Temperature Responsive Control Patents (Class 477/76)
  • Patent number: 11845419
    Abstract: An electronic control system controls operation of a vehicle system by selectably controlling the vehicle system using engine start-stop controls in response to one or more engine start-stop conditions being met, controlling the vehicle system using neutral-at-stop controls in response to one or more neutral-at-stop conditions being met, and controlling the vehicle system using cylinder deactivation controls in response to the one or more neutral-at-stop conditions not being met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Bailey, Jennifer K. Light-Holets
  • Patent number: 11618452
    Abstract: A vehicle, a vehicle powertrain system, a computer program product, and a method of controlling a vehicle in a manner to achieve enhanced driving performance. An example vehicle powertrain system includes one or more of a powertrain having an engine, a transmission, and a torque converter, and a control module to control the powertrain system. The control module is configured to conduct, in response to sensor data in connection with a detected current vehicle speed and a detected current transmission oil temperature, a vehicle powertrain analysis of the sensor data. The control module is to then control the powertrain in response to the vehicle powertrain analysis and an operating state of a lock-up clutch of the torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas S. Hawley
  • Patent number: 11572055
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle that includes a prime mover (1) with an internal combustion engine (2), an electric machine (3), a transmission (4) connected between the prime mover (1) and a driven end (5), and multiple shift elements, including a separating clutch (7) connected between the internal combustion engine (2) and the electric machine (3), and a starting component (8), is provided. After release of a brake pedal (12) or together with the release of the brake pedal (12) for a driving start or an crawling start, an engagement speed threshold (22) for the starting component (8) is established below an idling speed of the prime mover (1) and a previously disengaged starting component (8) is engaged. A control unit (9, 10, 11) for carrying out such a method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Tobias Kranepuhl
  • Patent number: 11565703
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle including a manual transmission to prevent cold-start drive-away. In one example, a method for a vehicle with a driver clutch pedal may include preventing one of a clutch coupled between an input of a transmission and an engine output from closing and a driver-operated gearshift lever for adjusting a gear of the transmission from coming out of neutral in response to a catalyst light-off condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rani Kiwan, Chris Paul Glugla
  • Patent number: 11434622
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for fluid temperature-dependent control of engine speeds in a self-propelled work vehicle. An engine speed sensor generates signals representing an engine speed, and a temperature sensor generates signals representing a hydraulic fluid temperature. A controller receives the respective signals from the engine speed sensor and the temperature sensor. The controller is further configured, responsive to a startup command, to generate output signals preventing an increase in the engine speed to a target engine speed at least while the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is in a first temperature state. The controller may, e.g., automatically generate output signals for continuous and/or stepwise transitioning of the engine speed to the target engine speed, in accordance with a monitored temperature of the hydraulic fluid and corresponding temperature states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Austin J. Karst
  • Patent number: 10718429
    Abstract: A slip lock-up control device for a vehicle includes a torque converter having a lock-up clutch, and a slip lock-up controller. The slip lock-up controller performs slip lock-up control using a lock-up pressure difference command to match an actual slip rotational speed to a target slip rotational speed based on engine torque information indicative of input torque, when a lock-up engagement condition is fulfilled when the lock-up clutch is in a released state. During the slip lock-up control, when in an engine torque unstable range for which an engine torque has a rise gradient with respect to a rise change of an engine speed, the slip lock-up controller sets the lock-up pressure difference command to a second lock-up pressure difference command for which a pressure difference fluctuation is averaged more than a first lock-up pressure difference command used in a range other than the engine torque unstable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeaki Ishibashi, Syunsuke Ogasawara, Taisuke Hikita, Tomotaka Hirano
  • Patent number: 10197155
    Abstract: When an engagement-side clutch taking charge of rotation control in an upshift is the same as a rotation control clutch of a previous gear shift, it is determined that there is a likelihood that a thermal load of a clutch friction material will increase, and the thermal load of the clutch friction material is decreased by delaying gear shift start. By setting a delay time by which the gear shift start is delayed when an accelerator depression amount is small to be shorter than when the accelerator depression amount is large depending on the accelerator depression amount, a gear shift which is an upshift can be performed without unnecessary waiting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norihiro Tsukamoto, Tomohiro Asami, Keisuke Ota
  • Patent number: 9598069
