And Other Vehicle Control Patents (Class 701/53)
  • Patent number: 8594895
    Abstract: A method is described of operating an apparatus which has at least two alternative operational modes, and a plurality of controllable operating devices and a controller to which demand signals to operate the controllable operating devices are input by the operator from a main operating control structure, and from which command signals are issued to the controllable operating device, to change the operating states of the devices, and the apparatus further including a warning device, and an auxiliary control structure for the operator to input an auxiliary signal to the controller, the auxiliary control structure being operationally separate from the main operating control structure, at least one of the operating devices having an expected operating state appropriate for an operational mode, the method including determining the selected operational mode in which the apparatus is being operated or is about to be operated, and determining the operating state of the at least one operating device, comparing the det
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventor: Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 8585156
    Abstract: A travel control device for a work vehicle includes: a hydraulic pump; a plurality of hydraulic motors connected to the hydraulic pump in parallel through a closed-circuit connection, that drive different wheels with pressure oil delivered from the hydraulic pump; a slip detection device that detects a slip occurring at each of the wheels; and a flow control device that reduces, upon detection of a slip occurring at any of the wheels by the slip detection device, a quantity of pressure oil supplied to a hydraulic motor for driving the wheel at which the slip has been detected, among the plurality of hydraulic motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Udagawa, Eiji Egawa, Tsukasa Toyooka, Makoto Sugaya, Hideo Sorata, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Akira Nakayama, Kazuo Takiguchi, Kensuke Satou
  • Publication number: 20130304336
    Abstract: A transmission control system and method for controlling the level of creep torque supplied by a powertrain. The transmission control system having a controller configured to receive output signals from any one of a driver interface device sensor, a grade sensor, and a brake pedal sensor. Based on the output signals, the level of necessary creep torque and be determined and supplied, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Graeme A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8583309
    Abstract: When the gearshift position SP is the N position and the accumulated charge ratio SOC of the battery is less than or equal to the threshold value Slow (step S120), the engine is cranked by a first motor (the motor MG1) and started in the case that the vehicle stop is held (steps S140 and s150). After the engine is started, the shutoff of the inverter for driving the motor MG1 is performed and the self-sustained operation of the engine is performed at the rotation speed N1 at which the back electromotive force generated on the motor MG1 is more than the voltage applied to the inverters (steps S180 to S200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Kaita, Takahiko Hirasawa
  • Publication number: 20130297161
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a holding force of a vehicle parked on a hill is adjusted depending on a grade of the hill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, James William Loch McCallum, Adam Nathan Banker, Felix Nedorezov
  • Patent number: 8565983
    Abstract: A method and a system for regulating, while the vehicle is in motion, the linear position of a fifth wheel (4) of a vehicle combination which comprises a tractor unit (1) and a semi-trailer (2), which linear position of the fifth wheel is regulated automatically on the basis of the vehicle speed. Forward movement of the fifth wheel ordered in response to an increase in the vehicle speed, in order to reduce the distance between the driving cab (3) and the semi-trailer, is effected at a faster rate of movement of the fifth wheel at times when the tractor unit is performing a gear change operation than at times when the tractor unit is not performing a gear change operation. When a rearward movement of the fifth wheel to increase the distance between the driving cab and the semi-trailer has to be effected in response to a decrease in the vehicle speed, braking of the semi-trailer relative to the tractor unit is ordered, in order thereby to facilitate the rearward movement of the fifth wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (Publ)
    Inventors: Gustav Alberius, Morgan Colling, Sten-Erik Lestander
  • Patent number: 8560188
    Abstract: A sport running estimated value LEVELSP obtained by searching a value on a map prepared in advance based on an average values AGYAVE of lateral accelerations GY of a vehicle and on average values of vehicle speed changes is calculated, and a vehicle speed on a shift map is searched based on the sport running estimated value LEVELSP and an estimated value DA of a vehicle gradient, whereby a downshift vehicle speed VA at which a downshift is implemented is calculated. Then, the downshift is implemented in a case where actuation of a brake is detected, deceleration of the vehicle is a predetermined value or more, and a current vehicle speed is a downshift vehicle speed VA or more. In such a way, running on a meandering road, for which the downshift and a subsequent shift hold should be implemented, is sensed appropriately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Ishikawa, Hiroshi Saito, Yasuhiro Gokan
  • Patent number: 8560181
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling movement of a first vehicle component relative to a second vehicle component, including the steps of determining a deceleration rate of the first vehicle component in order to achieve a predetermined final speed at a final position, determining a starting position for initiating the deceleration on the predetermined final speed, the final position and the determined deceleration rate and controlling deceleration of the component from the starting position to the final position according to the determined acceleration rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Andreas Ekvall, Bo Vigholm
  • Publication number: 20130268167
