Condition Responsive Engine Control Patents (Class 477/20)
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Patent number: 8052571Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle that includes an engine and a motor-generator connected to the engine through a power split device, upon acceleration in a running state, there may arise a case where the rotational speed of the MG1 enters a lockup area and, then, the MG1 cannot pull out of the lockup state with ease in such a manner that the rotational speed of the MG1 is shifted from a normal rotation area to a reverse rotation area, in accordance with an increase of a torque produced by the MG1. In this case, the engine is controlled such that a torque produced by the engine is decreased. Thus, the rotational speeds of the engine and MG1 are reduced entirely, so that the MG1 can pull out of the lockup state without increasing the torque produced by the MG1 any more.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso CorporationInventors: Kenji Yamada, Takeshi Itoh, Noriaki Ikemoto
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Publication number: 20110218075Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a prime mover adapted to drive at least one ground engaging element of a working machine. The method includes receiving an operator control input indicative of the control of the prime mover and determining at least one operation signal in response to the operator control input, which operation signal is sent for controlling the prime mover. The method also includes receiving a operating state input indicative of an operating state of the machine and selecting a control mode from at least one speed control mode in which the determined operational signal comprises a desired speed of the prime mover and at least one torque control mode in which the determined operational signal comprises a desired torque of the prime mover in response to the operating state input.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2008Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ABInventors: Bobbie Frank, Reno Filla
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Patent number: 7980991Abstract: When the power transmitting path in an automatic shifting portion (20) is interrupted, a Co-lock control is executed to allow a differential portion (11) to be placed in a non-differential or nearly non-differential state with rotary elements (RE1 to RE3) kept in a unitary rotation. Thus, an engine (8), a first electric motor (M1) and a second electric motor (M2) rotate at an identical or nearly identical speed. Then, for the purpose of controlling the second electric motor (M2) at a rotation speed below a permit rotation speed, it may suffice for the first and second electric motors (M1) and (M2) to be driven in a direction to lower relevant rotation speeds while monitoring any one of an engine rotation speed, a first-motor rotation speed and a second-motor rotation speed. This allows such a control to be easily executed, thereby preventing the second electric motor from reaching a high speed rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 7976428Abstract: A control system for a drive unit of a vehicle, in which a power distribution mechanism is arranged on a route from a prime mover to a wheel, and a transmission is arranged on an output side of the power distribution mechanism. The control system includes a revolution frequency controller that restrains a variation in a revolution frequency of the prime mover by controlling a revolution frequency of the reaction force establishing device until a predetermined time elapses since a commencement of a shifting operation of the transmission. The control system is capable of restraining a variation in an output torque, in case of carrying out a shifting operation of a transmission arranged on an output side of a prime mover.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tooru Matsubara, Takashi Ohta, Hideaki Komada, Yukihiko Ideshio, Hiroyuki Shibata
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Patent number: 7972239Abstract: A dual pump strategy for a hybrid electric automatic transmission necessitating one internal mechanically driven pump linked to the engine output shaft and an external fixed displacement pump powered by a brushless permanent magnet motor consisting of a controller with closed loop feedback control for operating such is disclosed. In neutral and electric drive mode, with the engine off, the flow demand for the transmission is sustained largely by the external pump.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Chino D. Imediegwu
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Patent number: 7953538Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including an electric differential portion and a mechanical power transmitting portion which are disposed in series in a power transmitting path between an engine and a drive wheel of a vehicle, the control apparatus being configured to limit an output of the engine according to a difference between an actual rotating speed of an input rotary member of the mechanical power transmitting portion, and a theoretical rotating speed calculated from an actual vehicle speed and a presently established speed ratio of the mechanical power transmitting portion, whereby reduction of torque capacity of an input clutch provided in the mechanical power transmitting portion does not cause an excessive rise of the rotating speed of a rotary member which is located on one side of the input clutch nearer to the engine, and an excessive rise of the rotating speed of an electric motor connected to the input rotary member.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Koichiro Muta, Masakazu Kaifuku, Hidenori Katoh, Tomokazu Nomura
