Clutch Controlled Patents (Class 477/74)
  • Patent number: 11685258
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a torque transfer clutch of a vehicle. A first data source indicates if the clutch is in AWD or 4×4 mode. An integrator system monitors energy transferred across the clutch. A temperature data source measures or calculates the clutch temperature. In a first case, the integrator accumulates data of the energy across the clutch during a monitoring period that is compared to a maximum accumulated energy value and initiates a powertrain torque dependent transfer point learn routine. In a second case, the controller responds to energy accumulator cycle data in a single monitoring cycle that is compared to a maximum cycle data value. In a third case, the controller responds to clutch temperature data and compares the temperature data to a maximum temperature value. The second and third cases initiate a non-powertrain torque dependent transfer point learn routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Harriman, II, Michael Frey, Filip Tomik, Bradley D. Riedle, Peter Chagnon
  • Patent number: 10703357
    Abstract: An apparatus for starting engine of mild hybrid electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an ignition switch including a plurality of contact points; A gradient detector configured for detecting a road gradient of a road on which the vehicle is located; a state of charge (SOC) detector configured for detecting an SOC of a high voltage battery; a mild hybrid starter & generator (MHSG) including a stator and a rotor disposed inside the stator, and starting the engine or generating electricity by an output of the engine; a starter which is able to start the engine independently from the MHSG; an MHSG wheel rotating integrally with the rotor; an MHSG position detector configured for detecting a position of the MHSG; and a controller configured for determining a top dead center (TDC) of a predetermined cylinder based on a signal of the MHSG position detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: YoungMin Kim
  • Patent number: 10648555
    Abstract: A method of controlling the gear shifting of an automatic range-change transmission, which is arranged between a drive engine and a final drive in a drive train of a motor vehicle and includes at least one multi-stage main transmission, a two-stage front-mounted group upstream of the main transmission, and a transmission brake. The main transmission can be shifted, via unsynchronized clutches, and the front-mounted group can be shifted, via synchronized clutches. Upon upshifting in the range-change transmission including at least one change of a transmission ratio stage of the front-mounted group, synchronization of the front-mounted group is effected via actuation of the synchronized clutch of the front-mounted group and supportingly via at least intermittently parallel actuation of the transmission brake. Actuation of the transmission brake, for supporting the synchronization of the front-mounted group, is effected on the basis of a prevailing driving or operating situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Martin Rist, Tobias Mayerhofer, Mario Steinborn
  • Patent number: 10457286
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a vehicle automatic transmission comprising a dog clutch utilize a set of sensors configured to measure accelerator pedal position, torque generating device speed, and vehicle speed, and a controller configured to detect whether a coast downshift of the transmission to a desired gear ratio and involving the dog clutch is to be performed. In response to detecting that the coast downshift involving the dog clutch is to be performed, the controller determines whether the accelerator pedal has been depressed indicating a request for increased torque generating device speed/torque, when the accelerator pedal is depressed, performs a downshift of the transmission, while the accelerator pedal is not depressed, determines whether a synchronization point of the vehicle speed relative to the torque generating device speed has been reached and when the vehicle/torque generating device speed synchronization point has been reached, performs the downshift of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: William Mayhew, Stephen Tokish
  • Patent number: 10150481
    Abstract: In a rough terrain vehicle, at a time of preparing to start movement, in a case that a left paddle switch and a right paddle switch are operated together with an accelerator pedal, an ECU disengages a clutch of an automatic transmission, and causes an output of an engine to increase. On the other hand, at a time of starting movement, in a case that the left paddle switch and the right paddle switch are returned to their initial positions, the ECU engages the clutch and transmits the output of the engine from the engine to vehicle wheels via the automatic transmission, to thereby rapidly start movement of the rough terrain vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Naoki Sakamoto, Yasuhiro Nozaki, Naoki Kobayashi, Dai Arai, Takao Kochi
  • Patent number: 10124786
    Abstract: A method for determining a measuring point of a hybrid decoupler of a hybrid vehicle, which is operated by a hydrostatic clutch actuator, with the hybrid decoupler coupling or decoupling an internal combustion engine and an electro-traction drive. The measuring point is determined by a slow operation of the hybrid decoupler, starting from a position of the hybrid decoupler which it assumes in the idle state, when a defined increase in torque is detected at the electro-traction drive. In the method, the term for measuring adaption is considerably shortened, and the measuring point is adapted at a running internal combustion engine and a stationary electro-traction drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Erhard Hodrus
  • Patent number: 10094435