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling transmission cut-off of heavy construction equipment according to the present disclosure includes: a displacement sensor which detects a boom height; a vehicle control unit (VCU) to which a detected signal of the displacement sensor is input; a transmission control unit (TCU) which is connected with the vehicle control unit and controls a transmission clutch cut-off function; a driving control proportion valve block (transmission valve assembly) which is connected with the transmission control unit and performs a driving control; and a brake press sensor which is connected with the transmission control unit and detects a brake pedal pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung Il Kim
  • Patent number: 8554429
    Abstract: A control system in a vehicle in which at least one pair of driving power transmission members are engaged with each other with a slack on a driving power transmission path, comprises an input shaft rotational speed detector for detecting a rotational speed of an input shaft located upstream of engaged portions of the driving power transmission members in a direction in which the driving power is transmitted, a determiner for determining whether or not the driving power transmission members are in a non-contact state at the engaged portions for a period of time based on a change rate of the detected input shaft rotational speed, and a controller for controlling the vehicle to reduce a rotational speed difference between the input shaft and an output shaft located downstream of the engaged portions, when the determiner determines that the driving power transmission members are in the non-contact state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20130261908
    Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure has been made in an effort to provide an apparatus and a method of automatically controlling a transmission, capable of increasing work efficiency by removing a time gap between a starting time point when an operation such as excavation of a wheel loader starts and a transmission time point when the kickdown is performed. In addition, an aspect of the present disclosure has been made in an effort to provide an apparatus and a method of automatically controlling a transmission, capable of performing an automatic kickdown transmission at the same time of the starting time point of operation, preferably before the operation is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: In Pyo Jang
  • Publication number: 20130256052
    Abstract: A rollback prevention system is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The rollback prevention system may have an input device configured to receive an input indicative of a desired travel direction, a travel sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an actual travel direction, and a brake sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a brake activation status. The rollback prevention system may also have a controller configured to make a determination that the actual travel direction of the mobile machine is opposite the desired travel direction, and to selectively increase a torque output of the transmission to a first level based on the determination. The controller may also be configured to reduce the torque output below the first level when the signal indicates brake activation, and to return the torque output to the first level when the signal indicates brake deactivation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: SriVidya Lavanya KAMISETTY, Brian Douglas HOFF
  • Patent number: 8548696
    Abstract: A method for operating a multi-stable shift-by wire selector control system of a motor vehicle transmission. The multi-stable shift-by wire selector control system includes a multi-stable selector which is operable by the driver of the vehicle to select a respective one of the operating modes of the transmission, an arrangement of illuminated labels indicating the selector mode and an indexing mechanism for maintaining the immobilization of the selector in its different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventors: Rob Jerger, Pete Stares, Darren Vincent, Hardev Singh Mandair
  • Publication number: 20130253785
    Abstract: An oil pressure control system of an automatic transmission for a vehicle includes a lock-up clutch, a TC regulator valve, an LC control valve, an LC shift valve, an oil cooler, a control area determination device, a torque transmission capacity calculator, a high load state determination device, and an oil pressure controller. The oil pressure controller is configured to control a TC regulator pressure outputted by a TC regulator valve, so that a torque transmission capacity of a lock-up clutch is greater than a reference torque transmission capacity calculated by the torque transmission capacity calculator, if a control area determined by the control area determination device is a complete engagement area and the high load state determination device determines that an operational state is in a high load state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki MURASAWA, Satoru MIYATA, Akihiro SHIBAHARA
  • Patent number: 8543300
    Abstract: An engine driving force is calculated. A first-lag process is executed based upon the engine driving force to calculate an engaging torque between front and rear shafts. The resultant is output to a transfer clutch drive unit. A braking force according to a change of a driving force, which is decreased with the lapse of time based upon a temporal change of the engine driving force, is calculated by executing a first-order lead process. An acceleration sensitive target yaw moment based upon the braking force according to the change of the driving force is calculated, and a steering sensitive target yaw moment based upon a steering angle velocity is calculated by executing the first-order lead process. A braking force to be added to an inner wheel on a turn is calculated based upon these target yaw moment. The resultant is output to a brake drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Matsuno
  • Patent number: 8543311