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Publication number: 20110098151Abstract: A hybrid drive train for a motor vehicle which comprises an combustion engine, at least two electric machines, a multi-gear transmission with transmission input and output shafts, a shift actuator, at least one energy storage device and a control unit arranged such that the combustion engine and the rotor of the first electric machine are connected to the transmission input shaft, and the transmission output shaft is connected either permanently or via a gearwheel arrangement or a chain or toothed-belt drive mechanism to at least one wheel or to a differential of a first vehicle axle. The rotor of the second electric machine is connected either permanently or via a chain or toothed-belt drive mechanism, either to at least one wheel or to a differential of the first vehicle axle, or to at least one wheel or to a differential of a second vehicle axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventor: Peter Ziemer
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Patent number: 7899597Abstract: A work machine uses an operator presence detection strategy to enable or disable the work machine. A plurality of sensors provide independent indications of operator presence. These sensors may include a seat sensor, an inching pedal sensor, a transmission output speed sensor and a conveyance gear sensor. The work machine is enabled if at least one sensor indicates the presence of an operator; however, the work machine is disabled if none of the sensors indicate an operator.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Vitale, Brian G. Funke
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Patent number: 7894969Abstract: A control apparatus includes a torque-boost control portion that boosts torque output from the engine, and corrects the operation amount of an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of air taken into the engine to increase the amount of air during a torque phase when the automatic transmission upshifts; and an inertia-phase determination portion that determines whether an inertia phase has started. The torque-boost control portion includes a torque-boost end control portion that executes a torque-boost end control that gradually decreases a correction amount, by which the operation amount is corrected, to zero when the inertia-phase determination portion determines that the inertia phase has started.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomohiro Asami, Toshio Sugimura, Takaaki Tokura, Nobufusa Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7854680Abstract: In a power train in which a differential mechanism is coupled with a transmission mechanism, a transmission member is free with no engagement in a second shift portion when a P position or an N position is selected, and a ring gear thereby becomes free in a power split device. During an idle operation with such a shift position, a behavior of an engine rotation speed is retained in a stable manner in the power split device which functions as the differential mechanism through a power supply control (lock control) such that a rotor of a second MG coupled with the ring gear is locked by an electromagnetic force, and then, a learning control of an idle speed control is appropriately implemented.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinichi Sugai, Mitsuaki Higa
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Publication number: 20100273605Abstract: An in-vehicle power transmission apparatus is equipped with a motor-generator working as an engine to drive a vehicle and a power split device made up of a plurality of power split rotors. A first one of the rotors is coupled to a driven wheel of the vehicle, while a second one of the rotors is coupled to an accessory such as an air compressor of an air conditioner. The speed of the second rotor is controllable independently of that of the driven wheel. This eases restrictions on the supply of power produced by the generator-motor to the accessory. Alternatively, the rotors are so linked that when the speed of the first rotor is not zero (0), the speed of the second rotor has one of zero (0) and a value other than zero (0), thus ensuring the stability in supplying the power to drive the vehicle to the accessory.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: NIPPON SOKEN, INC.Inventors: Koji KAWASAKI, Takenori Matsue, Yuji Tokudome, Mitsuo Inagaki, Oyuki Ogawa
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Publication number: 20100197452Abstract: A method of carrying out a shift under load in either an electric vehicle which has a change-under-load transmission or a hybrid vehicle which has a hybrid transmission while the vehicle is operating in a purely electrical mode. The speed adaptation of the electric machine, which is required for synchronization to a new gear, is carried out in a speed regulation mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Stefan Wallner
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Patent number: 7748231Abstract: An ice-cube complete filling detector and a refrigerator comprising the same comprise a cam, an arm lever rotated by the cam, a detector driving gear rotated by the arm lever, a detector driven gear rotated by the detector driving gear, and an ice-cube detection lever connected to the detector driven gear, so that the detector driven gear is rotated via gear engagement by the detector driving gear and the detector driven gear, and the ice-cube detection lever can be rotated in a large range of about 180 degrees, thereby ensuring high accuracy of detection.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sung Hoon Chung
