Controlled By Engine Map Patents (Class 477/43)
  • Patent number: 11499628
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling shifting of a vehicle and a method therefor are provided, where the apparatus includes a storage storing a power map in which a demand power corresponding to a vehicle speed and an accelerator position sensor (APS) value is recorded and storing an energy consumption map of a power source for each gear stage. The apparatus includes a controller that detects a current demand power based on the power map, generates a power graph representing the detected demand power as the number of revolution and a torque of the power source for each gear stage, and matches the generated power graph with the energy consumption map of the power source to control a shift to a gear stage which consumes minimum energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dong Hoon Jeong, Byeong Wook Jeon, Yong Uk Shin, Min Jae Chai
  • Patent number: 11292482
    Abstract: In a torque-based detection process, a control device detects an excess acceleration state of a vehicle when a duration time of a state in which a value obtained by subtracting a required torque from an actual torque of an internal combustion engine is equal to or greater than a torque threshold value is equal to or greater than a torque determination time. In an acceleration-based detection process, the control device detects the excess acceleration state of the vehicle when a duration time of a state in which a value obtained by subtracting a required acceleration from an actual acceleration of the vehicle is equal to or greater than an acceleration threshold value is equal to or greater than an acceleration determination time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiya Oishi, Tsutomu Miyazaki, Toshihiro Nishimura
  • Patent number: 11124174
    Abstract: A vehicle control system to control acceleration in line with the driver's intention when depressing one of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal after releasing the other one of the pedals in one-pedal mode. The vehicle control system is configured to obtain an operating speed of one of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal returned to an initial position, set a target acceleration based on an operating amount of the other pedal depressed after releasing said one of the pedals, and increase a correction amount to correct the target acceleration if the operating speed of the returned pedal is fast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yusuke Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11059462
    Abstract: A method, device and control system for controlling vehicle movement, including: reading-in the specification data from an interface with a generating apparatus, the vehicle having a vehicle movement control system having the generating apparatus for generating specification data for the vehicle movement, at least one providing apparatus for providing vehicle property(s) and an actuator element for influencing the vehicle movement, the specification data representing a driving corridor/speed profile for a route section, and the at least one vehicle property from an interface with the at least one providing apparatus; determining vehicle guide data using the specification data and the vehicle property(s), the guide data being for controlling the vehicle movement while complying with the specification data; acquiring at least one manipulated variable for the at least one actuator element using the guide data; and outputting the at least one manipulated variable to an interface with the actuator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Falk Hecker, Jan Mayer, Oliver Jundt, Ulrich Guecker, Adnan Mustapha, Juergen Steinberger
  • Patent number: 10974563
    Abstract: A method for controlling a suspension component of a vehicle, in which a control unit of the suspension component continuously generates a plurality of control requirements according to a generation clock frequency, each requirement comprising a control value, for an actuator of the suspension component. A bus system of the vehicle continuously transmits to the actuator the control requirements generated by the control unit according to a transmission clock frequency. The actuator calculates a target output value for the suspension component from the control value of each transmitted control requirement and an actual output value of the suspension component, and adjusts the suspension component corresponding to the calculated target output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Michael Redeker
  • Patent number: 10927775
    Abstract: An engine control device includes an air amount detector, a requested torque acquisitor, a search axis value acquisitor, a storage, and a control target value acquisitor. The air amount detector detects an actual amount of intake air. The requested torque acquisitor acquires a requested torque. In a region of a lean burn region where the actual amount of intake air increases as the requested torque increases, the search axis value acquisitor acquires a value corresponding to the actual amount of intake air. In a region of the of the lean burn region where the actual amount of intake air does not increase as the requested torque increases, the search axis value acquisitor acquires a value corresponding to the requested torque. The control target value acquisitor acquires a control target value of an engine device by searching a device control map using an acquired search axis value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunari Wakimoto, Ko Sato
  • Patent number: 10913460
