Clutch Control Patents (Class 701/67)
  • Publication number: 20140095038
    Abstract: A method for operating a safety system for avoiding collisions and/or for reducing the severity of collisions in a motor vehicle that has a clutch pedal as an actuator for manually actuating a clutch. The safety system is designed to carry out at least one braking intervention when a collision is imminent. An additional actuator in form of a clutch actuator is used to automatically open and close the clutch. In the context of at least one braking intervention of the safety system, the clutch actuator is actuated in order to open the clutch dependent on at least one item of intervention information relating to the braking intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Alexander Breu, Manfred Holzmann
  • Patent number: 8688340
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplementing a brake vacuum pressure may include an engine control unit (ECU) that generates a vacuum pressure control signal for supplementing the brake vacuum pressure in accordance with the result of determining whether the brake vacuum pressure is included in a reference vacuum pressure range after a vehicle implements an ISG process, a sub-oil pump that is operated in accordance with a control signal from the ECU to supply hydraulic pressure to the inside of an automatic transmission after the vehicle implements the ISG process, a vacuum pump that generates and supplies the brake vacuum pressure to a brake system, and an electronic clutch that selectively couples the sub-oil pump and the vacuum pump to allow driving force of the sub-oil pump to be transmitted to the vacuum pump or to be cut, in accordance with whether the vacuum pressure control signal is sent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Junghwan Bang, Sejun Kim, Chongah Gwon, Jiyong Yu
  • Publication number: 20140088847
    Abstract: A method for running a vehicle (100) that includes a combustion engine (101) which can selectively be connected to a driveshaft (104, 105) to deliver driving force to the driveshaft (104, 105) for propulsion of the vehicle (100). When the vehicle (100) is in motion, determining whether the vehicle (100) is approaching a downgrade and, when it is approaching the downgrade, disconnecting the engine (101) from the driveshaft (104, 105) before the vehicle (100) reaches the downgrade. Also a system and a vehicle are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Mustafa Abdul-Rasool, Oskar Johansson, Mikael Ögren
  • Patent number: 8682552
    Abstract: A control apparatus of an automatic transmission having an automatic speed change mechanism for changing a driving source speed of rotation and a clutch engaged at a start, a fluid transmission apparatus between the driving source and the automatic speed change mechanism, and a lock-up clutch for locking up the fluid transmission apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tsutsui, Yutaka Teraoka, Masatake Ichikawa, Shoji Omitsu
  • Patent number: 8682553
    Abstract: In a method for engaging a clutch having at least one previously known touch point position, the clutch is engaged according to a speed profile, the course of which depends on at least one of the previously known touch point positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Seel
  • Patent number: 8682551
    Abstract: An example vehicle includes an engine and a motor-generator configured to generate a torque in a first direction. A torque limiter clutch is configured to dissipate a torque in a second direction that opposes the first torque. The torque in the second direction may be caused by a force event. A control processor is configured to detect a possible force event and control the torque limiter clutch in response to detecting the possible force event. A method of controlling the torque limiter clutch includes detecting a possible force event, reducing fluid pressure to the torque limiter clutch in response to detecting the possible force event, confirming the possible force event, maintaining the reduced fluid pressure to the torque limiter clutch if the force event is confirmed, and increasing the fluid pressure to the torque limiter clutch if the force event is not confirmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ali K. Naqvi, Pinaki Gupta
  • Publication number: 20140081491
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a torque generating device, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission has one or more clutches. The controller executes a method, which includes measuring an amount of slip across an identified offgoing clutches and determining whether the offgoing clutches have slipped prior to a modeled clutch torque capacity reaching zero. A status is assigned indicating that the offgoing clutches are released if the offgoing clutch has slipped prior to the modeled clutch capacity reaching zero. The controller induces slip across the identified offgoing clutches to a calibrated low, non-zero level after recording the value, including by enforcing the low, non-zero slip value using one or more acceleration profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Pinaki Gupta, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Sean W. McGrogan, Anthony H. Heap
