Control Of Engine Torque Patents (Class 701/84)
  • Patent number: 6813553
    Abstract: A coordinated brake control system of a hybrid brake system is arranged to determine a total braking torque command value according to a vehicle operating condition, to distribute the total braking-torque command value to regenerative braking-torque command value and the hydraulic braking-torque command value, to calculate a reference model response value relative to a wheel-cylinder hydraulic pressure command value, on the basis of a braking force reference model taking account of a delay of the actual hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic control system relative to the wheel-cylinder hydraulic pressure command value, and to correct the regenerative braking-torque command value according to a braking torque control error between the estimated braking torque actual value and the reference model response value. The corrected regenerative braking-torque command value is employed in the control of the regenerative brake apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Nakamura, Kazuhiko Tazoe, Hiroyuki Ashizawa
  • Patent number: 6810981
    Abstract: A traction control system (TCS) in which the engine torque is reduced after a slip threshold has been exceeded by at least one driven wheel and is raised again after the slip has fallen below the threshold, the traction control system further including an arrangement for detecting cornering and coefficient of friction. In order to improve vehicle stability when cornering, upon detection of cornering on a road surface having a low coefficient of friction, the gradient of the engine torque increase during the TCS control action is set lower than when traveling straight ahead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Sauter
  • Patent number: 6807474
    Abstract: A method and a system in a vehicle to control the input torque to a drivetrain member (4) connected to an engine (2) is presented. The method comrises the steps of determining (101, 210) a value of the input torque (Ti) and determining (101, 210) the rotational speed (RPMi) of an input shaft (6) of the drivetrain member (4). A value of a first torque dependent function (Eoi) is calculated (105, 106, 206, 207), based on the rotational speed (RPMi), the value of the input torque (Ti) and a limit value of the input torque (TMax), the value of the input torque (Ti) exceeding the limit value of the input torque (TMax). If the value of the first torque dependent function (Eoi) exceeds a predetermined limit value of the first torque dependent function (EoMax), the input torque is reduced (109, 212).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anders Bergqvist, Per Anders Mattsson
  • Patent number: 6802384
    Abstract: A device and a method for traction control for a vehicle, the setpoint engine torque being reduced to a pre-control value if one drive wheel exceeds a specified slip threshold, the rate time being increased if the vehicle acceleration or speed exceeds a threshold value, the setpoint engine torque being increased during the rate time as a function of the vehicle acceleration or speed, and regulation of the slipping wheel being initiated after the end of the rate time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Sauter
  • Patent number: 6801862
    Abstract: A method of controlling the braking force in a vehicle has the following steps: determining actual values of controlled variables; determining setpoint values of controlled variables; comparing the actual values with the setpoint values, thereby obtaining comparison results; and influencing wheel forces on the basis of the comparison results, wheel forces being used as controlled variables, the actual values of the wheel forces being determined by a sensor system which measures the wheel force, torques having a modulation frequency being generated at the wheels, whereby the slip of the wheels and the wheel force of the wheels are modifiable, the slip of the wheels and the wheel forces of the wheels are analyzed, and the setpoint values of the wheel forces are determined from the analysis of the slip of the wheels and the wheel forces of the wheels. A system for controlling the braking force in a vehicle is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Dietmar Arndt, Rolf Maier-Landgrebe
  • Patent number: 6792344
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling an automotive vehicle are disclosed, in which a control amount for securing safety of the vehicle and the control amount for achieving a state intended for by the driver of the vehicle are switched in such a manner as to reduce the shock due to the change in the torque generated from the power train, thereby accomplishing both safety and maneuverability at the same time. A first target value is set for controlling at least selected one of the driving torque, the driving force and the acceleration/deceleration rate. A second target value is calculated in accordance with the drive mode intended for by the driver or the driving environment ahead of the vehicle. In the case where a deviation exceeding a predetermined value develops between the first target value and the second target value, the fluctuations of at least one of the driving torque, the driving force and the acceleration/deceleration rate are suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimichi Minowa, Tatsuya Ochi, Satoru Kuragaki, Mitsuo Kayano, Tokuji Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20040176899
