Feedback, Transfer Function Or Proportional And Derivative (p& D) Control Patents (Class 701/42)
  • Patent number: 8958952
    Abstract: An auxiliary power supply device includes a capacitor that is connected to a main power source, and that is able to discharge an electric current to an electric motor, the main power source supplying electric power to the electric motor; and a booster circuit that boosts a voltage of the main power source and applies the boosted voltage to the auxiliary power source. An operation of the auxiliary power supply device is controlled by a control device. When supply of the electric power from the main power source to the capacitor is started in a state where a voltage across terminals of the capacitor is equal to or higher than a voltage of the main power source, the control device increases the voltage applied to the capacitor by the booster circuit as the capacitor voltage increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Toyoki Sugiyama, Masayasu Higashi
  • Publication number: 20150046040
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving a motor driven power steering (MDPS) may include: a first calculation unit configured to calculate a damping force gain based on an MDPS output current; a second calculation unit configured to calculate a damping force using vehicle speed and steering angle speed; and a damping force calculation unit configured to calculate a final damping force using the damping force gain calculated through the first calculation unit and the damping force calculated through the second calculation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Min AHN, Eun Kyung GU
  • Patent number: 8954236
    Abstract: A device combining motor driven power steering with a compressor, may include a deceleration gearbox connected to a steering shaft, a motor selectively providing a steering force to the deceleration gearbox, a first electronic clutch mounted between the deceleration gearbox and a first shaft of the motor, and transmitting or discontinuing transmission of power from the motor to the deceleration gearbox, a power transmitting gear set transmitting power from the motor to a compressor, a second electronic clutch mounted between a second shaft of the motor and an input side of the power transmitting gear set, and transmitting or discontinuing transmission of power from the motor to the power transmitting gear set, and the compressor for an air conditioner, connected to an output side of the power transmitting gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dae Suk Jung, Un Koo Lee, Soo Bo Park
  • Publication number: 20150039183
    Abstract: A device may estimate crosswind by a vehicle controller according to driver steering inputs indicative of driver intention and crosswind disturbance inputs indicative of a potential crosswind condition. The device may, if the estimated crosswind exceeds a predetermined threshold, utilize the vehicle controller to correct the crosswind condition to reduce vehicle control demand on the driver, the automatic correction including at least one of a steering angle adjustment and suspension stiffness adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Hsin-Hsiang Yang, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Jianbo Lu
  • Patent number: 8948973
    Abstract: A method comprising the steps: a manually applied driver steering moment is detected; a requested superposition moment is detected; the driver steering and superposition moments are combined to form an intermediate moment from which an assistance moment is generated by means of a predefined, non-linear amplification function; starting from detected values of the driver steering and superposition moments, a modified superposition moment compensating for friction in the electric steering system at least in part is determined such that the amount of the modified superposition moment is larger than the amount of the superposition moment at least for some pairs of variates comprised of driver steering and superposition moments; the assistance and modified superposition moments are combined to form a motor moment from which a corresponding input signal for a servo motor is established; the servo motor is controlled with the established input signal to provide the motor moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz-Dieter Heitzer, Dirk Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8948970
    Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to provide an electric power steering apparatus that realizes weight saving and downsizing of component parts by counting and controlling the number of times of end hitting and simultaneously calculating a current limit value depending on the number of times of end hitting to limit assist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Okada, Hideyuki Kobayashi, Naoki Sawada
  • Publication number: 20150032336
    Abstract: In a vehicle steering that sets a target steering reaction force to be applied to a steering wheel on the basis of a steering angle of the steering wheel and that applies the target steering reaction force to the steering wheel; the target steering reaction force is set so that the target steering reaction force changes on the basis of whether a steering mode of the steering wheel is turn steering in which the absolute value of a steered angle of a steered wheel is increased or return steering in which the absolute value of the steered angle is reduced; and the set target steering reaction force is applied to the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Chikara Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20150032334
    Abstract: A steering wheel apparatus for adjusting stiffness and receiving a pressure is provided. The apparatus includes a rim having a ring-shaped frame structure and an air container disposed around an outer surface of the rim. An outer sheath covers an outer surface of the air container and an air nozzle is connected to an inside of the air container. A pressure sensor is mounted to the rim to detect a pressure by which the steering wheel apparatus is gripped and an air compressor and a vacuum pump are connected to the air nozzle. A steering controller analyzes signals input from sensors to maintain an air pressure of the air container and operate the air compressor or the vacuum pump when present condition information is satisfied. An engine controller analyzes a signal input from the pressure sensor and when the signal corresponds to a predetermined pressure or greater decelerate the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jin Hwan Jang
