And Other Vehicle Control Patents (Class 701/53)
  • Publication number: 20090111647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method to select a neutral position of an automatic or automated motor vehicle transmission and to select a parking gear provided to immobilize a motor vehicle, wherein the neutral position and parking device can be set or activated, depending on a gear selected by the driver of the motor vehicle on a selector device and depending on other operating parameters of the motor vehicle. In addition, the invention relates to a motor vehicle controlled by this method. It is proposed that only if the motor vehicle is at least almost stopped and simultaneously an ignition circuit acting on the drive motor vehicle is electrically interrupted and simultaneously a “Neutral (N) gear is selected on a selector device, an N-holding phase, in which the transmission is in a friction-free neutral position, can be activated by a separate control device provided in addition to the selector device, as long as an energy management system of the motor vehicle allows the activation of the N-holding phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Walter HECHT, Armin GIERLING, Klaus STEINHAUSER, Frank WORMS, Bernd ZANGLEIN, Stephane KLEIN
  • Patent number: 7512474
    Abstract: When a driver returns a brake pedal on a climbing road, brakes of front wheels to which power is output from an engine with brakes of rear wheels being held are released (S140), and a throttle opening TH is gradually increased so that a rotation speed of the engine reaches a target rotation speed Ne* according to a road gradient ? (S180). When an outputtable torque Tem that can be output to the front wheels and the rear wheels becomes larger than a target torque Td* according to the road gradient ?, the brakes of the rear wheels are released (S240) to start a vehicle. This allows a smooth start of the vehicle on the climbing road. On the other hand, when a slip of the front wheels is determined before the outputtable torque Tem reaches the target torque Td*, the brakes of the front wheels are returned to the original state, climbing road start control is prohibited (S260 and S270), and a stopping state is held. This properly addresses the problem when the vehicle cannot smoothly start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Tabata, Hiroshi Sato
  • Patent number: 7509193
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for limiting the driving speed of a motor vehicle that allow a selectable, fixed fuel consumption per distance traveled to be maintained without limiting short-term acceleration. In this context, the driving speed is limited to a maximum value (vmaxbe), at which a predefined maximum fuel consumption (Besetpoint) for steady driving speed is not exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Kustosch
  • Patent number: 7509197
    Abstract: A retarding system for a work machine having a power source, a transmission, and a manually operated braking mechanism is disclosed. The retarding system has an engine retarder associated with the power source and a controller in communication with the transmission, the manually operated braking mechanism, and the engine retarder. The controller is configured to determine a deceleration rate of the work machine and compare the deceleration rate of the work machine to a predetermined threshold rate. The controller is also configured to determined if the manually operated braking mechanism is active and to cause the transmission to downshift if the deceleration rate is less than the predetermined threshold rate and the manually operated braking mechanism is determined to be active. The controller is further configured to prevent the transmission from downshifting if the deceleration rate is less than the predetermined threshold rate and the manually operated braking mechanism is determined to be inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Landes, Mark E. Rettig, Ryan E. Graham
  • Patent number: 7509201
    Abstract: A method of controlling noise/vibration in a vehicle having a powertrain includes sensing noise/vibration in the vehicle. An operating point of the powertrain is adjusted and a constant transmission output power is maintained to reduce the noise/vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Bolander, Jeffrey J. Allen, Alexander J. Roberts, Keith W. Weishuhn
  • Publication number: 20090069148
    Abstract: There is provided a control system for a powertrain system including an electro-mechanical transmission operative in a plurality of fixed gear modes and continuously variable modes. The control system is adapted to identify preferred operating conditions for operating the powertrain in a fixed gear operating range state. The method comprises determining a range of permissible input torques. States for input torque are iteratively selected, and a motor torque output from the first electrical machine is optimized based upon the selected state for the input torque. A motor torque output from the second electrical machine is determined based upon the optimized motor torque output from the first electrical machine. A cost for each of the iteratively selected states for the input torque and the motor torques from the first and second electrical machines is calculated. A preferred operating range is identified based upon the plurality of costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Publication number: 20090069153
