Idle speed control method and system for an internal combustion engine of an automobile vehicle

Claim 2

An intake air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is reduced to zero and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising in combination: means for sensing said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for sensing engine speed, means for sensing engine load, a first means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature; a second means for determining said open loop control ratio based on said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature and said sensed engine load; a third means for sensing engine driving conditions and for selecting in response thereto one of said feedback control and said open loop control; a fourth means responsive to said third means selecting said feedback control for determining said feedback control ratio based on said sensed engine speed and said reference engine speed; a fifth means responsive to said third means selecting said open loop control for correcting said open loop control ratio in response to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle; a sixth means for limiting maximum and minimum values of said feedback and open loop control ratios for improving the response characteristics of the control system; and a seventh means for operating said first to sixth means in a predetermined order.

Claim 3

A control system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising means for sensing the voltage of a battery of said vehicle and an eighth means for correcting said open loop control ratio responsive to a drop in vehicle battery voltage for incrementing engine speed to recharge said battery, said eighth means being operated after operating said second means.

Claim 4

A control system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first means determines said reference engine speed at a given constant speed when said engine or engine coolant temperature is in a range of normal ambient temperature range.

Claim 5

A control system as set forth in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said reference engine speed is corrected by a correction value based on the engine load condition determined by the kind of vehicle transmission, drive or neutral position of the transmission and the on or off position of an air conditioner, the correcting operation of the reference engine speed performed after operation of determining said reference engine speed by said first means.

Claim 6

A control system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second means determines said control ratio which indicates a pulse duty to control the ratio of energized period and deenergized period of an actuator provided in an air flow rate control valve interposed within an air intake passage for flowing the intake air for delivering the air to the combustion engine, and wherein said engine load condition is determined corresponding to kind of transmission, drive or neutral range of the transmission gear position and on or off of an air conditioner.

Claim 7

A control system as set forth in claim 4, wherein said second means determines a minimum control ratio, and said minimum control ratio is varied corresponding to said engine load condition.

Claim 8

A control system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said third means determines said feedback control condition which is a throttle valve provided in an air intake passage being entirely closed and engine being driven stably.

Claim 9

A control system as forth in claim 6, wherein said third means determines that engine is driven stable when the transmission or clutch is in neutral gear position or the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a given speed, and fuel supply system is not fuel shut off condition.

Claim 10

A control system as set forth in claim 7, wherein said third means is not operative to switch control operation between feedback control and open loop control if the difference between the actual engine speed and the reference between the actual engine speed and the reference engine speed is within a given range.

Claim 11

A control system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fourth means determines said control ratio indicative of a pulse duty of a pulse signal to vary the ratio of energized period and deenergized period of an actuator for controlling opening and closing an air flow rate control valve, said control ratio is defined a proportional constant of a proportional element of a control signal generator and an integral constant of integral element of said control signal generator, and said proportional constant is determined corresponding to said actual engine speed and said integral constant is determined corresponding to said actual engine speed and said difference between the actual engine speed and the reference engine speed. PG,102

Claim 12

A control system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fifth means is operative responsive to opening and closing of a throttle valve means to temporarily increase control ratio to increase air flow rate responsive to increasing of required rate, said fifth means decreases said corrected control ratio until it returns to normal range in a given rate and a given timing.

Claim 13

An intake air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is carried out selectively, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined based on engine or engine coolant temperature, wherein the system comprises in combination: a first sensor means for determining said engine or engine coolant temperature and generating a first sensor signal indicative of said determined engine or engine coolant temperature; a second sensor means for determining actual engine speed and generating a second sensor signal indicative of the determined actual engine speed; a third sensor means for detecting the position of a throttle valve of said engine and generating a third sensor signal when it detects the position of said throttle valve being fully closed; a fourth sensor means for detecting the gear position of a transmission of said vehicle and generating a fourth sensor signal when it detects the transmission being in neutral gear position; a fifth sensor means for detecting vehicle speed and generating a fifth sensor signal when the vehicle speed is less than a given speed; and a microcomputer selectively operating said vehicle for feedback control or open loop control, said microcomputer including a sixth means for determining a basic reference engine speed based on said first sensor signal, a seventh means for determining a correction rate for correcting said basic reference engine speed corresponding to an engine load condition, an eighth means for determining a basic control ratio corresponding to said reference engine speed and correcting said basic control ratio corresponding to said engine load, a ninth means for determining an engine driving condition based on said third to fifth sensor signals and based on whether a fuel supply device supplying fuel to said engine is in a shut off condition, and carrying out feedback control responsive to said third sensor signal and detecting of said stable driving condition of said engine and carrying out open loop control otherwise, a tenth means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said actual engine speed and said difference between said actual engine speed and corrected basic reference engine speed and an eleventh means for limiting maximum and minimum ratio of said control ratio and correcting said control ratio in response to said third sensor signal, said microcomputer operating said sixth to eleventh means in a predetermined order.