  • Publication number: 20150032335
    Abstract: A driving force transmission controller includes: a normal turning control unit that computes command values such that driving force transmitted to an outer wheel in a turning direction is larger than that transmitted to an inner wheel during normal turning; a counter-steering control unit that computes the command values such that the driving force transmitted to the outer wheel is larger than that transmitted to the inner wheel during counter-steering; a counter-steering return control unit that corrects the command values such that a rate of change in each of the driving forces transmitted to the right and left rear wheels is lower than a rate of change in a steered angle of front wheels when a steering velocity is equal to or higher than a prescribed value during the counter-steering; and a driving force transmission control unit that controls a driving force transmission device based on the command values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira KODAMA, Kenta Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8930082
    Abstract: A steering method for an industrial truck includes manually steering at least one steerable wheel with a steering transducer. The at least one steerable wheel is hydraulically connected or mechanically connected with the steering transducer. An angular position of the at least one steerable wheel is detected. At least one additional steerable wheel is motor-steered as a function of the detected angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hubtex Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Juergen Keller
  • Patent number: 8930077
    Abstract: A damping control unit sets a damping torque command value that corresponds to a steering angular velocity when a direction of a detected steering torque is a turning direction, a magnitude of the detected steering torque is larger than or equal to a first threshold, a direction of the steering angular velocity is a returning direction and a magnitude of the steering angular velocity is higher than or equal to a second threshold. An addition unit adds the damping torque command value generated by the damping control unit to a basic assist torque command value set by a basic assist torque command value setting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Sakamaki
  • Patent number: 8930080
    Abstract: A driver state estimation device 1 includes a steering angle sensor 2 detecting a steering angle of a steering, a steering torque sensor 3 detecting steering torque applied to the steering, and an ECU 4 having a steering angle estimation unit 5 and a driver state estimation unit 6. The steering angle estimation unit 5 is input with a steering angle (steering angle detected value) MA detected by the steering angle sensor 2 and steering torque (steering torque detected value) MT detected by the steering torque sensor 3, determines whether the steering angle detected value MA is 0 or not, when the steering angle detected value MA is 0, calculates a steering angle estimated value MAest by multiplying the steering torque detected value MT by the gradient of the steering angle (proportionality coefficient) ? with respect to the steering torque, and when the steering angle detected value MA is not 0, sets the steering angle detected value MA as the steering angle estimated value MAest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Sakai
  • Patent number: 8930079
    Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes an automatic steering control unit configured to control the vehicle steering system when in an automatic operational state and a driver intervention unit is configured to determine driver intervention during the automatic operational state. The driver intervention unit comprising a decision software module configured to determine driver intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yong H. Lee, Jihan Ryu, Weiwen Deng
  • Patent number: 8930081
    Abstract: A system for indicating an impending vehicle maneuver within a predetermined distance is provided. The system includes a navigational system and a control module. The navigational system receives a vehicle destination and determines a current geographical vehicle position. The navigational system determines if the impending vehicle maneuver is required within the predetermined distance based on the vehicle destination and the current geographical vehicle position. The control module is in communication with the navigational system and a handwheel. The control module sends a signal that creates a steering assist torque in the handwheel if the impending vehicle maneuver is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Farhad Bolourchi, Timothy W. Kaufmann, Ashok Chandy
  • Patent number: 8924081
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus and control device integrated-type electric motor includes an electric motor driving circuit constituted by a plurality of semiconductor power elements and controlling electric power supplied to an armature winding of an electric motor, a switch device for opening and closing a connection between an input terminal of the electric motor driving circuit and an external power source, and another switch device for opening and closing the armature winding, wherein at least one of both the switch devices is constituted by a semiconductor switch element, and the power elements and the semiconductor switch element are mounted on a board attached to a metallic case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Sonoda, Yoshihito Asao
  • Patent number: 8924084