    Abstract: A system controls torques applied to a plurality of wheels of a motor vehicle. One or more angular velocity sensors determine speed for each of the plurality of wheels. A vehicle yaw acceleration sensor determines actual yaw acceleration of the vehicle. A desired yaw acceleration sensor determines intended yaw acceleration for the vehicle. A net torque command sensor determines intended vehicle direction and intended torque magnitude for the vehicle. An electronic control unit processes data from the velocity sensors, the vehicle yaw acceleration sensor, the desired yaw acceleration sensor and the net torque command sensor to generate torque signals for the plurality of wheels. One or more torque producers responds to the torque signals to vary torque applied to each of the plurality of wheels, such that the wheels engage in one of acceleration and deceleration dependent upon driver intent and with controlled traction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen James Hallowell
  • Patent number: 6763295
    Abstract: In apparatus and method for controlling a driving force for an automotive vehicle, a manipulated variable of an accelerator is detected, a vehicular velocity is detected, a vehicular velocity control purpose target driving force is calculated from an absolute value of the manipulated variable of the accelerator and the vehicular velocity, an acceleration control purpose target driving force is calculated from either at least one of an absolute value of the accelerator manipulated variable and a variation velocity of the manipulated variable of the accelerator or from at least one of an absolute value of a result of calculation of the vehicular velocity control purpose target driving force and a variation velocity of the result of calculation of the same, and both of the vehicular velocity control purpose target driving force and the acceleration control purpose target driving force are synthesized to achieve a target driving force of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shusaku Katakura, Mikio Nozaki, Daisuke Yoshinoya
  • Patent number: 6754574
    Abstract: When changing gear, engagement side clutch coupling force of an automatic transmission (32) is controlled in response to an engagement side clutch coupling force control amount set in advance in an engagement side clutch coupling force control amount storage section (36). A disengagement side clutch coupling force control amount calculating block (40) has a physical model of the automatic transmission (32) internally. This disengagement side clutch coupling force control amount calculating block (40) then calculates disengagement side clutch coupling force control amount from a transmission input torque estimation value estimated by a transmission input torque estimation block (34), a running resistance estimation value from a running resistance estimation block (38) and engagement side clutch coupling force control amount using the physical model, and controls the automatic transmission (32) using the calculated disengagement side clutch coupling force control amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaaki Tokura, Katsumi Kono, Norimi Asahara, Ryoichi Hibino, Hiroyuki Nishizawa, Masataka Osawa
  • Publication number: 20040117099
    Abstract: In a vehicular brake force control apparatus, an engine brake force Feb is calculated; a road surface friction coefficient &mgr; and a rear wheel degree of grip &egr;r is calculated ; and a threshold value Ke is calculated such that the threshold value Ke increases as the road surface friction coefficient &mgr; becomes smaller. When the rear wheel degree of grip &egr;r is smaller than the threshold value Ke, it is determined that vehicle behavior of a vehicle is liable to become unstable when the engine brake force Feb acts. In this case, a sum of the engine brake force Feb and a target friction brake force Fbv based upon a steering operation amount of a driver is distributed to each wheel in accordance with a distribution that stabilizes the vehicle behavior of the vehicle. Based on this distribution result, a friction brake force and an output torque of the engine are controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shoji Inagaki, Kenji Asano
  • Publication number: 20040117101
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for regulating the drive torque following a load change in hybrid vehicles, in which the drive torque is influenced in a load change in that a brake slip at the driven wheel of the hybrid vehicle as a result of the load change is already counteracted in the beginning phase, in such a way that any effect on the lateral stability and thus the stability of the hybrid vehicle during driving is excluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Rolf Maier-Landgrebe
  • Patent number: 6738702
    Abstract: A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutches of multiple torque transmission paths so that the torque disturbance in the engine results in relatively constant vehicle drive torque. In particular, during particulate filter regeneration, a potential torque increase is transmitted through multiple torque paths of the transmission to maintain output torque relatively constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ilya V. Kolmanovsky, Davorin David Hrovat
