Responsive To Transmission Output Condition Patents (Class 477/110)
  • Patent number: 8585548
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on vehicle conditions. In addition, the system and method is configured to selectively actuate an accumulator to prime the transmission for a smooth restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhen J. Zhang, Casie M. Bockenstette, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 8574124
    Abstract: A control unit of a motor vehicle for activating a form-locking shift element of a transmission of the motor vehicle in such a way that a defined rotational speed difference is defined, between an input-side component of the form-locking shift element and an output-side component of the form-locking shift element, in order to engage the form-locking shift element. The control unit monitors the rotational speed gradient of the rotational speed of the output-side component of the form-locking shift element from an activation time of the form-locking shift element, at which the engagement process of the form-locking shift element begins. The control unit generates a control signal for a drive assembly in order to increase the torque, at a drive assembly, in the event that the control unit determines that the monitored rotational speed gradient falls below a lower limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jens Weller
  • Patent number: 8577567
    Abstract: A vehicle control device having a shift-by-wire system that switches a driving range of a vehicle transmission by inputting a range switching signal to a shift switching device, includes: an abnormality detecting means that detects an abnormality that the shift switching device cannot switch the driving range, of the shift-by-wire system; and a driving force suppressing means that suppresses a driving force of a vehicle when an abnormality is detected in the shift-by-wire system and when a vehicle stop is predicted, and the driving force suppressing means switching a gear stage of the vehicle transmission to a higher-speed gear stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Nakade, Atsushi Kamada
  • Publication number: 20130288856
    Abstract: A method of controlling a machine includes receiving a torque demand associated with at least one of a first parasitic load and a second parasitic load. At least the first parasitic load receives power from a power source of the machine via a transmission coupled to the power source. The method also includes providing torque from the power source to the at least one of the first and second parasitic loads in response to receiving the torque demand. In such a method wherein torque is provided to the at least one of the first and second parasitic loads based on a torque priority value associated with the at least one of the first and second parasitic loads. In addition, the torque priority value is adjustable by an operator of the machine during operation of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Wei Li
  • Patent number: 8550959
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system is provided with an engine, a manual transmission capable of changing a gear position, a clutch arranged between the engine and the transmission, and a control device that performs drive control of the engine. During an inertia running in which torque transmission between the engine and an axle is blocked, when the clutch is opened and the gear position of the transmission is changed to a forward position, if the gear position after the change is lower than an optimal gear position corresponding to a vehicle speed, the control device executes fuel cutoff for the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobukazu Ueki
  • Patent number: 8532888
    Abstract: A control device controls a hydrostatic transmission vehicle having a hydrostatic transmission with a variable displacement pump and a variable displacement hydraulic motor. The control device is configured to set a set vehicle speed based on a forward/rearward travel command and a gear stage command instructed by an operator, to set an upper limit of the engine speed with respect to the set vehicle speed for limiting the upper limit of the engine speed to a predetermined partial engine speed set to be lower than a high idle engine speed when the set vehicle speed is in a preliminarily set low and intermediate speed range, and to control respective displacements of the variable displacement pump and the variable displacement hydraulic motor based on the set vehicle speed for allowing a vehicle speed to reach the set vehicle speed even when the engine is rotated at the partial engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Ishibashi, Masayuki Mukaino, Shigeru Yamamoto, Yoshitaka Onodera, Takao Ishihara
  • Patent number: 8523738
    Abstract: A method of shifting a power distribution unit for a vehicle from a first operating state to a second operating state is provided. The method includes the step of adjusting a rotational speed of a portion of a second axle assembly using a clutching device to impart energy to a lubricant within the second axle assembly. A controller in communication with a power source of the vehicle adjusts an operating condition of the power source to facilitate moving the clutching device. The power distribution unit includes an inter-axle differential capable being placed in a locked condition by the clutching device and of accommodating a rotational difference between a first output gear and a second output gear with the inter-axle differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Morscheck, Kenneth E. Cooper, James F. Ziech, Richard A. Nellums, Steven J. Wesolowski, Donald J. Remboski
  • Patent number: 8523739
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system and method of operation are presented. As one example, cylinder deactivation and transitioning from four to two strokes is coordinated with transmission shifting to improve vehicle response. Additionally, it is possible to reduce transitions in operating modes to improve drive feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, John Ottavio Michelini
  • Patent number: 8500599