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Publication number: 20100160110Abstract: A transmission assembly for an electric vehicle includes a transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft, and a gear train coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft. A motor includes an output coupled to the input shaft of the transmission. A motor controller is electrically connected to the motor and controls a rotating speed of the motor. A gear controller is electrically connected to the motor controller. The gear controller outputs a speed request signal to the motor controller, and the motor controller controls the rotating speed of the motor based on the speed request signal, allowing smooth engagement between the gear train and the output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: National Pingtung University of Science & TechnologyInventors: Chyuan-Yow Tseng, Chiu-Feng Lin, Li-Wen Chen
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Patent number: 7731626Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle drive has a device for detecting a charging power of a heavy-duty battery for an electric motor, a device for determining at least one fuel consumption parameter for several different transmission gear positions at the detected charging power and for determining an optimized gear position in which the determined fuel consumption parameter indicates an optimized fuel consumption. The determining device controls the gear position of the transmission to the determined optimized gear position by via a transmission control device.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Nils Sauvlet, Marco Fleckner, Dieter Kraxner, Markus Goehring
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Patent number: 7698042Abstract: In response to the driver's brake OFF operation after a gearshift operation of a gearshift lever to a parking position, a motor MG2 is controlled to sequentially output a torque in a backward direction of a vehicle and a torque in a forward direction of the vehicle. Gears are accordingly engaged in a parking lock mechanism during rotation of a parking gear by an angle corresponding to half a tooth in the backward direction of the vehicle or during subsequent rotation of the parking gear by an angle corresponding to one tooth in the forward direction of the vehicle. This arrangement effectively ensures gear engagement in the parking lock mechanism, while desirably reducing a moving distance from a vehicle stop position before gear engagement in the parking lock mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuo Shimizu, Hideto Watanabe
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Patent number: 7698041Abstract: A drive unit includes an engine and a transmission having a variable transmission ratio. An instantaneous setpoint power output quantity of the drive unit is determined from an intended power output. The setpoint power output quantity is a function of the instantaneous transmission ratio of the transmission at least for a given intended power output.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Martin Streib
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Patent number: 7698053Abstract: An economy running system having: a function of stopping an internal combustion engine of a vehicle when the vehicle stops and all of stop conditions are satisfied; and a function of restarting the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. The economy running system includes: a control unit that judges whether the vehicle stops or not, and judges whether each of the stop conditions is satisfied or not; and a notification unit. When the control unit judges that the vehicle stops and that at least one of the stop conditions is not satisfied, the control unit causes the notification unit to notify to a user first notification information concerned with the at least one of the stop conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventor: Naoto Mori
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Publication number: 20090247353Abstract: A hydraulic control system for distributing pressurized fluid to a multi-mode hybrid-type power transmission is provided, as well as a method for regulating the same. The hydraulic control system includes an engine-driven main pump in fluid communication with a main regulator valve, and an electrically-driven auxiliary pump in fluid communication with an auxiliary regulator valve. One pressure control solenoid provides feedback (boost) pressure to both regulator valves, and thereby modify output of the main and auxiliary pumps. A controller selectively modifies distribution of boost pressure to ensure a continuous and controllable feed of hydraulic pressure to the transmission during all vehicle operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Eric S. Tryon, Michael D. Foster
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Patent number: 7559864Abstract: A hybrid motor vehicle includes a differential having a differential mechanism equipped with a first rotating element that is connected to an engine, a second rotating element that is connected to a first electric motor and a third rotating element connected to both a second electric motor and a transfer member; and a transmission provided in a power transmission path, extending from the transfer member to driven wheels, that establishes a plurality of transmission ranges by selectively operating a plurality of coupling devices. An irreversible rotation member connected to a non-rotation member against reverse rotation through a one-way clutch is provided in the transmission. When the second electric motor is malfunctioning, an engine start control unit starts the engine by driving the first electric motor while selectively engaging the coupling devices to connect the transfer member to the irreversible rotation member.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Maeda, Toshinari Suzuki