    Abstract: A controller for a vehicle is configured to determine an amount of torque to be generated by a propulsion source of the vehicle during a shift from an initial gear of a transmission of the vehicle to a target gear of the transmission. The controller is configured to determine the amount of torque based on a position of an acceleration pedal of the vehicle, a first pedal map for the initial gear, and a second pedal map for the target gear. The controller is further configured to output, during the shift from the initial gear to the target gear, one or more commands to control one or more operating parameters of the propulsion source to generate the amount of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Magnus Hammarberg, Lisa Julia Helen Wessling
  • Patent number: 10473200
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprises a shaft rotatable about an axis, and variator assembly, and an actuator mechanism. The variator assembly includes a pulley supported on the shaft and having a ramp surface, and an endless rotatable device frictionally engaged with the pulley. The ramp surface inclines in an axial direction along the axis toward the endless rotatable device. The CVT further comprises an actuator mechanism that includes a wedge component that has a wedge surface interfacing with the ramp surface, and a rotary piston operatively connected to the wedge component. The rotary piston defines a first fluid chamber pressurizable to apply a rotational force that provides relative motion between the ramp surface and the wedge surface resulting in a wedge force on the ramp surface and a clamping force of the endless rotatable device on the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chengwu Duan, Chunhao J. Lee, Jian Yao, Ying Huang, Derek F. Lahr, Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 10414401
    Abstract: A motor vehicle controller comprising data processing apparatus, the data processing apparatus configured to carry out the steps of: receiving a surface friction signal indicative of a coefficient of friction between a road wheel and a driving surface; receiving an accelerator position signal indicative of a position of an accelerator control with respect to an allowable range of positions; determining a powertrain torque limit value corresponding to an amount of powertrain torque at which slip of a driving wheel is expected to exceed a predetermined amount, the powertrain torque limit value being determined at least in part in dependence on the surface friction signal; and determining and outputting a powertrain torque demand signal corresponding to an instant amount of torque to be developed by a powertrain, the powertrain torque demand signal being determined in dependence at least in part on the accelerator position signal according to a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Fairgrieve, Jan Prins, Paul Beever, Nick Brockley, Charlotte Cook, Jon Parr
  • Patent number: 10358135
    Abstract: A method for the operation of a vehicle drive-train of a working machine having a drive motor, a transmission whose transmission ratio can be varied continuously, and a drive output. A rotational speed (nmot) of the drive motor can be varied by the driver, by the driver's actuation of a first control element (50), within a rotational speed range (53) delimited by an upper characteristic line (nmoto) and a lower characteristic line (nmotu). The characteristic lines (nmoto, nmotu) are functions of a reciprocal transmission ratio (irez) of the transmission. Furthermore, the rotational speed (nmot1) of the drive motor that can be set by the driver by way of the first control element (50), can be influenced by the driver's actuation of a second control element (51) and as a function of an operating condition of the working machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Marcus Hiemer, Jan-Frederik Kuhn, Stephan Schinacher, Sven Bieber, Jürgen Legner
  • Patent number: 10344854
    Abstract: An engine room temperature rise restricting apparatus including an open and close detector of the grille shutter, and a controller including a CPU and a memory coupled to the CPU, wherein the CPU and the memory are configured to perform: detecting a stuck-closed failure of a grille shutter of a condition that the grille shutter remains closed regardless of an open instruction for the grille shutter, based on signal from the open and close detector; and controlling a speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission so that an upper limit of an engine rotational speed or an engine driving force when the stuck-closed failure is detected is smaller than an upper limit of the engine rotational speed or the engine driving force when the stuck-closed failure is not detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Ogawa, Masao Takiguchi, Yohei Okagawa
  • Patent number: 10247303
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprises a control system having at least one controller, an accelerometer and one or more sensors in communication with the at least one controller to monitor and detect a change in an operational state of the vehicle. The control system determines a vehicle acceleration rate with the accelerometer in response to the change in the operational state of the vehicle. An adjusted vehicle speed is computed based, at least in part, on the vehicle acceleration rate. A variator speed ratio is generated based upon the adjusted vehicle speed and transmitted to the variator assembly of the CVT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Crystal J. Nassouri
  • Patent number: 10138818
    Abstract: Provided is an internal combustion engine control system capable of simultaneously and suitably carrying out the will of a driver to accelerate and modifications to the throttle opening degree characteristics. An internal combustion engine control system is provided with an accelerator pedal operation amount sensor for detecting the accelerator pedal operation amount, a storage unit for storing multiple different throttle opening degree characteristics of an engine relative to the accelerator pedal operation amount, a switch for selecting the throttle opening degree characteristic pertaining to a plus sports mode in response to an operation, and an engine control unit for controlling the throttle opening degree of the engine on the basis of the selected throttle opening degree characteristic and the detected accelerator pedal operation amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hara, Terukazu Torikai, Eri Itou, Yuusuke Obata, Hideki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10059341