    Abstract: A method for controlling a drive train with at least one drive unit, in particular for a vehicle is disclosed. A setpoint value for a torque of the at least one drive unit can be predefined. The actual value of this torque is detected and a first signal is generated which ensures reliable operation of the drive train if the deviation of the actual value from the setpoint value is greater than a predefinable absolute value of the deviation value and/or the deviation of the actual value from the setpoint value lasts for longer than a predefinable absolute value of the deviation time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Heyl
  • Patent number: 8538643
    Abstract: An active damping system provides a torque adjustment command that is combined with the raw motor torque command of a vehicle to compensate for oscillations and vibrations in the driveline of a hybrid vehicle. Active damping may be provided by a derivative controller or by a lead-lag compensation between initiation of clutch engagement and full clutch engagement. Active damping is terminated upon full clutch engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Qing Wang, Wei Liang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Patent number: 8527159
    Abstract: An electronic-hydraulic controller for an automatic transmission includes a transmission control module (TCM) which is disposed outside the transmission housing and is connected to the actuators, sensors and switches within the transmission by a serial data link such as the car area network (CAN). Electrical power is also provided to the components within the transmission resulting in a connector requiring only five or six terminals. Each of the actuators, sensors and switches includes its own integrated electronic circuitry which receives, stores and provides data and allows it to communicate through the serial data link with the externally mounted control module. The electronic circuitry of each actuator stores data regarding its input signal to output pressure and flow characteristics which facilitates replacement of the transmission control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Steven Mark Bezdek
  • Patent number: 8521382
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a filter module and a coefficient determination module. The filter module generates a valve body oil temperature signal as a function of a transmission oil temperature signal, the valve body oil temperature signal, and a filter coefficient. The coefficient determination module varies the filter coefficient based on the valve body oil temperature signal. The transmission oil temperature signal corresponds to a first temperature of transmission oil measured at a location between a torque converter and a variable bleed solenoid (VBS). The valve body oil temperature signal corresponds to a second temperature of transmission oil provided to a clutch of a transmission from a valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Mark David Kieliszewski
  • Patent number: 8521378
    Abstract: A method for shifting an automatic or an automated transmission of a motor vehicle to a “neutral” position such that the shift position of the transmission and a parking lock, provided for keeping the motor vehicle stationary, are engaged as a function of a shift position selected with a driver operated selector device and as a function of other operating parameters of the motor vehicle. A holding phase, in which the transmission is in the neutral position, free from friction force locking, can be activated by a separate operating device which is provided, in addition to the selector device, but only when the motor vehicle is simultaneously at least approximately stationary, an ignition current circuit that acts on a drive engine of the motor vehicle is electrically interrupted, and the “neutral” (N) shift position is specified by a selector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Frank Worms, Stephane Klein, Walter Hecht, Bernd Zaenglein
  • Patent number: 8521379
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle in a freewheel mode or a rolling mode, in which the vehicle has a drive train comprising a controllable drive engine, an automatic or automated transmission, and a controllable shifter for interrupting a flow of power in the drive train. To enable fuel-efficient and low-emission, as well as safe and comfortable driving, it is intended that the freewheel mode or the rolling mode is prognostically activated, deactivated or retained by performing a plausibility check of a currently active, automatic driving speed control function or a driving speed and a distance control function and/or other current driving operation or driving state data. The method includes coordinating and adapting relevant marginal conditions of the active driving speed control function or the driving speed and the distance control function, and of the freewheel mode or the rolling mode, according to the driving situation, and initiating control measures by a transmission control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Maik Wurthner, Johannes Kemler, Joachim Staudinger, Ingo Sauter
  • Patent number: 8515635
    Abstract: A method and system provides a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Override mode in a vehicle including a shift-by-wire transmission. With power applied and ignition on, a driver will press and hold an override switch for a calibrated time. While the override switch is pressed, the driver presses a non-Park button for another calibrated time. The result will be that the vehicle is placed in the selected range wherein the transmission will not automatically shift to Park upon detecting a triggering event. The driver is able to shift the vehicle from Park, even if an electrical failure prevents the transmission from shifting out of Park. As such the vehicle can be driven until the failure is serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Curtis Spaulding, Brian J Deurloo, Mark Edward Zyskowski, Richard Reynolds Hathaway, Jeffrey James Turnavitch, Christopher Lee Danks, David Spuller, Charles C Poon, Matthew Luke Fyie
  • Patent number: 8515640
    Abstract: A device for determining, when driving a vehicle, a mapping of torque transmitted by a clutch of the automobile based on a position of a clutch control member. The device includes a mechanism updating the mapping based on position thresholds of the clutch control member. The updating modifies values of the thresholds based on minimum and maximum values of the positions of the control member stored in the mapping and on current values of the thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Renault S. A. S.
