Anti-creep Patents (Class 477/93)
  • Patent number: 11846088
    Abstract: An automatic vehicle speed control system for use in a vehicle having an implement is disclosed. The automatic vehicle speed control system includes: a controller configured to: set a speed of the vehicle to a creep setting; monitor one or more operating conditions of the implement; and automatically adjust the speed of the vehicle based on the one or more operating conditions of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Kushner, Christopher M. Elliott, Sudarshan A. Maiyur
  • Patent number: 11590959
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a traction motor, and an automatic step-ratio transmission having a plurality of selectable discrete gear ratios, a torque converter, and sharing a common cooling fluid or oil with the traction motor, include a controller configured to shift the automatic step-ratio transmission to neutral in response to vehicle speed being below a threshold with the engine idling while temperatures of at least two of: the traction battery, the electric machine, and the transmission are above associated thresholds to reduce heat generation by the torque converter due to oil shear with the torque converter stalled. The controller may shift the transmission to drive in response to release of a brake pedal. A neutral shift may also be performed in response to high-voltage accessory loads or on-board generator loads exceeding a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Johnson, Rian Edman, Gregory Dean Ognjanovski, Garrett Carlson
  • Patent number: 11220248
    Abstract: A control device including a valve-opening control unit that reduces the current value below the holding current value and increases the opening degree of the differential pressure adjustment valve when an increase in a manipulated variable of a braking operation member has been detected while holding control is being performed; and a valve-closing control unit that, when a decrease in the manipulated variable of the braking operation member has been detected while the opening degree of the differential pressure adjustment valve has been increased by the valve-opening control unit, performs a pushing process of increasing the current value above the holding current value and closing the differential pressure adjustment valve, and a holding process of setting the current value to the holding current value after the pushing process has ended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Hiromura, Yukio Mori
  • Patent number: 11180124
    Abstract: A controller and a control method to a vehicle, the controller and the control method executing brake control in which primary information is selectively supplemented by secondary information that is information on an assumed state related to connection and disconnection of a clutch. The controller includes a determination section that determines whether an actual state and the assumed state, which are related to the connection and the disconnection of the clutch, match each other in accordance with a temporal change in the secondary information; and a brake control section that executes the brake control by using the primary information but not the secondary information in the case where the determination section determines that the actual state and the assumed state do not match each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Nobuho Nemoto, Takuya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11112004
    Abstract: Transmissions, control systems for transmissions, and methods of operating transmissions are disclosed herein. A transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, one or more clutches, and a control system. The input shaft is configured to receive rotational power supplied by a drive unit. The output shaft is coupled to the input shaft and configured to provide rotational power supplied to the input shaft to a load. The one or more clutches are coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft to selectively transmit rotational power between the input shaft and the output shaft in one or more operating modes of the transmission. Each of the one or more clutches is selectively engageable in response to one or more fluid pressures applied thereto. The control system is configured to control operation of the one or more clutches to select the one or more operating modes of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Shultz, Bruno Re, Scott Kluemper
  • Patent number: 11047297
    Abstract: A movable electrical generation system includes a generator operable to produce a supply of electrical energy, a prime mover operable to drive the generator, a first fuel, a second fuel different from the first fuel, and a fuel selector valve assembly operable to selectively deliver the first fuel and the second fuel to the prime mover, wherein in response to a transition from delivery of the first fuel to the prime mover to delivery of the second fuel to the prime mover, both the first and second fuels are delivered to the prime mover before cessation of delivery of the first fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicholas Harknett, Chinmay Bhatt
  • Patent number: 11021153
    Abstract: A control apparatus of an electric vehicle including a motor capable of outputting a vehicle driving force that is a driving force acting on the electric vehicle, and a brake device configured to generate a vehicle braking force that is a braking force acting on the electric vehicle in accordance with a brake operation performed by a driver, includes: a controller. The controller is configured to start a first hill-hold control for maintaining the electric vehicle in a stopped state by using the vehicle driving force generated by the motor as a stopping force for stopping the electric vehicle when the brake operation is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yutaka Sato
  • Patent number: 10581306