  • Patent number: 6735511
    Abstract: A brake control system for a vehicle is comprised of a first braking device that generates a braking torque by operating a driving source of the vehicle and a second braking device that generates the braking torque by operating a hydraulic brake system of the vehicle. A controller of the brake control system is arranged to calculate a desired braking torque according to a driver's demand, to divide the desired braking torque into a low-frequency component and a high-frequency component, to command the first braking device to generate the high-frequency component, and to command at least one of the first braking device and the second braking device to generate the low-frequency component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Nakamura, Junji Tsutsumi, Kazuhiko Tazoe, Yutaka Kaneko, Hiroyuki Ashizawa
  • Patent number: 6708096
    Abstract: A method and device are described for controlling an element of a drive train, which is influenceable by an operating device, in a vehicle having a control unit and a storage device, the element and/or the operating device being implementable in different variants. In this case, at least one identifier is stored in the storage device, the identifier representing the respective variant of the element and/or of the operating element which is contained in the vehicle. The element is controlled by the control unit as a function of the respective identifier in accordance with the respective variant. At the same time, different states of the respective variant of the element are selected, in particular through the operating means, an identifier being assigned for each possible state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rasmus Frei, Andrea Steiger-Pischke, Christian Schwientek, Marko Poljansek, Wolfgang Hermsen, Markus Paeulgen
  • Patent number: 6704638
    Abstract: An engine toque estimator according to the invention includes a vehicle data bus that provides a plurality of engine operating inputs including at least one of engine RPM, spark and a dilution estimate. A steady state torque estimator communicates with the vehicle data bus and generates a steady state engine torque signal. A measurement model communicates with the vehicle data bus and compensates for errors associated with engine-to-engine variation. A dynamic torque estimator communicates with at least one of the vehicle data bus, the measurement model, and the steady state torque estimator and generates an actual torque signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Joseph Robert Dulzo, Onassis Matthews, Donovan L. Dibble, Alfred E. Spitza, Jr., Scott Joseph Chynoweth
  • Patent number: 6701243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling traction slip, wherein a variable defining the wheel behavior on at least one of the driven wheels is determined, and control states such as increase brake pressure, decrease brake pressure, or maintain brake pressure are controlled in dependence on this variable, and the change-over between the control states, such as increase brake pressure, decrease brake pressure, or maintain brake pressure, or switch on or off traction slip control are regulated. In order to improve the control, at least one further variable which represents the running stability of the engine, is included in the control of the control states and/or the switch-over between the control states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHG
    Inventors: Georg Roll, Frank Haller
  • Patent number: 6689015
    Abstract: Method for influencing the propulsive power of a motor vehicle driven by a drive motor. An intervention variable, influencing the torque of the drive motor, is ascertained as a function of the wheel behavior of at least one wheel of the motor vehicle, and/or as a function of the motion of the motor vehicle. The drive motor is acted upon with the intervention variable to limit the propulsive power of the motor vehicle. An easily manipulated, safe, and reliable capability for automatically detecting situations in which the driver desires a greater propulsive power and making a greater propulsive power available in those situations, a motor vehicle with a slip control system is created. Evaluating a pedal variable that describes the actuation of an accelerator pedal of the motor vehicle, or a limitation variable that describes the number of limitations of driver stipulations resulting from the ascertaining of the intervention variable within a definable time window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Schmitt, Tobias Weiss
  • Patent number: 6691017
    Abstract: A vehicle behavior control device includes a turning limit state detecting device for detecting a turning limit state of a vehicle and an engine output control device for performing a torque-down control by decreasing an engine output when the turning limit state of the vehicle is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Banno, Shiro Monzaki
  • Patent number: 6687582
