Engine Output Control Patents (Class 701/54)
  • Patent number: 8392079
    Abstract: Damping control, by which an engine is controlled to output torque for reducing up-and-down vibrations such as pitching and bouncing of a vehicle, is performed. When the damping control is interrupted, the behavior of engine torque after the damping control is interrupted is predicted. Shift of an automatic transmission is controlled in accordance with the predicted behavior of the engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Oda, Atsushi Ayabe, Tomohiro Asami
  • Patent number: 8392105
    Abstract: Operating a vehicle includes receiving, by a central controller, positional data related to the vehicle and environmental data related to a current route of the vehicle. The central controller calculates a desired energy allocation based on the positional data and the environmental data, and transmits the desired energy allocation to the vehicle for use in controlling engine function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Lane David Desborough
  • Patent number: 8392882
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide engine state-based control of software functions. In one implementation, a system is provided that includes an engine and an engine control module. The engine control module determines a state of the engine and stores the determined state as an engine state variable. The engine state variable is interpretable by a plurality of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Harris, Sean P. Oilar
  • Patent number: 8392090
    Abstract: A hybrid electronic control unit sets a target vehicle speed for constant-speed driving based on setting operation of an auto cruise switch by a driver. When the target vehicle speed is set, the required torque is set such that the vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor becomes the target vehicle speed. When the required torque is set, a constant-speed driving torque map, indicating the required torque with respect to a torque command value by accelerator operation or brake operation by the driver using the required torque, and a positive maximum torque and a negative maximum torque, which the vehicle can output, is set. Further, the required torque changes using the constant-speed driving torque map according to the torque command value. In the hybrid electronic control unit, by increasing followability of torque change when changing the vehicle speed from the constant-speed driving, controllability is improved and drivability is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukari Okamura, Koji Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20130054101
    Abstract: A system for regulating the maximum speed of a vehicle (10) having wheels (11, 12) fitted with tyres and driven from an engine (13) via a driveline (14, 15, 16) with a total overall gear ratio, the system including a means such as a GPS or radar based system for determining the actual vehicle speed of the vehicle without using a calculation based on engine speed. A control unit (18) is also provided which adjusts the engine speed and/or overall driveline gear ratio so that the maximum speed which the vehicle can attain remains substantially constant at a predetermined value irrespective of the diameter of the tyres fitted to the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: AGCO GMBH
    Inventors: Heinz-Georg Harries, Thomas Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20130054100
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating an engine that includes, but is not limited to checking if a clutch pedal is depressed. If this is the case, the setpoint value for the rotational speed is predetermined to a target idle speed and a target torque is predetermined. Following this it is checked if the clutch pedal is in a position in which it is no longer depressed, and if the neutral gear sensor indicates that a gear is engaged. If this is the case, the setpoint value of the rotational speed of the engine and/or the torque reserve are increased. Otherwise, the setpoint value of the rotational speed of the engine and the torque are left.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Martin GIENCKE, Norbert KAISER
  • Patent number: 8386102
    Abstract: In an electrically powered vehicle, a computer-controlled switching system activates relays to switch additional discrete batteries into a circuit in response to throttle level, where a processor is configured to decide what specific batteries should be present in the circuit at any given time, in response to both throttle level and a battery load balancing optimization scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Gullichsen
  • Patent number: 8386138
    Abstract: An engine is restarted in response to an idle stop OFF command at t1 so that a gear shift control purpose hydraulic pressure is raised according to a working oil from an engine driven oil pump. An idle stop release time control of the engine is allowed according to a torque down unnecessary determination when a gear shift control purpose hydraulic pressure has reached to a set hydraulic pressure at t2. In a case where this allowance causes an engine torque Te to be raised from a torque down value toward a driving operation corresponding value by a predetermined gradient ?Te1, a command value of a starting frictional element engagement pressure Ps is set to a control maximum value during the idle stop control including during the idle stop release time control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Nihei, Masato Koga, Takashi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8386109
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a fuel burning actuator operable to burn fuel to drive generator means to generate charge to recharge an energy storage means. The apparatus is operable to motor the fuel burning actuator by means of motoring means comprising an electric machine, the fuel burning actuator being operable to pump gas when motored. Brake means comprising a second electric machine is operable to generate charge in a regenerative braking operation in order to recharge the energy storage device. The apparatus is operable automatically to motor the fuel burning actuator by means of the motoring means when the fuel burning actuator is not burning fuel responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the energy storage means, the apparatus being operable automatically to restrict by means of restrictor means an amount of gas pumped by the fuel burning actuator thereby to increase an amount of work done by the motoring means when the fuel burning actuator is motored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Nicholls