    Abstract: A control computing unit allocates a feedback axial force and a feedforward axial force at an allocation ratio based on an axial force difference which is a difference between the feedback axial force and the feedforward axial force to set a final axial force as a steering-rack axial force. The control computing unit drives a reaction force motor on the basis of the set final axial force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu wun Chai, Takaaki Eguchi, Yukinobu Matsushita, Kazuhiro Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8924082
    Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a torque-assist motor includes determining a rotational position of the torque-assist motor and producing a motor speed signal that is indicative of a rotational speed of the motor. One or more gain factors are produced based on the rotational speed of the torque-assist motor. An electrical current applied to the torque-assist motor is detected, and a current error is calculated based on a commanded electrical current and the electrical current applied to the torque-assist motor. A quadrature axis voltage is calculated based on the current error and the one or more gain factors. An inverter is driven with a direct voltage signal that is phased with the rotational position of the torque-assist motor so as to produce the electrical current applied to the torque-assist motor. The electrical current exhibits a characteristic that is affected by the quadrature axis voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Abraham Gebregergis, Ramakrishnan RajaVenkitasubramony, Tomy Sebastian, Niharika P. Popy
  • Patent number: 8924083
    Abstract: In a power steering system, a torque sensor obtains first and second rotation angles, and a steering angle sensor obtains third and fourth rotation angles. A controller includes a first absolute rotation angle calculation section, a second absolute rotation angle calculation section, and an abnormality detection section. The first absolute rotation angle calculation section calculates a first absolute rotation angle as a first estimate of an absolute rotation angle of a steering wheel based on the first and third rotation angles. The second absolute rotation angle calculation section calculates a second absolute rotation angle as a second estimate of the absolute rotation angle of the steering wheel based on the third and fourth rotation angles. The abnormality detection section detects an abnormality by comparison between the first absolute rotation angle and the second absolute rotation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Steering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yoshitake, Kohtaro Shiino, Hiroshi Sato
  • Publication number: 20140379220
    Abstract: A vehicle with independently driven multiple axles and a controller which independently drives the multiple axles are disclosed. The controller includes a first controller which determines a target control value including at least one of a mechanical steering angle of each of a plurality of wheels of a vehicle, a target yaw moment of the vehicle, a target longitudinal force of the vehicle, and a target wheel speed of each of the plurality of wheels; and a second controller which determines wheel torques of the plurality of wheels, which drive the plurality of wheels independently, based on the target control value, wherein the wheel torques of the plurality of wheels are different from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicants: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION, SAMSUNG TECHWIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-seok LEE, Kyoung-su YI, Won-gun KIM, Soung-yong JOUNG
  • Patent number: 8918256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a technology for controlling an electric power steering apparatus. According to the present invention, a difference in steering feeling according to a change of a mechanical characteristic of an electric power steering apparatus can be corrected so that the sense of difference in steering felt by a driver when using the steering apparatus can be minimized and the reliability in relation to the apparatus can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Seong Joo Kim
  • Patent number: 8918227
    Abstract: In a method and a device for determining a vigilance state of a motor vehicle driver, a noise signal is generated and a supplementary torque as a function of the noise signal is applied to a steering assembly, a reaction signal of the vehicle driver is determined, and the vigilance state is determined from a time characteristic of the noise signal and a time characteristic of the reaction signal, at least one parameter of a parameterized transfer function from noise signal to reaction signal is determined, and the vigilance state is determined as a function of an absolute value of the at least one parameter and/or as a function of a relative change of the at least one parameter with regard to at least one earlier parameter, the at least one earlier parameter having been determined at an earlier instant in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Mirko Junge, Maria Staubach
  • Publication number: 20140371992
    Abstract: A method controls a torque of an electric power steering (EPS) system of a vehicle. The method determines, based on a state of a movement of the vehicle, a range of values of the torque of the EPS system satisfying constraints. The constraints include at least one constraint on an effect of the torque of the EPS system on the steering wheel. The method selects a value of the torque within the range of values based on an objective of the movement of the vehicle and commands the EPS system to generate the torque according to the value of the torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Stefano Di Cairano, Spyridon Zafeiropoulos
  • Patent number: 8914194