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Publication number: 20080220933Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle is provided with an electric motor that outputs driving force for running the vehicle; an automatic transmission that establishes a plurality of gears by selectively applying and releasing a plurality of friction apply elements in a predetermined combination for each gear among the plurality of gears, and transmits power from the electric motor to an output shaft of the vehicle; and a torque controlling portion which, when there is a demand for a power-off downshift, controls output torque of the electric motor such that input torque of the automatic transmission becomes constant torque during an inertia phase of that shift, and controls the output torque of the electric motor such that the output torque of the automatic transmission comes to match the torque required after the shift, after rotation synchronization by an apply-side friction apply element is complete.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yasuhiro MAEDA
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Patent number: 7204784Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshihide Suzuki, Takahiro Misu
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Patent number: 7107131Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems, and products for communicating between engine computers without the participation of a flight deck computer. The invention allows the engine computers to coordinate activities for real-time control of the engines for improved efficiency using an existing ARINC 429 communications bus. The invention facilitates cross-engine communications over the same ARINC 429 communications bus used for communicating with the Flight Deck Computer, without installation of a second, dedicated communications bus for cross-engine communications. The invention thus provides a cost effective way to allow the engines to coordinate activities without expensive installation and recertification of airframe modifications.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventor: James MacDougall
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Patent number: 6799110Abstract: Evacuation operation performance is improved when any abnormality occurs in an electronic throttle control system. When any serious abnormality occurs, a first abnormality storage element (133) operates, a load relay for a power supply circuit (104a) of a throttle valve open/close controlling motor (103) is de-energized to operate a first alarm and display (109a). Thus a first device carries out the evacuation operation by a fuel cut control. When any slight abnormality occurs, a second abnormality storing element (136) comes to actuate thereby a second alarm and display (109b) being operated. Thus a second device carries out the evacuation operation using together a throttle valve opening control by the motor 103 and the fuel cut control.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kohji Hashimoto, Katsuya Nakamoto
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Patent number: 6781251Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having an engine and a motor as drive power sources has a transmission between the engine and a vehicle drive wheel, that changes drive power transmission by selecting from a plurality of gear speeds. The control apparatus detects the drive power requested for the vehicle drive wheel and, as a result, sets a gear speed of the transmission to cause the engine to operate in a predetermined high-efficiency operation state, such that any difference between the requested vehicle drive power and the engine output is compensated by either a drive operation of the motor, or a regenerative operation of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshifumi Takaoka, Naoto Suzuki, Takashi Suzuki, Daimon Okada
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Patent number: 6726588Abstract: The differential engine comprises a motor, a torque conversion stage, and a loading mechanism. The torque conversion stage includes first and second differential stages which are coupled together with a pair of shafts, with the shafts rotating in opposite directions. The first differential stage comprises an input shaft which is coupled to the output shaft of the motor, and first and second output shafts which are coupled to the respective shafts. The second differential stage comprises an output coupled to the output drive shaft, and first and second input shafts which are coupled to the respective shafts. The second differential stage includes a gear mechanism which applies a rotational torque to the output drive shaft when a difference occurs between the rotational speeds for the shafts. The rotational speeds of the shafts are varied by loading one or both of the shafts.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: CVET Patent Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Ervin Weisz