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission mechanically coupled with an automated mechanical transmission is adjusted during a shifting process. At the completion of the shifting process, an engine mechanically coupled with the automated mechanical transmission is provided a fueling pulse. Additionally, the speed of an output shaft of the automated mechanical transmission is filtered by a second order variable time constant low pass filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chia-Hsiang Liu, Ronald Keith Markyvech
  • Patent number: 7499785
    Abstract: A method for balancing brake force is disclosed. The method includes determining whether a deceleration value reaches a first deceleration threshold in response to a braking event and determining brake condition and vehicle motion. Based on brake condition and vehicle motion determination and the first deceleration threshold determination, the method determines whether the deceleration value reaches a second deceleration threshold, and applies threshold balancing when the second deceleration threshold is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan P. Riddiford, Michael C. Pfeil, Richard J. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090055059
    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: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: JAGUAR CARS LIMITED
    Inventors: Rob Jerger, Pete Stares, Darren Vincent, Hardev Singh Mandair
  • Patent number: 7496441
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer based control system for controlling hydraulic and electromechanical actuators on a power machine, such as a skid steer loader. The computer based control system is configured to implement a number of features to enhance certain operational aspects of the power machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Brandt, Scott R. Rossow
  • Publication number: 20090048050
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for vehicle is disclosed having a coupling device (switching clutch B0 or switching brake C0) operative to switch a transmission mechanism 10 between a continuously variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state with both advantages including improved fuel consumption achieved by a transmission, enabled to electrically control a speed ratio, and increased power transmitting efficiency provided by a gear-type transmitting device in which drive power is mechanically transmitted. With the transmission mechanism 10, switching control means 50 allows a differential portion 11 to be maintained in the continuously variable shifting state or the differential portion 11 is preferentially placed in the continuously variable shifting state during a start-up of an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Kamada, Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue
  • Publication number: 20090036266
    Abstract: A driving assist method and driving assist apparatus enable appropriate deceleration in a downshift. If a downshift operation increases the torque output of the engine, and if it is determined that vehicle speed would otherwise be accelerated before the completion of the downshift, an electronic transmission control unit calculates a deceleration for offsetting the acceleration. On the basis of the calculated deceleration, the electronic transmission control unit controls a braking device via an electronic brake control unit to apply a braking force to the vehicle to thereby suppress the acceleration of the vehicle which would otherwise be produced by the increase in engine torque produced by the downshift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshito Kondou, Takayuki Miyajima, Atsushi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7487026
    Abstract: A vehicle drive force control apparatus is provided that can stabilize the output of the electric motor even if the engine rotational speed experiences an acute change. The output of an engine is delivered to the left and right front wheels through a transmission and also to an electric generator. The output voltage of the electric generator is supplied to an electric motor and the output of the electric motor drives the left and right rear wheels. The drive force control device predicts if the rotational speed of the engine will decrease or increase acutely based on the upshifting and downshifting of the transmission and adjusts the field current of the electric generator up or down before the acute change in the engine rotational speed occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kawashima, Hideaki Ohtsuka, Tatsuya Kamata, Kouichi Shimizu, Hideyuki Saeki, Masanori Aoyagi
  • Publication number: 20090029828
    Abstract: A vehicle's active electrically controlled non-step speed change mechanism includes an internal combustion engine, a dynamo (motor-generator), a power allotment unit and an active electrically controlled non-step speed changer to control vehicle able to run in the best condition notwithstanding its speed, roadway condition or load thereby achieving the aim of fuel saving and minimizing the environmental contamination due to excess discharge of exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Kuohsiu David Huang, Kei-Lin Kuo
  • Publication number: 20090023549
    Abstract: An electromechanical power transfer system for a vehicle, comprises: an electrical power source; a system controller; at least two dynamoelectric machines; an electrically engageable clutch for each machine; an input shaft coupled to the jack shaft; an output shaft coupled to a load presented by the vehicle; and at least two electrically engageable transmission gear sets for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft; wherein the system controller selectively engages each machine clutch and each transmission gear set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Richard A. Himmelmann
  • Publication number: 20090011900