    Abstract: A method for learning a torque-stroke (T-S) curve of an electric motor controlled dry clutch system is disclosed. The method includes calculating a position change value A for allowing a position change point P3 corresponding to an arbitrary torque y3 on a previous T-S curve C1 to follow-up and be moved to an expectation T-S curve C3, by a control unit, calculating a probability Pr_X3 to allow the position change value A to consider various environmental factors of a clutch within a valid range, and multiplying the probability Pr_X3 to the position change value A to calculate a final position change value A, by the control unit, and calculating a new point P3 by applying the final position change value A to the position change point P3 of the previous T-S curve C1, and generating a final T-S curve connecting the new point P3 and a touch point to learn, by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Autron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong Jin Park
  • Patent number: 10087998
    Abstract: A method to estimate an amount of force in a clutch pack of a clutch actuation system. The method includes engaging an actuation motor to apply a set point force to the clutch pack and monitoring a position of the actuation motor when the set point force is applied. Additionally, the method includes determining one or more clutch clamping curves and one or more clutch releasing curves based on a relationship between the position of the actuation motor and an amount of torque applied by the actuation motor at position of the actuation motor. The method further includes modeling one or more frictional characteristics of the clutch actuation system and estimating an amount of clamping and releasing force within the clutch pack by using a control unit. The amount of torque applied to the clutch pack between the clutch clamping and releasing curves at the set point force is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Stijn Goossens, Mark R. J. Versteyhe, Thomas J. Vyncke
  • Patent number: 10035512
    Abstract: The present invention is capable of suppressing gear shift shocks or delays in acceleration with no interruption of driving force and reducing the weight. Disclosed is a transmission which is provided with multiple stage shift gears so arranged to shift a number of dog clutches to shift a gear to the upper stage of the multiple stage shift gears, and is characterized in that a guide part is provided to a shift operation section and the dog clutches on each of the sages so as to move the lower dog clutch in a neutral direction by a coasting torque acting on the lower stage by a shift rotation of the upper stage to release a meshing engagement when meshing engagements of the lower and upper dog clutches are simultaneously performed by an operation of the shift operation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Ikeya Formula Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Ikeya, Masao Teraoka
  • Patent number: 9759276
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle, a friction clutch is disposed between a drive unit and a transmission. The value of the contact point of the clutch is adapted at predetermined points in time. A method for controlling the friction clutch includes the steps of determining a value of the contact point of the friction clutch, this value having been modified as a result of an adaptation thereof, and of continuously reducing the value of the contact point at a predetermined ramp rate, without letting this value drop below a predefined contact point reduction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Georg Goppert
  • Patent number: 9707963
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes a manual transmission are presented. In one example, a clutch actuator that responds to a position of a manual operated clutch pedal is adjusted to operate a clutch so that the vehicle may be stopped, while the engine is running or not, without the driver applying the clutch pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Bradley Dean Riedle, Hong Jiang
  • Patent number: 9233684
    Abstract: Disclosed a system and method of learning and controlling a torque transmission kiss point of an engine clutch. In particular, a determination is made as to whether power transference to a transmission transmitting an output from the engine and the motor has been interrupted, and whether the engine is being driven. The motor is then controlled so that a speed of the motor is maintained at a set speed different from a speed of revolutions of the engine when the power transference to the transmission has been interrupted and the engine is being driven. A state change of the motor is then detected while increasing hydraulic pressure applied to the engine clutch at a set ratio and a torque transmission kiss point of the engine clutch is calculated based on the state change of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Joonyoung Park
  • Patent number: 9233686
    Abstract: A method and system for setting a learning period of an engine clutch of a hybrid vehicle are provided. The engine clutch controls a connection of power between an engine and a motor of a hybrid vehicle, and the method includes: detecting and accumulating a launch slip time of the engine clutch; detecting and accumulating a launch slip entry number of times of the engine clutch; detecting and accumulating a time in which a temperature of the engine clutch exceeds a setting temperature; detecting and accumulating a number of times in which the temperature of the engine clutch exceeds the setting temperature; and setting a learning period of the engine clutch based on at least one of the launch slip accumulation time, the launch slip entry accumulation number of times, the setting temperature exceeding accumulation time, and the setting temperature exceeding accumulation number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joonyoung Park, Chun Hyuk Lee