  • Patent number: 8386140
    Abstract: A control device controls an input coupled to a drive force source including a rotary electric machine and an internal combustion engine, an output coupled to wheels, and a speed change mechanism that transfers rotation of the input to the output with a speed of the rotation changed in accordance with a speed ratio of a shift speed selected from a plurality of shift speeds. When switching between the shift speeds, a rotation-varying torque value is calculated, the rotary electric machine outputs torque based on the rotation-varying torque value, and when an absolute value of the torque that the rotary electric machine outputs will become more than a predetermined threshold, both the rotary electric machine and the internal combustion engine are caused to output torque corresponding to the rotation-varying torque value such that the output torque of the rotary electric machine becomes equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Tsuda, Yoichi Tajima, Yomei Hakumura, Hiroaki Kioka
  • Patent number: 8380404
    Abstract: A control method for controlling, during a gear shifting or during a drive-away, a vehicle provided with an automatic manual transmission, the control method including the steps of: determining, in a design phase, a transmissibility function of a clutch, which provides the torque which is transmitted by clutch according to the degree of opening of clutch itself, determining an engine model in a design phase, determining a target torque which must be transmitted by means of clutch during the gear shifting or during the drive-away, controlling clutch for pursuing target torque which must be transmitted by means of clutch by using the transmissibility function, determining a target engine torque of engine according to target torque which must be transmitted by means of clutch and controlling the engine to pursue a target engine torque by using a feedforward control based on the engine model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Marcigliano, Alessandro Barone, Davide Montosi
  • Patent number: 8380405
    Abstract: At vehicle stop judgment time t1, a first engine automatic-stop control permission judgment, based on idle stop permission conditions by which an instant permission judgment can be possible, is carried out. If a result of the first engine automatic-stop control permission judgment at time t1 is “permitted”, the second engine automatic-stop control permission judgment, based on an idle stop permission condition which requires a certain time for the judgment, is initiated, and an electric oil pump ON (drive) command (the test drive command) is issued. At time t2 at which an actual drive of the electric oil pump in response to the test drive command is detected, it is judged that a failure of an electric system of the electric oil pump and a foreign matter-biting failure of the electric oil pump do not occur, then a failure judgment of the electric oil pump becomes “normal”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Matsuda, Masato Koga, Hironori Nihei
  • Patent number: 8380403
    Abstract: A vehicle including an internal combustion engine and a stepped transmission including an input shaft and an output shaft, wherein the stepped transmission speed-changes power input to the input shaft while changing a shift speed and outputs the speed-changed power to the stepped transmission output shaft; a control unit that controls the engine and the stepped transmission in accordance with an output request from an operator. The vehicle also including input and output shaft rotation speed detecting units and an output limiting unit that limits the output of the engine by comparing the deviation of the input and output shaft rotation speed to a predetermined rotation speed relationship range. The vehicle also including an abnormality determining unit to determine that an abnormality has occurred in the stepped transmission when the rotation speed relationship exceeds the range of the predetermined rotation speed relationship for at least a first predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 8380409
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission system has a first electric motor, a differential section, a power interruption element forming part of a power transmission path, a second electric motor connected to a power transmission path, and a control device that maintains the output rotational speed of the differential section at a predetermined constant value or at a value within a predetermined range until the engagement of the power interruption element is completed, so as to control a rotational speed of a primary power source by the first electric motor during the period when the state of the vehicle power transmission system is being switched front a non-drive mode to a drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku
  • Publication number: 20130041562
    Abstract: A method for drive control of a motor vehicle in a drive train which comprises a drive engine built as a turbo-charged internal combustion engine, a startup and shifting clutch built as an automated friction clutch, and a transmission built as an automatic stepped transmission. The method overcomes drive engine torque deficiencies while traveling in which such torque deficiencies occur when the driver demands power corresponding to a target torque of the drive engine which is above the spontaneously attainable maximum torque. To avoid downshifting or starting from standstill, initially the clutch is disengaged up to slipping operation, the drive engine is then accelerated to the boost threshold speed or an engine speed which is slightly above the boost threshold speed, and the drive engine is then loaded up to substantially the full load torque with a substantially constant engine speed before the slipping operation of the clutch ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Roland Mair