    Inventors: Alessandro Monti, Richard Pothin, Christophe Desfriches
  • Publication number: 20130211680
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for setting the operating pressure of a transmission, in particular a motor vehicle shift transmission, the transmission having clutches, brakes, actuators, a hydrodynamic clutch, and/or a hydrodynamic converter, to which a medium that conducts the operating pressure can alternately be applied in order to vary the transmission ratio of the speed and/or the torque between a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft by opening and closing the clutches and/or brakes, by actuating the actuators, and/or by hydrodynamic power transmission using the hydrodynamic clutch and/or the hydrodynamic converter, the operating pressure being switchable between a constant nominal value and a constant decreased value smaller in relation thereto, or the operating pressure being reducible in three or more steps or continuously from a nominal value to a decreased value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Bernhard Hofig, Michael Gerlich, Michael Reik, Christoph Wurster
  • Patent number: 8504263
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission (DCT) control module includes a pressure determination module that determines a measured pre-charge pressure of an accumulator. A motor control module determines an actual pre-charge pressure based on the measured pre-charge pressure, stored previous pre-charge pressures, and ambient temperature, and controls a pump motor based on the actual pre-charge pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Hongyu Wang, Staffan Lyberg, Tobias Berndtson
  • Patent number: 8504261
    Abstract: A control system includes an engine control module and a transmission control module. The transmission control module communicates with the engine control module via a network. The transmission control module generates at least one of a back torque signal and a first engine acceleration signal. The transmission control module transmits the at least one of the back torque signal and the first engine acceleration signal to the engine control module via the network. The engine control module controls operation of an engine based on the at least one of the back torque signal and the first engine acceleration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8494730
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus includes a clutch that operates based on pressure of a fed fluid to adjust a mode of power transmission of an engine or/and a motor/generator on a power transmission route, a first driving pump that feeds the fluid to the clutch by being driven in accordance with rotation of the motor/generator, and a second driving pump that feeds the fluid to the clutch by being driven in accordance with electric power, wherein a first engagement unit and a second engagement unit can be caused to engage rapidly or slowly by selecting one of the first driving pump and the second driving pump as a source of the fluid, and when a drive request of the clutch is present and a rotation speed of the motor/generator is lower than a predetermined rotation speed, the first engagement unit and the second engagement unit are caused to engage rapidly by feeding the fluid from the second driving pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masato Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8494700
    Abstract: A method minimizes driveline disturbances in a vehicle having a motor generator unit (MGU) and a controller, which may be a motor control processor or a hybrid control processor. The method includes determining a set of motor values of the MGU, including a change in motor speed, a derivative of the change in motor speed, and a motor jerk value; calculating a corrective final torque value for the MGU as a function of the set of motor values; and commanding the corrective final torque value from the MGU during a predetermined event, e.g., engine restart. Calculations and commanding the corrective final torque value are conducted by the controller within a calibrated minimum processing loop time. A vehicle includes first and second MGUs, and a controller electrically connected to the second MGU. The controller has the algorithm for minimizing driveline disturbances as noted above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Karl Andrew Sime, Goro Tamai, Harry J. Bauer, Brendan M. Conlon, Min-Joong Kim
  • Patent number: 8489298
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine, a transmission, and a torque converter located between the engine and the transmission. Subsequent to a rapid increase in engine torque commands, torque converter slip is controlled by monitoring a measured torque converter slip after the rapid increase in engine torque commands, determining a maximum measured torque converter slip value resulting from the rapid increase in engine torque commands based upon the measured torque converter slip, determining a target value to which to reduce the torque converter slip, determining a recovery profile to reduce the torque converter slip from the maximum measured torque converter slip to the target value, and utilizing the recovery profile to controllably reduce the torque controller slip. Determining the recovery profile includes commanding reducing slip through the profile at commanded torque converter slip values selected to prevent the torque converter slip from reaching zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie
  • Publication number: 20130179044