Claim 14

An intake air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is carried out selectively, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined based on engine or engine coolant temperature, wherein the system comprises in combination: a first sensor means for determining said engine or engine coolant temperature and generating a first sensor signal indicative of said determined engine or engine coolant temperature; a second sensor means for determining actual engine speed and generating a second sensor signal indicative of the determined actual engine speed; a third sensor means for detecting the position of a throttle valve of said engine and generating a third sensor signal when it detects the position of said throttle valve being fully closed; a fourth sensor means for detecting the gear position of a transmission of said vehicle and generating a fourth sensor signal when it detects the transmission being in neutral gear position; a fifth sensor means for detecting vehicle speed and generating a fifth sensor signal when the vehicle speed is less than a given speed; and a microcomputer selectively operating said vehicle for feedback control or open loop control, said microcomputer including a sixth means for determining a basic reference engine speed based on said first sensor signal, a seventh means for determining a correction rate for correcting said basic reference engine speed corresponding to an engine load condition, an eighth means for determining a basic control ratio corresponding to said reference engine speed and correcting said basic control ratio corresponding to said engine load, a ninth means for determining an engine driving condition based on said third to fifth sensor signals and based on whether a fuel supply device supplying fuel to said engine is in a shut off condition, and carrying out feedback control responsive to said third sensor signal and detecting of said stable driving condition of said engine and carrying out open loop control otherwise, a tenth means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said actual engine speed and said difference between said actual engine speed and corrected basic reference engine speed and an eleventh means for limiting maximum and minimum ratio of said control ratio and correcting said control ratio in response to said third sensor signal, said microcomputer operating said sixth to eleventh means in a predetermined order.

Claim 15

A control system as set forth in claim 12, wherein said system further comprises a twelveth means for correcting said reference engine speed in response to dropping of vehicle vattery voltage, said twelveth means is operative after operating the second means.

Claim 16

A control system as set forth in claim 12 or 13, wherein said system permits manually controlling said reference engine speed by increasing or decreasing the register voltage indicative of said reference engine speed at a given rate.

Claim 17

A control system as set forth in claim 12, wherein said first means determines said reference engine speed at a given constant speed when said engine or engine coolant temperature is in a range of normal ambient temperature range.

Claim 18

A control system as set forth in claim 12 or 13 wherein said reference engine speed is corrected corresponding to the engine load condition which is determined based on kind of transmission, drive or neutral range of the transmission gear position and on or off of air conditioner, the correcting operation of the reference engine speed is issued after operation of determining said reference engine speed of said first means.

Claim 19

A control system as set forth in claim 12, wherein said second means determines said control ratio which indicates a pulse duty to control the ratio of energized period and deenergized period of an actuator provided in an air flow rate control valve interposed within an air intake passage for flowing the intake air for delivering the air to the combustion engine, and wherein said engine load condition is determined corresponding to kind of transmission, drive or neutral range of the transmission gear position and on or off of an air conditioner.

Claim 20

A control system as set forth in claim 16, wherein said second means determines a minimum control ratio, and said minimum control ratio is varied corresponding to said engine load condition.

Claim 21

A control system as set forth in claim 12, wherein said third means determines said feedback control condition which is a throttle valve provided in an air intake passage being entirely closed and engine being driven stably.

Claim 22

A control system as forth in claim 18, wherein said third means determines that engine is driven stable when the transmission or clutch is in neutral gear position or the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a given speed, and fuel supply system is not fuel shut off condition.

Claim 23

A control system as set forth in claim 18, wherein said third means is not operative to switch control operation between feedback control and open loop control if the difference between the actual engine speed and the reference between the actual engine speed and the reference engine speed is within a given range.

Claim 24

A control system as set forth in claim 12, wherein said fourth means determines said control ratio indicative of a pulse duty of a pulse signal to vary the ratio of energized period and deenergized period of an actuator for controlling opening and closing an air flow rate control valve, said control ratio is defined a proportional constant of a proportional element of a control signal generator and an integral constant of integral element of said control signal generator, and said proportional constant is determined corresponding to said actual engine speed and said integral constant is determined corresponding to said actual engine speed and said difference between the actual engine speed and the reference engine speed.