  • Patent number: 8374759
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle powertrain having an automatic transmission coupled to an engine through a lock-up torque converter includes determining when a torque converter unlock is imminent during a deceleration fuel shut-off event, and delaying the resumption of fuel flow to the engine for a calibratable time period to reduce the likelihood of an undesirable increase in engine output torque when the torque converter has not fully transitioned to an unlocked state. The method also includes determining whether one or more breakout conditions exist that require enabling fuel flow to the engine and, perhaps, triggering an active unlocking of the lock-up torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Arlauskas, P. Brian McGrath, Zhong Li, Chad Dalberg, Iqbal A. Chowdhury, Jeremy Smith
  • Patent number: 8374758
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine mechanically coupled to an electro-mechanical transmission selectively operative in one of a plurality of transmission operating range states and one of a plurality of engine states. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, determining preferability factors associated with the current and potential transmission operating range state and the engine state wherein the preferability factors associated with potential transmission operating range states include transmission input speed trip preferability factors, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the present transmission operating range state and engine state based upon the preferability factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim, Jason J McConnell
  • Publication number: 20130030663
    Abstract: A method for delaying shift and throttle commands based on engine speed comprises establishing a predetermined threshold engine speed. Shift and throttle commands are calculated based on the position of a joystick which allows an operator to manually control shift and throttle functions. Execution of the shift and throttle commands is delayed if the engine speed is above the predetermined maximum threshold engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Anson Chin Pang Chan, Pierre Garon, Thomas Samuel Martin
  • Patent number: 8364357
    Abstract: A shifting point display for indicating shift advice is provided in a motor vehicle having a manual transmission and a control unit for the continuous determination of a current operating point of the motor vehicle. At least one characteristic upshift indication curve or a characteristic downshift indication curve is stored in an electronic memory. An upshift indication or a downshift indication is displayed when the characteristic upshift indication curve or the characteristic downshift indication curve is reached by the current operating point and a currently differently engaged gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerd Kraemer, Alberto Croci
  • Patent number: 8364373
    Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid powertrain having an internal combustion engine monitors a throttle intake pressure and calculates a first torque capacity from a pressure model using the throttle intake pressure as an input. The method determines a maximum expected air mass from the monitored throttle intake pressure and calculates a second torque capacity from an air mass model using the maximum expected air mass volume as an input. The method calculates a final torque capacity as a function of the first torque capacity and the second torque capacity, and sends the final torque capacity to the hybrid control processor. An engine control module receives a torque request calculated as a function of the final torque capacity. A manifold pressure request is calculated as a function of the torque request, and a throttle is actuated as a function of the manifold pressure request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Dennis A. Light, Anthony H. Heap, Honghao Tan
  • Publication number: 20130024080
    Abstract: A system for managing a temperature of a working fluid in a vehicle powertrain can include a temperature sensor and a controller. The working fluid can be located in a transmission of the powertrain, and a temperature sensor can be in thermal contact with the working fluid and configured to output data indicative of a real-time temperature of the working fluid. The controller can be in electrical communication with the temperature sensor and at least one of a power source and the transmission. The controller can be configured to compare the data from the temperature sensor to a temperature threshold, select a terminal speed limit when the data indicates that the temperature is less than or substantially equal to the temperature threshold, and select a reduced speed limit when the data indicates that the temperature is greater than the temperature threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: JAMES ROBINSON
  • Patent number: 8359144
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a torque machine mechanically rotatably coupled via a transfer gear set to a drive wheel. The transfer gear set includes a first gear meshingly engaged to a second gear with lash angle between the first and second gears. A method for operating the powertrain system includes monitoring an output speed associated with the torque machine and a wheel speed associated with the drive wheel. A transition between a first torque transfer state and a second torque transfer state is detected, the transition including a gear lash event across the transfer gear set. An elapsed time period for completing the gear lash event across the transfer gear set during the transition between the first torque transfer state and the second torque transfer state is set, and a target output speed derived from the wheel speed during and at the end of the elapsed time period is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Morris, Gil J. Mendoza, R. Anthony Hansen
  • Publication number: 20130018554