    Abstract: In a control device for a limited slip differential that limits a differential operation of front and rear wheels of a four-wheel-drive vehicle having mounted thereon a vehicle behavior control device that controls a braking force, an ECU that controls a torque coupling as the limited slip differential includes: a differential limiting force calculating device that calculates target torque of the torque coupling based on a vehicle traveling state; a differential limiting force correcting device that makes a correction to reduce the target torque based on a command from the vehicle behavior control device; and a thermal load calculating device that calculates a thermal load of the torque coupling. The differential limiting force correcting device limits the correction of the target torque based on the command from the vehicle behavior control device, when the thermal load of the torque coupling is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoaki Kato
  • Patent number: 9022902
    Abstract: A method and transmission control unit configured to improve shift event performance in a vehicle with an automatic transmission by determining a vent time for release of a clutch assembly in a transmission of a vehicle. The vehicle must be stopped and a gear selector in the vehicle must be set to a drive condition. If these conditions are met, the clutch assembly is vented. The vent time from when venting begins to when a turbine (or input shift) speed of the transmission rises is tracked. Once the turbine speed of the transmission rises, the clutch assembly is reapplied. The clutch assembly vent time is set based on the tracked vent time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Gang Chen, Hussein Dourra, Marvin Correia
  • Patent number: 8979706
    Abstract: A control device for a lockup clutch of a vehicle. A slip control device executes slip control to make a rotational speed difference between the input member and the input shaft match a target slip speed according to a state of the vehicle by half engagement of the lockup clutch. A clutch temperature obtaining means obtains a clutch temperature of the lockup clutch. A determining means determines if the lockup clutch should be fully engaged or disengaged based on at least a state of the motor if the clutch temperature becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature during execution of the slip control. A slip control stop means for stopping the slip control by fully engaging or disengaging the lockup clutch according to the determination result of the determining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tsutsui, Makoto Hashizume
  • Patent number: 8849532
    Abstract: A method of managing clutch thermal loads in a multi-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that is paired with an engine in a vehicle. The method includes assessing whether the vehicle is being accelerated and identifying a DCT clutch slipping during the acceleration. The method also includes determining vehicle parameters, determining an amount of time remaining for the clutch to stop slipping using the determined vehicle parameters, and determining an amount of time remaining until the clutch reaches a threshold temperature. The method additionally includes comparing the determined amount of time remaining for the clutch to stop slipping with the determined amount of time remaining until the clutch reaches the threshold temperature. Furthermore, the method includes activating an indicator if the determined amount of time remaining until the clutch reaches the threshold temperature is less than the determined amount of time remaining for the clutch to stop slipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joseph B. Burtch
  • Patent number: 8849531
    Abstract: A method of managing clutch thermal loads in a multi-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) paired with an engine in a vehicle includes assessing whether the vehicle is being accelerated and ascertaining whether a position of a vehicle accelerator during the acceleration is maintained within a predetermined range. The method also includes identifying a DCT clutch that is being slipped during the acceleration, determining an amount of time remaining until the clutch stops slipping, and comparing a first preset time span indicative of the time remaining until the clutch reaches a threshold temperature with the amount of time remaining until the clutch stops slipping. The method additionally includes setting a time delay for activating an indicator if the amount of time remaining until the clutchs stops slipping is greater than the first preset time span. Furthermore, the method includes activating the indicator after the time delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Joseph B. Burtch
  • Patent number: 8784264
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine exhaust after treatment device is cooled at an opportunistic time. The approach may provide improved cooling for exhaust after treatment devices and it may also improve vehicle emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Graig Reed
  • Patent number: 8731793
    Abstract: A mobile machine includes a propulsion system. The propulsion system may include a prime mover, a traction device, and a clutch operable to transmit power produced by the prime mover to the traction device. The propulsion system may also include propulsion-system controls operable to control the clutch. The propulsion-system controls may include at least one information processor configured to estimate a temperature of the clutch based at least in part on an estimated slippage of the clutch and a fluid temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko V. Barbir, Stacy Linn Grove, Yun Liu, Gerry Owen McCann, John Dewey Gates
  • Publication number: 20140100080
    Abstract: Embodiments for heating a vehicle driveline are provided. One example method for a vehicle comprises heating a fluid with kinetic vehicle energy in response to a vehicle braking request, and directing the fluid to a driveline component. In this way, kinetic vehicle energy during a vehicle braking event may be used to heat a driveline component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Charles Ruona, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 8660766