Claim 25

A control system as set forth in claim 12, wherein said fifth means is operative responsive to opening and closing of a throttle valve means to temporarily increase control ratio to increase air flow rate responsive to increasing of required rate, said fifth means decreases said corrected control ratio until it returns to normal range in a given rate and a given timing.

Claim 26

In an intake air flow rate control system for controlling an air flow rate delivered to an internal combustion engine in idle engine condition, including a bypass passage bypassing a throttle valve provided in said air intake passage, a controlling means for controlling the amount of air flowing through said bypass passage, in said system, either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a control ratio for determining a ratio of activating period and inactivating period of said controlling means being determined corresponding to an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and the reference engine speed is reduced to zero and in said open loop control, said control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, a method for controlling intake air flow rate comprising: determining a basic reference engine speed corresponding to engine or engine coolant temperature; determining engine load applied to said internal combustion engine based on various sensor signal each of which is indicating said engine load; correcting said basic reference engine speed based on determined engine load; determining a basic control ratio for open loop control corresponding to said engine coolant temperature and correcting said basic open loop control ratio based on determined engine load condition; detecting a throttle valve closed position and stable engine driving condition and carrying out feedback control responsive to detecting the throttle valve closed position and stable engine driving condition or carrying out open loop control otherwise; determining control ratio for feedback control based on said actual engine speed and said reference engine speed so that determines a proportional constant of a proportional element of a control signal generator and an integral constant of an integral element of the control signal generator to determine pulse duty of pulse signal; determining maximum and minimum ratio of said control ratio so that said control ratio does not enter into a dead band of said controlling means in which said controlling means causes delay of response; and correcting said control ratio to increase the ratio responsive to acceleration of the vehicle and to decrease the ratio in response to deceleration of the vehicle.

Claim 27

In an intake air flow rate control system for controlling an air flow rate delivered to an internal combustion engine in idle engine condition, including a bypass passage bypassing a throttle valve provided in said air intake passage, a controlling means for controlling the amount of air flowing through said bypass passage, in said system, either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a control ratio for determining a ratio of activating period and inactivating period of said controlling means being determined corresponding to an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and the reference engine speed is reduced to zero and in said open loop control, said control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, a method for controlling intake air flow rate comprising: determining a basic reference engine speed corresponding to engine or engine coolant temperature; determining engine load applied to said internal combustion engine based on various sensor signal each of which is indicating said engine load; correcting said basic reference engine speed based on determined engine load; determining a basic control ratio for open loop control corresponding to said engine coolant temperature and correcting said basic open loop control ratio based on determined engine load condition; detecting a throttle valve closed position and stable engine driving condition and carrying out feedback control responsive to detecting the throttle valve closed position and stable engine driving condition or carrying out open loop control otherwise; determining control ratio for feedback control based on said actual engine speed and said reference engine speed so that determines a proportional constant of a proportional element of a control signal generator and an integral constant of an integral element of the control signal generator to determine pulse duty of pulse signal; determining maximum and minimum ratio of said control ratio so that said control ratio does not enter into a dead band of said controlling means in which said controlling means causes delay of response; and correcting said control ratio to increase the ratio responsive to acceleration of the vehicle and to decrease the ratio in response to deceleration of the vehicle.

Claim 28

A method as set forth in claim 24, wherein said system further comprises a step for correcting said reference engine speed in response to dropping of vehicle vattery voltage, said correction is carried out after operating the second means.

Claim 29

A method as set forth in claim 24 or 25, wherein manually control is permitted to control said reference engine speed by increasing or decreasing the register voltage indicative of said reference engine speed at a given rate.

Claim 30

A method as set forth in claim 24, wherein said step for determing the reference engine speed determines said reference engine speed at a given constant speed when said engine or engine coolant temperature is in a range of normal ambient temperature range.

Claim 31

A method as set forth in claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein said reference engine speed is corrected corresponding to the engine load condition which is determined based on kind of transmission, drive or neutral range of the transmission gear position and on or off of air conditoner, the correcting operation of the reference engine speed is issued after operation of said step for determining said reference engine speed.

Claim 32

A method as set forth in claim 24, wherein said step for determining basic control ratio for open loop control determines said control ratio which indicates a pulse duty to control the ratio of energized period and deenergized period of an actuator provided in an air flow rate control valve interposed within an air intake passage for flowing the intake air for delivering the air to the combustion engine, and wherein said engine load condition is determined corresponding to kind of transmission, drive or neutral range of the transmission gear position and on or off of an air conditioner.