    Abstract: A stimulus-based steering sensor device and a method for the same are disclosed. The sensor device comprises at least one driving wheel, a processor, two driven wheels, and two resolvers. The processor generates a stimulus signal and has a signal-angle lookup table. The driving wheel contacts two driven wheels. When following the rotation of a steering column, the driving wheel drives two driven wheels to rotate at different speeds. Two resolvers connect with the processor, respectively engage with two driven wheels, receive the stimulus signal, and respectively output two first sinusoidal signals to the processor according to the rotational speeds of two driven wheels. The processor analyzes two first sinusoidal signals to obtain two second sinusoidal signals having different periods, and uses the second sinusoidal signals and the signal-angle lookup table to obtain a first absolute angle value of the rotation of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Automotive Research & Test Center
    Inventors: Jin-Yan Hsu, Tsung-Hua Hsu, Chau-Chih Yu, Tsung-Hsien Hu, Chih-Jung Yeh
  • Patent number: 8914195
    Abstract: A system for powering a steering angle sensor coupled to a steering wheel and a controller comprising a switch, coupled to the sensor and the controller. The switch is activated upon motion of the steering wheel or steering shaft. The switch, when activated, connects a power supply, such as a vehicle battery, to the sensor and the controller so that a new steering angle may be sensed and stored. After a predetermined period of time, the controller sends a signal to deactivate the switch and disconnect the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Bradley G. Hochrein
  • Patent number: 8909427
    Abstract: A rotating element control system includes a rotating element rotatably disposed on a main body, a first measuring unit which measures an angular movement of the main body, a driving unit which drives the rotating element, a second measuring unit which measures a rotational speed of the rotating element, a transfer unit which connects the rotating element and the driving unit and transfers a driving force to the rotating element, a motion compensation unit which generates a compensation signal which removes an error component generated by the angular movement of the main body, and a stabilization control unit which controls the driving unit based on the compensation signal and a difference between an input signal and the rotational speed of the rotating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Seob Lim, Seung-Jin Choi, Min-Sig Kang
  • Patent number: 8909428
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to determining by what degree a driver is gripping a steering wheel. In one example, a computer may send an electrically assisted power steering system (EPS) motor an excitation command to move. The EPS motor may respond by moving a flexible coupling between the steering wheel and the EPS motor. This may cause a corresponding movement at the steering wheel. A torque sensor may generate pattern data by monitoring the flexible coupling during the movement. The EPS motor may generate system position data for the entire steering system, for example, from the tires to the steering wheel. The pattern data and the system position data may be compared by the computer to determine the degree of grip. In this regard, the computer may determine the degree of a driver's grip without the need for additional sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Craig Lombrozo
  • Patent number: 8903609
    Abstract: A hybrid motor driven power steering system for a commercial vehicle may include a MDPS unit to generate motor output torque depending on driver steering torque, an EHPS unit to generate hydraulic output torque considering the motor output torque of the MDPS unit, a ball nut type gear box to generate output torque which operates a tie rod leading to left and right wheels after being input with the driver steering torque, the motor output torque, and the hydraulic output torque, and two torsion bars to block torque fluctuation rates at respective regions of a joint by detecting a road surface reaction force transferred to a steering column through the ball nut type gear box in at least two different positions. Accordingly, it may be possible to provide a steering capacity required in small-sized, medium-sized and full-sized commercial vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jongmin Kim, Soobo Park
  • Patent number: 8903606
    Abstract: A system for providing enhanced steering pull compensation is provided. The system compensates for steering pull in a vehicle using a signal from a pull compensation signal generator. The signal from the pull compensation signal generator is processed though a processing mechanism. The processing mechanism controls a power steering assist motor through fault and limit logic as a function of the pull compensation signal generator, thereby providing steering pull compensation. The processing mechanism also controls the power steering assist motor based on input from a vehicle speed sensor and a calibration input mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Steering Solutiions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Julie A. Kleinau, Troy P. Strieter
  • Patent number: 8903610
    Abstract: A control system for providing an assist torque is provided. The control system includes a control algorithm module and a comfort limit module. The control algorithm module calculates a corrective steering torque based on a target vehicle state and an estimated vehicle state. The comfort limit module receives a handwheel torque. The comfort limit module calculates a limited corrective steering torque based on the corrective steering torque and the handwheel torque. The limited steering torque represents an allowable amount of the assist torque provided by the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Ashok Chandy
  • Publication number: 20140350795