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and a method for controlling the idle speed of a powertrain. The possible idle speed control operating modes detailed are (1) engine-torque-control/motor-speed-control, (2) engine-off/motor-speed-control, and (3) engine-speed-control/motor-torque-control. The engine-off/motor-speed-control mode is used when all conditions to turn the engine off are met. The motor is run at a speed that is determined by the ancillary demands—subject to motor or engine constraints. The engine-torque-control/motor-speed-control operating mode is used when the engine is required to be on to provide torque to various mechanically driven ancillary loads, or to charge the batteries. The engine-speed-control/motor-torque-control operating mode is used when the engine is required to be on because of conditions not related to providing torque to other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen De La Salle, Michael Larsen, Rongjun Zhang, Mathew Breton
  • Patent number: 6675083
    Abstract: Method for restoration of the drive torque during a change of gear, wherein the clutch is closed in order to adjust the angular speed of the drive shaft to match the angular speed of the primary shaft of the gearbox; when the angular speed of the drive shaft is close to the angular speed of the primary shaft of the gearbox, a reference profile is generated for the angular speed of the drive shaft, and the drive torque generated by the engine is controlled in order to make the angular speed of the drive shaft follow the reference profile, which has a final portion which is substantially tangent to the angular speed of the primary shaft of the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Amisano, Gabriele Serra
  • Patent number: 6671603
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling power units of a vehicle powertrain for optimizing their respective efficiencies, thereby optimizing an overall vehicle efficiency. The method includes the steps of determining an efficiency of a power unit, determining present operational data of the power unit, determining a torque to be provided to the vehicle powertrain, determining a plurality of optimization constraints as a function of the torque to be provided, the present operational data and the efficiency of the power unit, determining an optimized operation mode of the power unit as a function of the optimization constraints and the present operational data of the power unit, and manipulating the power unit to operate in the optimized operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J Cari, Timothy A Coatesworth, Gregory L Ohl, Sven Merkle
  • Patent number: 6668224
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine that is variably connected, for example, via a mechanical clutch, to a drive train including a transmission. The vehicle also has a functional device operated by a torque generated by the internal combustion engine. A load applied by the functional device on the internal combustion engine when the drive train and the engine are engaged during deceleration of the vehicle and a speed of the internal combustion engine is lower than a predetermined value is controlled such that the load is reduced to a first value lower than a second value of the load applied to the engine when the speed of the internal combustion engine is equal to or higher than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kawai, Hiroshi Tsujii, Ken Kuretake, Masanori Sugiura, Hideto Hanada
  • Publication number: 20030225500
    Abstract: A method and a system in a vehicle to control the input torque to a drivetrain member (4) connected to an engine (2) is presented. The method comrises the steps of determining (101, 210) a value of the input torque (Ti) and determining (101, 210) the rotational speed (RPMi) of an input shaft (6) of the drivetrain member (4). A value of a first torque dependent function (Eoi) is calculated (105, 106, 206, 207), based on the rotational speed (RPMi), the value of the input torque (Ti) and a limit value of the input torque (TMax), the value of the input torque (Ti) exceeding the limit value of the input torque (TMax). If the value of the first torque dependent function (Eoi) exceeds a predetermined limit value of the first torque dependent function (EoMax), the input torque is reduced (109, 212).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Anders Bergqvist, Per Anders Mattsson
  • Patent number: 6656085
    Abstract: A method of controlling a drive train of a motor vehicle having an engine, wheels, a wheel slip control system, and an automatic transmission having a clutch, the clutch capable of being opened and closed, wherein the automatic transmission is controlled based upon signals generated by the wheel slip control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6636795
    Abstract: A powertrain system (10) control for controlling engine (12) output torque as a function of engaged ratio of a transmission (14). Separate torque limits, A, B, C, D, respectively, are set for start ratios, intermediate ratios, direct ratio and overdrive ratios. The torque limits are set such that A<B<C>D and B<D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy J. Morscheck
  • Publication number: 20030171869