Claim 33

A method as set forth in claim 28, wherein said step for determining basic control ratio determines a minimum control ratio, and said minimum control ratio is varied corresponding to said engine load condition.

Claim 34

A method as set forth in claim 24, wherein said step for selectively carrying out feedback control and open loop control determines said feedback control condition which is a throttle valve provided in an air intake passage being entirely closed and engine being driven stably.

Claim 35

A method as forth in claim 31, wherein said step determines that engine is driven stable when the transmission or clutch is in neutral gear position or the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a given speed, and fuel supply system is not fuel shut off condition.

Claim 36

A method as set forth in claim 31, wherein said step is not operative to switch control operation between feedback control and open loop control if the difference between the actual engine speed and the reference between the actual engine speed and the reference engine speed is within a given range.

Claim 37

A method as set forth in claim 24, wherein said step for determing feedback control ratio determines said control ratio indicative of a pulse duty of a pulse signal to vary the ratio of energized period and deenergized period of an actuator for controlling opening and closing an air flow rate control valve, said control ratio is defined a proportional constant of a proportional element of a control signal generator and an integral constant of integral element of said control signal generator, and said proportional constant is determined corresponding to said actual engine speed and said integral constant is determined corresponding to said actual engine speed and said difference between the actual engine speed and the reference engine speed.

Claim 38

A method as set forth in claim 24, wherein said step for correcting said control ration responsive to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle is operative responsive to opening and closing of a throttle valve means to temporarily increase control ratio to increase air flow rate responsive to increasing of required rate, said step decreases said corrected control ratio until it returns to normal range in a given rate and a given timing.

Claim 39

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for sensing said engine speed, means for sensing engine load, a first means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; a second means for determining said open loop control ratio based on said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature and said sensed engine load condition; a third means for sensing engine driving conditions and for selecting in response thereto one of said feedback control and open loop control; and a fourth means responsive to said third means selecting said feedback control for determining said feedback control ratio based on said sensed engine speed and said reference engine speed.

Claim 40

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for sensing said engine speed, means for sensing engine load, a first means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; a second means for determining said open loop control ratio based on said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature and said sensed engine load condition; a third means for sensing engine driving conditions and for selecting in response thereto one of said feedback control and open loop control; and a fourth means responsive to said third means selecting said feedback control for determining said feedback control ratio based on said sensed engine speed and said reference engine speed.

Claim 41

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing engine speed, means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for sensing engine driving conditions and for selecting in response thereto one of said feedback control and open loop control; and means responsive to feedback control selected by said sensing and selecting means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said sensed engine speed and said reference engine speed.

Claim 42

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing engine speed, means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for sensing engine driving conditions and for selecting in response thereto one of said feedback control and open loop control; and means responsive to feedback control selected by said sensing and selecting means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said sensed engine speed and said reference engine speed.

Claim 43

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising in combination: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature; means for sensing engine speed; means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for sensing engine driving conditions and for selecting in response thereto one of said feedback control and open loop control; means responsive to selection of feedback control by said sensing and selecting means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said sensed engine speed and said reference engine speed; and means responsive to selection of open loop control by said sensing and selecting means for correcting said open loop control ratio in response to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.

Claim 44

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising in combination: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature; means for sensing engine speed; means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for sensing engine driving conditions and for selecting in response thereto one of said feedback control and open loop control; means responsive to selection of feedback control by said sensing and selecting means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said sensed engine speed and said reference engine speed; and means responsive to selection of open loop control by said sensing and selecting means for correcting said open loop control ratio in response to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.

Claim 45

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing engine speed, means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for sensing engine driving conditions and for selecting in response thereto one of said feedback control and open loop control; means responsive to selection of feedback control by said sensing and selecting means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said sensed engine speed and said reference engine speed; and means for limiting maximum and minimum values of said feedback and open loop control ratios for improving the response characteristics of the control system.

Claim 46

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing engine speed, means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for sensing engine driving conditions and for selecting in response thereto one of said feedback control and open loop control; means responsive to selection of feedback control by said sensing and selecting means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said sensed engine speed and said reference engine speed; and means for limiting maximum and minimum values of said feedback and open loop control ratios for improving the response characteristics of the control system.

Claim 47

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing engine load, means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for determining said open loop control ratio based on said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature and said sensed engine load condition; and means for correcting said open loop control ratio in response to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.

Claim 48

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing engine load, means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for determining said open loop control ratio based on said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature and said sensed engine load condition; and means for correcting said open loop control ratio in response to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.