    Abstract: A sport running estimated value LEVELSP obtained by searching a value on a map prepared in advance based on an average values AGYAVE of lateral accelerations GY of a vehicle and on average values of vehicle speed changes is calculated, and a vehicle speed on a shift map is searched based on the sport running estimated value LEVELSP and an estimated value DA of a vehicle gradient, whereby a downshift vehicle speed VA at which a downshift is implemented is calculated. Then, the downshift is implemented in a case where actuation of a brake is detected, deceleration of the vehicle is a predetermined value or more, and a current vehicle speed is a downshift vehicle speed VA or more. In such a way, running on a meandering road, for which the downshift and a subsequent shift hold should be implemented, is sensed appropriately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130179045
    Abstract: A method of shift control for an automatic transmission of vehicle power train, having a permanent brake between a drive motor and a final drive, in which current vehicle-specific, road-specific and driver-specific operating parameters, topographical data relating to an upcoming stretch of road ahead of the vehicle are determined while driving, and from which a tractive resistance value for the upcoming stretch of road is determined, and control commands for thrust downshifts and/or upshifts are derived and implemented, within the transmission, during a thrust operation depending upon the tractive resistance value. This is achieved in that the maximum permanent braking force curves that are possible for the upcoming stretch of road, in the currently engaged gear, and each adjacent gear is determined based on the current traveling and engine speeds and analyzed to derive control commands for a thrust downshift and/or upshift in relation to the tractive resistance value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Alexander Maier, Maik Wuerthner, Joachim Staudinger, Johannes Kemler
  • Patent number: 8482393
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission with at least one sensor (15), associated with the motor vehicle transmission, for picking up measurement signals at the motor vehicle transmission and transmitting them by a wireless unit to a transmission control unit (12) of the motor vehicle transmission. In each case, an RFID-responder (16) is associated with each sensor (15), which transmits the respective measurement signals concerned to an RFID-reader (17), associated with the transmission control unit (12). The RFID-reader (17) transmits wirelessly to the RFID-responder (16), associated with the sensor (15) concerned, electrical energy for operating the sensor (15) and for operating the RFID-responder (16) associated with the sensor (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Alexander Graf, Rolf Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20130166160
    Abstract: A method of detecting synchronizer misalignment in a vehicle transmission, includes: applying an engagement force to an input side of a synchronizer or output side of the synchronizer; monitoring a performance characteristic of a power source configured to apply the engagement force; and determining a misalignment based on the performance characteristic exceeding or not achieving a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Shawn Adam Holland, Jeffrey James Tumavitch, Steve Craig Meisner, Bradley Dean Riedle
  • Patent number: 8473172
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assisted direct start control are provided. An example method varies engine torque, forward clutch engagement pressure, and wheel brake pressure during a vehicle launch responsive to longitudinal vehicle grade to improve launch performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
  • Patent number: 8473170
    Abstract: The described system and method provide improved transmission performance and response with closed loop torque feedback by implementing situational gain scheduling and nonlinear control techniques for continuously variable transmissions. The system uses contextual information regarding the operation of the machine to determine a gain to be applied in associated PID control logic. In an embodiment, the determined gain is applied in the integral portion of the closed loop controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Adam Vaccari
  • Publication number: 20130151074
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a control portion configured to determine a single parameter based on a running condition of a vehicle, and determine control amounts for a plurality of actuators provided in the vehicle based on the parameter. A relation of the control amount for each of the plurality of actuators to the parameter is predetermined. The control portion is configured to, when the parameter is determined, determine the control amounts for the respective actuators based on the parameter, and control the actuators based on the determined control amounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keisuke Takeuchi, Youji Kanehara, Toshio Tanahashi, Yoshimitsu Agata, Tomohide Kawasaki, Ken Koibuchi, Kaiji Itabashi, Shin Noumura
  • Patent number: 8457852