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Patent number: 6709362Abstract: An electric oil pump capable of suppressing wear of an electric oil pump used as auxiliary to a main oil pump to thereby prolong the life of the pump and avoid any need to provide a larger pump. An electric oil pump (40) is operated only for a predetermined acceptable operation time, and the engine (12) is thereafter activated to cause the mechanical oil pump (36) to supply oil pressure. This arrangement can limit successive operating time for the electric oil pump (40), suppressing wear of the electric oil pump (40) and thus prolonging its life. Provision of a larger electric oil pump (40) can also be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadasu Tomohiro, Yasuo Hojo, Hideo Tomomatsu, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Katsumi Nakatani, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
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Patent number: 6602164Abstract: When the engine torque starts decreasing prior to disengagement of a clutch, the motor torque realMT is controlled to compensate for the deficiency in the engine torque tpsET due to the decrease in the engine torque. Further, the motor torque realMT is controlled to compensate for a deficiency in the engine torque tpsET after engagement of the clutch until increasing of the throttle opening is completed. By controlling the motor torque as such, the reduction in the engine torque tpsET can be compensated for by the motor torque realMT not only when the clutch is being disengaged but also prior to the disengagement of the clutch and after engagement thereof, thus preventing fluctuation in acceleration of the vehicle due to the increase and decrease in torque.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sano Yoshiaki, Kevin Walters
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Patent number: 6595895Abstract: If a torque reduction request is outputted during a speed shift, the amount of motor torque reduction achieved by a motor-generator, of a requested amount of torque reduction, is set to a greatest-possible amount, and the amount of engine torque reduction achieved by an engine is set to a smallest-possible amount. The amount of motor torque reduction is set based on the amount of charges stored (SOC) in a battery device. If SOC≦SOC1, the amount of motor torque reduction is set to a maximum value regardless of the value of SOC. If SOC1<SOC≦SOC2, the amount of motor torque reduction is set in accordance with SOC. If SOC2<SOC, the amount of motor torque reduction is set to zero. Thus, the amount of motor torque reduction is set to a greatest-possible value in accordance with the amount of charges stored (SOC).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takehiko Suzuki, Satoru Wakuta, Kazuo Takemoto
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Patent number: 6522959Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle that can improve the fuel consumption ratio while providing a good drivability is provided. It is determined whether the temperature of a catalyst in an exhaust system is equal to or below a predetermined temperature, and if this condition is satisfied, a Wide Open Throttle determination degree of throttle opening value for determining whether to carry out the Wide Open Throttle control is looked up in a table. Next, it is determined whether a degree of throttle opening is above the Wide Open Throttle determination degree of throttle opening value, and if this condition is satisfied, it is determined whether a remaining battery charge is equal to or above one within the normal use region. If this condition is satisfied, it is determined whether an engine speed is equal to or above a degree of throttle opening Wide Open Throttle prohibiting upper limit engine speed value.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazutomo Sawamura, Teruo Wakashiro, Atsushi Matsubara, Shinichi Kitajima, Hideyuki Takahashi, Yasuo Nakamoto
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Patent number: 6497635Abstract: A transmission control apparatus is used with a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a transmission connected to the engine and having a plurality of gear positions, and a generator which is disposed between the transmission and drive wheels and which is capable of generating electric power through regenerative braking during deceleration of the vehicle. The control apparatus operates to detect a revolution speed of the internal combustion engine, and to place the transmission in a highest gear position selected from one or more gear positions that enable the engine revolution speed to be maintained at a level not lower than a predetermined lower limit above which the engine can operate by itself (i.e., re-start), when the generator generates electric power through regenerative braking.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Naoto Suzuki
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Patent number: 6482127Abstract: In an automatic transmission which comprises: a starter motor for starting an engine and a hydraulic pressure source having a main pump driven by the engine and an assist pump driven by an electric motor, when an idling stop control unit outputs an idling stop signal to an engine control unit, an engine and an assist pump are stopped. When the idling stop control unit receives an OFF signal from a brake switch, the idling stop control unit outputs a cancellation command for canceling an idling stop operation to the engine control unit to drive a starter motor and the assist pump.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Jatco Transtechnology Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiaki Katou