  • Patent number: 9008926
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric machine adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member through selective application of a plurality of clutches. A method for controlling the powertrain includes commanding a shift from a fixed gear operating range state to a second operating range state, commanding decreased reactive torque through an off-going clutch during a torque phase of said commanded shift, and decreasing said reactive torque through said off-going clutch through control of engine input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Lawrence A. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 8974345
    Abstract: A method of performing a double swap kickdown shift in a transmission having a main box and a compounder. The compounder is shifted during the hold speed phase of the downshift. The target ratio for the downshift is overshot by an overshoot RPM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Hussein Dourra, Javed Dada
  • Publication number: 20140162845
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of controlling forces transmitted to wheels/tracks of a vehicle. The method includes receiving an electrical indication that a first brake is engaged, such as by a user pressing his foot to a service brake. The method further includes electrically transmitting an instruction to apply force restricting movement of the wheels, such as force exerted from a brake, in an amount above a first threshold, such as an amount necessary to unilaterally prevent movement. The method also includes electrically transmitting an instruction to reduce force being applied to the wheels from a transmission while the (brake) force above the first threshold is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: David Rindfleish, Jamie Carr, Jeremy Shuler, Francois Stander
  • Patent number: 8634987
    Abstract: A creep travel capability of an electric vehicle is secured when an abnormality occurs in a brake sensor. When an accelerator operation amount reaches 0% in a low vehicle speed region, a target creep torque is set, whereupon a motor-generator is controlled toward the target creep torque. The target creep torque is reduced as a brake pedal is depressed in order to suppress heat generation and the like in the motor-generator during vehicle braking. Hence, in an electric vehicle in which the target creep torque is varied in accordance with the brake operation amount, when an abnormality occurs (step S11) in a brake sensor for detecting a brake operation amount, a preset prescribed creep torque is employed as the target creep torque regardless of the brake operation amount (step S15). The prescribed creep torque is set at a required magnitude for securing the creep travel capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Itaru Seta, Yosuke Ohtomo
  • Patent number: 8584824
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling an automatic freewheeling function in a vehicle where a freewheeling function is active due to a prevailing freewheeling condition and where a control unit is programmed to: predict that the vehicle soon will travel in a steep downhill slope that is steeper compared to a prevailing downhill slope; simulate if less fuel will be consumed if the freewheeling function is inactivated in a a further position before the vehicle enters the steeper downhill slope, compared to if the vehicle enters the steeper downhill slope with the freewheeling function active; and inactivate the freewheeling function in the further position, that is, before the vehicle enters the steeper downhill slope if the simulation shows that less fuel will be consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Niklas Öberg
  • Publication number: 20130267380
    Abstract: A planetary gear device is provided between a driving wheel and an energy accumulating device. A sun gear of the planetary gear device is connected to an input shaft of the energy accumulating device. A carrier of the planetary gear device is connected to the driving wheel. A torque adjusting device is connected to a ring gear of the planetary gear device. When a regeneration control is not carried out, the torque adjusting device is controlled by a control unit, so that a braking torque generated at the torque adjusting device and applied to the ring gear is controlled in order to make a difference of a rotational speed at a smaller value between the input shaft and the sun gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eitaro TANAKA, Takahiro NARITA
  • Patent number: 8321108
    Abstract: A method of controlling an automobile clutch in an automated transmission system with a CMPC control is disclosed having application to vehicle clutch control in an AMT system. The driver's request is translated in terms of sliding velocity ?sl. Constraints on the engine and clutch actuators are defined to respect their operating limits, and driving quality constraints are defined to guarantee comfort during the clutch engagement phase. In order to meet these quality constraints, a reference trajectory is defined for ?sl as a function of the clutch engagement time. An analytical expression allowing real-time calculation of a set of control trajectories with a CMPC control law is then defined from the expression of this reference trajectory. The trajectory respecting the constraints on the actuators is selected from among all these control trajectories. Finally, the clutch is controlled with the selected control trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventors: Paolino Tona, Rachid Amari, Mazen Alamir
  • Patent number: 8306707