Claim 49

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing engine load, means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for determining said open loop control ratio based on said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature and said sensed engine load condition; and means for limiting maximum and minimum values of said feedback and open loop control ratios for improving the response characteristics of the control system.

Claim 50

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing engine load, means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for determining said open loop control ratio based on said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature and said sensed engine load condition; and means for limiting maximum and minimum values of said feedback and open loop control ratios for improving the response characteristics of the control system.

Claim 51

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing engine load, means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for determining said open loop control ratio based on said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature and said sensed engine load condition; means for correcting said open loop control ratio in response to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle; and means for limiting maximum and minimum values of said feedback and open loop control ratios for improving the response characteristics of the control system.

Claim 52

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing engine load, means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; means for determining said open loop control ratio based on said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature and said sensed engine load condition; means for correcting said open loop control ratio in response to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle; and means for limiting maximum and minimum values of said feedback and open loop control ratios for improving the response characteristics of the control system.

Claim 53

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing said engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing said engine speed, means for sensing engine load, a first means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; a second means for determining said open loop control ratio based on said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature and said sensed engine load condition; a third means for sensing engine driving conditions and for selecting in response thereto one of said feedback control and open loop control; a fourth means responsive to selection of feedback control by said third means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said sensed engine speed and said reference engine speed; means responsive to selection of open loop control by said sensing and selecting means for correcting said open loop control ratio responsive to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle; and means for limiting maximum and minimum values of said feedback and open loop control ratios for improving the response characteristics of the control system.

Claim 54

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is minimized and in said open loop control, an open loop control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, the system comprising: means for sensing said engine or engine coolant temperature, means for sensing said engine speed, means for sensing engine load, a first means for determining said reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; a second means for determining said open loop control ratio based on said sensed engine or engine coolant temperature and said sensed engine load condition; a third means for sensing engine driving conditions and for selecting in response thereto one of said feedback control and open loop control; a fourth means responsive to selection of feedback control by said third means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said sensed engine speed and said reference engine speed; means responsive to selection of open loop control by said sensing and selecting means for correcting said open loop control ratio responsive to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle; and means for limiting maximum and minimum values of said feedback and open loop control ratios for improving the response characteristics of the control system.

Claim 55

A control system as set forth in any one of claims 36 to 43, wherein said means for determining said reference engine speed means determines said reference engine speed at a given constant speed when said engine or engine coolant temperature is in a range of normal ambient temperature range.

Claim 56

A control system as set forth in claim 44, wherein said vehicle has one of a manual or automatic transmission and has an air conditioning unit and wherein said reference engine speed is corrected corresponding to the engine load condition which is determined based on the kind of transmission, the drive or neutral range of the transmission gear position and the on or off condition of the air conditioning unit, the correcting operation of the reference engine speed being effective after determination of said reference engine speed.

Claim 57

A control system as set forth in any one of claims 36, 40, 41 and 42, wherein said means for determining said open loop control ratio determines a minimum control ratio, said minimum control ratio being varied in dependence upon said engine load condition.

Claim 58

A control system as set forth in any one of claims 35, 37, 38 and 39, wherein said sensing and selecting means selects said feedback control by sensing a closed position of a throttle valve provided in an air intake passage of said vehicle and sensing a stable driving condition of said engine.

Claim 59

A control system as set forth in claim 47, wherein said sensing and selecting means is inhibited from switching control operation between feedback control and open loop control if the difference between the actual engine speed and the reference engine speed is within a given range.

Claim 60

A control system as set forth in any one of claims 33, 40 and 42, wherein said correcting means is operative in response to opening and closing of a throttle valve of said vehicle to temporarily increase said control ratios to increase said air flow rate in response to increasing of a required rate, said correcting means decreasing said corrected control ratios to return same to a normal range within a given time interval.

Claim 61

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is carried out selectively, in said feedback control a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and a reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in open loop control, said open loop control ratio being determined based on engine or engine coolant temperature, wherein the system comprises in combination: a first sensor means for determining said engine or engine coolant temperature and in response generating a first sensor signal indicative of said determined engine or engine coolant temperature; a second sensor means for determining actual engine speed and in response generating a second sensor signal indicative of the determined actual engine speed; a microcomputer selectively operating said vehicle for feedback control or open loop control, said microcomputer including means for determining a basic reference engine speed based on said first sensor signal, a means for carrying out feedback control when the engine is driven in a stable driving condition and for carrying out open loop control otherwise, and means for determining the feedback control ratio based on said actual engine speed and said difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed.