    Abstract: A vehicle traction control system that is based on the management of the torque that is produced by the vehicle power train. The actual angular acceleration of a portion of the vehicle drive line is compared to the maximum predicted angular acceleration of the portion of the vehicle drive line to determine the occurrence of a wheel slipping condition. In response to the detection of a wheel slipping condition, the amount of excess drive torque that is being produced by the power train is quantified and the drive torque that is produced by the power train is reduced by an amount which corresponds to the excess. When the slipping condition has been abated, the reduction in the magnitude of the drive torque that is produced by the power train is reduced and eventually eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Potter, Dean A. Celini, Daniel S. Denton
  • Patent number: 6618662
    Abstract: A method and a device for anti-slip control, in particular, for traction control, in a motor vehicle, in which, in a first operating mode, a braking force is applied individually to each driving wheel with a tendency to spin to reduces its slip, and in which, in a second operating mode, an output quantity of the driving motor is additionally reduced if two driving wheels on the same axle show a tendency to spin, thereby avoiding, in an especially reliable manner, unwanted switching from the first to the second operating mode. A switch from the first to the second operating mode takes place no earlier than the end of a first waiting time that is selected in proportion to the difference between the braking forces applied to the two driving wheels with a tendency to spin and occurs after the tendency to spin of the second driving wheel is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Schmitt, Andreas Zoebele
  • Patent number: 6615126
    Abstract: A vehicle traction control system that is based on the management of the torque that is produced by the vehicle power train. The actual angular acceleration of a portion of the vehicle drive line is compared to the maximum predicted angular acceleration of the portion of the vehicle drive line to determine the occurrence of a wheel slipping condition. In response to the detection of a wheel slipping condition, the amount of excess drive torque that is being produced by the power train is quantified and the drive torque that is produced by the power train is reduced by an amount which corresponds to the excess. When the slipping condition has been abated, the reduction in the magnitude of the drive torque that is produced by the power train is reduced and eventually eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J Potter, Dean A Celini, Daniel S Denton
  • Patent number: 6611747
    Abstract: An exemplary method is described for influencing the moment delivered by a vehicle drive of a vehicle. In this method a change in load which occurs during cornering of the vehicle is detected, upon detection a minimum value of an intervention quantity which influences the torque delivered is determined and the vehicle drive is acted upon by the minimum value of the intervention quantity for a selectable period of time. To achieve an improvement in the change in load performance of a vehicle in cornering and an improvement in the driving performance of the vehicle in coasting operation, the minimum value determined for the intervention quantity and/or the period of time is corrected as a function of the coefficient of friction of the road surface on which the vehicle is traveling and/or as a function of a deceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Schmitt, Tobias Weiss
  • Publication number: 20030158647
    Abstract: In apparatus and method for controlling a driving force for an automotive vehicle, a manipulated variable of an accelerator is detected, a vehicular velocity is detected, a vehicular velocity control purpose target driving force is calculated from an absolute value of the manipulated variable of the accelerator and the vehicular velocity, an acceleration control purpose target driving force is calculated from either at least one of an absolute value of the accelerator manipulated variable and a variation velocity of the manipulated variable of the accelerator or from at least one of an absolute value of a result of calculation of the vehicular velocity control purpose target driving force and a variation velocity of the result of calculation of the same, and both of the vehicular velocity control purpose target driving force and the acceleration control purpose target driving force are synthesized to achieve a target driving force of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shusaku Katakura, Mikio Nozaki, Daisuke Yoshinoya
  • Patent number: 6609056
    Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle operating in a automatic speed control speed mode is provided. The first step in the method is measuring the torque output of the engine. A torque load acting on the transmission in a first gear is then determined. A maximum torque capable of being produced by the engine is then predicted. A torque output of the transmission in a second gear is then determined based upon the predicted maximum torque capable of being produced by the engine. A transmission shift from the first gear to the second gear is then allowed if the determined torque output of the transmission in the second gear is greater than the torque load of the transmission in a first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W Czarnecki, Howard L Benford