    Abstract: A system and method of dithering speed and/or torque for shifting a transmission of a vehicle having an engine, a reversible, variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump which can be driven by the engine, a hydraulic accumulator supplied by said motor/pump, and at least one reversible hydraulic driving motor for propelling the vehicle supplied with fluid by the hydraulic accumulator and/or by said motor/pump operating as a pump. A transmission unit connects the engine with the variable displacement hydraulic motor/pump during a first mode of operation (city mode) and connects the engine to a vehicle drive wheel during a second mode of operation. The system utilizes stored hydraulic energy to dither the output of the driving motor in order to achieve quick and smooth shifts between city and highway mode, or between various ranges within the city mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Yisheng Zhang, John Loeffler
  • Patent number: 8285436
    Abstract: A vehicle state judging apparatus includes a wheel speed sensor provided on a vehicle detecting a wheel speed, a shift position sensor detecting a position of a shift lever, an acceleration sensor detecting acceleration acting on the vehicle, and a judging unit judging a vehicle state from detection values of the wheel speed sensor, the shift position sensor and the acceleration sensor. The judging unit judges that a travel direction of the vehicle is switched when the judging unit detects that the shift lever is switched from a position other than forward movement to a position of the forward movement or switched from a position other than backward movement to a position of the backward movement, detects that the wheel speed is not lower than a first reference speed, and further detects that the wheel speed becomes not higher than a second reference speed before the moment of detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Yoshii
  • Publication number: 20100185372
    Abstract: A method for actuating a clutch (6) of a drivetrain of a motor vehicle such that, when the motor vehicle is rolling downhill with the accelerator pedal not being actuated and when the motor vehicle is coasting on level ground with the accelerator pedal not being actuated, a clutch position of the clutch (6) is determined as a function of a rotational speed difference between an input speed of a transmission (2) of the drivetrain and an idling speed of a power engine (1) of the drivetrain. The method includes the steps of determining the clutch position from the rotational speed difference between the transmission input speed and the power engine idling speed and correcting the clutch position using at least one parameter that depends on acceleration of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Peter Herter, Joachim Staudinger, Rainer Petzold, Franz Bitzer
  • Publication number: 20090306869
    Abstract: In a method for detecting the status of the clutch in the drive train of a motor vehicle, the engine speed and the speed are ascertained and a transmission ratio is formed as the quotient of the engine speed and speed. Furthermore, a reference value is determined, which is set equal to the transmission ratio iges from a first time step. In a subsequent time step, the difference between the instantaneous transmission ratio iges and the reference value is formed, a disengaged clutch status being detected if the difference exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Helmut Wandel
  • Patent number: 7603221
    Abstract: An automatic slowing down system for a vehicle taking a bend includes a computer that integrates a series of instructions to process at least one of first, second and third signals according to kinematic control laws of vehicle displacement to deliver signals for a forward motion actuator and a steering actuator, a forward control and a steering control that supply the first signal representative of a forward motion data and a steering data to the computer based on an operator's requirement, a linear speed sensor and a yaw speed sensor that supply the second signal to the computer, and a unit that supplies the third signal relating to road grip to the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Nexter Systems
    Inventors: Emile Urvoy, Olivier Pape, Stephane Leveque
  • Patent number: 7584040
    Abstract: The following steps are performed in the control method: determining a mode of operation from amongst a permanent mode and a transient mode, as a function of a set of variables comprising said estimated values; correcting the value of the speed of rotation of the outlet shaft in such a manner that: if the mode has been determined as being the permanent mode, then the moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) over a period (T) of a plurality of unit time intervals lies between a first threshold value (S1) that is negative and a second threshold value (S2) that is positive; and if the mode has been determined as being the transient mode, then said moving average (L?) of the gear ratio (L) lies outside the range of values defined by the first and second threshold value (S1, S2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventor: Stéphane Rimaux
  • Patent number: 7527579
    Abstract: A clutch control device is used to engage and disengage a clutch of a straddle-type vehicle. A method of using the device comprises detecting a predetermined operation, such as positioning a key switch in an ON position, for starting use of the straddle-type vehicle, detecting application of a brake of the straddle-type vehicle, and actuating clutch control means that disconnects the clutch upon detection of application of the brake if the predetermined operation for starting use is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Zenno, Atsushi Kamo
  • Patent number: 7513848
    Abstract: A transmission has a first gearshift group, a second gearshift group, and a controller. The controller is configured to perform a method that includes fully coupling the first gearshift group to an engine drive shaft, and partially coupling the second gearshift group to the drive shaft while the first gearshift group is fully coupled to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Inoue, Satoshi Kishi