  • Publication number: 20140081541
    Abstract: A method of controlling a line pressure in a transmission is provided. Line pressure in a transmission is set to a pressure value including a first term that is proportional to an input torque value. The first term has a coefficient of proportionality that is increased in response to a signal indicating clutch slippage. The input torque value is a measured input torque value in a steady-state condition. The input torque value may be a maximum of the measured input torque value and a driver demand torque value in a transient condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Diana Yanakiev, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Stefano Di Cairano, Joseph F. Kucharski, Bradley Dean Riedle
  • Patent number: 8670908
    Abstract: An automatic transmission including an input shaft connected to a drive source; an output shaft connected to a driving wheel; a one-way clutch; friction engagement elements which establish speeds by changing a transmission path between the input shaft and the output shaft based on the application state of the friction engagement elements and application of the one-way clutch, one of the friction engagement elements being a brake that is applied when coasting in a take-off speed. The automatic transmission also includes a controller that determines whether it is possible to initially establish the take-off speed using the one-way clutch based on a predetermined condition, and, if not possible, then the controller establishes the take-off speed by applying the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Kenichi Tsuchida, Akitomo Suzuki, Kazunori Ishikawa, Masamichi Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140067214
    Abstract: A motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, is provided with an internal combustion engine, a drive wheel arrangement that can be connected to the former, a clutch for the optional connecting and disconnecting of internal combustion engine and drive wheel arrangement, an actuator for actuating set clutch, and a controller for controlling set actuator, The set controller comprises a comparator for comparing a set quantity and an actual quantity and an actuator that is equipped in order to in particular partly close or open the clutch based on this comparison of set quantity and actual quantity, and to a method for the automatic actuating of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christian RUEBSAM, Michael SELINGER
  • Patent number: 8666624
    Abstract: A clutch control device that controls a clutch by driving a piston using a working fluid, having: stroke start determining means (S1) for determining that a stroke of the piston has started and detecting a stroke start oil pressure at that time; stroke end determining means (S4) for determining that the stroke of the piston is complete and detecting a stroke end oil pressure at that time; stroke end range estimating means (S3) for estimating a range of the stroke end oil pressure from the stroke start oil pressure detected by the stroke start determining means; and learning means (S5, S6) for learning the stroke end oil pressure detected by the stroke end determining means when the stroke end oil pressure is within the estimated range of the stroke end oil pressure. Learning precision of the stroke end oil pressure can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 8666618
    Abstract: A machine control system for use with a machine having a power source and a transmission is disclosed. The machine control system may have a clutch configured to connect an output of the power source with an input of the transmission. The machine control system may also have a sensors configured to generate signals indicative of machine operations, and a controller in communication with the clutch and the sensors. The controller may be configured to determine the current machine application based on the signals, and vary an actuating force of the clutch based on the type of machine application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Hong-Chin Lin, Rami Nabil Nasrallah
  • Patent number: 8666621
    Abstract: A PTO control system for allowing selection between an independent PTO mode and an interlock PTO mode, comprising a mode-switch command input device 11 for giving an instruction on selection between the independent PTO mode and the interlock PTO mode, a PTO setting device 12 having an engaging position for producing an engaging command and a disengaging position for producing a disengaging command of the PTO clutch, and a PTO control unit for controlling a PTO clutch in response to a pedal operational position of a brake pedal, a mode selected by the mode-switch command input device, and a position selected by the PTO setting device. PTO mode switch implementation processing is suspended when the PTO transmission system is in a power transmittable state, while the PTO mode switch implementation processing is permitted when the PTO transmission system is in the power non-transmittable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yushi Matsuzaki, Susumu Umemoto, Akira Hiwatashi, Shota Nagasawa, Suguru Kagawa