    Abstract: A gear change control device is provided for a straddle-type vehicle having a clutch and a transmission. The device includes a clutch actuator configured to engage and disengage the clutch. A transmission actuator is configured to change a gear of the transmission. At least one sensor is configured to sense an operational condition of the straddle type vehicle. At least one switch is configured to generate a gear change command. A controller is operatively connected to the clutch actuator, the transmission actuator, the at least one sensor, and the at least one switch. The controller is configured to change gears in response to the gear change command and during the gear change reengage the clutch under either a first control routine or second, different control routine based upon the operational condition of the straddle-type vehicle determined by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Zenno
  • Patent number: 7460944
    Abstract: A damping device comprises a device (4, 7) for determining a mechanical state variable (??MODEL, ??ACTUAL) reproducing the torsion of a drivetrain (3) of an internal combustion engine (1) and an actuator (2) to activate an internal combustion engine (1) with a control variable as a function of the mechanical state variable (??MODEL, ??ACTUAL). It is proposed that the mechanical state variable (??MODEL, ??ACTUAL) be determined by a predictor element (4) that contains a model of the drivetrain (3) and/or the internal combustion engine (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Julian Baumann, Thomas Schlegl, Dara Daniel Torkzadeh
  • Publication number: 20080294301
    Abstract: One of the manager control units among multiple control units includes a first coordination portion that coordinates a control target value derived based on an instruction from a driver or a first control unit and expressed by a first unit of physical quantity, with an instruction value from a second control unit and expressed by the first unit of physical quantity; a conversion portion that converts the control value expressed by the first unit of physical quantity into a control target value expressed by a second unit of physical quantity; a second coordination portion that coordinates the control target value derived by the conversion portion and expressed by the second unit of physical quantity, with an instruction value transmitted from a T/M control unit and expressed by the second unit of physical quantity; and an output portion that outputs the control target value to an engine control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masato Kaigawa, Seiji Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 7457697
    Abstract: A vehicle integration control system includes a manager controller and a driving system controller. The manager controller sets a target generation driving force guide value for a driving force outputted from a driving system of a vehicle. The driving system controller controls the driving force on the basis of the target generation driving force guide value. The manager controller includes a driver request value setter and a driving force corrector. The driver request value setter sets a driver request generation driving force value corresponding to the driving force outputted from the driving system on the basis of a driver's input. The driving force corrector corrects the driver request generation driving force value on the basis of a predetermined program to restrain vibration generated in the vehicle when the driving force outputted from the driving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Sawada, Toshiki Matsumoto, Tsutomu Tashiro, Mamoru Mabuchi, Takehito Fujii, Motoaki Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20080288145
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for a powertrain that includes an automatic transmission, occurrence of slip in a one-way clutch is determined when one gear is formed if a first rotation member and a second rotation member of the one-way clutch rotate relatively. If slip in the one-way clutch is detected, it is determined whether the rotational speed difference between the first rotation member and the second rotation member has increased. If the rotational speed difference between the first rotation member and the second rotation member has increased when slip is detected in the one-way clutch, a control is executed to engage a predetermined frictional engagement element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Maeda, Hideharu Nohara, Toshinari Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7454273
    Abstract: A vehicle electronic module receives vehicle bus messages from a vehicle communication bus interface. The vehicle bus messages may include vehicle status data. The electronic module may determine whether a memory safety condition has been met based on the vehicle status data. The electronic module may delay reading or writing data, such as diagnostic data, into a non-volatile memory until the memory safety condition is reached. The data is read from or stored in the non-volatile memory with reduce risk of corrupted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven E. Hoshaw
  • Patent number: 7451845
    Abstract: A method relieves the burden of a driver of a motor vehicle in which the drive train is provided with a gearbox which can be operated in an automatic mode and a manual mode. The method comprises the following automatic steps: a) detection whether the speed of the vehicle should be adjusted, b) initiation of the adjustment if necessary, and c) the carrying out of the adjustment. During step b) and/or step c) it is determined on one or several occasions whether the gearbox is operating in an automatic mode or in a manual mode in order to trigger a change into the automatic mode of the gearbox if the gearbox is operated in the manual mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Lankes, Stephan Pindl