    Abstract: A clutch unit (47) comprises a wet friction clutch for controllable transmission of a torque from an input element (41) to an output element (45), housing that contains the friction clutch and oil for cooling the friction clutch, and an actuator (51) for actuating the friction clutch. The actuator is attached to the housing in a thermally conductive way and has a temperature sensor (108) for sensing a temperature of the actuator. In order to computationally determine the oil temperature (TÖl) in the clutch unit (47), a thermal input power to the clutch unit is determined as a function of at least a speed of the input element and/or of the output element. The difference between the thermal input power and the thermal output power is determined, and the oil temperature is determined as a function of the difference that was determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Ender Ergun, Manfred Gollner, Martin Parigger
  • Patent number: 8647235
    Abstract: A system and method is employed to regulate a minimum transmission input speed based on automatic fluid temperature. The system includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the automatic transmission fluid and a controller for setting a minimum engine speed of the engine based on the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid. The size of a transmission pump may be reduced while the pump is still able to supply enough automatic transmission fluid to friction elements and gear ratios to provide lubrication and enable friction element actuators to engage and disengage the friction elements in a timely and effective manner. In a preferred form of the invention, when the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is below 210° F., the minimum engine speed is set to no greater than 900 rpm; and when the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is above 210° F., the minimum engine speed is set to no less than 1000 rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Gerald Thomas, Peter John Grutter, Felix Nedorezov, Bal Sankpal, John Edward Brevick
  • Publication number: 20130282243
    Abstract: A method of controlling thermal loading in a multi-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that is paired with an internal combustion engine in a vehicle is provided. The method includes detecting operation of the vehicle and ascertaining a degree of thermal loading on the DCT. The method also includes selecting a remedial action corresponding to the ascertained degree of thermal loading. Additionally, the method includes activating the selected remedial action such that the thermal loading on the DCT is reduced. A vehicle having a DCT, an internal combustion engine, and a controller configured to control thermal loading in the DCT is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Xuefeng Tim Tao, John William Boughner, Alfonso G. Hysko, Jonathan P. Kish, Matthew D. Whitton, Fei An, Steven P. Moorman
  • Publication number: 20130231833
    Abstract: A method of managing clutch thermal loads in a multi-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that is paired with an internal combustion engine in a vehicle is provided. The method includes assessing operation of the DCT and ascertaining a mode of operation of a clutch in the DCT. The method also includes predicting, in response to the ascertained mode of operation of the clutch, an amount of time remaining until the clutch reaches a threshold temperature. The method additionally includes ascertaining whether the predicted amount of time remaining until the clutch reaches the threshold temperature is within a predetermined range of time. Furthermore, the method includes activating an indicator configured to signal that the predicted amount of time remaining is within the predetermined range of time. A vehicle having a DCT, an internal combustion engine, and a controller configured to predict thermal loading on a clutch in the DCT is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph B. Burtch, Sahm Litkouhi, John E. Marano
  • Patent number: 8483920
    Abstract: A shift control device for an automatic transmission having a plurality of frictional engaging elements adapted to be selectively engaged to perform shift control. The shift control device includes a computing unit for computing the temperature of at least one of the frictional engaging elements to be engaged in shifting, a comparing unit for comparing the temperature computed by the computing unit with a reference temperature, and an upshift delaying unit for delaying the timing of upshift using the frictional engaging element to be engaged by a predetermined time period when the temperature computed by the computing unit is higher than the reference temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8439799
    Abstract: A controller for automatic transmission that performs feedback control on a slip ratio of a lockup clutch is adapted to select one target slip ratio from a plurality of target slip ratios based on a detected automatic transmission fluid temperature of a torque converter. Thus, the controller can ensure good followability to a target value of the feedback control even when the automatic transmission fluid temperature is low. The controller can effectively prevent engine hunting and the associated vibrations of vehicle body. Therefore, the controller can accomplish a favorable slip control of the lockup clutch even if an operating range of the lockup clutch is expanded to a range where the automatic transmission fluid temperature is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Muto, Fumio Egashira, Eijiro Shimabukuro, Osahide Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8418575
    Abstract: Method for shifting a neutral state of an automatic multi-stage transmission of a motor vehicle, where, to engage and to disengage gear stages of the transmission, shift couplings, at least one of which is equipped with a synchronizing device, can be actuated by a transmission actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Schneider, Thomas John, Mario Bühner
  • Patent number: 8412429