    Abstract: A machine powertrain includes an engine operably connected to a torque converter and a transmission. A switch associated with the torque converter provides a locking signal indicative of a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter. A throttle sensor associated with the throttle provides a throttle signal. An electronic controller receives the locking signal and the throttle signal, and controls operation of the engine at least partially based on the throttle signal and the locking signal. The electronic controller determines whether a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter is present based on the locking signal, determines whether a part throttle operating condition or a full throttle operating condition is present based on the throttle signal, and selects a derated power curve when the part throttle operating condition is present and when the torque converter switches from the unlocked to the locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ho, Catrina Swan, Warren Pepper, Douglas Carlson, Sairam Velamakanni
  • 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: 8485941
    Abstract: A driver controllable low speed mode for a stop/start technology-equipped vehicle. The vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine with stop/start technology having an engine controller, a transmission connected to the internal combustion engine, and a shifter connected to the transmission and the engine controller. The shifter is operable to place the transmission into one of a plurality of operating modes, the operating modes including at least a low speed mode wherein stop/start technology is disabled. The engine controller is operable to detect vehicle operation above a speed or acceleration threshold and cause an audible chime or message to be played or a visual cue displayed to prompt the driver to deactivate the low speed mode. The engine controller is further operable to detect a sustained acceleration attempt when the transmission is in low speed mode and to disable low speed mode for a predetermined period of time upon this detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Brian E. Beechie, John D. Mueller, Jeffrey M. Orzechowski, Anurag Peter Varma
  • Patent number: 8478474
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus and a diagnostic method are provided for a belt squeezing force adjusting mechanism of a continuously variable transmission in which a belt is wound around a primary sheave that receives driving force and a secondary sheave that outputs force to a drive line, and which continuously changes the output rotation speed by adjusting the width of the groove the primary sheave and the secondary sheave by shift control. This diagnostic determines, as a precondition, whether a target control value calculated in shift control is in a low region, and performs a diagnostic on the belt squeezing force adjusting mechanism based on the relationship between an actual control value and the target control value during control to reduce a control value when it is determined that the precondition is satisfied. According to this diagnostic apparatus and diagnostic method, an erroneous diagnosis can be prevented so the diagnostic can be performed accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunari Matsui, Akira Hino, Shinya Toyoda, Naoto Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8442732
    Abstract: A method for determining a driveline ratio for a powertrain having an auxiliary transmission is provided and includes identifying a transmission gear ratio, measuring a transmission output speed, and measuring an auxiliary transmission output speed. An auxiliary transmission gear ratio is identified by comparing the transmission output speed to the auxiliary transmission output speed when the powertrain is in motion. The auxiliary transmission gear ratio is identified from a switch when the powertrain is at rest. An auxiliary transmission module has an auxiliary transmission in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to identify an auxiliary transmission gear ratio, and limit an engine torque command to limit the auxiliary transmission output torque. The engine torque command is limited if the output torque exceeds a predetermined value and if the auxiliary transmission is in a reducing gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jon A. Steeby
  • Publication number: 20130116089
    Abstract: A method and a device for automatically deactivating a coasting operating mode in a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine is disclosed. An activated coasting operating mode is deactivated if the current vehicle speed exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is set as the sum of a minimum vehicle speed and of a maximum permissible increase in speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Goetz-Philipp Wegner, Urs Christen, Rainer Busch, Frederic Stefan
  • Patent number: 8424293
    Abstract: A method of regenerating a diesel particulate filter (DPF) may include operating a vehicle including a diesel engine at an idle condition and applying a load to the diesel engine during the idle condition to increase an exhaust temperature of the diesel engine relative to a nominal idle condition. The increased exhaust temperature may regenerate a diesel particulate filter of the diesel engine during the idle condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Chad E. Marlett, Julian C. Tan, David A. Richeson
  • Patent number: 8419591
    Abstract: In a drive system of a vehicle, the drive power of an engine is divided by a planetary gear set to drive two power transfer shafts. One of the two shafts includes a continuously variable transmission unit and a clutch. The output sides of the two shafts are coupled to a common power output shaft, which is coupled to an AC motor. In a power transfer condition of the clutch, the vehicle is driven with only the output drive power of the engine or both drive powers of the engine and the AC motor. In a power interruption condition of the clutch, the vehicle is driven with only the drive power of the AC motor. The kinetic energy generated at deceleration of the vehicle is converted into electric energy by the AC motor thereby to perform regenerative braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneyuki Egami