  • Patent number: 6604039
    Abstract: The trunnion (23) of a vehicle toroidal continuously variable transmission is displaced by a step motor (52) via a control valve (56) and oil pressure servo cylinder (50) in order to vary a speed ratio of the transmission. A controller (80) calculates a target value (z*) of a control variable (z) based on an accelerator pedal depression amount (APS) and output disk rotation speed (&ohgr;co) (S5). Further, a time-variant coefficient (f) showing the relation between the trunnion displacement (y) and variation rate ({dot over (&phgr;)}) of the gyration angle (&phgr;) of the power roller, is calculated (S10). The error between the speed change response of the transmission and a target linear characteristic can be decreased by determining a command value (u) to the step motor (52) under a control gain determined based on a time differential ({dot over (f)}) of the coefficient (f) (S20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Joe, Taketoshi Kawabe, Itsuro Muramoto
  • Patent number: 6600988
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle is described. The method determines a desired vehicle condition based on three driver actuated elements. In a preferred embodiment the first element can be pedal position, the second element can be a brake actuator or, more specifically, brake actuation duration, and the third element can be a gear selection lever. Further, the desired vehicle condition can be desired powertrain output, vehicle acceleration, or various other parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Da, Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 6600974
    Abstract: A device for detecting a pendulum motion of a vehicle. The device includes at least one first ascertainment arrangement, with which a lateral-motion-dynamics quantity is ascertained that represents the lateral motion dynamics of the vehicle. In addition, the device includes a second ascertainment arrangement with which a speed quantity is ascertained that describes the vehicular speed. With the aid of a third ascertainment arrangement it is ascertained, as a function of the at least one lateral-motion-dynamics quantity and the speed quantity, whether a pendulum motion of the vehicle exists. For that purpose, it is at least checked whether the at least one lateral-motion-dynamics quantity is greater than an associated threshold value and the speed quantity is greater than an associated threshold value. A pendulum motion of the vehicle exists when the lateral-motion-dynamics quantity is greater than the associated threshold value and when the speed quantity is greater than the associated threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ansgar Traechtler
  • Patent number: 6591178
    Abstract: A traction control for a motor vehicle responds to detection of a rough road surface so as to shift control away from propulsion power reduction and toward brake control to an over-spinning driven wheel when the rough road surface is detected. This better adapts the traction control to a road surface that may have a high coefficient of friction but produces intermittent loss of traction due to wheel hop or normal force fluctuations due to the rough road surface. The lower power reduction is obtained by increasing a target brake pressure used to derive a brake pressure error signal from which from which a power reduction command is derived. A delta target brake pressure may also be increased to provide a higher target velocity for the driven wheel propulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Edward Krueger, Raymond Kurt Schubert, Keith Wayne Beyer
  • Publication number: 20030125864
    Abstract: A vehicle behavior control device includes a turning limit state detecting device for detecting a turning limit state of a vehicle and an engine output control device for performing a torque-down control by decreasing an engine output when the turning limit state of the vehicle is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Masaki Banno, Shiro Monzaki
  • Patent number: 6584399
    Abstract: A traction control system of a vehicle having a device for calculating a target traction torque of each of a pair of driving wheels based upon operating conditions of the vehicle, a device for calculating a target slip ratio of each of the pair of driving wheels based upon the target traction torque calculated therefor, and a device for controlling the engine and the brake system such that actual slip ratio of each of the pair of driving wheels coincides with the target slip ratio calculated therefor according to a feedback control, with a partial feedforward control of the engine and the brake system based upon the target traction torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Koibuchi
  • Patent number: 6564135
    Abstract: A braking torque regulator for a vehicle includes a braking energy recovery arrangement that is able to generate a first braking torque which may not exceed a maximum first braking torque, and a mechanical brake system that is able to generate a second braking torque. The braking torque regulator is supplied with a setpoint braking torque, and the first braking torque and/or the second braking torque is regulated by the braking torque regulator so that the setpoint braking torque is used to correct an actual braking torque detected by a sensor system. A method is for regulating a braking torque in a vehicle and circuitry for a braking torque regulator for a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Dietmar Arndt, Rolf Maier-Landgrebe