    Abstract: A vehicle 1 has a torque coupling 8, which is located in a driving power transmission system for transmitting the torque of an engine 2 to front and rear wheels 13f, 13r. The torque coupling 8 changes the torque distribution by adjusting the frictional engaging force of an electromagnetic clutch 16. The vehicle 1 also has a 4WD ECU 21 (CPU), which controls the operation of the torque coupling 8 based on the driving state. The 4WD ECU 21 (CPU) estimates a transfer case oil temperature Tptu. When the transfer case oil temperature Tptu is higher than or equal to a first predetermined transfer case oil temperature KTptu1, the 4WD ECU 21 executes overheat prevention control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Mita, Ryohei Shigeta, Tomoaki Kato
  • Publication number: 20130079194
    Abstract: A system and method is employed to regulate a minimum transmission input speed based on automatic fluid temperature. The system includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the automatic transmission fluid and a controller for setting a minimum engine speed of the engine based on the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid. The size of a transmission pump may be reduced while the pump is still able to supply enough automatic transmission fluid to friction elements and gear ratios to provide lubrication and enable friction element actuators to engage and disengage the friction elements in a timely and effective manner In a preferred form of the invention, when the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is below 210° F., the minimum engine speed is set to no greater than 900 rpm; and when the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is above 210° F., the minimum engine speed is set to no less than 1000 rpm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Patent number: 8405497
    Abstract: An alarm device for a clutch that issues an alarm indicating a lifetime expiration of the clutch that selectively connects and disconnects an input shaft to and from an output shaft, includes: a slip heat release threshold setting unit 104 that establishes a threshold criteria as to a clutch damage or the clutch lifetime, in a form of a relation between a heat release generated in a clutch slip operation and a frequency of the heat release occurrences; and a slip heat release calculator 105 that calculates the heat release during the clutch operation, based on a hydraulic oil pressure in an actual clutch operation and a relative circumferential speed between input and output shafts, the alarm device 11 issues the alarm based on the calculation result through the slip heat release calculating means 105 and the slip heat release threshold setting means 104.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunari Okabe, Akihiko Fujimoto, Takeshi Harasawa
  • Patent number: 8406975
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of: determining whether or not the conditions for execution of low-temperature neutral control: the temperature of the automatic transmission hydraulic fluid is at most a threshold value; the shift position is D or R position; the vehicle speed is zero; and the brake is ON and the vehicle is stopped, are continuously satisfied for a period of time represented by a threshold value; executing the neutral control when the conditions for execution of low-temperature neutral control are continuously satisfied for at least the period represented by the threshold value; returning from the neutral control when the conditions for execution of low-temperature neutral control are not satisfied; and restricting the throttle opening position in returning from the neutral control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Ishiwada
  • Patent number: 8388496
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a changeover mechanism which is able to change a connection state of an electric motor output shaft to any one from alternatives consisting of “an IN-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between a transmission input shaft and the electric motor output shaft, “an OUT-Connection State” in which a power transmission path is provided between the transmission output shaft and the electric motor output shaft, and “a neutral state” in which no transmission path therebetween is provided. The changeover is carried out based on a combination (area) of a vehicle speed V and a required driving torque T. As for the changeover, a neutral area is enlarged so that a possibility of selecting the neutral state becomes higher, as a battery temperature is higher, or as an electric motor temperature is higher, or as a remaining battery level is larger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshige Miyazaki, Hiroki Hatori, Kan Sasaki, Toshio Tanba, Yousuke Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8392047
    Abstract: A system for preventing damage to a vehicle, such as a truck, is provided. A sensor may be operable to measure a parameter relating to a component in a vehicle and to provide a parameter signal indicative of the measured parameter. A processor may be in communication with the sensor and operable to receive the parameter signal from the sensor. The processor may be further operable to analyze the parameter signal. The processor may be further operable to initiate a damage prevention process including a reduction of heat generation in the vehicle based on the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Loren Christopher Dreier, Ingo-Gerd Sauter
  • Patent number: 8348805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric vehicle motor automatic transmission driving system. The motor automatic transmission driving system includes a motor, a gear transmission, one or more battery groups and a control system. The control system includes a motor controller, a system controller, a battery voltage sensor, a battery current sensor, a first rotation speed encoder, a second rotation speed encoder, a fork position sensor group, a transmission oil (fluid) temperature sensor and a pressure source sensor. The power input of the motor controller is connected with the outputs of one or more battery groups respectively via a first power leads, the power output of the motor controller is connected with the power input of the motor via a second power lead. According to the invention, the motor shaft also act as the first shaft of the gear transmission and the said motor is an AC induction motor or an AC permanent magnet motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Wuhan University of Technology