  • Patent number: 8666594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for actuating the stop & start function in a moving vehicle, especially an industrial or commercial or special vehicle, said vehicle being equipped with hybrid drive of the parallel type, comprising a thermal engine (1), an electric motor-generator (2), a single clutch unit (3) placed between the two engines, a transmission system (6) comprising an automated manual transmission, a hybrid power steering both hydraulic and electric, the method comprising the steps of enabling of the stop phase, activation of the stop phase, maintaining of the stop phase, activation of the start phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Iveco S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Aimo Boot
  • Publication number: 20140058597
    Abstract: A diagnosis method of an oxygen sensor for hybrid vehicles is disclosed, which includes receiving a diagnosis request signal for the diagnosis of an oxygen sensor from an EMS (Engine Management System) which is configured to control the engine; determining when a passive-run condition is occurring, under which the speed of a vehicle is within a previously set deceleration range as an accelerator is turned off in response to receiving the diagnosis request signal, and disengaging the engine clutch when the passive-run condition is occurring. Next fuel is cut to the engine in response to receiving a diagnosis request signal while the engine operating at a previously set reference speed by controlling the HSG once the engine clutch is disengaged. Once the above steps are complete a diagnosis of the oxygen sensor is then performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Taekwook Park
  • 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: 8660764
    Abstract: A method for actuating a friction clutch, in particular for a motor vehicle drivetrain. The friction clutch is acted on with a clutch pressure generated by a hydraulic actuator arrangement which has an electrically actuable fluid source and which has a hydraulic actuator whose state is characterized by an actuator actual value. The actuator actual value is related to the clutch pressure. The method has the steps: forming a regulation-oriented model of the actuator arrangement, which model has at least one fluid source actuating variable as an input and at least the actuator actual value as a flat output and which model can be inverted; forming an inverse model of the actuator arrangement; and inputting an actuator nominal value into the inverse model and using the model actuating variable which emerges therefrom for actuating the fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Thomas Gorius, Joerg Meissner
  • Patent number: 8657095
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device and to a method for controlling an automated clutch, which includes a hydraulic clutch actuating system, which has a hydrostatic actuator, which is driven by and electric-motor actuating drive having an incremental displacement sensor in such a way that the actuator moves in a translatable manner. The invention includes an absolute displacement sensor, which detects the actuator position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Juergen Eich
  • Patent number: 8660765
    Abstract: In an idle stop system for an engine mounted in a vehicle, when it is determined predetermined stop conditions are met, the engine is automatically stopped. During the engine stop, when it is determined that predetermined restart conditions are met, the engine is automatically restarted. Further, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the restart of the engine. When it is determined that the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the clutch mechanism is controlled into the connection thereof at and after a time instant when it is determined that the predetermined period of time has elapsed. Hence, the connected state of the clutch mechanism is realized after a controlled delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Tomura, Takashi Senda
  • Patent number: 8655560
    Abstract: A control apparatus and a control method for a vehicular drive apparatus that includes a driving power source, and a power transmission device that transmits power from the driving power source to a drive wheel are provided. It is determined that a malfunction occurs in the power transmission device, when a comparison value remains equal to or above a predetermined value for a predetermined period. The comparison value is obtained by making a comparison between an actual value and a theoretical value that relate to a rotational speed of a predetermined rotational member that constitutes at least a part of the vehicular drive apparatus. The predetermined period is set according to an operating state of the power transmission device. Thus, it is possible to reduce the possibility that it is erroneously determined that a malfunction occurs, and to quickly determine that a malfunction occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku, Hidenori Katoh
  • Publication number: 20140046538