    Abstract: A control system for a powertrain system includes an electronic control unit structured to receive ground speed data and load factor data. The electronic control unit determines an engine speed command to an engine and a torque command to a variable-torque transmission based upon an engine speed limit and a torque scale factor that can vary with ground speed and load factor. The commands produce an economy output of the powertrain to reduce fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Sharp, Suman Goli, Mark Rettig
  • Patent number: 10030594
    Abstract: Provided herein is a control system for a multiple-mode continuously variable transmission having a ball planetary variator operably coupled to multiple-mode gearing. The control system has a transmission control module configured to receive a plurality of electronic input signals, and to determine a mode of operation from a plurality of control ranges based at least in part on the plurality of electronic input signals. The control system includes an engine torque limit sub-module adapted to command an engine torque limit based at least in part on the operating conditions of the continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Dana Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. David, T. Neil McLemore
  • Patent number: 9945479
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle at different altitudes. The vehicle has an engine, a throttle valve and a throttle operator. A continuously variable transmission has a driving pulley connected to the engine, a driven pulley, and a belt operatively connecting therebetween. A ground engaging member is operatively connected to the driven pulley. A piston is connected to the driving pulley. A control unit controls actuation of the piston and the piston force. The method includes determining an altitude and/or an atmospheric pressure, a driven pulley speed, and at least one of the throttle operator position and the throttle valve position. The piston is selectively actuated based on the altitude and/or the atmospheric pressure. The piston force is controlled based on the driven pulley speed, and at least one of: the throttle operator position and the throttle valve position. Vehicles and other methods of operation thereof are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: BRP-ROTAX GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Guenther Roland, Christian Stiebinger
  • Patent number: 9897204
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for an automatic transmission including a continuously variable transmission mechanism continuously modifying speed ratio and a stepped transmission mechanism that is disposed on a downstream side of the continuously variable transmission mechanism and being switched between a plurality of gear positions by engaging and disengaging a plurality of frictional engagement elements, the control apparatus comprises a control unit that performs a coordinated shift by shifting the stepped transmission mechanism and simultaneously shifting the continuously variable transmission mechanism in an opposite direction to a shift direction of the stepped transmission mechanism in order to suppress variation in a through speed ratio, which is an overall speed ratio of the automatic transmission, when the stepped transmission mechanism is upshifted and the control unit predicts, on the basis of an increase in an accelerator opening, that judder will occur in the frictional engagement element during the u
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Mamiko Inoue, Hideshi Wakayama
  • Patent number: 9759318
    Abstract: A transmission includes an electro-hydraulic controller that includes redundancy in the hydraulic circuit that permits single fault failures to be compensated for by changing the flow path of hydraulic fluid to bypass the single fault failure. The redundancy results in the ability of the transmission to maintain full operation in all modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller, Stephen Murray
  • Patent number: 9671015
    Abstract: An abnormality detection device includes: a torque upper limit setting module that sets an upper limit of torque based on an allowable input torque for the continuously variable transmission, the upper limit of torque limiting an output torque of an engine; a determination torque calculation module that determines an acceleration requested by a driver based on an amount of operation of an accelerator, obtains a running resistance of a vehicle according to the requested acceleration, and calculates a determination torque for determining abnormality of the upper limit of torque based on the running resistance of the vehicle and a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission; and an abnormality determination module that determines the upper limit of torque to be abnormal in the case where the upper limit of torque is less than or equal to the determination torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahiro Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 9663110
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission has a continuously variable speed change mechanism provided between an input shaft to which a torque output by a driving force source is transmitted and an output shaft from which a torque is output to a driving wheel. The transmission is able to selectively block torque transmission between the mechanism and the output shaft. The mechanism is rotated by the driving force source with torque transmission between the mechanism and the output shaft blocked. A control apparatus limits a shifting speed of the mechanism to or below an upper-limit speed determined in advance in a case where a speed ratio of the mechanism is changed with the mechanism rotated by the driving force source that is subjected to idling rotational speed control, while the mechanism is blocked from the output shaft such that no torque is transmitted between the mechanism and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuhei Ishikawa, Motonori Kimura, Atsushi Ayabe