  • Patent number: 7447583
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including a step of outputting a downshift command to an automatic transmission on conditions that a following distance control is being executed, that an acceleration pedal opening degree is detected, and that the detected acceleration pedal opening degree is greater than an opening degree threshold (A) set to be smaller than an opening degree threshold (corresponding to a downshift speed change line) not during execution of the following distance control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20080243346
    Abstract: There is described hybrid powertrain operation and control. Preferred power flows from an engine to an electromechanical transmission and from an energy storage system to an electric machine are determined based upon an operator torque request. Operation of the engine, the electric machine, and the electromechanical transmission are controlled to substantially meet the operator torque request. Actual power flow from the energy storage device is monitored. The power flow from the engine is adjusted based upon a difference between the actual and preferred power flows from the energy storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Steven C. Huseman
  • Publication number: 20080227582
    Abstract: A variable speed front differential assembly for a vehicle is provided including a first side shaft, a second side shaft, and an input shaft. An offset differential case houses a differential mechanism engaging the first side shaft and the second side shaft. A speed selection assembly is movable from a first speed position to a second speed position. A speed reduction assembly is mounted adjacent the offset differential case. The speed selection assembly directly engages the offset differential case housing when in the first speed position such that a 1:1 drive ratio is achieved. The speed selection assembly engages the offset differential case through the speed reduction assembly when in the second speed position such that an increased drive ratio is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Brent Michael Peura
  • Publication number: 20080211444
    Abstract: A motorcycle has a transmission including a transmission mechanism and an electronic control unit (ECU). The transmission mechanism includes a crankshaft as an input shaft, a driven shaft as an output shaft and an electric motor. The electric motor changes continuously the transmission ratio between the crankshaft and the driven shaft. The ECU estimates the heat value of the motor from a rate of change in the transmission ratio. When the estimate heat value reaches or exceeds a specified value the electric motor is restricted or stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Ishioka
  • Publication number: 20080173485
    Abstract: A control device for hybrid vehicle is provided with property alter means 88 that is operative based on whether or not an EV running mode is set and alters a given property used for determining demanded output torque TOUTt of a transmission mechanism 10 by referring to an accelerator opening Acc. This suppresses occurrence of engine startup to meet a requirement for the EV running mode to be initiated. The property alter means 88 alters the given property such that during an EV running mode turn-on state, demanded output torque TOUTt determined based on the accelerator opening Acc has a lower value than that set for an EV running mode turn-off state. That is, this causes a drop in sensitivity of demanded output torque TOUTt determined based on the accelerator opening Acc. Thus, the occurrence of engine startup induced upon depressive operation of an accelerator pedal during the EV running mode is suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
  • Publication number: 20080167782
    Abstract: The invention essentially relates to a method for blocking wheels of a vehicle when stopped in which a transmission device (1) is placed between an output (2) of a heat engine (3) and a wheel (5) axle shaft (4). This device (1) comprises an input shaft (13) connected to the output (2) of the engine (3), an output shaft (31) connected to the wheel axle shaft (4), and at least one electrical machine (6, 7). The device also comprises a mechanical assembly (12) interconnecting the input shaft (13), the output shaft (31) and the shaft (8, 9) of the machine. This assembly (12) is connected to a bridge (15) that, in turn, is connected to the wheel (5) axle shaft (4). The invention provides that, in order to block the wheels when the vehicle is stopped and to limit an observable torque on the elements of the assembly (12), the wheel axle shaft is blocked by the mechanical assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventors: Serge Belmont, Olivier Boury, Sebastien Besnard
  • Publication number: 20080146413
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program for implementing a method that includes: a step of performing control so that torque capacity Tch of a frictional engagement device that is brought from an engaged state by a downshift operation is gradually reduced to start an inertia phase when a power-on downshift is performed; and a step of stopping the gradual reduction of the torque capacity Tch when the rate of change in an input shaft rotation speed NI of an automatic transmission has reached a desired rate of change ?N(1). Variation in output torque is kept small, and the shock that can occur at the time of a shift is thus reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kunihiro Iwatsuki, Takaaki Tokura