    Abstract: A power system having two motors includes: a first motor transmitting power to an output shaft of an engine or receiving power from the output shaft of the engine; a first clutch selectively connecting a first rotor of the first motor to the output shaft and mounted on a first power transmitting member that operably connects the output shaft and the first rotor of the first motor; a second motor outputting power to an input shaft of a transmission; and a second clutch selectively connecting the output shaft to a second rotor of the second motor and mounted on a second power transmitting member that operably connects the output shaft and the second rotor of the second motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seong Yeop Lim, Hyun Jun Soh, Jeongbin Yim, Jeong Min Shin, Young Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 10005428
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly module (20) for a motor vehicle (1), said assembly module having an optical sensor system (30) which is suitable a) for monitoring an activation region (22) outside of the motor vehicle (1) during an activation duration in order to identify a user's intention in the activation region (22), b) for providing a working signal in the case that a user's intention has been identified. According to the invention, auxiliary means (31, 43, 45, 80) are provided which help the user (10) to make the user's intention in the activation region (22, 28) known so that the working signal can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Nadine Sticherling, Helmut Schumacher, Norbert Heller, Oliver Müller, Bernd Ette, Mirko Schindler, Alexander Ziegler, Jean Malabo Yomkil, Stefan Mönig, Iko Lindic, Christof Hache
  • Patent number: 9944288
    Abstract: A transmission controller implements a neutral idle feature to reduce fuel consumption. A brake controller implements a Hill Start Assist feature to prevent roll-back when a vehicle is launching on an uphill grade. The transmission controller and the brake controller communicate to implement these features in a synergistic manner. Within certain road grade ranges, the transmission requests Hill Start Assist before activating neutral idle and does not activate neutral idle until it receives confirmation that Hill Start Assist is active. The transmission controller provides a powertrain torque estimate to the brake controller which the brake controller uses to determine when to release the brakes during an assisted start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Guopeng Hu, Zhengyu Dai, Christoph Henel, Sathish Atluri, Yang Xu
  • Patent number: 9863509
    Abstract: A power transmission device including a transmission, a case housing the transmission, a brake including a plurality of frictional engaging plates and a piston for pressing the frictional engaging plates and configured to non-rotatably hold any one of rotation elements of the transmission stationary to the case, and a support fixed to the case and including a ring-shaped wall portion extending in a radial direction of the transmission, a drum portion extending from the ring-shaped wall portion in an axial direction of the transmission and non-rotatably supporting a part of the frictional engaging plates, and a boss portion extending from the ring-shaped wall portion toward a side opposite to the frictional engaging plates in the axial direction and rotatably supporting another rotation element of the power transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Aisin AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Torii, Ryota Wada, Akihito Hattori
  • Patent number: 9481345
    Abstract: A control device for a motor vehicle such that during a driving direction change from an original direction and/or during a starting process and/or during a stopping process and/or during a rolling process, in order to assist with the driving direction change and/or starting process and/or stopping process and/or rolling process, an appropriate control signal is provided by the control device to automatically activate a service brake. The control device automatically determines the friction energy produced at a starting clutch, during the driving direction change and/or starting process and/or stopping process and/or rolling process, without activation of the service brake. The control device only automatically activates the service brake, to assist with the driving direction change and/or starting process and/or stopping process and/or rolling process, if the determined friction energy exceeds a limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Florian Schneider, Thomas Jaeger, Roland Mair
  • Patent number: 9308899
    Abstract: A brake control section can select an automatic mode in which a mechanical brake is automatically transitioned from a released state to a braking state in response to the running condition of a vehicle. A diagnostic section outputs a fail signal when an abnormal condition of the brake control section is detected. A power control section automatically stops a drive power source of the vehicle when the running condition of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined condition for determining a vehicle stop. When the automatic mode of the brake control section is released or when the diagnostic section outputs a fail signal of the brake control section, the power control section is inhibited to automatically stop the drive power source, so that an unintentional movement of the vehicle caused by an inclination of the road surface and the automatic stop of the drive power source can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukiya Uchimura, Katsufumi Ichikawa, Tsuyoshi Nakano
  • Patent number: 9248758
    Abstract: Creep control is performed, in response to an accelerator-off operation, to control a second motor to cause a predetermined creep torque Tcr to be output from the second motor to a driveshaft. First creep cut-off control is performed, in response to a brake-on operation during the creep control, to control the second motor to cause a torque reduced from the creep torque Tcr at a high rate by a predetermined high variation ?Thi to be output from the second motor to the driveshaft. Subsequent to the first creep cut-off control, second creep cut-off control is performed to control the second motor to cause a torque reduced at a low rate by a predetermined low variation ?Tlow smaller than the predetermined high variation ?Thi to be output from the second motor to the driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masakazu Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9114800