    Abstract: In one aspect, a wake-up circuit is provided for triggering a determination of an absolute rotational position of a rotatable shaft of a motor in an electric power steering system of a vehicle. The wake-up circuit includes a plurality of inputs coupled to separate phases of the motor. A voltage boosting circuit is operable to increase a back electromotive force (EMF) voltage induced on one or more of the inputs by rotation of the rotatable shaft of the motor and produce at least one voltage-boosted back EMF voltage. A comparator circuit is operable to compare the at least one voltage-boosted back EMF voltage to a reference voltage and trigger a monitoring system to perform the determination of the absolute rotational position of the rotatable shaft of the motor in the electric power steering system based on a result of the compare during an ignition off state of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ishtiaque Amin, Philip G. Bright, Paul M. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20140350794
    Abstract: A redundancy system for a steering system having a primary controller and a primary power source is provided. The redundancy system may include a secondary controller coupled to a secondary power source and configured to manage control of the steering system, and an interface circuit disposed between at least a first node and a second node. The first node may be in electrical communication with the primary power source, and the second node may be in electrical communication with the secondary power source. The interface circuit may be configured to selectively engage a self-test of the primary power source and the secondary power source, isolate a short at the first node from the secondary power source, and isolate a short at the second node from the primary power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bickel, Amanda J. Wilke, Wendell D. Stahl, Andrew G. Genseal, Md Nasir Uddin, Dane S. Richards, Jennie L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8897926
    Abstract: A method for controlling a motor vehicle wherein the control is carried out with the participation of at least one driver assistance system. In order to simplify and/or differentiate the overriding of a driver assistance system, there is provision that the participation of at least part of the at least one driver assistance system in the control of the motor vehicle is switched off or changed by the driver activating an activation element which is provided in and/or on the motor vehicle and communicates with the at least one driver assistance system. A corresponding device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Ulrich Stählin, Jürgen Diebold
  • Patent number: 8897967
    Abstract: The electric power steering apparatus has a plurality of power systems each including an inverter apparatus provided corresponding to a plurality of wiring sets of a motor thereof. The control section calculates the assist current to be supplied to the motor using a one power system failure-state map when the inverter apparatus or its corresponding wiring set of one of the power systems fails, or using a vehicle speed detection failure-state map when there is a failure in detecting the vehicle speed. The assist current limit value in the one power system failure-state map and the assist current limit value in the vehicle speed detection failure-state map are set to the same value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Uryu
  • Patent number: 8897964
    Abstract: A motor control device has characteristic information that indicates a correlation between a rotation speed and a current of a motor. The motor control device sets a rotation speed characteristic value that is a reference value of the rotation speed of the motor and a current characteristic value that is a reference value of the current of the motor on the basis of the characteristic information. The motor control device calculates an estimated rotation speed on the basis of a measured value of a voltage that is applied to the motor, a measured value of the current, the current characteristic value, a voltage characteristic value, the rotation speed characteristic value and a counter-electromotive force constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Kariatsumari
  • Patent number: 8897965
    Abstract: An assisting command value calculating unit calculates a first assisting factor on the basis of the value of a torque differential control volume added to a basic assist control volume based on a steering torque value, while increasing or decreasing, on the basis of an assisting gradient, the torque differential control volume based on a torque differential value. The pinion angle F/B control unit calculates a pinion angle command value, capable of being converted to a steering angle of the steering wheel, on the basis of the steering torque and the first assisting factor, and executes rotational angle feedback control. The assisting command value calculating unit calculates an assisting command value on the basis of the value of a second assisting factor, calculated by the pinion angle F/B control unit, added to the first assisting factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Terutaka Tamaizumi, Hirozumi Eki, Masayuki Kita, Isao Namikawa
  • Patent number: 8897930
    Abstract: This application describes the software invented to control an electric motor system. The electric motor system is mounted on one or more aircraft main wheels or nose wheels to drive an aircraft independently on the ground without aircraft engines or tow vehicles. The software uses closed-loop control together with several other control laws to operate the drive motor or motors. Knowledge of the current operating state of the drive motor, together with knowledge of the commands given to taxi forward, taxi in reverse, or brake in reverse, is used to configure the motors to optimal operating parameters. The software architecture is described along with the pilot interface and many details of software implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Janice Ilene Bayer
  • Publication number: 20140343794