    Abstract: A device and method for preventing a motor vehicle engine from stopping are described, which includes a device for preventing a motor vehicle engine from stopping in an automatic brake operation, the device including the following features of a unit for providing an engine speed signal that corresponds to the speed of the motor vehicle engine, and a brake interruption unit, which is developed to interrupt the brake operation if the engine speed signal assumes a value that lies below a predetermined threshold value, the threshold value being greater than an engine stop threshold value that indicates a minimum speed of the motor vehicle engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Stabrey
  • Publication number: 20130138287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (1), which has: an internal combustion engine (6), an output shaft (3), a transmission unit (13; 8, 12) provided between the internal combustion engine (6) and the output shaft (3) for setting different gear ratios and/or decoupling the internal combustion engine (6) from the output shaft (3), and a compressed-air system (5) having a compressor (16) arranged on an engine shaft (7) of the internal combustion engine (6) and a compressed-air control unit (18). According to the invention, the compressed-air control unit (18) outputs a requirement signal (S4) for a transmission setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Brenneke, Stefan Brinkmann, Konrad Feyerabend
  • Patent number: 8452499
    Abstract: A control system for a transmission engages three clutches to create braking within the transmission to slow a machine during a shuttle shifting operation. The control system may apply the clutches so as to allocate wear between the clutches equally or unequally, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Lorentz, Mathew Guldan, Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20130131939
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control technique that prevents a transmission automatically decelerates a vehicle when an ignition in the vehicle is turned off accidentally while the vehicle is moving and waits until the vehicle is completely stopped to automatically shift and lock the transmission of the vehicle in Park electronically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jin Sook Lee, Kyung Ha Kim, Min Sung Kim, Yeon Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8447438
    Abstract: An apparatus on an integrated circuit provides a real-time flexible interface between inputs from a vehicle components and outputs to the vehicle control components. The functions comprises of a programmable interconnection matrix, engine sensors and a control interface. Both engine sensors and control functions comprise of fixed hardwired functions and a customization hardware area. The apparatus therefore provides means for flexible powertrain events control target for the next generation of low-polluting power trains of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Scaleo Chip
    Inventors: Khaled Douzane, Stephane Le Merdy, Loic Vezier, Pascal Jullien
  • Patent number: 8447477
    Abstract: A control device of a forklift engine that secures operability by keeping down fuel consumption when the accelerator pedal is floored in an unloaded or lightly loaded state, and once a heavy cargo is loaded, by lifting the cargo at a maximum lifting speed and traveling with maximum travel performance without acceleration problems. At least two maximum torque curves of different magnitudes are set in advance on a torque curve diagram. Then, the weight the cargo loaded on an attachment is measured. A threshold value for selecting at least two maximum torque curves is determined. If the measured weight is less than the threshold value, the maximum torque curve with a smaller maximum torque value is selected. If the measured weight is not less than the threshold value, the maximum torque curve with a larger maximum torque value is selected. The engine is controlled using the selected maximum torque curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Harada, Yoshitaka Onodera, Jun Hashimoto, Hideyuki Hiraiwa, Kazunori Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8437886
    Abstract: A vehicle use control system and method are provided. The vehicle use control system includes a vehicle unlocking unit, a vehicle control unit, and at least one mobile communication unit. One mobile communication unit transmits a request to use a vehicle to the vehicle unlocking unit. The vehicle unlocking unit receives the request and generates a first prompt to a key holder which prompts whether to accept the request, and if an approval is received, the vehicle unlocking unit generates a first authentication information to the vehicle control unit and the mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit acquires a second authentication information in response to user input to the vehicle control unit. If the second authentication information matches the first authentication information, the vehicle control unit unlocks the vehicle and allows the vehicle to be started up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong-Yu Yang
  • Patent number: 8433486
    Abstract: A method to determine a preferred operating point for an internal combustion engine includes determining a current set of candidate operating points for a current search iteration. The method further includes iteratively determining an operating cost for operating the internal combustion engine at each candidate operating point of the current search iteration, and determining the preferred operating point for operating the internal combustion engine after a predetermined number of search iterations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Bin Wu, Wilfried Brunssen, Jason J McConnell, Kee Yong Kim, Brian R Medema
