehicle, a signal indicative of the gear ratio of the transmission, and a desired vehicle speed associated with the gear ratio. The control unit is also configured to send a signal to the power plant, such that power plant operates at an output speed that substantially maintains the desired vehicle speed in a manner substantially independent of a magnitude of load on the power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Strashny, Andrew O. Fonkalsrud
  • Patent number: 7556586
    Abstract: A shift control device and a shift control method for a vehicle for reducing shift shock by taking into account the difference in vehicle speeds before and after shifting. In one of the main inventions, the clutch pressure of another clutch (forward clutch) is controlled to match a target vehicle speed to a calculated actual vehicle speed by the time of start of the connecting operation of a selected speed stage clutch. Since such control is performed so that the vehicle speed is caused to match the target vehicle speed, an actual vehicle speed change rate is held within a predetermined range in at least the instant that the connecting operation of the selected speed stage clutch is started. Also, in another one of the main inventions, as shown in FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Nakagawa, Shigeru Yamamoto, Shunji Oka, Toshikazu Okada
  • Publication number: 20090156359
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for a vehicle includes a main drive power source; a first shift unit that has an input shaft connected to the main drive power source; a second shift unit; at least one electric motor connected to a rotating element of the first shift unit or a rotating element of the second shift unit so that the rotational speed of the electric motor is changed in accordance with a gear-shift of the first shift unit or the second shift unit, and that is able to control the rotational speed of the main drive power source by changing its rotation; and a control unit that executes control so that the direction in which the rotational speed of the main drive power source is changed is maintained constant throughout a gear-shift, when the gear-shift is a simultaneous gear-shift in which the gear-shift of the first shift unit and the gear-shift of the second shift unit are performed simultaneously and a gear ratio of the first shift unit and a gear ratio of the second shift unit are changed in oppos
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara
  • Patent number: 7544148
    Abstract: A system is provided for controlling the speed of a vehicle having a powertrain including a power plant operably coupled to a transmission. The system includes a control unit configured to receive a signal indicative of vehicle speed, receive a signal indicative of power plant output speed, and determine a desired power plant output speed based on the signal indicative of vehicle speed and the signal indicative of power plant output speed. The control unit is further configured to send a signal to the power plant such that the power plant operates at the desired power plant output speed, and maintain a desired vehicle speed in a manner substantially independent of a magnitude of load on the powertrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Anderson, Danial P. Simon, Igor Strashny
  • Patent number: 7537544
    Abstract: A cruise control device executes a program including the steps of: when shift information transmitted from an ECT-ECU changes from fifth gear to fourth gear, and the time T (1) from a change in the shift information has elapsed, determining that down shifting to fourth gear has been conducted, effecting upshift inhibit control, and effecting throttle return control at elapse of the time T (2) from a change in the shift information transmitted from the ECT-ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroaki Iida
  • Patent number: 7479091
    Abstract: A power system of controllable transmission incorporated with an engine running at fixed speed that controls the engine to run at a fixed speed or approaching a fixed speed within an rpm range with higher BSFC (braking specific fuel consumption) when the engine is started up from static status and in the accelerated drive from low rpm, the output end of the engine drives to achieve active control of the controllable front-end gearbox that is capable of executing variable or invariable gear shift so to activate the output end to execute accelerated drive output from low to high rpm; meanwhile, in the course of start-up and acceleration from lower to high rpm and in driving operation, the engine runs in an rpm range with higher BSFC for saving fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20080146413
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program for implementing a method that includes: a step of performing control so that torque capacity Tch of a frictional engagement device that is brought from an engaged state by a downshift operation is gradually reduced to start an inertia phase when a power-on downshift is performed; and a step of stopping the gradual reduction of the torque capacity Tch when the rate of change in an input shaft rotation speed NI of an automatic transmission has reached a desired rate of change ?N(1). Variation in output torque is kept small, and the shock that can occur at the time of a shift is thus reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kunihiro Iwatsuki, Takaaki Tokura
  • Publication number: 20080146412