  • Patent number: 6539298
    Abstract: A driving control device and methods including controllers for independently controlling a steering angle, and braking and driving force of each wheel. The device includes detectors that detect driver input including a steering operation amount, a driving force operation amount, and a braking force operation amount. Moreover, the device includes calculators that calculate a vehicle target longitudinal and lateral force, and a vehicle target yaw moment based on the inputs by the driver, a target generating force of each wheel based on the detected amounts, and a target steering angle and target braking and driving torque of each wheel based on the target generating force of each wheel. Finally, a controller controls the device so that a steering angle and the braking and driving torque of each wheel are determined to be the target steering angle and the target braking and driving torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoji Inagaki, Yoshikazu Hattori
  • Patent number: 6536402
    Abstract: An engine control system, dredging system, and a method for controlling torque output of an engine. An engine control system controls torque output of an engine. At least one sensor is coupled with the engine. The sensor monitors and transmits operating data of the engine. An electronic device coupled to the sensor is operable to control the engine as a function of the transmitted operating data. The engine is controlled by the electronic device to operate substantially at a predetermined torque limit over a predetermined range of engine speeds, by determining and regulating an amount of fuel to the engine. Alternatively, the engine is controlled by the electronic device to operate substantially at, and between predetermined upper and lower torque limits over a predetermined range of engine speeds, by determining and regulating an amount of fuel to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Houchin, Richard P. Laird, Kevin A. Lantz, David E. Redfield, Christopher J. Wichael
  • Patent number: 6535809
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain torque control provides an engine drag control mode of operation during periods of undesired engine drag induced wheel slip by modifying the torque of the vehicle engine in closed loop control to maintain a driven wheel speed at a predetermined target velocity lower than the vehicle speed by a target velocity difference providing as much engine braking as is consistent with a desired degree of lateral traction. The control derives a velocity error as the difference between the driven wheel speed and the target velocity and derives and delivers to the powertrain a torque command for reducing the velocity error. The torque control determines the engine drag control mode in response to the wheel speed sensors, preferably causing entry of the engine drag control mode when the driven wheel speed that is closest to the vehicle speed falls below the target velocity while powertrain delivered torque and throttle position are below predetermined values indicative of deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Wayne Beyer, Eric Edward Krueger, Vincent E Marchese, Todd David Brown, Alan Rae Lustre
  • Publication number: 20030040862
    Abstract: The invention proposes a process for determining the driving torque of a vehicle as it is starting, comprising the steps of determining the idling properties of the engine on the basis of a model, comparing the output values of the model with corresponding measured values or values derived therefrom, and determining the driving torque of the vehicle according to the comparison. A device for determining the driving torque of a vehicle as it is starting is proposed, wherein this device exhibits a model of the idling properties of the engine, a comparing element for the output values of the model and corresponding measured values or values derived therefrom, and a determining element for determining the driving torque of the vehicle according to the results of the comparison. Furthermore, the invention proposes a process and device for determining an externally generated variable that drives or brakes the vehicle as well as for supporting uphill starting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Alfred Eckert, Jurgen Diebold, Thomas Berthold
  • Publication number: 20030036839
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting powertrain braking to mass, grade, and brake temperature. Vehicle mass is determined using a vehicle speed sensor and an tractive effort model based on engine-torque delivered, torque converter multiplications, and transmission ratio and tire rolling radius effects. Road grade is continuously calculated and altitude change is calculated based on grade and distance traveled. To achieve an ideal amount of powertrain braking, powertrain braking is directed towards a designed coast performance target based on deceleration as a function of vehicle speed. Fuzzy logic is used to evaluate driver intentions, grade load conditions, terrain conditions, brake conditions and other vehicle information to determine the actual, optimal powertrain braking control. A real time brake thermal model is developed to provide increased powertrain under extreme brake conditions. The powertrain braking efforts are limited when restricted by available tractive efforts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Ed E. Han, Todd R. Berger