    Abstract: A drive system (14, 34) comprising an input shaft (112); a first clutch (114) configured to selectively couple a first gear (116) to the input shaft (112); an output shaft (126); a second gear (138) engaging with the first gear (116); and a drive axle clutch system (142) having different travel direction clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert David Clark, Chenyao Chen, Robert Lee Chess
  • Patent number: 9037377
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a braking force application device that executes braking force holding control which holds braking force irrespective of braking operation by a driver during a stop on a slope; and a control limiting device that limits execution of the braking force holding control when a shift position is set in a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Higa, Katsuhiko Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8958944
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for controlling creep torque to prevent a vehicle from rolling backward on an upward slope. In particular, a gradient of a road is calculated in real time from a detection value of a sensor and vehicle acceleration. A maximum creep torque for preventing roll-back caused by gravity according to the gradient is calculated using the gradient and vehicle information. A first creep torque reference is calculated based on the maximum creep torque and the vehicle speed. A second creep torque reference is calculated based on the maximum creep torque and the vehicle acceleration. A torque command value according to an operation state of a brake is calculated based on the first creep torque reference value and the second creep torque reference value and the gradient. In response, a torque output of a driving motor is controlled according to the calculated torque command value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Won Jung, Soon Woo Kwon, Kyu Il Lee, Sung Jin Chung, Sung Gone Yoon
  • Patent number: 8956266
    Abstract: A vehicle driving force control device includes: a brake unit configured to generate a brake force of a vehicle; a stroke amount detecting unit configured to detect a stroke amount of a brake pedal of the vehicle; a monitoring unit configured to monitor whether generation of the brake force of the brake unit is abnormal; and a creep torque controlling unit configured to increase a reduction amount of a creep torque of the vehicle as the stroke amount increases, when the monitoring unit determines that the generation of the brake force in the brake unit is abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiya Oue, Kazufumi Hayashikawa, Katsutoshi Nagura, Keisuke Imoto, Hiroaki Miyamoto, Yasuyuki Hatsuda, Takanori Sugimoto, Norihiko Hatsumi
  • Publication number: 20150031504
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is provided a control system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a powertrain comprising a prime mover and a driveline, the control system being configured selectively to control the driveline to assume a first state in which a transmission of the driveline is substantially fully connected to the prime mover and a second state in which when the vehicle is stationary the transmission is at least partially disconnected or decoupled from the prime mover thereby to reduce a torque loading on the prime mover, the control system being configured to control the driveline to assume the second state when the vehicle is held stationary by brake means in response to actuation of driver operable brake control means, the control system being operable upon release of the brake control means to verify that a first portion of a powertrain of the vehicle is rotating at a speed exceeding a prescribed threshold and to command the driveline to assume the first state before permitting release of
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Tim Reynolds, Craig Percy
  • Publication number: 20140364276
    Abstract: An automatic transmission controller for controlling an automatic transmission includes an idling reduction controller, an idling-reduction-control permission determiner, and an engagement controller. The idling-reduction-control permission determiner is configured to determine whether or not to permit an idling reduction control. The engagement controller, in a case where the idling-reduction-control permission determiner permits the idling reduction control, is configured to allow rotation of an input shaft of an automatic transmission, and in a case where an output shaft of the automatic transmission is rotated by a wheel of a vehicle in a rotational direction such that the vehicle moves backward, is configured to set a plurality of engagement mechanisms including at least a mechanical engagement mechanism so as to fix the output shaft of the automatic transmission to a casing of the automatic transmission or so as to prevent the vehicle from moving backward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuya TACHIBANADA, Yutaka ISHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20140274560
    Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided for controlling a motor vehicle drive train equipped with at least one drive motor, a torque converter, an automatic transmission and at least one electronic drive control device. In the drive control device, a function module is implemented for carrying out a creep control. This creep control can be activated independently of a brake actuation, when the actual rotational speed of the driving motor is greater than a defined desired rotational speed of the driving motor, and when the actual rotational speed of the driving motor cannot be reduced because of at least one defined condition as the minimally possible rotational speed of the driving motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ingo TASSINGER, Tobias SOLLER, Markus NELL, Stefan THUM