  • Publication number: 20130085036
    Abstract: An on-board system for providing traction control for a variable-load bearing vehicle having tracks subject to slippage is disclosed. The system includes a member(s) configured to be activated by an operator of the vehicle with an operator-to-vehicle interface or alternatively, automatic control without operator intervention, based only on measured actual vehicle tread speed, without obtaining actual vehicle speed. Member activation serves to control engine power level sufficient to reduce the slippage. Automatic control, after operator activation, is linked to at least one look-up table having predetermined power level values to provide the engine power level control, required to reduce the slippage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Randall T. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8409056
    Abstract: A shift output torque control unit executes a shift output torque control to control an engine torque so as to reduce a driving force difference, which is a variation width of a driving force due to downshift of an automatic transmission. Thus, in comparison with the case in which the shift output torque control is not executed, it is possible to smooth a variation in driving force associated with the downshift. As a result, occupants' comfort and controllability to driving operation may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Kuwahara, Hideaki Otsubo, Masato Kaigawa, Shogo Matsumoto, Masayuki Baba
  • Patent number: 8406971
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling an amount of torque generated by an engine of a vehicle. The amount of torque may be controlled by limiting an amount of fuel or air or a combination thereof being provided to the engine. In some situations, controlling the amount of torque generated by the engine may be utilized to gradually limit the vehicle's acceleration, which in turn, may influence driver shifting strategies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Balton, Zachary Slaton, Nathan Paul, Ethan A. Ott
  • Patent number: 8406962
    Abstract: A method for determining an operating state of elements of a transmission may include acquiring rotational speeds of both members constituting the elements, determining whether the rotational speeds of the members may be the same, and determining that the elements may be directly connected when the rotational speeds of the members may be the same, and that the elements may be disconnected or slip when the rotational speeds of the members may be different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Youngchul Kim, Sanghyun Jeong, Jangmi Lee, Sanglok Song, Yeonho Kim, Jaeshin Yi, Haksung Lee, Seungki Kong
  • Patent number: 8393996
    Abstract: A vehicular powertrain includes an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine. A method for operating the powertrain includes monitoring operator inputs, monitoring a transmission output, and terminating an engine operating mode when a time-rate change in the transmission output exceeds a threshold absent a change in the monitored operator inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ryan D. Martini, Charles J. Van Horn, Peter E. Wu, Andrew M. Zettel, Osama Almasri, Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Publication number: 20130060436
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a selected gear module and a shift indicator module. The selected gear module determines a selected gear of a manual transmission. The shift indicator module monitors vehicle speed and the selected gear and generates a shift indicator signal based on the vehicle speed and the selected gear, the shift indicator signal indicating when to shift to one of first gear and reverse gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William L. Cousins, James M. Partyka
  • Patent number: 8388497
    Abstract: According to the method the crossover phase of the friction clutches is performed by defining a linear torque profile for the first friction clutch having a given initial value and a zero final value, a linear torque profile for the second friction clutch having a zero initial value and a given final value, and a linear torque profile for the engine having a given initial value and a given final value. The final value of the torque profile of the second friction clutch is calculated, the initial value of the engine torque being known, by determining a final value of the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle equal to a given percentage of the initial value of the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. The final value of the engine torque profile is calculated, the final value of the torque profile of the second friction clutch being known, on the basis of the final value determined for the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Emanuel Corigliano, Giancarlo Osella, Attilio Porta, Dario Del Pin
  • Patent number: 8392079
    Abstract: Damping control, by which an engine is controlled to output torque for reducing up-and-down vibrations such as pitching and bouncing of a vehicle, is performed. When the damping control is interrupted, the behavior of engine torque after the damping control is interrupted is predicted. Shift of an automatic transmission is controlled in accordance with the predicted behavior of the engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Oda, Atsushi Ayabe, Tomohiro Asami
  • Patent number: 8380404
    Abstract: A control method for controlling, during a gear shifting or during a drive-away, a vehicle provided with an automatic manual transmission, the control method including the steps of: determining, in a design phase, a transmissibility function of a clutch, which provides the torque which is transmitted by clutch according to the degree of opening of clutch itself, determining an engine model in a design phase, determining a target torque which must be transmitted by means of clutch during the gear shifting or during the drive-away, controlling clutch for pursuing target torque which must be transmitted by means of clutch by using the transmissibility function, determining a target engine torque of engine according to target torque which must be transmitted by means of clutch and controlling the engine to pursue a target engine torque by using a feedforward control based on the engine model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Marcigliano, Alessandro Barone, Davide Montosi