    Abstract: A flywheel assembly may include first and second flywheels having respective first and second flywheel parasitic load profiles. Operating speeds of the first and second flywheels may be selected based at least in part on the first and second flywheel parasitic loads. The operating speeds may be determined such that an aggregate of the first and second flywheel parasitic loads is minimized, thereby increasing the efficiency of the flywheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Thomas Siegel, Evan Earl Jacobson, Timothy Michael O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20140046559
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a friction clutch located between an engine and a driving wheel; a clutch actuator arranged to disengage and engage the friction clutch; a clutch actuator control section arranged and programmed to control the clutch actuator; a slip detection section arranged to detect a slip of the driving wheel; and an engine control section arranged and programmed to decrease an output of the engine when the slip of the driving wheel is detected by the slip detection section. When the friction clutch is in a half clutch state and the slip of the driving wheel is detected, the clutch actuator control section is arranged and programmed to control the clutch actuator so as to maintain a pushing force of the friction clutch at a fixed or substantially fixed level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kengo MINAMI
  • Publication number: 20140046562
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a friction clutch located between an engine and a driving wheel; a clutch actuator arranged to disengage and engage the friction clutch; a clutch actuator control section arranged and programmed to control the clutch actuator; a slip detection section arranged to detect a slip of the driving wheel; and an engine control section arranged and programmed to decrease an output of the engine when the slip of the driving wheel is detected by the slip detection section. When the friction clutch is in a half clutch state and the slip of the driving wheel is detected at the time of starting of the vehicle, the clutch actuator control section controls the clutch actuator so as to change a pushing force of the friction clutch and thus to keep the rotation speed of the engine at a fixed level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kengo MINAMI
  • Patent number: 8649947
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle is provided having an engine, a transmission, a torque transfer mechanism, a hydraulic fluid circuit, and a transmission control module. The torque transfer mechanism includes a hydraulic fluid pump and is drivingly connected to an output member of the engine and an output member of the torque transfer mechanism is drivingly connected to the input member of the transmission. The hydraulic fluid circuit has a hydraulic valve in communication with the first fluid port of the hydraulic fluid pump. The transmission control module include a control logic for operating the powertrain during a vehicle launch event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Hamid Vahabzadeh, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Publication number: 20140039771
    Abstract: An unlocking controller is provided for an irreversible rotary transmission system having the irreversible rotary transmission system having an irreversible rotation transmission element arranged between an input shaft and an output shaft. The unlocking controller includes an input shaft rotation direction determination section and an unlocking torque setting section. The input shaft rotation direction determination section determines whether an input shaft rotational direction is the same as, or opposite to, a direction of the load torque of the output shaft. The unlocking torque setting section conducts an unlocking torque control that sets the unlocking torque a higher value when the input shaft rotational direction and the direction of the load torque of the output shaft are the same as while the lock is released, than when the input shaft rotational direction is opposite to the direction of the direction of the load torque of the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Mori, Yutaka Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20140032064
    Abstract: Clutch pressure of an oncoming clutch may be determined during an upshift in an automatic transmission by determining when offgoing and oncoming clutches of the transmission near a speed synchronization point. Aboard a vehicle, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) feedback control logic of for the oncoming clutch may be activated via a controller. The controller and the activated PID logic may be used to introduce a calibrated slip error between the rotational speeds of the offgoing and oncoming clutches. Engine speed is then held in a calibrated flare using the PID logic. Oncoming clutch pressure is recorded during the duration of the calibrated flare, and a control action is executed with respect to the transmission using the recorded oncoming clutch pressure, e.g., using recorded PID gains and/or a pressure/torque relationship of the oncoming clutch. A vehicle having an engine, transmission, and controller may use the controller to execute such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.