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Patent number: 6461266Abstract: The differential engine comprises a motor, a torque conversion stage, and a loading mechanism. The torque conversion stage includes first and second differential stages which are coupled together with a pair of shafts, with the shafts rotating in opposite directions. The first differential stage comprises an input shaft which is coupled to the output shaft of the motor, and first and second output shafts which are coupled to the respective shafts. The second differential stage comprises an output coupled to the output drive shaft, and first and second input shafts which are coupled to the respective shafts. The second differential stage includes a gear mechanism which applies a rotational torque to the output drive shaft when a difference occurs between the rotational speeds for the shafts. The rotational speeds of the shafts are varied by loading one or both of the shafts.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventor: Ervin Weisz
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Publication number: 20020082134Abstract: A Motor vehicle transmission, shiftable between different transmission ratios, with an input shaft, an output shaft, and in some cases a countershaft has a plurality of gears arranged to cooperate in gear pairs, a plurality of gears arranged to cooperate in gear pairs, a plurality of clutches, and an electro-mechanical energy converter. The electro-mechanical energy converter can be coupled to the transmission through at least one of the clutches in order to perform at least one of the functions of starting the combustion engine of the vehicle, temporarily replacing or assisting the combustion engine in propelling the vehicle, maintaining vehicle traction during gear shifts, generating electrical energy from kinetic energy, and storing said electrical energy in a storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Applicant: LuK Lamellen Kupplungsbau GmbHInventors: Gunter Hirt, Martin Brandt
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Patent number: 6404332Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shift position indicating device for indicating a recommended shift position to a driver of a hybrid vehicle having an engine for driving a drive shaft of the vehicle, a motor for assisting a drive force applied to the drive shaft by electrical energy, and a battery for supplying power to the motor and storing electrical energy output from the motor. The motor having a regenerative function of converting kinetic energy of the drive shaft into electrical energy. According to the shift position indicating device, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a high-load running condition, and when the vehicle is in the high-load running condition, the shift-down is recommended.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Honda Giken-Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Teruo Wakashiro, Shinichi Kitajima, Hideyuki Takahashi, Asao Ukai, Hironao Fukuchi
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Patent number: 6364806Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-motor drive in which two electric motors which are assigned to a common output with a dual-stage gearbox are provided. An automatic controller controls, on the one hand, the load distribution between the motors and, on the other hand, the gearbox in order to ensure an optimum degree of efficiency of the drive. Asynchronous motors are preferably provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Dirk Spaniel
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Patent number: 6319167Abstract: A transmission control system can reduce degradation of engine characteristics upon shifting operation and can reduce a load on the side of a clutch and a transmission due to delay of response. The transmission control system includes an engine generating a driving force, a transmission having a plurality of gear positions for transmitting the driving force developed by the engine to driving wheels, a clutch for connecting said engine and said transmission, engine control means for controlling the engine, transmission control unit for switching gear positions of the transmission, and clutch control unit for controlling disengagement and engagement of the clutch. The transmission control system further includes an electric motor connected to a drive shaft of the engine and capable of performing regenerating operation, and motor control unit for controlling said electric motor for driving the electric motor for generating a driving force or for performing regenerating operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yoshida, Toshio Hori
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Patent number: 6315068Abstract: A drive control system for a hybrid vehicle, in which the output torques of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine are synthesized by and outputted from a torque synthesizing/distributing mechanism. The target speed of the engine is determined on the basis of the output demand for the engine and the output speed of the torque synthesizing/distributing mechanism, and the target speed of the motor is determined on the basis of the target speed of the engine and the output speed of the torque synthesizing/distributing mechanism. The output of the engine is controlled to the output torque which is determined on the basis of the output demand for the engine and the target speed of the engine, and the output speed of the motor is controlled to the target speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazumi Hoshiya, Hidehiro Oba