  • Patent number: 7386382
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle drive system is provided for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, free-wheeling steerable front wheels, driven rear wheels, an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) transmitting torque from the engine to the rear wheels, and a control unit for controlling the IVT as a function of sensed parameters and supplying a speed command to the IVT for commanding a speed of the rear wheels. The method includes sensing a steering angle of the front wheels, sensing a front wheel speed, sensing a rear wheel speed, generating a corrected estimated vehicle speed as a function of the front wheel speed and the sensed steering angle, and increasing the speed command in response to a comparison between the corrected estimated vehicle speed and the rear wheel speed. The infinitely variable transmission is preferably embodied by a hybrid electric drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Arun Kumar Seksaria, Mervin Peter Kizlyk, Robert Eugene Kasten
  • Publication number: 20080133097
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automotive hydraulic pump, wherein the hydraulic pump is activated to increase the pressure in a hydraulic accumulator associated therewith once the pressure falls below a predetermined lower pressure threshold, and the hydraulic pump is switched off once the pressure exceeds a predetermined upper pressure threshold value (P_O). The solution is to reduce fuel consumption of the vehicle, wherein the hydraulic pump is activated during different operating phases of the vehicle at different lower pressure values (P_U1, P_U2) in the event of a hydraulic pressure drop in the hydraulic accumulator of the hydraulic pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Florian Schneider, Thomas Jager, Marcus Gansohr
  • Patent number: 7379807
    Abstract: Within the scope of the method for transfer of characteristic quantities or characteristic lines of an automatic transmission from the final test stand or transmission acceptance test stand to an electronic control, especially to the engine control, the characteristic quantities or characteristic lines of the final test stand or transmission acceptance test stand are recorded or stored on a portable data carrier clearly coordinated with the transmission so that at a later point in time the data can be read in and programmed in the engine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Remmlinger
  • Publication number: 20080119325
    Abstract: An apparatus of an automatic gearbox for generating a startup signal according to which starting of an engine, which interacts with the gearbox, is made possible or prevented. The apparatus having a position sensor (1) for detecting the position of a gearshift lever of the an automatic gearbox, and the position sensor (1) measuring distance and providing a measurement signal based on the distance measured. A transducer device (2) converts the measurement signal, from the position sensor, into a digital signal. A hardware circuit (5) generates a startup signal from the digital signal provided by the transducer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Alfred Kolb, Gunther Horsak
  • Publication number: 20080119327
    Abstract: An automatic transmission shift control apparatus includes a shift point learning-correcting unit and a high acceleration time upshifting unit. The shift point learning-correcting unit executes learning-correction of a shift point during an upshift such that an input rotational speed of the automatic transmission reaches a predetermined target maximum rotational speed. The high acceleration time upshifting unit executes, when predetermined high acceleration is requested, an upshift control based on the shift point in which a learning value of the shift point learning-correcting unit is reflected. When the high acceleration is not requested, the upshift control is performed based on a reference value of the shift point in which the learning value of the shift point learning-correcting unit is not reflected. The shift point learning-correcting unit executes the learning-correction of the shift point when the learning value is reflected in the upshift control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ichiro KITAORI, Hiroyuki Sawada
  • Publication number: 20080119999
    Abstract: A control system for controlling a transmission of a vehicle including a telematics system is provided. The system includes: a grade module that determines a current grade based on an altitude signal received from the telematics system; a force balance module that computes a vehicle mass based on a force balance equation and the current grade; and a transmission control module that controls the transmission based on the vehicle mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Richard L. Tiberg
  • Patent number: 7359785
    Abstract: A starting device has a friction element arranged between an engine and wheels for transmitting torque between them. The engagement and disengagement of the element is shifted by press force outputted from a press force applier, which is controlled by a control unit. The control unit includes a creep demand degree judging means judging a driver's creep demand degree for starting a motor vehicle after substantial stop of the vehicle with applying brake force to the wheels and outputs a creep demand degree signal, a creep time setting means setting creep time based on the creep demand degree signal and outputs a creep time signal, and a creep torque producing means producing creep torque by controlling the press force to obtain a slipping state of the element for a period determined based on the creep time signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Yoshida, Yoshikazu Oota