    Inventors: Sen Wu, Zhengce Cao
  • Patent number: 8322251
    Abstract: A transmission arrangement (1) with at least two countershafts for a vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle is proposed, such that an auxiliary drive output (10) can be coupled by means of a torque-transmitting element (11) to a first countershaft (7), and such that a second countershaft (8) can be coupled with a transmission brake device (12) to bring about load equalization between the countershafts (7, 8) when the auxiliary output (10) is coupled to the first countershaft (7). In addition, a method is proposed for load equalization between the countershafts (7, 8) of a transfer transmission when an auxiliary output (10) is engaged, such that in a first shift position of a main group (2) of the transfer transmission, in which the second countershaft (8), not coupled to the auxiliary output (10), is free from load, a load torque is applied to the second countershaft (8) for load equalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Muller, Mario Steinborn
  • Patent number: 8311717
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle drive train, whereby the drive train comprises a drive unit, a transmission, and an all-wheel splitter having an automatically operating clutch, positioned between the transmission and the output. The clutch is operated in a continuous slip mode and in such a way that the all-wheel splitter splits the transmission output torque for variable torque distribution to driven axles. The splitting of the output torque to the driven axles is performed by a control unit, implemented into the all-wheel drive strategy, so that the output torque, less a predetermined nominal torque, is transferred to a first axle, and the nominal torque is transferred to a second axle. When defined operating conditions are met, a limiting of the torque, set by the drive unit, and/or the nominal torque, set by the all-wheel strategy, occurs to avoid a thermal overloading of the clutch of the all-wheel splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Wilfrid Eberhard, Gerhard Hermann Martin
  • Patent number: 8308608
    Abstract: A method of filling a clutch chamber of an automatic transmission includes determining an engage pressure to engage a clutch of the automatic transmission. The method determines a reactive pressure of a return spring of the clutch. The method also estimates a fill pressure based on the engage pressure and the reactive pressure. The method estimates a flow rate based on the engage pressure, and generates a fill pressure command signal to fill the clutch chamber based on the fill pressure, the flow rate and a flow rate limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Nathaniel E. Wilke, Todd R. Berger, Joel H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 8287433
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes an engine, a travel mechanism, a clutch, an inching operation member, and a controller. The travel mechanism is configured to cause the vehicle to travel. The clutch is configured to selectively transmit drive force from the engine to the travel mechanism. The inching operation member is configured to be operated to create slippage in the clutch to reduce vehicle speed. The controller is configured to calculate load of the clutch during inching, and to reduce a rotational speed of the engine when the calculated load of the clutch during the inching exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Kishii
  • Patent number: 8246519
    Abstract: In an automatic clutch control with respect to a pressure-disengaged type of automatic clutch, when an working oil temperature increase has occurred in a state in which a clutch master cylinder is not in communication with a reservoir tank, a clutch stroke position is changed in a clutch engaging direction such that the number of engine revolutions matches the number of engine revolutions at the point in time when the clutch master cylinder and the reservoir tank became not in communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadanao Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 8229629
    Abstract: A vehicle steering control system that controls the operation of an electric vehicle steering device, which applies a steering assist force to a steering mechanism via a gear mechanism and includes: a temperature estimating section for estimating the temperature of or around the gear mechanism; and a correcting section for correcting the steering assist force according to the estimated gear temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Theerawat Limpibunterng, Takahiro Kojo
  • Patent number: 8167774
    Abstract: A process for controlling a twin clutch transmission with two partial drive trains with respectively a friction clutch interposed between an internal combustion engine and the partial drive train is provided. If the transmission capacity of a friction clutch falls below the engine torque, engine intervention takes place. If the clutch temperature rises further above a default value, an emergency operation is initiated, in which the affected partial drive train is deactivated by opening the affected friction clutch, a preselection strategy used in the other partial drive train is changed and the other partial drive train is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerd Jaeggle, Juergen Eich
  • Patent number: 8162113