  • Patent number: 8366587
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle drive-train system including an engine, an electronic throttle valve, an automatic transmission having a manual shift mode, a torque converter provided between the automatic transmission and the engine, and a lock-up clutch operable to directly connect an input member and an output member of the torque converter with each other includes a blipping control device that performs blipping control for temporarily increasing the output rotational speed of the engine by of the electronic throttle valve, when a power-off downshift is performed while the automatic transmission is in the manual shift mode; and a lock-up control device that engages or partially engages the lock-up clutch, based on a difference between a rotational speed of the output member of the torque converter and a rotational speed of the input member thereof, which the difference is reduced after the blipping control is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Inoue, Hitoshi Matsunaga, Yoshio Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20120309591
    Abstract: An accumulator (40) is connected to a line pressure oil passage (33) via an electromagnetic cut-off valve (42) and a one-way valve (39), a three-way electromagnetic switching valve (44), and a pressure holding valve (46) are additionally installed on clutch pressure oil passage (34) of a low clutch (50) which is engaged at a time of an engine stop. The accumulator is cut off from the line pressure oil passage and the low clutch is communicated with the pressure holding valve and the clutch pressure is held to a value immediately before a torque transmission control, at the time of the engine stop and, during an engine restart, the electromagnetic cut-off valve is duty controlled in accordance with an accelerator opening angle and the clutch pressure is discharged from the accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: JATCO Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Katou
  • Patent number: 8321176
    Abstract: A method for determining an angle between a first shaft section and a second shaft section is provided. The 0° position of the first shaft section is determined by a first shaft signal, and the 0° position of the second shaft section is determined by a second shaft signal. The first shaft signal and the second shaft signal are subsequently each decomposed using Fourier analysis into frequency components of harmonic oscillations, wherein frequencies are calculated for the first shaft signal, and frequencies are calculated for the second shaft signal. The frequencies are each calculated as complex pointers from absolute value and phase of the order thereof wherein each pointer describes the angular velocity of the particular frequency. For each frequency, the particular angle of the complex number is then divided by the order, wherein standardized complex pointers are calculated. The standardized complex pointers are added complexly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Hempl
  • Patent number: 8298120
    Abstract: An acceleration shock reduction control system for a vehicle which can reduce a shock at a transition to an accelerating state without deteriorating an acceleration response. An acceleration shock reduction control system for vehicle includes a control unit which determines a transition from a decelerating state to an accelerating state, and which thus controls the ignition of an internal combustion engine to adjust the output of the engine. In the acceleration shock reduction control system, upon detecting the transition from the decelerating state to the accelerating state, the control unit gives an instruction for an ignition cut which is executed over a predetermined time period Tr after a predetermined waiting time period Tw elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Sato, Naohisa Okawada, Ryuta Niimura
  • Patent number: 8301320
    Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a possible consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard. Various accessible records may be maintained regarding administrative compliance states and their respective benefits, as well as regarding certification of preferable consequential results available to qualified recipients based on a correlated vehicle operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20120270699
    Abstract: A method for preventing shift hunting in a powertrain including an engine and a transmission having a variator, a first gearset, and a second gearset is disclosed. The method includes operating the engine at a first substantially constant speed, detecting a shift condition, and operating the engine at a second substantially constant speed as a function of detecting the shift condition. The second speed is different than the first speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Adam J. Vaccari, Michael D. Beyer, Christopher A. Rhoades
  • Patent number: 8287431
    Abstract: When shifting an automatic transmission into a higher gear, it is determined that an inertia phase has started when an input rotation speed of the automatic transmission has started to decrease. Here, if throttle opening amount reduction control is being performed to reduce the output torque of the engine when it is determined that the inertia phase has started, it is highly likely that that determination is erroneous because that control causes the input rotation speed of the automatic transmission (i.e., the engine speed) to decrease. When it is highly likely that the determination that the inertia phase has started is erroneous in this way, learning of a hydraulic pressure command value is prohibited. As a result, erroneous learning of the hydraulic pressure command value can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobufusa Kobayashi, Toshio Sugimura, Tomohiro Asami, Takaaki Tokura, Yoshio Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8282531