  • Patent number: 7359784
    Abstract: A control apparatus and a control method for an automatic transmission installed in a vehicle, which detect an inclination of a road on which the vehicle is running; calculate actual torque of an engine installed in the vehicle; store reference torque of the engine; correct an inclination threshold value based on the actual torque and the reference torque and make a determination on whether ascending slope control or descending slope control needs to be performed in the vehicle based on the detected inclination of the road and the corrected inclination threshold value; and control the automatic transmission to perform the ascending slope control or the descending slope control based on the result of the determination. Thus, the control apparatus and the control method make an accurate determination on an ascending slope in a highland area, and accurately perform the ascending slope control or the descending slope control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akio Murasugi, Tooru Matsubara, Tadayuki Nagai, Katsumi Nakatani
  • Patent number: 7356398
    Abstract: Synchronous shift control in a multi-mode, hybrid transmission utilizes motor torques to control clutch synchronizations and torque conditions thereacross for substantially torque disturbance free shifting from one mode to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M Steinmetz, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Tung-Ming Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20080058158
    Abstract: An ECU for a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission includes a detection unit that detects a position of a transmission selection member manipulated by a driver; a determination unit that determines whether a gear step is abnormal when a preset time has elapsed after the transmission selection member is shifted from a drive position to a neutral position. The ECU further includes a control unit that controls the automatic transmission such that if the transmission selection member is shifted from the neutral position to the drive position when the gear step has been determined to be abnormal, a shock generated by the engagement of the frictional engagement elements is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobufusa KOBAYASHI, Toshio Sugimura, Tomohiro Asami, Takaaki Tokura
  • Patent number: 7315774
    Abstract: A multivariable feedback control approach to actively dampen magnitude of jerks in a powertrain system using multiple torque-control devices is offered. To manage jerks, a desired axle torque is restricted when a torque reversal occurs. When the vehicle operator or the system executes a command that requires change in direction of torque, the desired axle torque is limited to a low level until the lash estimate has changed accordingly. During this transition time, active damping controls driveline component speeds so that the effect of lash take-up is minimized. After lash take-up occurs, the desired axle torque proceeds without restriction. The invention includes determining a desired axle torque, an output speed of the transmission, and an output speed of a driven wheel of the driveline. One of the devices is controlled based upon a time-rate change in the desired axle torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Morris
  • Patent number: 7313470
    Abstract: A distributed torque monitoring and control system for a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle has a power transfer unit adapted to drive a vehicle wheel and a power source adapted to drive the power transfer unit. The system includes a local torque monitor and a vehicle level torque monitor. The local torque monitor is associated with the power source and is adapted to implement a local mitigation strategy to inhibit undesired torque. The vehicle level torque monitor is adapted to implement a vehicle level mitigation strategy to inhibit acceleration of the hybrid vehicle if the local mitigation strategy is unsuccessful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Zaremba, Miroslava Jankovic
  • Patent number: 7270622
    Abstract: An acceleration mode recommended for a vehicle with a continuously variable transmission, within the scope of which, after the shift takes place, the engine speed progress will continue as a function of the speed with a calibrated rotational speed gradient (H), the rotational speed gradient is greater in the acceleration mode than the rotational speed gradient within the scope of a standard driving strategy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Spörl, Oliver Iden
  • Publication number: 20070208478
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus and method that control a vehicle equipped with a driving source and an automatic transmission connected to the driving source are provided. The vehicle control apparatus and method increase a driving force by at least one of the increase in output from the driving source and the increase in a speed ratio of the automatic transmission, when the vehicle is traveling. The vehicle control apparatus and method detects a request for passing a lead vehicle, and performs a limit control when the request for passing the lead vehicle is detected. The limit control reduces a proportion of the driving force increased by the increase in the speed ratio of the automatic transmission to the driving force increased by the increase in the output from the driving source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 7263424