  • Patent number: 7491150
    Abstract: A robotized gear change for motor vehicles, and in particular motor vehicles for disabled persons, configured for implementing a plurality of operating modes that can be selected by the driver via a manually operable hand or foot selection device, in which first operating modes associated with the automatic gear-change mode can be selected when the vehicle is stationary and a brake pedal is depressed, and in second operating modes corresponding to the level of performance of the engine, and hence the vehicle, can be selected by the driver when the vehicle is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Sergio Damiani, Gianfranco Burzio, Silvia Quattrocolo
  • Patent number: 7470215
    Abstract: A drivetrain including a primary clutch and a secondary clutch is well-suited for use in a single-speed vehicle. The primary clutch may be automatically-engaging or manually-engaging. The secondary clutch, preferably, is normally engaged and is configured to disengage, or slip, at a threshold torque level. Desirably, the slip torque level of the secondary clutch is configured to be greater than the peak engine torque of the vehicle such that disengagement of the secondary clutch due to engine-supplied torque does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Cobra Motorcycle Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Bud Maimone, Alexis Uspenski
  • Publication number: 20080248920
    Abstract: A method for operating a semi-automatic or automatic manual transmission of a heavy truck when driving at idle speed. The method includes supplying fuel to the engine of the heavy truck at a rate that facilitates engine-idle operation. In another step, the method engages the automatic or semi-automatic transmission in a gear higher than the starting gear of the transmission and permits the truck to operate at a first substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. Depending upon traffic and environmental requirements which require a slower or higher speed, the driver downshifts or upshifts the semi-automatic or automatic transmission by depressing a control pedal of the truck and then drives the truck at a second substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. For a downshift, the second substantially uniform driving velocity is less than the first substantially uniform driving velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Sixten Berglund
  • Publication number: 20080248921
    Abstract: In an apparatus and method for operating a motor vehicle having a driver request detection means for a predefined value of a set point driving speed, a brake device with brake pressure detection means, a driving speed detection means for detecting an actual driving speed, and a control unit for controlling operation of the vehicle, means are provided for triggering a safety reaction of the control unit if a detected actual driving speed is below a defined stationary state limit value, and the predefined speed request value and the brake pressure simultaneously exceed limit values assigned to them in order to prevent operation of the motor vehicle in a way that may cause damage to the motor vehicle drive components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Johann Rempler
  • Patent number: 7409885
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of controlling a twin-clutch transmission (10). When the torque transmitted in a first transmission path (C1, E2, Z8, Z9, S2, Z3, Z4) reaches an upper limit given by the torque transmission capacity of that path further additional torque produced by an engine at the drive shaft (I) is transmitted by closure of the second clutch (C2) to the output shaft (O) in parallel relationship by way of a second transmission path (C2, E1, Z1, Z2, S1, Z3, Z4). That permits the output of the engine to be better utilised and makes it possible to achieve better travel characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Krauss, Michael Schwekutsch
  • Patent number: 7399256
    Abstract: A transmission having plural clutches includes a first clutch for connecting and disconnecting transmission of driving force to a first input shaft including a driving gear configured to be engaged with a driven gear provided at an output shaft of the transmission driven by a driving force generating device, a second clutch operating independently from the first clutch for connecting and disconnecting transmission of driving force to a second input shaft including a driving gear configured to be engaged with a driven gear provided at the output shaft, a driving force detection device for detecting driving force, a slip detection device for detecting physical quantity related to a slip of a driving wheel, and a device for controlling the second clutch for importing the physical quantity related to the slip and the driving force and for controlling engagement ratio of the second clutch where the first clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Tanba, Shiro Ogami
  • Patent number: 7381147
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling functions of an occupational vehicle (1) comprising a driving motor (2), a clutch (3), a service brake (13, 14) that acts upon the wheels (11, 12) of the vehicle, a working device (21), and a hydraulic pump (15) which supplies the actuators (32) of the clutch (3), the service brake (13, 14), and the actuators (19, 20) of the working device (21) with pressure, via hydraulic pressure pipes. In order to reduce the fuel consumption, distribute in an optimal and user-relevant manner, the hydraulic pressure generated by the pump (15), and facilitate operation of such a vehicle, the clutch (3) is automatically opened and the service brake (13, 14) is automatically closed when the load acting upon the working device (21) of the vehicle exceeds a preset threshold or is actuated so as to exceed the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Hans Höfler