    Abstract: There is provided an electric power steering system that makes it possible to improve the driver's steering feel, and that includes a controller that controls driving of a motor. The controller computes a first assist component based on a steering torque. The controller computes a torque command value based on a basic drive torque that is the sum of the steering torque and the first assist component, and computes an assist compensation component through feedback control based on the torque command value. The controller computes a steered angle command value based on a value obtained by adding the assist compensation component to the basic drive torque, and computes a second assist component through feedback control based on the steered angle command value. The controller controls driving of the motor based on an assist command value that is the sum of the first assist component and the second assist component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terutaka TAMAIZUMI, Hirozumi EKI, Masayuki KITA, Isao NAMIKAWA, Jun HASEGAWA, Akihiko NISHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20140343795
    Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer, according to one embodiment, includes a sensor that senses a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. The trailer backup assist system may also include a steering input device, such as a rotatable knob, that is movable between a plurality of positions that each provide a desired curvature of the trailer. In addition, the trailer backup assist system may include a controller that determines an offset of the desired curvature when the knob is stationary in a central position. The control then generates a steering command for the vehicle to guide the trailer on the desired curvature, taking into consideration the offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Patent number: 8892311
    Abstract: A front wheel drive motorized vehicle controller comprises: a control signal interface receiving control signals from a user control device indicating at least a demanded forward speed; an acceleration measurement interface, receiving acceleration measurements from at least one vehicle-mounted acceleration sensor, providing a first and second acceleration measurements with respect to first and second axes, the motorized vehicle being configured to be driven in a plane defined by the first and second axes; an acceleration magnitude calculation unit calculating an acceleration magnitude in dependence on the first and second acceleration measurements; a speed modification unit calculating a forward speed reduction factor in dependence on the acceleration magnitude and applying the forward speed reduction factor to the demanded forward speed to produce an applied forward speed; and a motor control unit controlling the speed of the left and right drive wheels in dependence on the applied forward speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Penny & Giles Controls Limited
    Inventor: Jason David Lewis
  • Patent number: 8892309
    Abstract: A vehicle steering control apparatus is provided with: a first setting device for setting a first target steering angle of rear wheels according to a steering wheel operation of a driver; a second setting device for setting a second target steering angle of the rear wheels which does not work with the steering wheel operation by the driver and which is associated with automatic steering; a controlling device for controlling a steering angle of the rear wheels on the basis of the set first and second target steering angles; and a limiting device for limiting an influence of the first target steering angle on the steering angle of the rear wheels in accordance with a driving condition of the vehicle if the set first and second target steering angles have a mutually anti-phase relation, the limiting device limiting an influence of the second target steering angle on the steering angle of the rear wheels in accordance with the driving condition of the vehicle in preference to the first target steering angle if th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Fujita, Mitsutaka Tanimoto, Yoshiaki Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8892306
    Abstract: A motor is driven by the ?-axis current of a ?? coordinate system that is an imaginary rotating coordinate system. A command current value preparation unit sets the ?-axis command current value based on the command steering torque and the detected steering torque. The command current value preparation unit includes a command current increase/decrease amount calculation unit and an addition unit. The command current increase/decrease amount calculation unit calculates the current increase/decrease amount for the command current value based on the sign of the command steering torque and the deviation of the detected steering torque from the command steering torque. The current increase/decrease amount calculated by the command current increase/decrease amount calculation unit is added to the immediately preceding value of the command current value by the addition unit. Thus, the command current value in the present calculation cycle is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Kariatsumari, Hayato Komatsu, Terutaka Tamaizumi, Yoshihiro Itatsu
  • Patent number: 8892296
    Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to provide a power state diagnosis method and a power state diagnosis apparatus that pass and increase not only a d-axis current but also a q-axis current to a current value that a steering behavior does not occur to perform a diagnosis in the vector control of a motor, and determine that a power supply degraded, that the power supply is normal and that the diagnosis is not completed without giving an uncomfortable feeling to a driver, detecting a timing that there is not a driver, and needing to comprise a plurality of actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Abe, Yoshiki Ninomiya, Toru Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8886410
    Abstract: Methods for controlling a vehicle are provided. The vehicle includes a pair of steerable front wheels and a pair of steerable rear wheels. A steering angle of at least one of the steerable rear wheels is detected. A feed-forward lateral acceleration value is determined based upon the detected steering angle and a scaling factor. Operation of the steerable front wheels and the steerable rear wheels is controlled in response to the feed-forward lateral acceleration value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaodi Kang, Christopher J. Cymbal, David A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8886409