  • Publication number: 20130303332
    Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic transmission of a vehicle in which a hold gear function is activated by a driver request and deactivated depending on a return condition. The method comprises the step of (a) determining the return condition by a change in operating state, and (b) deactivating the hold gear function if a temporary operating state, for which the hold function is requested, ends and a change takes place between one of uphill driving and downhill driving and between driving one of up and down a hill and driving on a same plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Matthias WINKEL, Thomas JAGER, Roland MAIR, Reiner KNEER
  • Publication number: 20130124021
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling creep torque of a vehicle in which a sensor detects that brakes of the vehicle are being applied and a control portion controls creep torque to be 0 once the vehicle has come to a stop, determines whether the brake is released, and sends a command to an electric motor to generate again the creep torque once the brake is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Seung Hyun Chung
  • Publication number: 20130012355
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle creep includes controlling motor speed to produce the desired creep speed, if desired creep speed exceeds vehicle speed; controlling motor torque to produce the desired wheel torque, if desired wheel torque exceeds actual wheel torque; and controlling motor torque to decelerate the vehicle to creep speed, if vehicle speed is decreasing and exceeds the desired speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark S. Yamazaki, Marvin P. Kraska, Dan Colvin, Fazal U. Syed, Brandon R. Masterson
  • Publication number: 20120231926
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a drive unit of a motor vehicle with an automatic or automated transmission. The drive unit includes at least one drive motor, which generates a drive torque in an overrun mode. The drive torque acts as a drag torque or as a creep torque on the drive wheels as a function of the current speed. The level of the drive torque in the overrun mode can be at least partially controlled by actuating a brake pedal. The drag torque applied to the drive wheels in the overrun mode can be controlled by actuating the brake pedal in such a way that a reduced drag torque dependent on the actuation of the brake pedal is applied to the drive wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Carsten Erbguth, Florian Gramer, Mathieu Front, Gerd Kraemer
  • Patent number: 8078369
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a standstill circuit of an automatic transmission of the vehicle, comprising a decision unit for selection of the target gear, a low-speed monitoring unit and a standstill circuit, which, when the vehicle is standing still or when its speed falls below a predetermined limit speed, brings about or prepares the activation of a starting gear. The method and the device are intended to enable a vehicle to start up safely even under the influence of considerable tractive resistance. Furthermore, they should be characterized by solutions which are as simple, inexpensive and easy to implement as possible by way of available methods and devices. To this end, the low-speed monitoring unit reads data concerning at least one state of the vehicle and, if necessary, additional data, and, on the basis thereof, as a function of decision rules, renders the standstill circuit ineffective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Reith, Wolfgang Groener
  • Patent number: 8010268
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including causing a brake to enter an engaged state, when a first gear is implemented and when a difference between an output shaft rotation speed estimated from an input shaft rotation speed and a detected output shaft rotation speed is greater than a threshold value. When the brake enters the engaged state, the relative rotation between the inner race and the outer race of a one-way clutch is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Watanabe, Hiromichi Kimura, Koji Oshima, Masaru Morise, Hirofumi Onishi
  • Patent number: 7967723
    Abstract: A method and a apparatus for operating an automatic synchronized transmission for motor vehicles. The transmission having a countershaft design, with a countershaft parallel to input and an output shafts, which communicate with each other and the countershaft by means of gear wheel pairs. The transmission further having at least one coupling and synchronization device for at least one idler gear, with the aid of which at least one idler gear can be rotationally fixed to a transmission shaft, such that when the motor vehicle is stationary and a starting gear is engaged, torque of the countershaft is not drive-effectively reduced. Thus, ensuring that when the starting gear is engaged, no undesired acceleration of the vehicle occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Otto Ebner, Thomas Jäger, Florian Schneider
  • Patent number: 7909730
    Abstract: A vehicle and a method of operation. The method of operating the vehicle may include a method of controlling a creep torque in a vehicle having a powertrain configured to provide variable creep torque. The method may comprise the steps of: detecting a vehicle creep torque condition, determining a brake torque, and adjusting a creep torque applied by the powertrain based on the brake torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Schwarz, Kevin S. Kidston, Jon K. Logan
  • Patent number: 7882920