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling driving forces supplied to left and right wheels of a vehicle, for effectively inhibiting oversteer and understeer states, includes driving force adjusting device for adjusting driving forces supplied to the left and the right rear wheels, first controlling device for controlling the driving force adjusting device such that a wheel speed difference between the left and the right rear wheels coincides with a target wheel speed difference, and second controlling device for controlling the driving force adjusting device such that a yaw momentum of the vehicle coincides with a target yaw momentum. If the vehicle is in an understeer state, the contribution of the second controlling device is increased relative to that the first controlling device and if the vehicle is in an oversteer state, the contribution of the first controlling device is increased relative to that of the second controlling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sumio Motoyama
  • Patent number: 7257477
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a prime mover for a vehicle, particularly a combustion engine, comprising at least one engine control unit and at least one additional controller in the drive train. According to the invention, command variable demands are sent from the controller to the engine control unit, and the transfer function of the prime mover is at least partially depicted by means of a predetermined approximated transfer function of the prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Hülser
  • Patent number: 7254472
    Abstract: A method of preventing undesirable vehicle behavior in a vehicle torque control system that includes determining an expected axle torque based on a vehicle speed, a powerplant profile, an accelerator pedal position and/or a cruise control signal. The method also includes estimating an actual axle torque of a powerplant based on a powerplant maximum torque, a throttle position and powertrain inefficiencies and converting the expected axle torque to an expected acceleration and the actual axle torque to an actual acceleration based on a wheel radius and a road load. The method further includes regulating a torque output of a powerplant when a rate-of-change in a difference between the expected acceleration and the estimated actual acceleration is greater than a first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Larsen, Gene Dimarco, Timothy J. Hartrey, Tom C. Ender
  • Patent number: 7246675
    Abstract: A method relieves the burden of a driver of a motor vehicle in which the drive train is provided with a gearbox which can be operated in an automatic mode and a manual mode. The method comprises the following automatic steps: a) detection whether the speed of the vehicle should be adjusted, b) initiation of the adjustment if necessary, and c) the carrying out of the adjustment. During step b) and/or step c) it is determined on one or several occasions whether the gearbox is operating in an automatic mode or in a manual mode in order to trigger a change into the automatic mode of the gearbox if the gearbox is operated in the manual mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Lankes, Stephan Pindl
  • Patent number: 7212888
    Abstract: A method for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle considers several desired input quantities of different priority in the formation of a desired value. At least one output quantity of the drive unit is adjusted in dependence upon the desired value input quantities. For adjustment, a desired value is formed which considers the desired value input quantities in the sequence of their priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Jessen
  • Patent number: 7197383
    Abstract: A control system limits reactive torque in a powertrain that is generated when braking force is applied to traction wheels during a sudden stop or other sudden braking event. The reactive torque generated at the traction wheels is prevented from being transmitted upstream through the driveline and powertrain by using a slip type clutch in the driveline to limit the upstream transfer of the reactive wheel torque. The clutch is directly actuated by the reactive torque and therefore does not require special controls or monitoring systems to sense the braking event. The clutch pressure may be automatically adjusted in response to certain operating conditions or events, thereby adjusting the point at which the clutch begins to slip due to reactive wheel torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bill Tobler, Michael Tiller, Paul Bowles
  • Patent number: 7188005
    Abstract: Operational states of one or more operators employed in a vehicle are detected to generate operational information corresponding to the detected operational states. Also, one or more traveling states of the vehicle are detected to generate traveling information corresponding to the detected traveling states. There is provided a table storing correspondency between various operational and traveling information and various sound control information, and sound control information corresponding to generated operational or traveling information is obtained with reference to the table. Sound signal is generated on the basis of the obtained sound control information to auditorily inform a user of the vehicle of the operational or traveling state of the vehicle. Contents of the table may be changed as desired by the user. There may be provided a plurality of tables so that the user can select any one of the tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Nobukazu Toba, Kiyohisa Sugii, Yukio Tada, Motoaki Miyabe, Osamu Maeda, Akihiro Yoshizawa