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Patent number: 6282954Abstract: The invention is based on a system for changing a signal representing rotational motion in a motor vehicle with first means for generating a first signal representing the rotational motion and a second means for generating at least one second signal representing additional information (direction of rotation, air gap, and/or brake lining wear). In addition, a third means is provided, by means of which the first signal (rotational speed signal) can be changed as a function of the second signal (direction of rotation, air gap, and/or brake lining wear). The essence of the invention is that the first means is designed in such a way that the first signal (rotational speed signal) assumes at least two first current values and/or two first voltage values.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1997Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Karl Ott, Michael Lehner, Michael Walther, Thomas Schneider
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Patent number: 6258007Abstract: The invention comprises an actuator controlled harmonic drive transmission assembly for the speed and positional control of an output shaft of the harmonic drive transmission. The assembly includes a motor having a rotor shaft for providing rotational power to harmonic drive transmission and a control arrangement for permitting rotational positional and speed control between the rotor shaft and the output shaft of the harmonic drive transmission. The control arrangement may comprise an output speed, torque, vibration and/or rotational encoder mounted on the output shaft of the harmonic drive transmission. The control arrangement may comprise an output speed and rotational encoder mounted on the rotor shaft of the motor, each encoder feeding data to a control logic unit to control the motor driving the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Teijin Seiki Boston, INCInventor: Erlendur Kristjansson
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Patent number: 6203468Abstract: Fluctuations in rotating speed or in toque at the time of switching between series drive and parallel drive operations are prevented. When switching from series drive mode to parallel drive mode, the rotating speed Nb of a motor B is detected and a rotating speed command is transmitted to match the rotating speed Na of a motor A with the rotating speed Nb of the motor B. When the actual rotating speed Na of the motor A has become equal to the rotating speed Nb of the motor B, a torque command which causes torque Teg of an engine to become zero is transmitted and, then, a command for engaging a lock-up clutch is transmitted. When switching from the parallel drive mode to the series drive mode, the engine torque is gradually reduced and the motor B is controlled to output a torque corresponding to the amount of reduction in the engine torque. The rotating speed Na of the motor A is matched with the rotating speed Nb of the motor B and the lock-up clutch is disengaged when the engine torque has become zero.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoaki Nitta, Yoshitaka Jinbo
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Patent number: 6064937Abstract: Disclosed is a compound cruise control system for solar cars including a signal output portion for detecting and generating signals regarding vehicle speed, power consumption, and cruise control selection of an operating vehicle; a control portion for controlling the general operation of the vehicle according to the generated signals and established map data; a power generating portion for generating drive electric energy; and a drive portion for processing drive energy of the power generating portion and making adjustments of vehicle operation according to signals from the control portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Chaemo Yang
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Patent number: 6019699Abstract: A drive control system for a hybrid vehicle for preventing a delay in the application of a one-way clutch in a transmission and an application shock. In this drive control system, an electric motor and an internal combustion engine are coupled to the input side of a transmission having at least one gear stage to be set by applying a one-way clutch. The drive control system comprises: a detector for detecting a coasting state in which the one-way clutch is released in a deceleration state set with the gear stage; and an input speed raising device for driving the electric motor when the coasting state is detected, so that the input speed of the transmission may approach the synchronous speed which is the product of the gear ratio of the gear stage to be set by applying the one-way clutch and the output speed of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1999Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazumi Hoshiya, Hidehiro Oba
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Patent number: 5951436Abstract: A transmission control system for an electric vehicle, includes a motor for directly converting electric energy to usable mechanical energy and a transmission connected to the motor without clutch. A motor speed sensor detects motor speed and a wheel speed sensor detects wheel speed. A shift fork sensor detects shift fork movement. An inverter controls the motor and a control unit controls the inverter in accordance with the motor speed sensor signal and the wheel speed sensor signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: KIA Motors CorporationInventor: Chun-ho Kim