    Abstract: A method of controlling a dual powertrain machine includes propelling the dual powertrain machine by transmitting power from a first engine of a primary electronically controlled powertrain to a first set of ground engaging elements, and transmitting power from a second engine of a secondary electronically controlled powertrain to a second set of ground engaging elements. The method also includes identifying a runout condition of the primary electronically controlled powertrain, and limiting a power output of the secondary electronically controlled powertrain responsive to the runout condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Lee Steinlage, David Richard Wisley, Fazal Ahmad Goraya, Brian Allen Byers
  • Publication number: 20130018555
    Abstract: A method of limiting machine speed of a dual powertrain machine includes propelling the dual powertrain machine by transmitting power from a first engine of a first electronically controlled powertrain to a first set of ground engaging elements, and transmitting power from a second engine of a second electronically controlled powertrain to a second set of ground engaging elements. The method also includes identifying a machine speed limit, executing a first machine speed limiting algorithm in a first controller of the first electronically controlled powertrain to determine a first engine control command based on the machine speed limit, and controlling the first engine using the first engine control command. A second machine speed limiting algorithm is executed in a second controller of the second electronically controlled powertrain to determine a second engine control command based on the machine speed limit, and the second engine is controlled using the second engine control command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Lee Steinlage, David Richard Wisley, Fazal Ahmad Goraya, Brian Allen Byers
  • Patent number: 8355856
    Abstract: An engine control system of a vehicle comprises a reserves module and a fault diagnostic module. The reserves module controls airflow into an engine based on a driver torque request, increases the airflow into the engine when a reserve torque request is received, and outputs a torque output command for the engine based on the driver torque request. The fault diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in the reserves module when the torque output command is greater than a sum of the driver torque request, a predetermined torque, and a load applied to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hartrey, Christopher E. Whitney, Jinchun Peng, Cheryl A. Williams, Richard B. Jess
  • Patent number: 8355855
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for controlling an integrated drive train. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling a gas turbine drive train includes measuring speed associated with the drive train, controlling fuel flow to a gas turbine based at least in part on a speed command and the measured speed, controlling one or more guide vanes associated with a torque converter based at least in part on the speed command and an expected power output of the torque converter, and selectively coordinating respective torque contributions from the torque converter and the gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Karl Dean Minto, Justin Aaron Allen
  • Patent number: 8352109
    Abstract: A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle drive apparatus, the vehicle control device configured with a release control mechanism that provides feedback controlling supplied oil pressure to a release side element, and an engagement control mechanism that increases supplied oil pressure to an engagement side element as an engagement element on a side to be engaged in a state that the differential rotation speed is substantially constant. The control device is further configured with a phase determining mechanism that determines if the torque phase has started when a condition that a phenomenon accompanying a change of the differential rotation speed due to increase of the supplied oil pressure to the engagement side element is detected is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Tsuda, Yomei Hakumura, Masahiro Asai, Yoichi Tajima, Tomokazu Ito
  • Patent number: 8352135
    Abstract: In a method of operating a hybrid drive train for a motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine, an electric machine and a transmission, a first clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the transmission and the electric machine being arranged in parallel with the first clutch and being connectable to the internal combustion engine by way of a second clutch and to the transmission via a third clutch, the electric machine is connected by means of the second and third clutches to the internal combustion engine and to the transmission for assisting the first clutch transmitting an excessive engine torque, and upon failure of the first clutch, for starting movement of the motor vehicle, the third clutch is engaged and the electric machine is energized for transferring an electric machine torque to the transmission and the second clutch is engaged when the vehicle has reached a speed corresponding to the engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Lang, Klaus Riedl
  • Patent number: 8352136
    Abstract: A vehicle control system for an engine-powered vehicle equipped with an engine and an automatic transmission with a clutch. When a given engine stop requirement is met during running of the engine, the system stops the engine automatically. When a given engine restart requirement is met after stop of the engine, the system restarts the engine and enters a clutch control mode to bring the clutch in the automatic transmission into a slippable state in which the clutch is permitted to slip based on the speed of the vehicle, thereby absorbing the acceleration shock which usually occurs upon engagement of the clutch to transmit engine torque to wheels of the vehicle when the engine is restarted, and the speed of the vehicle is relatively low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya Saito
  • Patent number: 8347858