    Abstract: An engine rotational speed control apparatus is provide to prevent a degradation of fuel efficiency caused by an unnecessary increase of the rotational speed of an engine when a depression amount of an accelerator pedal is briefly increased and then immediately decreased. In particular, when the vehicle is accelerated, an optimum fuel efficiency operating point along an optimum fuel efficiency curve is not moved immediately to another optimum fuel efficiency operating point corresponding to a new target drive force. Instead, the target drive force is reached by increasing the engine load while increasing the engine rotational speed as little as possible, and thus using an operating point that does not lie on the optimum fuel efficiency curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Ishido, Atsufumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8275528
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing acceleration of a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission by controlling transmission turbine acceleration are provided. A desired transmission turbine acceleration is determined based on vehicle speed, turbine speed, and other information obtained from the vehicle transmission. One or more torque limits are determined as a function of the turbine acceleration. The torque limits are applied to manage acceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: John P Kresse
  • Patent number: 8271178
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular power transmitting system including (a) an electrically controlled differential portion which has a differential mechanism and a first electric motor connected to a rotary element of the differential mechanism and which is operable to control a differential state between a rotating speed of its input shaft connected to a drive power source and a rotating speed of its output shaft by controlling an operating state of the first electric motor, and (b) a switching portion operable to switch a power transmitting path for transmitting power from the drive power source, between a power transmitting state and a power cut-off state, the control apparatus including a control range setting portion configured to set one of two different control ranges of a rotating speed of the output shaft, depending upon whether the power transmitting path is placed in the power transmitting state or said power cut-off state, by the switching portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku, Hidenori Kato
  • Publication number: 20120220425
    Abstract: A method for controlling a continuously variable ratio transmission is described. The method may include controlling a continuously variable ratio unit (“variator”) having rotary input and output members through which the variator is coupled between an engine and a driven component, the variator receiving a primary control signal and being constructed and arranged to exert upon its input and output members torques which correspond directly to the control signal. The method may also include determining a target engine acceleration, determining settings of the variator's primary control signal and of an engine torque control for providing the required engine acceleration and adjusting the control signal and/or the engine torque control based on these settings, predicting a consequent engine speed change, allowing for engine and/or transmission characteristics, and correcting the settings of the control signal and engine torque based on a comparison of actual and predicted engine speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: TOROTRAK (DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED
    Inventors: Matthew Gibson Field, Stephen William Murray, Matthew Piers Burke
  • Patent number: 8251869
    Abstract: A driver operates a shift pedal to perform shift change of a transmission via a shift mechanism provided in a vehicle. An operation of the shift pedal is detected by a load sensor. When a sliding gear and a fixed gear of the transmission continue to be separated from each other for a predetermined period of time or longer after a shifting operation by the driver is detected by a load sensor, the rotational speed of the engine is maintained within a target range by an ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaaki Mizutani, Atsushi Miura
  • Patent number: 8234048
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes torque generative devices to transfer power to an output member. An operator torque request, a rotational direction and speed of the output member, and a signal output from a transmission range selector are monitored. When a change in a direction of intended motion is determined, the powertrain system can change rotational direction of the output member when the speed of the output member is less than a threshold. The powertrain can inhibit a change in the rotational direction of the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hanne Buur, William R. Cawthorne
  • Publication number: 20120190498
    Abstract: A method for controlling a propulsion system for a vehicle including a transmission coupling an output shaft of the internal combustion engine to a drive wheel of the vehicle, wherein said transmission includes a lash region, the method comprising of adjusting an operating parameter of the engine so that at least one cylinder of the engine is transitioned between a first combustion mode and a second combustion mode, and varying a timing of said transition responsive to whether the transmission is operating within the lash region of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Harald Stoffels, Klemens Grieser
  • Patent number: 8226531
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a prime mover, a power transmission apparatus disposed between the prime mover and at least one wheel, an engaging element configured to selectively engage and disengage the prime mover from the at least one wheel, and a torque limiter configured to restrict an output torque of the prime mover to a selected percentage when in transition between an unloaded state and a loaded state, wherein the torque limiter is configured to restrict the output torque of the prime mover while the engaging element is disengaged between the prime mover and the power transmission apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Maekawa, Masahiro Iriyama