  • Publication number: 20080045379
    Abstract: A method for the control of an actuator of a starting clutch of a motor vehicle. The actuator is so regulated by a control apparatus that the starting clutch is closed upon the presence of a desire for starting, as well as closed by an adjusted, transmission ratio, and the clutch is opened upon the termination of the starting procedure. For the freeing of a vehicle from a roadway obstruction by way of a rocking process of the vehicle, it is proposed that the starting clutch, during a starting procedure and by way of control of the actuation actuator, is operated in a fully automatic manner in such a way, that the torque (M_K) periodically varies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2004
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Wilhelm Hardtle
  • Publication number: 20070232444
    Abstract: A stopping position control apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes an engine friction model for calculating the friction around a crankshaft, which calculates friction in the internal combustion engine, and a transmission friction model for calculating the friction around the crankshaft, which calculates friction in a transmission. When a clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the transmission is engaged, a crankshaft stopping position is calculated based on the friction calculated by both the engine friction model and the transmission friction model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Noriyasu Adachi
  • Patent number: 7267634
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drive device for a working vehicle whereby gear change shock during the forward/reverse running changeover action can be reduced while achieving shortening of cycle time and protecting various clutch mechanisms in the transmission. If a reverse running command is output from a running control device while the vehicle is running forward, an ECMV controls a braking force of a brake device so as to reduce a vehicle speed through a first prescribed speed to a second prescribed speed, and disengages the forward clutch. When the vehicle speed reaches the first prescribed speed, the ECMV puts the reverse clutch in a slipping action condition and, after the vehicle speed reaches the second prescribed speed, gradually engages the reverse clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Nakagawa, Shigeru Yamamoto, Shunji Oka, Toshikazu Okada
  • Patent number: 7261673
    Abstract: In an automatic transmission having a clutch and a gear type transmission, a control unit for inputting detected signals from the operating condition detecting device, and outputting control signals to the gear changing device and the clutch drive device based on the detected signals. The control unit determines whether a stop intention condition of a driver is satisfied or not, and performs first gear change control for, if the stop intention condition is determined to be satisfied, disengaging the friction clutch and changing the gear type transmission to a neutral position, and second gear change control for, when an accelerator opening becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined value, after the friction clutch is disengaged and the gear type transmission is changed to the neutral position by the first gear change by the first gear change control, changing the gear type transmission to a gear according to a vehicle speed, and engaging the friction clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Kitamura, Yuuichi Ichikawa, Akihisa Hayashi, Isao Okamoto, Osamu Isobe
  • Patent number: 7229383
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for controlling a clutch coupling (3) via a brake control (17). The primary function of the clutch coupling (3) is to transmit motive force from an internal combustion engine (1) arranged in a vehicle to an automatic stage-geared gearbox (9) that is arranged in the vehicle, and in which the primary function of the brake control (17) is to control service brakes (16) of the vehicle. The method and the device are characterized in that at zero throttle opening, with a low gear engaged and no brake force required, a control function is activated in which the clutch coupling (3) is controlled via the brake control (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Anders Eriksson
  • Patent number: 7074160
    Abstract: A control device for a drive line of a vehicle, in which a drive line from a power source to drive wheel includes a wheel control for controlling the speed of the wheels, and a connection mechanism for increasing/decreasing a torque transmission capacity between the power source and the drive wheels. The control device includes a trouble detector for detecting that the wheel control is in a situation unable to control the speed of the wheels normally. A braking detector detects that a braking operation to brake the rotation of the wheels is executed. And, a torque interruption control reduces the torque transmission capacity by the connection mechanism, when it is detected by the trouble detector that the wheel control cannot control the speed of the wheels normally and when it is detected by the braking detector that the braking operation to brake the rotation of the wheels is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Inoue, Hideki Yasue, Tadashi Tamura, Hiroki Kondo, Yuji Hattori, Tetsuo Hamajima
  • Patent number: 7025708
    Abstract: A method for altering the coupling torque of a coupling in the drive train of a vehicle with an automatic gearbox and/or automatic coupling in a creep drive mode of a vehicle. According to the invention, the coupling torque is altered according to at least one variable, the parameter of the vehicle describing the creep drive mode thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: LUK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Christian Rieger, Juergen Gerhart, Mario Jung, Martin Vornehm