  • Patent number: 9545839
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid electrical vehicle powertrain having an engine that is a source of power during forward drive and an electric motor that is a source of reverse driving power. A desired engine power during reverse drive is achieved by operating the engine at an increased speed that is greater than an optimum speed for a given engine power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shunsuke Okubo, Ming Lang Kuang, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Carol Louise Okubo, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar
  • Patent number: 9429235
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided for use on a recreational or utility vehicle. The CVT is electronically controlled by at least one control unit of the vehicle. The CVT includes a primary clutch having a first sheave and a second sheave moveable relative to the first sheave. An actuator controls movement of the second sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Krosschell, Stephen L. Nelson, Brian R. Gillingham, Urs Wenger, Donovan L. Fredrickson, Karl J. Grajkowski, Philipp Meyer, Donald E. Frost, Beat R. Kohler, Ronald Zurbruegg, Peter J. Erasmus, Jeffrey I. Peterman
  • Patent number: 9416873
    Abstract: A transmission controller determines whether or not an input rotation speed of a sub-transmission mechanism is stagnant and executes a feedback control by adding a rotation speed change rate feedback correction amount caused by a difference between a target input rotation speed change rate and an actual input rotation speed change rate of the sub-transmission mechanism to a rotation speed feedback correction amount if the input rotation speed is determined to be stagnant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mamiko Inoue, Hiroyasu Tanaka, Takuichiro Inoue
  • Patent number: 9376113
    Abstract: A vehicle control device that sets a target drive force based on a vehicle speed and an accelerator opening degree, in which if a running mode is switched from a normal mode to an acceleration requirement mode, the target drive force is set based on the accelerator opening degree and the vehicle speed at the time of mode switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Ono, Masahiro Iriyama, Takahiro Yoshino
  • Patent number: 9199644
    Abstract: A working vehicle that uses the output of an internal combustion engine (30) as a working power and a traveling power includes an accelerator pedal (1) that increases a rotation speed of the engine (30) when depressed and a transmission (40) that shifts a rotation of the engine (30) and applies the shifted rotation to the traveling power. A speed ratio control device of the transmission (40) calculates a first target vehicle speed (Wne) according to the rotation speed of the engine (30), calculates a second target vehicle speed (Wu) according to a depression amount of the accelerator pedal (1), and controls the speed ratio of the transmission (40) on the basis of the smaller of these target vehicle speeds. As a result, a vehicle speed according to the depression amount of the traveling accelerator pedal (1) is obtained even when the internal combustion engine (30) rotates at high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeo Shimizu, Naotoshi Mori
  • Patent number: 9151382
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, drive wheels, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a controller. The CVT includes an input member connected to the engine, an output member delivering output torque to the wheels, and a variator assembly connecting the input and output members. The controller determines, via a method, an input and output speed of the variator assembly, converts the output speed to an equivalent input speed using a calibrated variator speed ratio, and calculates a gross slip of the variator assembly using the input and equivalent input speeds. A gross slip flag is set only when the gross slip exceeds a calibrated slip value for a predetermined duration. A CVT assembly includes the controller, input and output members, and variator assembly. The variator assembly may include drive and driven pulleys, a drive mechanism connecting the pulleys, and an actuator applying a clamping force to one of the pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhen J. Zhang, Jesse B. Bradley, Jing Zhou, John E. Marano
  • Patent number: 8996263
    Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Stanley B. Quinn, Jr., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8892315
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Gibson Field, Stephen William Murray, Matthew Piers Burke
  • Patent number: 8851049
    Abstract: In a vehicle in which an output of an engine is transmitted to a driving wheel through a transmission, an engine control device stops fuel injection of the engine, when engine rotational speed is above a preset specific fuel cut-off rotational speed while the vehicle is coasting; and restarts the fuel injection, when the engine rotational speed falls below a recovery rotational speed while the fuel injection is stopped, wherein the recovery rotational speed is below the specific fuel cut-off rotational speed. When determining that an operating state allows the stop and restart of fuel injection to be repeated, the engine control device sets a hunting-preventing fuel cut-off rotational speed based on an input shaft rotational speed of the transmission, wherein the hunting-preventing fuel cut-off rotational speed replaces the specific fuel cut-off rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryouichi Ootaki, Masahiro Iriyama