    Abstract: Checking method implemented by a function that automatically checks a steering system (1) of a motor vehicle comprising a steering wheel (4) to operate a powered system (20) that turns the wheels (10) under certain specific conditions of operation of this vehicle, this checking method calculating a reference steering wheel angle (Av cons) to provide torque control of the power system (20), characterized in that it additionally calculates a steering wheel rate of turn reference (Av cons) which is saturated at a predefined value (Avp target).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA
    Inventor: Marc Campo
  • Patent number: 8886411
    Abstract: In a power steering system, at least one of phase open relays in which a contact weld (an abnormality) occurs is detected. That is to say, the power steering system comprises an abnormality monitor section (57) configured to output vector control command signals to supply only a d-axis current in a positive side direction toward the motor, with all of phase open relays (58v, 58w) in an interruption state, and to determine an abnormality in at least one of the phase open relays in a case where a current value is detected by a current detection circuit which detects a current flowing into an inverter. In a case of three phase open relays installed between respective three phases of motor windings, a potential difference is detected at a neutral position of a star connection to determine the abnormality of at least two of the phase open relays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Steering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takumi Hisazumi, Atsushi Yoshitake
  • Patent number: 8886408
    Abstract: A control method for an automotive vehicle steering system including an electric motor providing a steering force on a steering mechanism. The method comprises providing at least three steering system MAPs which control an electric current supplied to the electric motor. Wherein if a new MAP is selected when at least two prior selected MAPs are blending, the MAP comprising the greatest component of a blend at the time the new MAP is selected is decreased at a faster rate than the MAP comprising the lesser component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nathaniel Ellis
  • Patent number: 8880288
    Abstract: A method and a system of determining a driving direction of a vehicle traveling at a low speed. The method includes determining whether the vehicle is in one of three states: (1) an uphill state in which the vehicle is located on an upward sloping surface, (2) a downhill state in which the vehicle is located on a downward sloping surface, and (3) a flat surface state in which the vehicle is located on a flat surface. The method also includes obtaining information from a plurality of vehicle sensors and determining a direction of movement of the vehicle based upon the determined state of the vehicle and information from the plurality of vehicle sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Qingyuan Li, Hsien-cheng (Kevin) Wu, Tim Hoerauf, Jiamu Hu, Timothy Ridley
  • Patent number: 8874318
    Abstract: A motor control unit controls a motor including a rotor and a stator facing the rotor. A current drive unit drives the motor at an axis current value of a rotating coordinate system that rotates in accordance with a control angle that is a rotational angle used in a control. An addition angle calculation unit calculates an addition angle to be added to the control angle. A control angle calculation unit obtains, at every predetermined calculation cycle, a present value of the control angle by adding the addition angle that is calculated by the addition angle calculation unit to an immediately preceding value of the control angle. A torque detection unit detects a torque that is other than a motor torque and that is applied to a drive target driven by the motor. A command torque setting unit sets a command torque to be applied to the drive target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Kariatsumari, Satoshi Shinoda, Hayato Komatsu, Terutaka Tamaizumi
  • Patent number: 8874322
    Abstract: A vehicle steering controller includes a shape recognizer that recognizes a shape of a road on the basis of a captured image, a steering control unit that controls steering of a vehicle on the basis of the shape of the road recognized by the shape recognizer, and a determiner that determines whether or not the shape of the road recognized by the shape recognizer is that of a transitional section between a curved road section and a linear road section. If the determination made by the determiner is negative, then the shape recognizer recognizes the shape of the road by performing an approximation using an approximation expression having a degree of one or two, otherwise the shape recognizer recognizes the shape of the road by performing an approximation using an approximation expression having a degree of three.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Naoki Mori, Tatsuya Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8874321
    Abstract: A display control apparatus for a vehicle includes a steering angle detector, an operation detector, a display section, and a setting section. The steering angle detector detects a steering angle of the vehicle. The operation detector detects an operation to an operation unit mounted on a steering wheel of the vehicle. The display section displays an operation image on a display unit located behind the steering wheel in such a manner that the operation image changes according to the operation detected by the operation detector. The setting section sets a display position of the operation image on the display unit according to the steering angle detected by the steering angle detector so that a driver of the vehicle views the operation image at a position adjacent to the operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Nada, Kiyotaka Taguchi, Makoto Manabe, Shinji Hatanaka, Norio Sanma, Akira Yoshizawa, Makoto Obayashi