Claim 62

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is carried out selectively, in said feedback control a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and a reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in open loop control, said open loop control ratio being determined based on engine or engine coolant temperature, wherein the system comprises in combination: a first sensor means for determining said engine or engine coolant temperature and in response generating a first sensor signal indicative of said determined engine or engine coolant temperature; a second sensor means for determining actual engine speed and in response generating a second sensor signal indicative of the determined actual engine speed; a microcomputer selectively operating said vehicle for feedback control or open loop control, said microcomputer including means for determining a basic reference engine speed based on said first sensor signal, a means for carrying out feedback control when the engine is driven in a stable driving condition and for carrying out open loop control otherwise, and means for determining the feedback control ratio based on said actual engine speed and said difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed.

Claim 63

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is carried out selectively, in said feedback control a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in open loop control, said open loop control ratio being determined based on engine or engine coolant temperature, wherein the system comprises in combination: a first sensor means for determining said engine or engine coolant temperature and in response generating a first sensor signal indicative of said determined engine or engine coolant temperature; a second sensor means for determining actual engine speed and in response generating a second sensor signal indicative of the determined actual engine speed; a third sensor means for detecting a third sensor signal upon detecting a closed position of said throttle valve; a microcomputer selectively operating said vehicle for feedback control or open loop control, said microcomputer including a means for determining a basic reference engine speed based on said first sensor signal, means for determining a basic control ratio corresponding to said reference engine speed, said microcomputer carrying out feedback control in response to said third sensor signal and upon detecting of a stable driving condition of said engine, and carrying out open loop control otherwise, the control ratio for feedback control being based on said actual engine speed and said difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed.

Claim 64

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is carried out selectively, in said feedback control a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in open loop control, said open loop control ratio being determined based on engine or engine coolant temperature, wherein the system comprises in combination: a first sensor means for determining said engine or engine coolant temperature and in response generating a first sensor signal indicative of said determined engine or engine coolant temperature; a second sensor means for determining actual engine speed and in response generating a second sensor signal indicative of the determined actual engine speed; a third sensor means for detecting a third sensor signal upon detecting a closed position of said throttle valve; a microcomputer selectively operating said vehicle for feedback control or open loop control, said microcomputer including a means for determining a basic reference engine speed based on said first sensor signal, means for determining a basic control ratio corresponding to said reference engine speed, said microcomputer carrying out feedback control in response to said third sensor signal and upon detecting of a stable driving condition of said engine, and carrying out open loop control otherwise, the control ratio for feedback control being based on said actual engine speed and said difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed.

Claim 65

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is carried out selectively, in said feedback control a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in open loop control, said open loop control ratio being determined based on engine or engine coolant temperature, wherein the system comprises in combination: a first sensor means for determining said engine or engine coolant temperature and in response generating a first sensor signal indicative of said determined engine or engine coolant temperature; a second sensor means for determining actual engine speed and in response generating a second sensor signal indicative of the determined actual engine speed; a third sensor means for detecting a position of a vehicle throttle valve and in response generating a third sensor signal upon detecting a closed position of said throttle valve; a microcomputer selectively operating said vehicle for feedback control or open loop control, said microcomputer including a means for determining a basic reference engine speed based on said first sensor signal, means for determining a correction rate for correcting said reference engine speed corresponding to an engine load condition, means for determining a basic control ratio corresponding to said reference engine speed and correcting said basic control ratio corresponding to said engine load, means for determining an engine driving condition based on said third to fifth sensor signals and for carrying out feedback control in response to said third sensor signal and the detection of a stable driving condition of said engine and carrying out open loop control otherwise, and a means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said actual engine speed and said difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed.

Claim 66

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is carried out selectively, in said feedback control a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in open loop control, said open loop control ratio being determined based on engine or engine coolant temperature, wherein the system comprises in combination: a first sensor means for determining said engine or engine coolant temperature and in response generating a first sensor signal indicative of said determined engine or engine coolant temperature; a second sensor means for determining actual engine speed and in response generating a second sensor signal indicative of the determined actual engine speed; a third sensor means for detecting a position of a vehicle throttle valve and in response generating a third sensor signal upon detecting a closed position of said throttle valve; a microcomputer selectively operating said vehicle for feedback control or open loop control, said microcomputer including a means for determining a basic reference engine speed based on said first sensor signal, means for determining a correction rate for correcting said reference engine speed corresponding to an engine load condition, means for determining a basic control ratio corresponding to said reference engine speed and correcting said basic control ratio corresponding to said engine load, means for determining an engine driving condition based on said third to fifth sensor signals and for carrying out feedback control in response to said third sensor signal and the detection of a stable driving condition of said engine and carrying out open loop control otherwise, and a means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said actual engine speed and said difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed.