    Abstract: In an apparatus for detecting condition of load connected to a general-purpose internal combustion engine, a first threshold value is compared with a sum obtained by adding a predetermined value to a detected throttle opening and changes the threshold value to the sum if the first threshold value is less than the sum and the engine is determined to be under first load condition if the throttle opening exceeds the threshold value. Next a second threshold value is compared with a difference obtained by subtracting change amounts of the engine speed and throttle opening and the engine is determined to be under second load condition if the difference exceeds the second threshold value, thereby enabling to accurately detect a condition of a load connected to the engine. Then the desired engine speed is changed in response to results of the determinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Shimamura, Takao Tamechika, Atsuhisa Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20130006488
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine stores priorities preset for a plurality of external loads on the internal combustion engine and actuates the plurality of external loads in order of priority at time intervals when requests for actuation of the external loads are simultaneously made during idling of the internal combustion engine. The plurality of external loads are properly actuated, thus preventing possible engine stall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8346448
    Abstract: Detection-time torque of a drive source is determined when a value that varies in accordance with depression of an accelerator pedal has exceeded a predetermined value, first torque is determined on the vehicle speed and the transmission gear ratio, second torque is determined on the detection-time torque and the first torque, third torque is determined on the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal and the second torque, and fourth torque is determined on the depression of the accelerator pedal, and the output torque is limited to the third torque as long as the third torque is less than the fourth torque. The third torque is determined such that in the case where the detection-time torque is greater than the first torque, an increase of the third torque is suppressed further than where the detection-time torque is not greater than the first torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kanazawa, Takeshi Kurata
  • Patent number: 8346447
    Abstract: An engine control system includes an inertia phase detection module, a feed-forward (FF) engine speed module, a FF APC module, a FF phaser position module, and a phaser control module. The inertia phase detection module determines when an inertia phase of a gear shift is occurring within a transmission. The FF engine speed module predicts an engine speed for a future time when the inertia phase ends. The FF APC module predicts an air-per-cylinder (APC) for the future time based on the engine speed. The FF phaser position module determines a FF phaser position based on the engine speed and the APC. The phaser control module controls a camshaft phaser position based on the FF phaser position during the inertia phase of the gear shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew W. Baur, Michael J. Pitsch, Christopher E. Whitney
  • Patent number: 8340884
    Abstract: A system and method for maximizing a vehicle's fuel efficiency preferably without inconveniencing the driver, includes maximizing a ratio of a real-time parameter proportional to engine load or engine power to fuel flow or air flow rate referred to herein as the P/F ratio. This ratio is calculated to evaluate engine fuel efficiency. With the system and method, the throttle is operated incrementally to increase or decrease the throttle in a manner to maximize the P/F ratio, thus maximizing fuel efficiency, in a pulse phase. The system and method implement an on and off pulse width modulation (“PWM”) style of control to modulate engine power and acceleration to achieve the speed that the driver desires, based on the position of the accelerator pedal. When the desired speed is achieved, the throttle is released and when the speed drops a sufficient amount, the throttle is re-engaged to reach the desired speed again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Jing He, Hongping He
  • Patent number: 8340865
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle wheel spin control apparatus that, when it is determined that a wheel spin occurs, reduces engine torque to prevent the wheel spin, including: detecting driving control information and information on the state of a vehicle and determining whether basic conditions required to perform engine torque limit control to prevent the wheel spin are satisfied; when the basic conditions are satisfied, calculating a speed variation and the speed gradient value, and comparing the speed gradient value with a predetermined speed gradient value to determine whether a spin occurs; when it is determined that the spin occurs, using a torque gradient map set according to the current engine torque to perform the engine torque limit control; and when the vehicle speed is reduced by the engine torque limit control and cancellation conditions are satisfied, canceling the engine torque limit control and returning to normal control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyungsoo Lee
  • Patent number: 8340877
    Abstract: An engine speed synchronizer for a manual transmission with an engine clutch, synchronizes rotation of the engine side of the engine clutch with rotation of the transmission side of the engine clutch by engine speed control with reference to operation of a shift lever under condition that the engine clutch is disengaged. The engine speed synchronizer determines whether or not a transmission input speed has started to change in a direction conforming to the operation of the shift lever; permits the synchronization in response to determination that the transmission input speed has started to change in the conforming direction; and inhibits the synchronization in response to determination that the transmission input speed has not started to change in the conforming direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Murayama, Masahiro Iriyama