  • Patent number: 8433455
    Abstract: A method for predicting the remaining travel distance of an electric vehicle. The method includes determining a useable battery energy value based on battery state-of-charge and battery capacity and a power value needed to heat or cool a vehicle cabin. The method determines an available battery energy value based on the useable battery energy value and an estimated energy value to provide the vehicle cabin heating or cooling, where the estimated energy value is determined using the power value. The method determines a recent energy used value based on an actual recent HVAC energy used value, a recent energy used value with no HVAC system loads and a recent energy used value with maximum HVAC system loads. The method determines a recent distance traveled value and determines the range by dividing the recent distance traveled value by the recent energy used value and multiplying by the available battery energy value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Teddy Siy, Matthew A. Herrmann, Todd P. Lindemann, Jason P. Hafer
  • Patent number: 8433484
    Abstract: An oil pressure control device for a transmission engages or disengages a frictional engagement element of the transmission by controlling an oil pressure supplied from a mechanical oil pump driven by a power source for driving a vehicle and an electric oil pump driven by an electric motor, and includes: an air entering determining unit which determines whether or not air enters the electric oil pump; and an air discharging unit which, when an ignition switch of the power source is switched from an ON state to an OFF state after the air entering determining unit has determined that air enters the electric oil pump, drives the electric oil pump such that the air entering the electric oil pump is discharged from the electric oil pump together with an oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Kousuke Waku, Hideshi Wakayama, Masayuki Miyazono
  • Publication number: 20130096786
    Abstract: The control system for an automatic transmission may include, a detecting portion of driving information adapted to detect the driving information including a temperature of an engine coolant, temperature of a transmission oil, a positional change of an accelerator pedal, a current shift-speed, and driving speed. a control portion adapted to determine a virtual positional change of the accelerator pedal based on an actual positional change of the accelerator pedal and a tip-in speed transmitted from the detecting portion of driving information, to determine a target shift-speed according to the actual positional change of the accelerator pedal or the virtual positional change of the accelerator pedal and the driving speed, and to control a shift to the target shift-speed. an actuator adapted to engage the target shift-speed according to a control signal received from the control portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
  • Patent number: 8423247
    Abstract: A speed change control system for industrial vehicle, includes: a speed ratio detecting unit that detects a speed ratio of speeds of an input shaft and of an output shaft of a torque converter; speed changer for operating based on the torque converter speed ratio that shifts up or down a speed stage of a transmission in response to the detected speed ratio; a braking detection unit that detects an operation of a braking device for traveling; and a downshift limit unit that permits a downshift to a 1st speed by the speed changer when a non-operation of the braking device is detected by the braking detection unit and limits a lowest speed stage upon downshift by the speed changer to a 2nd speed when an operation of the braking device is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Tetsuji Tanaka, Eiichi Sakai
  • Patent number: 8423253
    Abstract: A torque applying device is provided for applying a driving torque to at least a pair of wheels, and a torque restraining device is provided for restraining the torque created on the wheels to be applied with the torque by the torque applying device. A friction braking device is provided for applying a braking torque to each wheel in response to operation of a brake pedal. An automatic braking control device automatically actuates the friction braking device independently of operation of the brake pedal, to apply the braking torque to each wheel. And, a torque restraining cancellation device is provided for cancelling the torque restraining operation for a time period determined in response to a vehicle speed decreasing state, after a condition for initiating the automatic braking control was fulfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Mori, Koicho Kokubo
  • Patent number: 8423250
    Abstract: An anti-collision control is provided under circumstances where it is determined that there is a risk of collision between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle. The anti-collision control utilizes host vehicle information, preceding vehicle information, and surrounding road conditions to determine whether or not a collision with the preceding vehicle can be avoided through a steering operation. If avoidance is determined to be possible, then a shift-hold control is applied to the AT, whereas if avoidance is determined to be impossible, then a down-shift control is applied to the AT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshito Kondou, Takayuki Miyajima, Atsushi Takeuchi, Yoshiyuki Yasui, Hiroyuki Kodama