    Abstract: A braking force application control is performed when a change in a driver's posture takes place while a brake pedal is turned on when a vehicle is stopped. As a consequence, in a case in which the driver's posture changes such as when the driver turns to a rear seat side to get something without intending to release depression of the brake pedal, creep of the vehicle that the driver does not intend to happen can be inhibited. Furthermore, the vehicle stop retention is only performed when a travelling direction is a forward direction or a seatbelt is worn. As a result, performance of the vehicle stop retention can be inhibited when it is considered that the driver intentionally desires to let the vehicle creep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignees: Advics Co., Ltd., Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Chihiro Nitta, Kazuhide Adachi, Hideaki Morita, Manabu Matsuda, Kazushi Konno, Shoko Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7861838
    Abstract: An automatic transmission control apparatus is provided with a brake switch, a brake fluid pressure detecting section, a range position detecting section, a neutral control section and a prohibiting section. The brake switch is configured to output an on-signal when a brake pedal is depressed and otherwise output an off-signal. The brake fluid pressure detecting section is configured to detect a brake fluid pressure corresponding to a brake pedal depression force. The range position detecting section is configured to detect if a traveling range of an automatic transmission is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Isamu Ohtake, Hiromichi Akebono
  • Patent number: 7798939
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a working vehicle has an improved cruise control and parking brake engagement lever. The drive assembly includes a speed and direction control linkage operatively connecting the speed input mechanism with the transmission drive unit and a braking linkage operatively connected to the brake input mechanism for selectively slowing or stopping the movement of the drive wheel. A cruise control/parking brake engagement linkage interacts with the speed and direction control linkage and the braking linkage when the speed and direction control linkage and the braking linkage are in select conditions. The cruise control/parking brake engagement linkage has a single cruise control/parking brake operating lever that, upon actuation, locks the braking linkage in the brake engaged position to engage the parking brake feature and locks the speed and direction control linkage in a position corresponding to a desired speed to engage the cruise control feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventors: Carl Musat, Brian Carver, Tim Dilgard, Adam Woodrum
  • Patent number: 7739020
    Abstract: A driving motor drives power-consuming devices and, via a clutch device, driving wheels as well. Upon actuation of a brake pedal, an electronic controller determines an input torque of the clutch device and disengages the clutch device when the brake pedal has reached a defined value that is dependent upon the input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Legner
  • Patent number: 7731627
    Abstract: A vehicle parking control system includes a shift-by-wire apparatus that is operated based on an electric range position signal corresponding to one of the driving range and the non-driving range of the drive unit and that switches the lock mechanism to an engaged state and a released state in conjunction with a switching of one of the driving range and the non-driving range of the drive unit; a vehicle parking brake unit that is operated based on the range position signal and that switches a brake unit, which is provided to stop a rotation of the rotating member of the vehicle, between a braking state and a released state; and a control unit that operates the shift-by-wire apparatus and the vehicle parking brake unit based on the range position signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Shimizu, Kazuo Takemoto, Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Kazuhisa Ozaki, Saijiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7695401
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle powertrain that includes a first power path including a first electric machine driveably connected to a first wheel set and a second power path including a second electric machine driveably connected to a second wheel set, including determining a desired wheel torque required to hold the vehicle stationary on an inclined surface, determining a temperature of the first machine and a first reference temperature, determining a torque capacity of the first power path, and using the first power path to produce the desired wheel torque, if the temperature of the first electric machine is less than the first reference temperature and the torque capacity of the first power path is greater than the desired wheel torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Andrew J. Silveri, Deepak Aswani
  • Patent number: 7537545
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, namely for controlling a static disengagement function, such that if the motor vehicle's speed is lower than a limiting speed value and if, at the same time, at least one further initiation criterion is fulfilled, static disengagement is implemented. As a further initiation criterion, it is checked whether a characteristic parameter of a hydrodynamical starting element, in particular a torque converter, is below a limiting value of the characteristic parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Schiele, Christian Popp
  • Publication number: 20090124457
    Abstract: A braking force application control is performed when a change in a driver's posture takes place while a brake pedal is turned on when a vehicle is stopped. As a consequence, in a case in which the driver's posture changes such as when the driver turns to a rear seat side to get something without intending to release depression of the brake pedal, creep of the vehicle that the driver does not intend to happen can be inhibited. Furthermore, the vehicle stop retention is only performed when a travelling direction is a forward direction or a seatbelt is worn. As a result, performance of the vehicle stop retention can be inhibited when it is considered that the driver intentionally desires to let the vehicle creep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Chihiro Nitta, Kazuhide Adachi, Hideaki Morita, Manabu Matsuda, Kazushi Konno, Shoko Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20090093336