  • Patent number: 8849528
    Abstract: A system for selecting shift schedules of a transmission of a vehicle includes a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of acceleration of the vehicle prior to a change of a gear of the transmission. The controller is further configured to estimate tractive effort of the vehicle following the change of the gear of the transmission, the tractive effort estimation being based on at least an estimation of a road load on the vehicle. The controller is further configured to select between a first shift schedule and a second shift schedule based on the tractive effort estimation, wherein, if the tractive effort estimation is less than a threshold value, the controller selects the first shift schedule, and if the tractive effort estimation is at least equal to the threshold value, the controller selects the second shift schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8751119
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of changing a target shift stage when a current shift change mode is set to an automatic shift change mode and when a driver has intention to change a shift stage, changing a shift range to an N range when he/she has intention for neutral, maintaining the automatic shift change mode when it is determined that he/she does not have intention for neutral but he/she has intention to switch the shift change mode and when such determination is made for the first time after return from the N range, and switching the shift change mode to a manual shift change mode when such determination is not made for the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yosuke Takashiro
  • Patent number: 8734290
    Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for controlling a vehicle drivetrain having an engine provided with a speed governor and a continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) incorporating a variator which is constructed and arranged to regulate its reaction torque. The control system comprises a control part (504) movable by the driver to provide a driver input, an open loop subsystem (511) for operatively coupling the control part to the governor (520) to control no-load speed of the governor in dependence on the driver input, a closed loop subsystem comprising a comparator (502) which receives a first control signal deprived from the driver input and corresponding to a target engine speed, and a second control signal corresponding to engine speed, and which adjusts variator reaction torque in dependence upon a comparison of the first and second control signals causing the transmission to load the engine suitably to achieve the target engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: John William Edward Fuller
  • Patent number: 8731788
    Abstract: A velocity profile can be used in conjunction with vehicle operating condition data to determine a gear shift schedule that mitigates the amount of service brake effort required to slow a vehicle by making optimal use of engine speed, friction and engine brakes. The gear shift point drives the engine to a higher operating speed and greater frictional torque, slowing the vehicle, which can then coast to a desired speed. The gear shift point can be timed to minimize fuel consumption during the maneuver. Thus, a vehicle downshift event is created based on the transmission gear recommendation. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination by minimizing fuel consumption and maintaining drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Phani Vajapeyazula, Kenneth Follen, An Wu, Barty L. Moffett, Howard R. Frost
  • Patent number: 8718884
    Abstract: A method and associated system for compensation of vehicle speed lag resulting from changing load conditions in a continuously variable transmission (CVT) vehicle includes detecting and measuring true engine torque resulting from load changes placed on the vehicle engine. A true engine speed droop is calculated from the true engine torque. A compensated engine speed signal is generated based on the calculated true engine speed droop and is applied to the engine to produce a true engine speed that corresponds to a target engine speed at the load condition corrected for true engine speed droop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Yanming Hou
  • Publication number: 20140121058
    Abstract: A method controls the power-transmission in a machine having a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a power source operatively coupled together in a powertrain. The method regulates operation of the CVT with a retarding power limit in order to limit the amount of retarding power transferable from the powertrain to the power source. The retarding power may be utilized to decelerate or decrease the speed of the machine. The method may register an operator input signal indicative of a deceleration event from a plurality of possible deceleration events. The deceleration event is compared to a lookup table to determine if the retarding power limit should be adjusted. The method may adjust the retarding power limit in accordance with the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Adam Nackers, Kevin Davis
  • Publication number: 20140121917
    Abstract: A machine may include a continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively coupled to a power source. A virtual gear ratio may be selected from a plurality of virtual gear ratios associated with the CVT. A power source speed may be locked between a minimum power source limit and a maximum power source limit that are associated with the selected virtual gear ratio. If the virtual gear ratio is changed, a controller including one or more control maps may compare the power source speed as locked to the minimum power source limit and the maximum power source limit as they relate to the newly selected virtual gear ratio. If power source speed is outside the minimum or maximum power source limits, the method may limit the power source speed. In some embodiments, the minimum and/or maximum power source limits may vary with respect to the plurality of virtual gear ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Davis, Adam Nackers, Steven Ott