    Abstract: A clutch control system for a vehicle includes an actuator which is configured to control a hydraulic pressure. A timer is configured to measure a time period from a timing at which a hydraulic pressure supply source starts supplying hydraulic oil to a hydraulic clutch to a timing at which the hydraulic pressure reaches a predetermined value. A clutch control compensator is configured to calculate a control compensation value of an amount of operation of the actuator based on the time period measured by the timer. A clutch controller is configured to control the actuator based on the control compensation value and the amount of operation of the actuator using a deviation between the hydraulic pressure detected by the hydraulic pressure detector and a target hydraulic pressure set according to a condition of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Nakagawara, Hiroyuki Kojima, Kazuyuki Fukaya, Takashi Ozeki, Taito Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8157702
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission including a hydraulic pressure control means for controlling supply of hydraulic pressure to a first friction engagement element and a second friction engagement element and discharge of hydraulic pressure from the first friction engagement element and the second friction engagement, and a discharge rate changeover control means for increasing a discharge rate value of the hydraulic pressure which is discharged from the first friction engagement element in a case where when shifting from one of operating ranges to the other thereof is selected, changeover to the other operating range is carried out before completing release of the first friction engagement element, so as to become larger than a discharge rate value of the hydraulic pressure which is discharged from the first friction engagement element before the changeover to the other operating range is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Koji Dohi, Minari Ishii, Daisuke Aoki
  • Patent number: 8118705
    Abstract: A control system of a vehicle including an engine and an automatic transmission operable to form one of a plurality of gear positions set according to running conditions of the vehicle, and a method of controlling the vehicle are provided. In the control, the rotational speed of an input-side rotary shaft of a shifting mechanism of the transmission is detected, and the vehicle is controlled so that, when an execution condition that one of the gear positions set according to the running conditions is maintained and the rotational speed of the input-side rotary shaft has increased to be higher than a rotational speed corresponding to the set gear position is satisfied, the vehicle is brought into running conditions that will eliminate a state in which air is present in the hydraulic fluid supplied from an oil supply device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Fujita, Kazuyuki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20110237389
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus, such an automotive transmission, adapted to properly select transmission of or cutting-off of a driving force of the driving source to or from the wheels of a vehicle can include a torque converter having a torque amplifying function. A clutch mechanism can include a first clutch device configured to transmit the driving force to the wheels through the torque converter and a second clutch device configured to transmit the driving force without passing through the torque converter. A selecting device can control the first clutch device or the second clutch device in accordance with conditions of the vehicle including starting from a stop. An input-side measuring device can be used to measure an input-side rotational speed of the first clutch device and an output-side measuring device can be used for measuring an output-side rotational speed of the first clutch device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F.C.C.
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Ohashi, Shouji Asatsuke, Akio Oishi, Ryouhei Chiba, Jun Ishimura, Keiichi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7862471
    Abstract: A solenoid control system for implementation with an electronic range selection (ETRS) system that shifts a transmission range between a park position and an out-of-park position. A first solenoid assembly is operable to control a fluid valve to supply pressurized fluid to urge a valve spool toward a first position. A second solenoid assembly is operable to control a fluid valve to supply pressurized fluid to urge said valve spool toward a second position. A control module selectively energizes one of the first and second solenoids based on a transmission fluid temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventors: Jack P. Koski, Mark A. Vernacchia, Stephen W. Powell
  • Patent number: 7806803
    Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission in a motor vehicle includes determining a temperature of a fluid in the transmission, determining whether the torque converter lockup clutch is applied, and determining an engine torque of the motor vehicle. Then, the torque converter lockup clutch is applied and the transmission is prohibited from up-shifting if the temperature of the fluid exceeds a threshold, the torque converter lockup clutch is not applied, and the engine torque exceeds a second threshold. Next, a tractive effort of the motor vehicle is determined and the torque converter lockup clutch is deactivated when the temperature of the fluid is less than a third threshold, the tractive effort is less than a fourth threshold, or the engine torque is less than the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E Shultz, Mark A. Rushing, Vickie M. Rushing, legal representative, John P. Kresse
  • Patent number: 7747366
    Abstract: A vehicle having an oil temperature prediction algorithm that allows for protection of the vehicle is disclosed. The algorithm may predict an oil sump temperature for a manual transmission and, upon reaching a first transmission heat threshold, enter a transmission protection mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Rolf B. Karlsson
  • Publication number: 20100130328