    Abstract: In a powertrain that includes wheels for driving a vehicle, an engine including a crankshaft, a machine driveably connected to the crankshaft and able to operate alternately as an electric motor and electric generator, a transmission including an input clutch driveably connected to the crankshaft and an output driveably connected to at least two of the wheels, and an electric storage battery having a variable state of charge and electrically connected to the machine, a method for controlling vehicle creep including adjusting a torque capacity of the input clutch to a desired magnitude of input clutch torque transmitted to the wheels, determining a desired change in torque produced by the machine such that a speed of the crankshaft is controlled to a desired idle speed, using the magnitude of input clutch torque capacity and the desired change in torque produced by the machine to determine a desired magnitude machine torque, and using the machine to produce said desired magnitude of machine torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Andrew J. Silveri, Deepak Aswani
  • Publication number: 20090023552
    Abstract: An automatic transmission control apparatus is provided with a brake switch, a brake fluid pressure detecting section, a range position detecting section, a neutral control section and a prohibiting section. The brake switch is configured to output an on-signal when a brake pedal is depressed and otherwise output an off-signal. The brake fluid pressure detecting section is configured to detect a brake fluid pressure corresponding to a brake pedal depression force. The range position detecting section is configured to detect if a traveling range of an automatic transmission is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: JATCO LTD
    Inventors: Isamu OHTAKE, Hiromichi AKEBONO
  • Patent number: 7419455
    Abstract: An apparatus and a process for the prevention of the rollback of a vehicle with a vehicle braking system (18), wherein a braking system (18) comprises a vehicle brake pressure modifying apparatus (20); a device (28, 34, 36) which are enabled to recognize a forward movement of the vehicle, and a brake control apparatus (16), which is connected to the vehicle brake pressure modifying apparatus (20) and the device (28). There is generated in the control apparatus (16) a signal which, upon a standstill of the vehicle, activates a brake and sensor combination (8, 28) which acts upon a transmission (2) of the vehicle, the brake and the sensor combination (8, 28) being supplementary to the brakes of the vehicle brake system (18) and, upon a recognition of a forward motion of the vehicle, the braking fluid pressure in the vehicle brake pressure modifying apparatus (20) is reduced and thus the brake and the sensor combination (8, 28) acting upon the transmission is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Härdtle, Manfred Schwab
  • Patent number: 7204785
    Abstract: The methods and devices for actuating a parking brake in a gearbox which is actuated in an automated manner, whereby gear changes are carried out by means of at least one electrically driven actuator, gear positions can be selected by means of a selector device, and the parking brake can be activated by means of the selector device when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly. The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with an additional gearbox. The ignition key can only be removed, when the gearbox is in the P state and the additional gearbox is not in the N state. The further method and device, whereby the additional gearbox can only be shifted in the N state when the gearbox is not in the P state. The methods and a device for carrying out the same, by automated manual gearboxes, especially parallel gearboxes, are controlled in such a way that the vehicle can be safely parked and can set off in a reliable and comfortable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Reinhard Berger, Alexander Schweizer, Dietmar Lang, Klaus Küpper, Burkhard Pollak, Jürgen Benz
  • Patent number: 7134538
    Abstract: A take-off control apparatus and method is provided for a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission having an apply element that is applied when the vehicle takes off from a standstill, which executes a neutral control that releases the apply element when the automatic transmission is in a forward-drive range and the vehicle is stopped with a predetermined condition being satisfied, and executes a neutral cancellation control that cancels the neutral control when a different predetermined condition is satisfied. A braking state of the vehicle is detected, and completion of cancellation of the neutral control is determined based on the detected braking state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshio Hasegawa, Tooru Matsubara, Tadayuki Nagai
  • Patent number: 7080724
    Abstract: A start control device is provided for a vehicle that is subjected to neutral control for releasing a coupling element of an automatic transmission when the vehicle is stopped with predetermined conditions satisfied while the automatic transmission is in a forward drive position. The start control device detects a braking operation performed by the driver of the vehicle or a braking condition during the neutral control, and controls the braking force of the vehicle when the vehicle returns from the neutral control, based on the detected braking operation or the braking condition during the neutral control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshio Hasegawa, Akira Hoshino, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Katsumi Nakatani, Tooru Matsubara
  • Patent number: 6969341