  • Publication number: 20030018426
    Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for monitoring a drive unit of a vehicle and/or components allocated thereto, a torque variable is determined that characterizes the torque requirement of the drive unit and/or the allocated components. Faults are recognized on the basis of the torque variable and/or a variable on the basis of which the torque variable is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Juergen Bauer, Andreas Huber, Volker Pitzal, Udo Schulz
  • Patent number: 6505109
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method for a drive unit of a vehicle. The drive unit incorporates an engine, a mechanical stepped gearbox and a connecting device which is designed to transmit rotary motion from the engine to the stepped gearbox. An electric rotor machine acts upon the connecting device such that substantially no torque is transmitted from the engine to the gearbox during gear changing. A control unit connected to the rotor machine may be responsive to the output shaft from the gearbox or to the speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (publ)
    Inventors: Gunnar Strandell, Hans Wikström
  • Patent number: 6494282
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a drive unit of a motor vehicle. In this context, in response to a tendency to spin of at least one drive wheel, the torque of the drive unit is reduced. The reduction of the torque, in this context, is limited to a minimum value, which is preferably a function of the prevailing driving situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Hessmert, Thomas Sauter
  • Patent number: 6493622
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for adjusting the output torque or the output speed of an internal combustion engine in order to protect the differentials. The crux and advantage of the present invention lies in calculating and monitoring the rpm differences or the rpm differences in the transverse direction of any vehicle (front-wheel-, rear-wheel-, and four-wheel-drive) as well as the difference in the Cardan speeds that exists in the longitudinal direction in four-wheel drive vehicles. When a specifiable limiting value is exceeded, an automatic reduction in the drive torque or an automatic limiting of the engine speed to a manageable level takes place. This protective function for the differentials cannot be switched off and is available even in the passively activated drive-torque AMR control system. It can only be realized by software using already existing sensors and actuator devices. The application outlay is minimal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Erban
  • Publication number: 20020173894
    Abstract: A control strategy and method for controlling friction element engagement and disengagement time for an automatic transmission when the transmission is operating at cold ambient temperatures. During drive-to-reverse or reverse-to-drive friction element engagements with power on, the strategy compensates for a tendency of an oncoming friction element to gain capacity before an off-going clutch loses capacity, thereby avoiding a potential friction element tie-up condition when the transmission is operated with intermediate or high levels of engine torque as the friction elements are sequentially engaged and disengaged during cold rock cycling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: John Paul Gorys, Brian Michael O'Neil, John Mathew Pogorzelski, Jacob Martin Povirk, Joseph Scott Slayton, Steven DeWayne Dunn
  • Patent number: 6463379
    Abstract: A device for influencing the propulsion of a vehicle includes a first arrangement for measuring a transverse acceleleration variable describing the transverse acceleration acting upon the vehicle, a second arrangement for determining a variable describing the time behavior of the transverse accelaretion variable, a third arrangement for determining an intervention variable at least as a function of the transverse acceleration variable and of the variable describing the time behavior of the transverse acceleration variable, and a fourth arrangement for carrying out at least engine interventions for influencing the propulsion as a function of the intervention variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Kohler, Johannes Schmitt, Guenter Braun, Andreas Zoebele, Matthias Kottmann
  • Patent number: 6457454
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine for a road vehicle having an automatic transmission, it being detected if the road vehicle is rolling back while forward gear is engaged, and the ignition angle of the internal combustion engine being changed to increase the torque of the internal combustion engine when back-rolling is detected while forward gear is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Gras