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle drive train, whereby the drive train comprises a drive unit, a transmission, and an all-wheel splitter having an automatically operating clutch, positioned between the transmission and the output. The clutch is operated in a continuous slip mode and in such a way that the all-wheel splitter splits the transmission output torque for variable torque distribution to driven axles. The splitting of the output torque to the driven axles is performed by a control unit, implemented into the all-wheel drive strategy, so that the output torque, less a predetermined nominal torque, is transferred to a first axle, and the nominal torque is transferred to a second axle. When defined operating conditions are met, a limiting of the torque, set by the drive unit, and/or the nominal torque, set by the all-wheel strategy, occurs to avoid a thermal overloading of the clutch of the all-wheel splitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Wilfrid EBERHARD, Gerhard Hermann MARTIN
  • Publication number: 20100113216
    Abstract: A system for controlling temperature of a transmission clutch includes a housing containing the clutch, a fan for circulating air through the housing and over the clutch, and a controller configured to determine an inferred temperature at a reference surface on the clutch and to actuate the fan in response to the inferred temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Eli Avny, Steven G. Thomas, Piero Aversa
  • Patent number: 7604567
    Abstract: A control apparatus of a vehicle includes: an internal combustion engine; a transmission, including a group of gears made to mesh with synchronizing mechanisms for attaining a predetermined change of gear; an internal combustion engine controller stopping the internal combustion engine when receiving a first control stop signal; a transmission controller, controlling the synchronizing mechanisms via an actuator actuated by a power source driven by the internal combustion engine, when a shift lever is in a drive force cut-off position, the transmission controller releasing the meshing of the synchronizing mechanism when receiving a second control stop signal; and a control stop signal controller, transmitting the second control stop signal to the transmission controller when detecting that an ignition switch of the vehicle is switched off, and transmitting the first control stop signal to the internal combustion engine controller after the transmission controller has released the meshing of the synchronizing m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Sasakura, Takao Kimura, Junji Takekoshi, Yukari Takahashi, Kunishige Hayashi, Ryo Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 7509202
    Abstract: A neutral idle hill detection system for a vehicle with an automatic transmission comprises a range selection input device that receives an operating range of a transmission. A throttle position input device receives a throttle position signal. A transmission output speed input device receives a transmission output speed signal. A transmission temperature input device receives a temperature signal. A brake status input device receives a brake signal. A control module receives the range, the throttle position signal, the transmission output speed signal, the temperature signal, and the brake signal, detects a hill condition based on the received signals, and controls a first clutch of the transmission based on the hill condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Herve Scelers
  • Publication number: 20090036265
    Abstract: A vehicle automatic speed change power transmission control includes a control arrangement with overshoot/undershoot protection logic. The control is used with an electro-hydraulic pressure control module featuring a linear solenoid, and which supplies a hydraulically-actuated clutch configured to effect gear changes. The overshoot/undershoot protection logic is configured to detect when a commanded increase/decrease clutch pressure satisfies a clutch pressure threshold and to then activate the protection logic. Once the protection logic is activated, large command pressures increases/decreases are implemented in a series of stages having variable gains. The first stage has an aggressive gain and achieves 50-80% of the commanded clutch pressure. The second stage has a reduced gain and achieves 90% of the commanded clutch pressure. The third stage has a still further reduced gain and achieves about 100% of the commanded clutch pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: KyoungPil Hwang, Andrew D. Herman, Michael Kozan
  • Publication number: 20080146411
    Abstract: A method for controlling engine torque of a hybrid electric vehicle with an electronic throttle control when an engine is restarted after an idle-stop state includes: transmitting torque restriction information to an engine control unit, outputting a restricted torque from the engine control unit using the torque restriction information, transmitting an input torque of the engine to a continuously variable transmission by a clutch operation according to a control of the engine control unit, and supplying a clutch control hydraulic pressure based on the input torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Yong Kak Choi
  • Patent number: 7291091
    Abstract: A method for clutch control for wet clutches includes the following steps: determining whether a viscosity of clutch fluid lies above a predetermine threshold value; when the determined viscosity is above the predetermined threshold value: adaptation of the clutch/gear control with respect to clutch/gear control for routine operation in such a manner that additional clutch energy will be transmitted to the clutch fluid and that the clutch fluid is heated by the additional energy; and checking to see whether the viscosity of the clutch fluid during the altered clutch control operation is above the threshold value and, if that threshold value is not reached, return to clutch/gear control for routine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Frank Stengel