Claim 67

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is carried out selectively, in said feedback control a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in open loop control, said open loop control being determined based on engine or engine coolant temperature; wherein the system comprises in combination: a first sensor means for determining said engine or engine coolant temperature and in response generating a first sensor signal indicative of said determined engine or engine coolant temperature; a second sensor means for determining actual engine speed and in response generating a second sensor signal indicative of the determined actual engine speed; a third sensor means for detecting a position of a vehicle throttle valve and in response generating a third sensor signal upon detecting a closed position of said throttle valve; a fourth sensor means for detecting a gear position of a transmission or clutch of said vehicle and in response generating a fourth sensor signal upon detection of said transmission being in neutral gear position; a microcomputer selectively operating said vehicle for feedback control or open loop control, said microcomputer including a means for determining a basic reference engine speed based on said first sensor signal, means for determining a correction rate for correcting said reference engine speed corresponding to an engine load condition, means for determining a basic control ratio corresponding to said reference engine speed and correcting said basic control ratio corresponding to said engine load, means for determining an engine driving condition based on said third to fifth sensor signals and carrying out feedback control in response to said third sensor signal and the detection of a stable engine driving condition and carrying out open loop control otherwise, means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said actual engine speed and said difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed and means for limiting the maximum and minimum control ratios and correcting said control ratios in response to said third sensor signal.

Claim 68

An intake idle air flow rate control system for a vehicle internal combustion engine in which either feedback control or open loop control is carried out selectively, in said feedback control a feedback control ratio being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in open loop control, said open loop control being determined based on engine or engine coolant temperature; wherein the system comprises in combination: a first sensor means for determining said engine or engine coolant temperature and in response generating a first sensor signal indicative of said determined engine or engine coolant temperature; a second sensor means for determining actual engine speed and in response generating a second sensor signal indicative of the determined actual engine speed; a third sensor means for detecting a position of a vehicle throttle valve and in response generating a third sensor signal upon detecting a closed position of said throttle valve; a fourth sensor means for detecting a gear position of a transmission or clutch of said vehicle and in response generating a fourth sensor signal upon detection of said transmission being in neutral gear position; a microcomputer selectively operating said vehicle for feedback control or open loop control, said microcomputer including a means for determining a basic reference engine speed based on said first sensor signal, means for determining a correction rate for correcting said reference engine speed corresponding to an engine load condition, means for determining a basic control ratio corresponding to said reference engine speed and correcting said basic control ratio corresponding to said engine load, means for determining an engine driving condition based on said third to fifth sensor signals and carrying out feedback control in response to said third sensor signal and the detection of a stable engine driving condition and carrying out open loop control otherwise, means for determining said feedback control ratio based on said actual engine speed and said difference between said actual engine speed and reference engine speed and means for limiting the maximum and minimum control ratios and correcting said control ratios in response to said third sensor signal.

Claim 69

A control system as set forth in any one of claims 50, 51, 52 and 53, wherein said system further comprises means for correcting said reference engine speed in response to dropping of a vehicle battery voltage, said means operative after operating the second means.

Claim 70

A control system as set forth in any one of claims 50, 51, 52 and 53, wherein said vehicle has an idle air flow control valve and an actuator for actuating same and one of a manual or automatic transmission as well as an air conditioning unit and wherein second means determines said control ratios which indicate a pulse duty cycle to control the ratio of an energized period and a deenergized period of said actuator, said idle air flow control valve interposed within an air intake passage delivering air to the combustion engine, and wherein said engine load condition is determined corresponding to the kind of transmission, the drive or neutral transmission gear position and the on or off condition of said air conditioning unit.

Claim 71

In an intake air flow rate control system for controlling an air flow rate delivered to an internal combustion engine having a bypass passage bypassing a throttle valve provided in said air intake passage, a controlling means for controlling the amount of air flowing through said bypass passage, and wherein in said system either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a control ratio for determining a ratio of an activating period and an inactivating period of said controlling means being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and the reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in said open loop control, said control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature; a method for controlling intake air flow rate comprising: determining a basic reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; determining an engine load applied to said internal combustion engine; determining a basic control ratio for open loop control corresponding to said engine coolant temperature and correcting said basic open loop control ratio based on said determined engine load; detecting a closed position of a throttle valve and a stable engine driving condition and carrying out feedback control in response thereto and otherwise carrying out open loop control; and determining the control ratio for feedback control based on said actual engine speed and said reference engine speed so that a proportional constant is determined for a proportional element of a control signal generator an an integral constant of an integral element of the control signal generator to determine the pulse duty cycle of a pulse signal fed to said controlling means.