  • Patent number: 8712649
    Abstract: A transmission controller permits a 2-1 shift, in which a gear position of a subtransmission mechanism is changed from a second speed to a first speed, when an accelerator pedal has been depressed to or above a predetermined opening. The gear position of the subtransmission mechanism is changed from the second speed to the first speed when an actual through speed ratio passes a mode switch line from a High side to a Low side while the 2-1 shift is permitted in the subtransmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignees: Jatco Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tateki Jozaki, Hideaki Suzuki, Ryousuke Nonomura, Mamiko Inoue, Seiichiro Takahashi, Tatsuo Ochiai, Masato Koga, Masaaki Uchida, Ryoji Kadono
  • Patent number: 8657720
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus for a continuously variable transmission includes: a target transmission gear ratio setting section configured to set a target transmission gear ratio with reference to a map based on an accelerator opening degree and a vehicle speed; a shift control section configured to control a shift of the continuously variable transmission based on the target transmission gear ratio; and a downshift restricting section configured to judge whether or not a restriction of the downshift is needed based on at least one of a variation amount of the accelerator opening degree and an accelerator depression speed, and to perform the restriction of the downshift when the downshift restricting section judges that the restriction of the downshift is needed, irrespective of a variation of the accelerator opening degree inputted to the target transmission gear ratio setting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Tomoaki Kabe, Nobuhiko Morifuji, Keisuke Ichikawa, Nobuhide Kato, Yuki Ono, Hiromu Ogino, Yukinobu Sakakibara, Hisao Nakanishi, Takahiro Nakata, Mitsuki Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 8630778
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a required throttle position and operating a throttle in the required throttle position to attain a required engine speed for fuel cut acquisition is disclosed. A lock-up clutch may be engaged without a shock if a required engine speed is achieved that corresponds to a current transmission speed. Fuel economy may be increased by cutting fuel to the engine when a lock-up clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chris Hopp
  • Patent number: 8606474
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In one embodiment, the method includes receiving vehicle operation data. The method also includes controlling engine and transmission operations based on the vehicle operation data, fuel efficiency data, and CVT efficiency data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Linsong Guo, Tim R. Frazier
  • Patent number: 8585543
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling the speed of a machine having a continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively coupled to a power source. A plurality of selectable virtual gear ratios can be associated with the CVT. The machine may include an operator input device that may generate a operator input signal indicative of a desired adjustment in the ground speed. The operator input signal may be converted to a CVT speed command and to a power source speed command that are communicated to the CVT and the power source, respectively. The CVT adjusts the machine speed in accordance with the CVT speed command, while the power source adjusts its speed in accordance with the power source speed command, so that operation of the power source is substantially independent of operator of the CVT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Davis, Adam Nackers, Steven Ott
  • Patent number: 8538651
    Abstract: A driving force control apparatus includes a driver model which is a functional block adjusting characteristics relevant to human senses and a powertrain manger which is a functional block adjusting vehicle's hardware characteristics. The driver model includes a target base driving force calculation unit (static characteristics) calculating a target driving force from an accelerator pedal position using a base driving force map or the like, and a target transient characteristics addition unit calculating a final target driving force from the target driving force using transient characteristics represented by a transfer function. The powertrain manager includes a target engine torque and AT gear calculation unit and a characteristics compensator compensating for response of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norimi Asahara, Katsumi Kono
  • Patent number: 8494728
    Abstract: A transmission 20 includes an input shaft 12, an output shaft 13, a primary sheave 23 that rotates together with the input shaft 12, a secondary sheave 24 that rotates together with the output shaft 13, and a belt 25 wound around both the primary sheave 23 and the secondary sheave 24. The transmission 20 includes a motor 22 that shifts a transmission ratio by driving a movable sheave 23a of the primary sheave 23. A control device (ECU 5) of the transmission 20 includes a secondary sheave rotation speed sensor 28 that detects rotation of the belt 25, and a control portion 55 of the ECU 5 performs a sheave position control (normal control of the transmission ratio) after rotation of the belt 25 is detected after starting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Unno
  • Patent number: 8447480