  • Patent number: 8221287
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a driving state detecting device configured to detect a driving state, a command signal output device configured to output a detected command signal indicating an engine driving power change command, an opening degree signal output device configured to output a detected opening degree signal, a valve drive device configured to drive a throttle valve; and a controller which is configured to set a target opening degree of the throttle valve based on the detected command signal and to control the valve drive device to cause an opening degree to match the target opening degree. The controller is configured to set, according to the driving state, the target opening degree to a smaller value than when the command signal and the opening degree signal are normal, when at least one of the command signal and the opening degree signal is abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeru Oshima, Takuya Sakamoto
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8214096
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for controlling an accelerator for electric vehicles. The method comprises steps of: acquiring an actual accelerator pedal depth value and a current vehicle speed; determining a maximum output torque of motor under the current vehicle speed based on the current vehicle speed; and controlling the output torque of motor in such a way that the growth rate of the output torque higher than that of the actual accelerator pedal depth value at the beginning and then closed to that of the actual accelerator pedal depth value during the actual accelerator pedal depth value growing. The invention makes the output torque grown rapidly within the shallow range of accelerator pedal depth, while makes the output torque grown closed to that of the accelerator pedal depth within the relative deep range of accelerator pedal depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: BYD Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yingwu Xu, Xuguang Zhou, Xiaohua Tang, Jian Gong, Nan Liu, Guangming Yang, Ming Yu
  • Publication number: 20120135839
    Abstract: A controller of a vehicle, provided with a coast stop control unit which automatically stops an engine during the travel of a vehicle if coast stop conditions are met during the travel of the vehicle, and the coast stop control unit automatically stops the engine at least if a change amount of acceleration of the vehicle caused by the automatic stop of the engine is predetermined acceleration or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Shinichiro WATANABE, Keichi TATEWAKI, Naohiro YAMADA, Hideshi WAKAYAMA
  • Patent number: 8182396
    Abstract: A method for delaying shift and throttle commands based on engine speed comprises establishing a predetermined threshold engine speed. Shift and throttle commands are calculated based on the position of a control lever which allows an operator to manually control shift and throttle functions. Execution of the shift and throttle commands is delayed if the engine speed is above the predetermined maximum threshold engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Marine Canada Acquisition In.c
    Inventors: Thomas Samuel Martin, Pierre Garon
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8165777
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine coupled to an input member of a hybrid transmission. The hybrid transmission is operative to transmit torque between the input member and a torque generating machine and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes monitoring an operator torque request, determining an output torque command and an output speed of the output member, iteratively selecting candidate input speeds to the input member, determining mechanical power loss in the hybrid transmission for each of the candidate input speeds and the output speed, and selecting a preferred input speed comprising the candidate input speed that achieves a minimum mechanical power loss in the hybrid transmission at the output speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Diamler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 8152690
    Abstract: To provide an engine revolutions control device of a working vehicle that the braking effect can be obtained by the low-speed speed gear as expected by the operator at the time of forward/reverse changeover and the durability of the clutch can be enhanced without increasing the capacity of the clutch. When the low-speed gear change range suitable for the work is selected by the shift range lever and the speed gear clutch corresponding to the maximum speed gear of the selected gear change range in the individual speed gear clutches is engaged, the throttle amount upper limit value which limits the revolutions of the engine so to have the upper limit vehicle speed or less corresponding to the maximum speed gear is determined, and it is output as a throttle amount correction command signal to an engine controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 8137241
    Abstract: A engine control system for an automatic transmission includes an engine torque control module that increases engine torque from a first torque level to a second torque level during a period before a shift from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio, wherein the first gear ratio is greater than the second gear ratio, wherein the first torque level is based on driver input and vehicle speed, and wherein the second torque level is based on the first torque level and the first and second gear ratios. A transmission control module decreases a torque capacity of a first clutch to a third torque level during the period and increases a torque capacity of a second clutch to a fourth torque level during the period, wherein the fourth torque level is based on the second torque level and a torque gain of the second clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Shushan Bai