    Inventors: Todd J. Thor, Brian M. Porto
  • Publication number: 20140025269
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle drive device in which an output of a power source is input from a hydraulic power transmission device via a friction engagement device to a continuously variable transmission and transmitted toward drive wheels after speed is changed by the continuously variable transmission, the control device includes: an abnormality detecting portion configured to make a determination of abnormality indicating that the friction engagement device is in a complete release state or a slip state; and an abnormality distinguishing portion, if the abnormality detecting portion makes a determination of abnormality, configured to judge that the friction engagement device is in the slip state when an input/output rotation speed difference between an input rotation speed and an output rotation speed of the hydraulic power transmission device is equal to or greater than a predetermined slip determination value and that the friction engagement device is in the complete release state when the input/output
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Ayabe, Shinya Toyoda
  • Patent number: 8634996
    Abstract: A method of cooling a dual clutch transmission is provided. The transmission has first and second input clutches alternately engagable to transfer torque to an output member along first and second input shafts, respectively, at various speed ratios dependent upon engagement of synchronizers. The method includes determining a currently established speed ratio by determining which of the input clutches and synchronizers are currently engaged and which of the input clutches and synchronizers are currently open. One of the open synchronizers is then engaged during the currently established speed ratio to cause the open input clutch to rotate at a speed greater than the speed of rotation of the engaged input clutch, thereby creating a fan cooling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Larry D. Diemer, Scott William Heitzenrater, James M. Partyka, Victor M. Roses
  • Patent number: 8635001
    Abstract: A vehicle control method for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine coupled to a torque converter is described. In one embodiment, the engine air flow and spark are adjusted to control torque converter operation. The method can improve vehicle response to driver accelerator commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Doering, Brad Riedle, Rob Ciarrocchi, Scott Redmon, Hank Kwong, William Eckenrode, Frederick Page
  • Patent number: 8634998
    Abstract: A machine is described that includes an engine, a multi-clutch transmission and a controller. The controller is configured with computer-executable instructions for managing operation of the multi-clutch transmission to avoid autoengagement of a disengaged clutch. The computer-executable instructions configure the controller to receive sensor signals indicative of current operating status of the machine; determine, based upon the sensor signals, a configured minimum engine speed needed to avoid autoengagement of the disengaged clutch; and conditionally increase an engine speed based upon a comparison of the configured minimum engine speed and a sensed current engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Kuras, Brian E. Lister, Glen Patrick Calvert
  • Patent number: 8634997
    Abstract: A control system for controlling clutches of a dual clutch transmission includes an internal model based force control algorithm that converts a desired clutch force to a pressure control signal, a pressure control valve that receives the pressure control signal, a hydraulic actuator to which the pressure control valve applies a pressure related to the pressure control signal, and a clutch assembly with a spring lever and a plurality of clutch plates. The hydraulic actuator applies a desired force corresponding to the pressure control signal to a distal end of the spring lever such that the desired force to the distal end of the spring lever imparts an actual clutch force to the clutch plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shushan Bai, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Paul G. Otanez
  • Publication number: 20140019024
    Abstract: A vehicle information management system eliminates the need for a large capacity storage and allows an abnormality and a malfunction to be easily specified. An updating unit does not store diagnostic data obtained at the time of an engine stall in a storage if it is determined that the engine stalls is because of a rider's operation of the vehicle, and stores diagnostic data obtained at the time of the engine stall in the storage if it is determined that the engine stall is not attributable to a rider's operation of the vehicle, based on detection results from an operation detector and an engine state detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoko FUJIME
  • Patent number: 8630777
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an automatic transmission, and a controller. The transmission includes a neutral idle (NI) state and a designated NI clutch which is selectively actuated to exit the NI state. The controller executes instructions from tangible memory to shift out of the NI state and into a drive state. The controller includes a slip model which generates a desired clutch slip profile as a differentiable time function, and a desired slip derivative of the desired slip profile. The desired profiles are used to calculate a clutch pressure command for controlling the designated NI clutch. The time function may be at least a third order/cubic equation. A method includes executing the slip model to generate the desired clutch slip profile, calculating a desired slip derivative of the desired slip profile, and using the desired slip profile derivative to calculate a clutch pressure command for the designated NI clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, David W. Wright, Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8630778