    Abstract: An engine deceleration control system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is arranged to prohibit correcting an air quantity supplied to the engine when an elapsed time period from a moment of turning off of an accelerator of the engine is within a first predetermined time period, or when an elapsed time period from a moment of turning off of a lockup clutch of a torque converter is within a second predetermined time period or when a shifting of a transmission connected to the engine is being executed, and to cancel prohibiting the correction of the supplied air quantity when a braking operation is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takamitsu Hase, Tomohiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6918854
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling creep in an automatic transmission, comprising a first creep torque control means which, upon generation of an accelerator- and brake-pedal undepressed state in a running mode, generates a target creep speed, the target creep speed increasing as a function of time and settling to a predetermined value, the first creep torque control means then calculating a creep torque from the target creep speed, detecting a change in vehicle load from a speed deviation, correcting a target creep torque on the basis of the detected change in vehicle load, and controlling the engine torque on the basis of the correction, and a second creep torque control means which controls a transfer torque of a starting clutch (a first friction clutch) on the basis of a slipping speed of the starting clutch and the target creep torque, the creep controlling method and system being able to realize a stable creep running even against a change in running environment such as the existence of a slope or an i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Okada, Toshimichi Minowa, Mitsuo Kayano, Tatsuya Ochi, Hiroshi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6875153
    Abstract: A method and an actuating arrangement for automatically actuating a component of a motor vehicle brake is actuated by an externally applied force and independently of an actuation of a brake pedal by the driver of the vehicle clutch actuation occurs at times when the speed of the vehicle is substantially zero, or when the vehicle rolls backward with the gearbox engaged in a forward gear, or when the vehicle rolls forward with the gearbox engaged in a reverse gear. Clutch wear and tear is thereby reduced. Additionally, the vehicle clutch can also be automatically actuated by an externally applied force, to engage or to disengage the clutch based upon predetermined operating parameters of components of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Thomas Jäger, Hubert Friedmann
  • Publication number: 20040029681
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission has first and second shafts rotatable in a housing, a spring applied, pressure released bake mechanism for preventing vehicle movement, and a torque disconnect mechanism for controlling transmission of torque from the first shaft to the second shaft. An interlock mechanism includes an opening formed in the housing through which an operator may access the torque disconnect mechanism, a fluid pressure supply passage for communicating pressurized fluid to the brake mechanism, a dump port formed in the housing in a wall of the opening, a pressure dump passage communicating the supply passage with the dump port, and a plug member mountable in the opening. The plug member closes the dump port and closes communication between the dump passage and the environment when the plug member is mounted in the opening The dump port and the dump passage are communicated with the environment, and the brake is spring applied when the plug member is removed from the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Ore
  • Patent number: 6612966
    Abstract: A vehicle securing system to prevent a motor vehicle having an automated transmission with a clutch between the transmission and the engine from rolling away after turning off the ignition. The automated transmission includes a plurality of gears and a control device that receives signals representative of the vehicle's operating parameters and that processes them as well as engages the driver-selected transmission gear. The control device is operative after ignition shutoff for a predetermined time period, or is operative after ignition shutoff by operation of a brake pedal, and effects the engagement of a selected gear when the vehicle is moving at a speed that is lower than a predetermined threshold speed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbad Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Robert Fischer, Klaus Küpper
  • Patent number: 6533704
    Abstract: A control system (a control valve CV and an electronic control unit ECU) for an automatic transmission TM performs an automatic control to select and establish a speed ratio from a plurality of speed ratios in response to the condition of a vehicle which is set in a drive range. This control system creates a neutral condition if the vehicle is stationary with the brake of the vehicle being actuated and the accelerator for the engine being turned off while the transmission is set in a drive range. The control system is also equipped with an engine output control device 50 that adjusts the engine output which is input into the transmission when the transmission in the drive range leaves the neutral condition and starts to establish any of the speed ratios in the drive range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Saito, Masatoshi Sakato, Moriaki Tokuda
  • Patent number: 6454677
    Abstract: A control system, which creates a neutral condition if a vehicle is stationary with the brake of the vehicle being actuated and the accelerator for the engine being turned off while the transmission is set in a drive range, is equipped with a brake switch (36), which detects the operational condition of the brake, and a output rotation sensor (40), which detects the rotational speed of the output member of the transmission. If the control system detects the rotation of the output member by the output rotation sensor (40), then the control system terminates the neutral condition in spite of the operational condition of the brake, which is detected by the brake switch (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Saito, Kazumi Takagi, Norio Nakauchi, Shirou Godai