  • Patent number: 6979280
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for a vehicle, when a coast downshifting is performed in response to a downshifting command from a vehicle operator during braking operation under the fuel cut control, the braking force of the wheel brake is increased so as to increase the deceleration. This makes it possible to achieve a predetermined deceleration with a good response to the deceleration request of the vehicle operator represented by the downshifting command. The control apparatus is structured to decrease the braking force of the wheel brake such that the increase in the engine braking force is offset by the inertia caused by the rise in the engine speed resulting from downshifting upon the coast downshifting due to the vehicle speed increase. The control apparatus for the vehicle, thus, reduces the shock caused by the sharp increase in the engine braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Oshima, Hiromichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 6966868
    Abstract: Methods are provided for adapting clutches for use in unconventional drive trains, for example those used in hybrid vehicles having a electric motor/generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Holger Stork, Gunter Hirt, Martin Brandt, Andreas Deimel
  • Patent number: 6951525
    Abstract: A method for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle in which an extended overrun mode having reduced fuel consumption and reduced pollutant emission is possible. A free-wheel mode in which the vehicle operates with the clutch disengaged is set as a function of a driving situation or an operating state of the drive unit. An output variable of the drive unit, such as torque or vehicle speed, is set to a constant value during the transition between an engaged-clutch travel mode and a free-wheel mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Ries-Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040138024
    Abstract: This automatic clutch control device selects a normal mode when a road friction coefficient is not less than 0.3 at a disconnecting operation starting point (time t1), selects a little low-speed mode when it is not less than 0.1 but less than 0.3 and selects a low-speed mode when it is less than 0.1. Further, when a vehicle stabilizing control such as a traction control or the like is not executed at the time t1, this device selects the normal mode, while when a vehicle stabilizing control is executed at the time t1, it selects the low-speed mode. Moreover, this device selects a high-speed mode when the vehicle is in a sports running mode at the time t1, while selects the normal mode when the vehicle is not in the sports running mode. A connecting operation of a clutch is performed with a speed corresponding to the selected mode in an automatic clutch connecting/disconnecting control by a clutch connecting/disconnecting actuator upon executing a gear-shift control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicants: ADVICS CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kano, Masaki Kinoshita, Hiroaki Endo, Taro Hirose
  • Publication number: 20040092363
    Abstract: A torque distribution control device for a four-wheel drive vehicle is disclosed having a torque distribution device for distributing the drive power transmitted from an engine to either of the front wheels or the rear wheels as prime drive wheels, to other wheels as sub-drive wheels. In the control device, a pre-torque is determined in a feed forward sense based on the vehicle speed, the throttle opening degree and the gear shift step of a transmission. A compensation torque is determined in a feedback sense based on the vehicle speed and the rotational speed difference between the drive wheels and the sub-drive wheels. A torque transmission clutch is controlled based on a command torque which is obtained by the addition of the pre-torque and th compensation torque, so that the command torque is distributed to the sub-drive wheels. In the control device of another embodiment, a pre-torque is determined in a feed forward sense based on the vehicle speed and the throttle opening degree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akio Maekawa
  • 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: 6676562
    Abstract: In a vehicle transmission system including a transmission having an input shaft driven by an engine, an output shaft, and a clutch for controlling the transfer of torque from the input shaft to the output shaft, the clutch is controlled by sensing the speed of the engine and controlling engagement of the clutch according to the sensed engine speed. The system normally operates in a mode wherein clutch engagement is controlled according to the position of a clutch pedal. An auto-clutch mode, wherein engine speed controls clutch engagement is invoked when the transmission is in gear, brake pedals are depressed, and the engine speed is less than a predetermined speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Garth H. Bulgrien
  • Patent number: 6640951
    Abstract: A clutch actuation system includes an actuator drive for actuating the clutch, and a position control circuit having a controller determining a position of the clutch and to which a position setpoint value is fed and a measurement signal, representing the position, of a sensor is fed as an actual value. A filter that filters interference oscillations out of the position signal is inserted into the position control circuit. The stop band of the filter depends adaptively on the rotational speed of the drive engine of the motor vehicle, in particular, the stop band corresponds to the speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Bamberger, Joachim Horn, Peter Michau