    Abstract: A control apparatus of a vehicular power outputting apparatus, which temporarily increases the rotation speed of an input rotating element provided in an automatic transmission using an engine during a downshift in the automatic transmission, is provided with cylinder reduction controlling means for performing a cylinder reduction control that stops at least some of a plurality of cylinders provided in the engine from generating power during a downshift of the automatic transmission. As a result, pumping loss of the engine is reduced which enables the speed of the engine to be increased faster, thus improving shift response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ayumu SAGAWA, Koji Oshima
  • Patent number: 7285072
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle, the vehicle including an engine, a variable transmission for varying the transmission ratio between an output member of the engine and a ground engaging drive apparatus, the control system including at least one control apparatus which is operative to provide inputs to a controller, the controller being responsive to inputs from the control apparatus when the control system is operating in a first operating mode, to provide output signals to vary the engine speed, and when the control system is operating in a second operating mode, to provide output signals to vary the transmission ratio without changing the engine speed, and a mode selector control whereby an operator may select the first or second operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: JCB Landpower Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Williams
  • Patent number: 7204784
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a gear ratio changing operation in a transmission includes clutch controlling device, a motor generating an assist driving torque, and an assist driving torque controlling device for controlling, in response to a clutch operation, the motor to generate a target assist driving torque. While transmission of driving torque between an internal combustion engine and the transmission is being cut off during a clutch control at a constant stroke speed from an engaged state to a disengaged state for a shift operation in the transmission, the assist driving torque controlling device controls the motor to generate an assist driving torque so that the assist driving torque reaches the target assist driving torque at a constant rise rate per time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihide Suzuki, Takahiro Misu
  • Patent number: 7119506
    Abstract: A motor control for an electric motor powered vehicle having an accelerator control connected to a control circuit for supplying the desired driving power that senses possible errors of various types and stops the supply of driving power until normal operation resumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Moric
    Inventor: Satoshi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 7115065
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an automotive vehicle including a target-drive-force setting portion operable to determine a target vehicle drive force, such that the determined target vehicle drive force permits a smooth change of an actual vehicle drive force with a change of the operating amount of the vehicle accelerating member, irrespective of a shifting action of the transmission, a first controlling portion having a relatively high operating response and operable to effect a transient control of a torque of the drive power source, and a second controlling portion having lower operating response than the first controlling portion but is capable of continuously controlling the torque of the drive power source, the second controlling portion being operable to effect a continuous control of the torque of the drive power source following the transient control by the first controlling portion, so that the actual vehicle drive force coincides with said target vehicle drive force after the shifting action of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Akira Hoshino, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Masami Kondo
  • Patent number: 7101312
    Abstract: A vehicular powertrain includes a throttle controlled engine and a power take-off system for driving external loads. A power take-off control executed in a first processor seeks to have engine control authority in accordance with operator invoked switch states including an enable switch and set switches. Power take-off switch data is provided to a second processor to determine the power take-off system status and provide an integrity diagnosis of the power take-off system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Barbara A. Shuler, Mark H. Costin
  • Patent number: 7055473
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an engine body. A combustion chamber is formed in the engine body and has at least one valve seat. A valve is configured to move between an open position and a closed position of the valve seat. A valve actuator is configured to actuate the valve. A variable valve timing mechanism is configured to change an actuating timing of the valve actuator at which the valve actuator actuates the valve. At least one sensor configured to sense and operational condition of the engine. A control device is configured to determine if the engine is operating in a cruising mode. The control device is also configured to reduce engine speed fluctuations during the cruising mode by adjusting the actuating timing of the valve actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Goichi Katayama