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Patent number: 5903061Abstract: A control system for a vehicular drive unit having an engine, a motor-generator for acting as a motor and a generator, a planetary gear including at least three rotary elements, a battery for storing electric power as generated by the motor-generator and for feeding electric power to drive the motor-generator, an engine controller for causing the engine to output a target output value on a best mileage curve; and a motor-generator controller for controlling the motor-generator. When the output of the motor-generator corresponding to a target output value of the engine is within an outputtable region of the motor-generator, the motor-generator controller causes the motor-generator to output a reaction torque corresponding to the output torque of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1996Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeo Tsuzuki, Satoru Tanaka, Takeshi Hara, Manabu Watanabe, Kenji Omote
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Patent number: 5807205Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a mechanical parking lock device of an electric vehicle including an electric motor, the mechanical parking lock device including a parking lock gear rotated with a wheel of the vehicle, a parking lock pawl having a lock position for engagement of the lock pawl with the lock gear to lock the wheel, and an unlock position for releasing the lock pawl from the lock gear, and an engaging member mechanically linked with a shift lever, for engagement of the engaging member with the lock pawl to bring the pawl into the lock position upon operation of the shift lever to a parking position, and for permitting the lock pawl to be moved to the unlock position upon operation of the shift lever from the parking position to another position, the apparatus including a parking release intention determining device for determining an intention of a vehicle operator of operating the shift lever from the parking position to another position, and a parking release motor control device, which is operabType: GrantFiled: April 21, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Odaka, Kinya Yoshii, Takeharu Koide
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Patent number: 5795260Abstract: Disclosed is a transmission control system for an electric vehicle, comprising: a motor; a transmission, connected to the motor without clutch, having a shift fork; a shift lever for selecting wheel speed range; a linkage hingedly connected to the shift lever; a shift rod connected to the shift fork of the transmission, a hydraulic pressure device for connecting the linkage and the shift rod, and for absorbing movement of the linkage and moving the shift rod in a determined time; a shift lever sensor for detecting movement of the shift lever; a motor speed sensor for detecting speed of the motor; a wheel speed sensor for detecting wheel speed; a shift fork sensor for detecting movement of the shift fork; an inverter for controlling the motor; and a control unit for controlling the inverter and the hydraulic pressure device in accordance with signals of the shift lever sensor, the motor speed sensor, the wheel speed sensor, and the shift fork sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Chun-ho Kim
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Patent number: 5720690Abstract: A control system for a vehicular drive unit including an engine; a transmission connected to the output shaft of the engine and having a plurality of gear stages for transmitting the power to wheels; a motor generator connected to the output shaft of the engine for recovering the braking energy of the wheels through the transmission by generating electricity; a battery for storing the braking energy, which is recovered by the motor generator, as an electric power; a running status detector for detecting the running status of the vehicle; and controller for controlling the transmission and the motor generator in accordance with the output signal coming from the running status detector.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Hara, Shigeo Tsuzuki, Satoru Tanaka, Manabu Watanabe, Kenji Omote
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Patent number: 5560203Abstract: A hydromechanical transmission shifting control system and method includes a hydromechanical transmission and a number of clutches connected to the transmission. A microcontroller receives various signals generated by the operator, engine, transmission, and the load. The microcontroller controls the ratio of the input to output speed of the transmission as well as the engagement or disengagement of the number of clutches based upon the various input signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1995Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Assignee: Sauer Inc.Inventor: Frederic W. Pollman
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Patent number: 5498216Abstract: A drive arrangement for an electric motor vehicle comprises an electric motor, a control rectifier which is connected to and controls the output of the electric motor, a gear box having at least first and second gears, and first and second positively engaging clutches, such as dog clutches, which are associated with the first and second gears. A movable actuator is also provided which causes the first and second positively engaging clutches to engage the first and second gears. A control unit is connected to the actuator and the control rectifier. The control unit receives signals indicative of the rotational speeds at the input and output sides of the gear box, and of the position of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch AGInventors: Otmar Bitsche, Erwin Schneeberfer