Claim 72

In an intake air flow rate control system for controlling an air flow rate delivered to an internal combustion engine having a bypass passage bypassing a throttle valve provided in said air intake passage, a controlling means for controlling the amount of air flowing through said bypass passage, and wherein in said system either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a control ratio for determining a ratio of an activating period and an inactivating period of said controlling means being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and the reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in said open loop control, said control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature; a method for controlling intake air flow rate comprising: determining a basic reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; determining an engine load applied to said internal combustion engine; determining a basic control ratio for open loop control corresponding to said engine coolant temperature and correcting said basic open loop control ratio based on said determined engine load; detecting a closed position of a throttle valve and a stable engine driving condition and carrying out feedback control in response thereto and otherwise carrying out open loop control; and determining the control ratio for feedback control based on said actual engine speed and said reference engine speed so that a proportional constant is determined for a proportional element of a control signal generator an an integral constant of an integral element of the control signal generator to determine the pulse duty cycle of a pulse signal fed to said controlling means.

Claim 73

In an intake air flow rate control system for controlling an air flow rate delivered to an internal combustion engine having a bypass passage bypassing a throttle valve provided in said air intake passage, or controlling means for controlling the amount of air flowing through said bypass passage, and wherein in said system either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a control ratio for determining a ratio of an activating period and an inactivating period of said controlling means being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and the reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in said open loop control, said control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, a method for controlling intake air flow rate comprising: determining a basic reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; determining a basic control ratio for open loop control corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; carrying out feedback control when the vehicle throttle valve is fully closed and carrying out open loop control otherwise; determining a control ratio for feedback control based on said actual engine speed and said reference engine speed so that a proportional constant is determined for a proportional element of a control signal generator and an integral constant of an integral element of the control signal generator to determine the pulse duty cycle of a pulse signal fed to said controlling means.

Claim 74

In an intake air flow rate control system for controlling an air flow rate delivered to an internal combustion engine having a bypass passage bypassing a throttle valve provided in said air intake passage, or controlling means for controlling the amount of air flowing through said bypass passage, and wherein in said system either feedback control or open loop control is selectively carried out, in said feedback control, a control ratio for determining a ratio of an activating period and an inactivating period of said controlling means being determined based on an actual engine speed and a reference engine speed so that a difference between said actual engine speed and the reference engine speed is reduced to zero, and in said open loop control, said control ratio being determined corresponding to an engine or engine coolant temperature, a method for controlling intake air flow rate comprising: determining a basic reference engine speed corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; determining a basic control ratio for open loop control corresponding to said engine or engine coolant temperature; carrying out feedback control when the vehicle throttle valve is fully closed and carrying out open loop control otherwise; determining a control ratio for feedback control based on said actual engine speed and said reference engine speed so that a proportional constant is determined for a proportional element of a control signal generator and an integral constant of an integral element of the control signal generator to determine the pulse duty cycle of a pulse signal fed to said controlling means.

Claim 75

A method as set forth in claim 56 or 57, wherein said system further comprises the step of correcting said reference engine speed in response to dropping of vehicle battery voltages.

Claim 76

A method as set forth in claim 56 or 57, wherein said step of determining the reference engine speed determines said reference engine speed at a given constant speed when said engine or engine coolant temperature is in a normal ambient temperature range.

Claim 77

A method as set forth in claim 59, wherein said reference engine speed is corrected corresponding to the engine load speed is corrected corresponding to the engine load condition which is determined based on kind of vehicle transmission, selected drive or neutral transmission gear position and on or off condition of a vehicle air conditioner, the correcting operation of the reference engine speed issued after operation of said step for determining said reference engine speed.

Claim 78

A method as set forth in claim 56 or 57, wherein said step of determining the basic control ratio for open loop control determines said control ratio which indicates a pulse duty cycle to control the ratio of an energized period and a deenergized period of an actuator forming part of said controlling means, and wherein said engine load condition is determined corresponding to kind of vehicle transmission, drive or neutral transmission gear position and on or off condition of a vehicle air conditioner.

Claim 79

A method as set forth in claim 60, wherein said step for determining the basic control ratio determines a minimum control ratio, said minimum control ratio being varied corresponding to said engine load condition.

Claim 80

A control system as set forth in any one of claims 36 to 43, wherein said system further comprises means for correcting said control ratios in response to a drop of vehicle battery voltage for recharging same.