  • Patent number: 8340882
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling a driver request torque in a hybrid electric vehicle, in which a driver request torque is calculated by determining that a driver has an intention to accelerate, if an accelerator opening degree detected by an accelerator pedal position sensor (APS) is greater than 0% when the accelerator pedal is depressed by the driver who intends to re-accelerate after coasting or decelerating, and a torque discontinuity, which may be caused when the APS is turned on?off?on according to the depression operation of the accelerator pedal by the driver, is controlled using an up/down torque rate limit logic, thus preventing deterioration of driving performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jeong Eun Kim
  • Patent number: 8335621
    Abstract: When downshift control is performed during fuel cut control (when coast-down gearshift control is performed), fuel cut reset revolutions are lowered and set to revolutions Ndwn that are lower than fuel cut reset revolutions Nnor for normal control. By such a setting, it becomes possible to maintain fuel cut control and deceleration lockup slippage control even when engine revolutions NE temporarily drop during execution of coast-down gearshift control, so an improvement in fuel consumption can be achieved. Moreover, it becomes unnecessary to set a downshift gearshift line to a higher vehicle speed side, so fuel cut can be maintained while suppressing the occurrence of a gearshift shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ayabe, Tomohiro Asami
  • Publication number: 20120316740
    Abstract: A motor vehicle to which a control device is applied includes an idling stop control section for stopping operation of an engine when a predetermined stopping condition is fulfilled while the engine is idling, and a neutral-at-idle control section for shifting a transmission of the vehicle into neutral when a predetermined shift-into-neutral condition is fulfilled. While a post-stoppage elapsed time measured by a timer is shorter than or equal to a predetermined time after the vehicle stops moving, operation of the engine is stopped by the idling stop control section if the predetermined stopping condition is fulfilled but shifting of the transmission into neutral by the neutral-at-idle control section is prohibited even if the shift-into-neutral condition is fulfilled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroshi Funakoshi, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Katsuyoshi Noda
  • Patent number: 8332109
    Abstract: A method for responding to a rapid change in engine torque includes monitoring a change in engine torque and determining a rapid change in engine torque when the change in engine torque exceeds a threshold change in engine torque. Subsequent to determining a rapid change in engine torque, an increase in the torque converter slip is provided by reducing the torque converter clutch pressure command by a selected value and thereafter the feedback control is deactivated for a predetermined duration. Subsequent to the predetermined duration, the feedback control is reactivated to decrease the torque converter slip toward a desired torque converter slip value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Scott A. Hearld, Xu Chen, Daniel J. Wickman, Xuefeng Tim Tao
  • Patent number: 8326510
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling output torque of a motor for an electric vehicle in downhill mode comprises following steps: detecting a tilt angle value ?, a current vehicle speed value V and an accelerator-pedal travel value Gain of the vehicle, determining whether the vehicle is in downhill mode or not, and if the result is positive, then calculating a downhill slip torque T1 of the vehicle under the tilt angle value ?, obtaining a maximum output torque T2, calculating an output torque T of the motor based on T1, T2, Gain and a given vehicle speed delimitative value Vref, and controlling the motor to output the calculated output torque T. The present invention ensures the vehicle speed not too high by controlling the output torque of an electric vehicle in downhill mode, even if the brake-pedal travel is zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: BYD Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaohua Tang, Xuguang Zhou, Yingwu Xu, Jian Gong, Nan Liu, Guangming Yang
  • Patent number: 8326511
    Abstract: A control system for a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine includes a fuel requirement estimation module, a torque estimation module, and a torque control module. The fuel requirement estimation module estimates a fuel requirement of the HCCI engine based on a desired indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) of cylinders in the HCCI engine. The torque estimation module estimates a torque output of the HCCI engine based on the estimated fuel requirement. The torque control module adjusts the torque output of the HCCI engine based on the estimated torque output and a desired torque output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Shibata, Allen B. Rayl, Andrew P. Bagnasco, Jun-Mo Kang, Peter Kafarnik
  • Patent number: 8326481
    Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system calculates a risk potential indicative of a degree of convergence between a host vehicle and a preceding obstacle. Then, the system performs a driver notification operation that produces a driver notification stimulus based on the risk potential such as decreasing the driving force exerted against the vehicle as the risk potential increases and increasing an actuation reaction force exerted on the accelerator pedal during its operation as the risk potential increases. If a failure is detected in a reaction force generating device serving to add a reaction force to the accelerator pedal in accordance with the risk potential, then the system corrects an engine torque characteristic such that the engine torque does not increase even if the accelerator pedal is depressed to suppress an odd feeling in the vehicle performance by the driver when a failure occurs in the reaction force generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kimura, Yosuke Kobayashi, Yukinori Nishida