  • Patent number: 6902512
    Abstract: The technique of the invention sets a relationship between the throttle opening (corresponding to the accelerator opening), the vehicle speed, and the target torque of a drive shaft, so as to enable a greater braking torque to be output in a working status of a cruise control system than a braking torque, which is output to the drive shaft in a full closed position of the accelerator opening in a non-working status of the cruise control system. This arrangement ensures output of a sufficient braking force to the drive shaft even under the condition of a relatively large drive load applied to the drive shaft, for example, during a downslope run, thus enabling the vehicle speed to be certainly kept at a preset level under the control of the cruise control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kensuke Kamichi, Hidehiro Oba
  • Publication number: 20040254048
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating tactile force for a vehicle is provided, which includes a motor for generating the tactile force, a spring for generating the tactile force, an electromagnetic brake for cooperatively generating the tactile force with at least one of the motor and the spring, an accelerator pedal and a shift lever. The apparatus generates the tactile force for at least one of the accelerator pedal and the shift lever with a drive-by-wire method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinichi Yone
  • Patent number: 6832147
    Abstract: In a vehicle with a gear-shift transmission of a kind that requires a torque-free state to shift gears, the riding comfort is improved by a method of shifting gears where a gear shift is preceded by the steps of: reducing the vehicle acceleration at a time t1 from an existing level (1) to a first acceleration level (3), maintaining the vehicle acceleration at the reduced level (3) for a predetermined time interval, and at the end point t3 of the predetermined time interval, reducing the acceleration further to a second acceleration level that is lower than the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Martin Vornehm, Thomas Jäger, Klaus Henneberger, Wolfgang Reik, Robert Fischer
  • Patent number: 6805326
    Abstract: The invention relate to, among other things, a device (5) for a rail vehicle that comprises a control unit (10), which calculates a switch off time using given data and measured values after which the coasting rail vehicle arrives on time at the next stop stipulated by the time-table while adhering to the same. The aim of the invention is to make it possible to reliably detect deviations of the actual travelling characteristics from travelling characteristics recommended by the device. To this end, the invention provides that the device (5) comprises a data input (E5) at which an actual value signal (Si) stating the actual drive switch off time can be input into the device (5), whereby the actual drive switch off time indicates the time at which the drive was actually switched off after the generation of the switch off signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Torsten Baier
  • Publication number: 20040097327
    Abstract: A method of setting a setpoint operating state of a hybrid drive of a vehicle is described, where the hybrid drive includes as drive motors an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor, and the output shafts of the drive motors are mechanically linkable to a drive train of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Juergen Loeffler, Stefan Tumback
  • Publication number: 20040023755
    Abstract: In a slippage prevention apparatus of a belt-drive continuously variable transmission for an automotive vehicle in which a transmission ratio is controlled by a speed-change hydraulic pressure brought closer to a desired speed-change hydraulic pressure, a quick-acceleration-frequency decision section is provided to determine whether a frequency of quick accelerating operations is low or high. Also provided is a desired hydraulic pressure decision section that sets the desired speed-change hydraulic pressure used during an operating mode that the frequency of quick accelerating operations is low to a relatively lower pressure level than the desired speed-change hydraulic pressure used during an operating mode that the frequency of quick accelerating operations is high.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mikio Nozaki
  • Patent number: 6671601
    Abstract: A decision is made as to whether a vehicle is traveling in an uphill traveling mode or in a downhill traveling mode with reference to an incremental running resistance &Dgr;R determined on the basis of a running resistance that will act on the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling in a flat road traveling mode. A desired traction Fd for a full-open throttle state in which a throttle valve is fully open is set if the vehicle is in the uphill traveling mode by using the incremental running resistance &Dgr;R, and a desired traction Fd for a full-closed throttle state in which the throttle valve is fully closed is set if the vehicle is in the downhill traveling mode by using the incremental running resistance &Dgr;R. The desired traction Fd and an achieved traction F(t) in the full-open throttle state at a present traveling speed V are compared if the vehicle is in the uphill traveling mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuuki Abiru