    Abstract: A transmission control method for a continuously variable transmission for enhancing the response of a change in engine speed to a driver's accelerating/decelerating operation. In a hydraulic type continuously variable transmission, when a sport operating mode is being selected (step S1: SPORT OPERATING MODE), a target engine speed T_NE (rpm) is calculated from the vehicle velocity V (km/hr) and the position ? (degrees) of a throttle valve 60 (step S4). Further, a target angle T_A (degrees) for a motor swash plate is calculated from the vehicle velocity and the target engine speed T_NE (step S5). The motor swash plate is moved according to the difference between the actual angle A of the motor swash plate 46 and the target angle T_A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasutaka Usukura
  • Patent number: 8428835
    Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a power unit group of a vehicle including at least one driving engine, a manual gearbox with plural gears and a clutch, in which a control system with a computer determines the target power to be supplied by the power unit group depending on information corresponding to an intention of the driver and displayed on an input of the computer. During a gear change, the information on the driver's intention is frozen during the clutch opening time so that the control system does not take into account a potential disturbing information, such as a quick foot release, displayed on the input between the clutch opening moment and the clutch closing moment to determine the target power to be supplied. The method can be applied particular to a manual gearbox having a system for displaying the recommended gear ratio on the dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Patrice Habert, Eric Vigerie
  • Patent number: 8423251
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for operating a drive unit having an engine and a transmission, which make possible an improved shifting strategy. In a first operating state, the engine is operated using a first number of active cylinders. In a second operating state, the engine is operated using a second number of active cylinders. The first number is different from the second number. A gear ratio is set as a function of at least one operating variable of the drive unit. The gear ratio is also set as a function of the current or the attainable operating state of the engine with respect to the number of the active cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Hartmann, Georg Mallebrein, Werner Mezger, Andreas Roth, Henri Barbier, Nikolas Poertner, Frank Schiller, Juergen Rappold, Ingo Fecht
  • Patent number: 8403809
    Abstract: The transmission controller changes the gear position of the subtransmission mechanism and varies the speed ratio of the variator in an opposite direction to a speed ratio variation direction of the subtransmission mechanism when the actual through speed ratio passes a predetermined mode switch line. When the improvement in the shift response of the continuously variable transmission is determined to be required and the actual through speed ratio passes the mode switch line from a Low side to the High side, the transmission controller increases a shift speed of the subtransmission mechanism compared with a normal coordinated shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Jatco Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tateki Jozaki, Hideaki Suzuki, Ryousuke Nonomura, Mamiko Inoue, Seiichiro Takahashi, Tatsuo Ochiai, Masato Koga, Masaaki Uchida, Ryoji Kadono
  • Patent number: 8374758
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine mechanically coupled to an electro-mechanical transmission selectively operative in one of a plurality of transmission operating range states and one of a plurality of engine states. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, determining preferability factors associated with the current and potential transmission operating range state and the engine state wherein the preferability factors associated with potential transmission operating range states include transmission input speed trip preferability factors, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the present transmission operating range state and engine state based upon the preferability factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim, Jason J McConnell
  • Patent number: 8371985
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission 4 for a vehicle includes a variator 20 that modifies a speed ratio continuously and a subtransmission mechanism 30 that is connected in series to the variator 20 and applies a first speed and a second speed, which is higher than the first speed, selectively. When the vehicle is running under a low load/high speed upshift condition having a lower load or a higher speed than a normal upshift condition, the subtransmission mechanism 30 is upshifted from the first speed to the second speed at a lower vehicle speed than under the normal upshift condition, and as a result, both rotation variation in an internal combustion engine 1 accompanying upshifting of the subtransmission mechanism 30 and an increase in a fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine 1 due to the shift operation in the continuously variable transmission 4 are suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Seiichiro Takahashi, Hiroyasu Tanaka, Ryousuke Nonomura, Jouji Seki, Takuichiro Inoue, Mamiko Inoue, Tatsuo Ochiai
  • Patent number: 8306725
    Abstract: Provided is directed to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption due to unnecessary rapid acceleration when a vehicle drives between intersections, and it is an object to allow for economical driving by reducing the fuel cost, and minimize environmental pollution by minimizing the exhaust gas of vehicle, by providing an economical speed for drivers such that vehicles that have passed through an intersection in accordance with the present traffic light economically drives to the next intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Myunghee Son, Haesook Jeon