  • Patent number: 8326475
    Abstract: A hybrid drive device includes a transfer torque estimation unit for estimating a transfer torque transferred by the lock-up clutch with the lock-up clutch slipping; and a target rotational speed determination unit for determining the target rotational speed of the rotary electric machine to be achieved in the rotational speed control on the basis of the transfer torque estimated by the transfer torque estimation unit, a target transmission device input torque of the transmission device determined on the basis of an operating state of a vehicle, and a turbine speed of the turbine runner, wherein the engine startup control device starts up the engine by controlling the rotational speed of the rotary electric machine to the target rotational speed determined by the target rotational speed determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yoshida, Yomei Hakumura, Hideki Hisada, Yoshinori Ono
  • Patent number: 8326502
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electric vehicle includes computing an electric motor RPM based on a computed Back Electromotive Force (BEMF). Modern electric vehicle designs include intelligent control of the electric motors and transmissions to respond to operator controls and provide efficient operation to extend battery life. An accurate measure of motor RPM is required for such control. Various methods are available for obtaining motor RPM, but most require external sensors susceptible to damage from road debris and the like. The BEMF is proportional to motor speed and independent of motor load. The BEMF may further be computed from the difference between IR loss and motor voltage. The motor RPM is them computed from BEMF using data recorded for the individual motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Snyder
  • Publication number: 20120303228
    Abstract: At or before time t2 when a kick-down switch was off, the higher speed a shift ratio selected by a driver is for, the smaller value a restriction rate K is set to. Consequently, driving force in a Mid-gear ratio is more restricted than driving force in a Lo-gear ratio. Further, driving force in a Hi-gear ratio is more restricted than driving force in the Mid-gear ratio. At time t2 when the kick-down switch changes from off to on, the restriction on driving force employing a restriction rate K is removed, whereupon an increment ? in driving force in the Hi-gear ratio is, as it had a greater restricted amount during KD OFF, greater than an increment ? in driving force in the Mid-gear ratio. A natural kick-down feeling responsive to the selected shift ratio is thus realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shunsuke Oyama
  • Patent number: 8321100
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a hybrid transmission device operative to transfer power between an input member and torque machines and an output member in one of a plurality of operating range states. The torque machines are connected to an energy storage device. A method for operating the powertrain system includes determining a permissible range of input operating points to the input member, determining ranges of motor torques for the torque machines, determining an available power range from the energy storage device, selecting a candidate input operating point within the permissible range of input operating points, and determining maximum and minimum achievable output torques transferable to the output member for the candidate engine operating point within the ranges of motor torques for the torque machines and within the available power range from the energy storage device in a candidate operating range state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 8321102
    Abstract: A method for controlling a drive train of a motor vehicle comprising a drive engine, an automated transmission, and an automated clutch arranged in the force flow between the drive engine and the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Maik Wurthner, Werner Wolfgang, Ingo Sauter
  • Patent number: 8321101
    Abstract: A system and method is employed to regulate a minimum transmission input speed based on automatic fluid temperature. The system includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the automatic transmission fluid and a controller for setting a minimum engine speed of the engine based on the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid. The size of a transmission pump may be reduced while the pump is still able to supply enough automatic transmission fluid to friction elements and gear ratios to provide lubrication and enable friction element actuators to engage and disengage the friction elements in a timely and effective manner. In a preferred form of the invention, when the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is below 210° F., the minimum engine speed is set to no greater than 900 rpm; and when the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is above 210° F., the minimum engine speed is set to no less than 1000 rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Gerald Thomas, Peter John Grutter, Felix Nedorezov, Bal G. Sankpal, John Edward Brevick
  • Patent number: 8321121
    Abstract: A fuel injection control apparatus is provided with a supply control section, a stop control section, a timing estimating section and a torque recovery control section. The supply control section controls fuel supplied to an engine based on a detected prescribed vehicle running state. The stop control section stops supplying fuel upon detecting a first prescribed vehicle running state. The timing estimating section estimates a timing at which a drive train transmitting a drive force from the engine to a wheel will change from a non-drive state in which the engine rotates due to a force from the wheel to a drive state in which the wheel rotates due to a drive force of the engine. The torque recovery control section resumes supplying fuel upon detecting a second prescribed vehicle running state and stops resumption of fuel being supplied for a prescribed amount of time based on the timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Santou, Taiki Tsukada