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a required throttle position and operating a throttle in the required throttle position to attain a required engine speed for fuel cut acquisition is disclosed. A lock-up clutch may be engaged without a shock if a required engine speed is achieved that corresponds to a current transmission speed. Fuel economy may be increased by cutting fuel to the engine when a lock-up clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chris Hopp
  • Publication number: 20140012471
    Abstract: An indirect longitudinal acceleration calculation section indirectly calculates longitudinal acceleration by calculating the longitudinal acceleration, which is an acceleration in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, from change in the speed of the vehicle detected by a vehicle speed detection section. When an uphill travel detection section detects an uphill traveling state in which the vehicle is traveling on an uphill and a drive state determination section detects a no-driving-force state in which a vehicle driving force is not generated, a vehicle drawn down state detection section detects that the longitudinal acceleration indirectly calculated by the indirect longitudinal acceleration calculation section is oriented in an accelerating direction, and determines that the vehicle is in a drawn down state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nakaso, Yosuke Hashimoto, Yukio Mori
  • Patent number: 8620544
    Abstract: A transmission includes a plurality of clutches that are selectively engageable alone or in combination with each other to establish a plurality of forward drive modes, wherein one of the clutches is configured as a neutral idle (NI) clutch that is selectively actuated to shift the transmission into an NI state, and a controller. The controller is adapted to shift the transmission from a forward drive mode into the NI state during a coast-down maneuver prior to the transmission reaching a zero output speed. A method of shifting the transmission into the NI state includes determining the presence of a predetermined one of the forward drive modes using the controller, and using the controller to actuate a designated one of the clutches as an NI clutch to enter the NI state during the forward drive mode, during a coast-down maneuver, and prior to the transmission reaching a zero output speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Sindu Sebastian, David W. Wright
  • Patent number: 8617028
    Abstract: A system is provided for managing torque in a vehicle driveline coupled to an internal combustion engine and to a hybrid motor/generator. An engine control circuit provides to a transmission control circuit an engine torque value corresponding to torque applied by the engine to the driveline. A hybrid control circuit provides to the transmission control circuit a motor torque value corresponding to torque applied by the hybrid motor/generator to the driveline. The transmission control circuit controls operation of at least one friction device and controls shifting of the transmission, and also manages torque applied to the drive line by the engine and by the hybrid motor/generator based on the engine torque value and the motor torque value such that the friction device control and shift schedule instructions do not require modification to accommodate inclusion of the hybrid motor/generator in the system or exclusion of the hybrid motor/generator from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kresse, Jeffrey Runde
  • Publication number: 20130345940
    Abstract: A method for determining a need for contact point adaptation for a clutch (106) of a vehicle (100), which clutch (106) transmits driving power between a power source engine (101) and at least one powered wheel (113, 114). At a first point in time, determining a first temperature (T1) of the clutch (106), comparing the first temperature (T1) with a second temperature (T2) of said clutch (106) determined at a second point in time which precedes the first point in time, and determining a need for contact point adaptation when the first temperature (T1) differs from the second temperature (T2) by more than a first value (?T)).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Karl Redbrandt, Andreas Laghamn
  • Patent number: 8615349
    Abstract: A method of detecting filling of a hydraulic cylinder and incipient full engagement of a hydraulically operated clutch of a vehicular transmission utilizes a pressure sensor disposed in a hydraulic line to the clutch cylinder which provides a signal that the hydraulic pressure has dropped as the clutch cylinder begins to fill and also that the pressure has returned to a substantially normal level. The pressure sensor may be a continuously variable output device such as an analog sensor, pulse width modulation (PWM) sensor, a similar device or, less desirably, a two state sensor. An iterative algorithm utilizes data from the sensor and a timer to determine when clutch fill is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Vijay A. Neelakantan, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 8608616
    Abstract: A clutch control of a hybrid vehicle can engage a clutch which not otherwise possible due to temporary factors, and can determine whether engaging members of the clutch have been successfully engaged. The clutch control controls the clutch having a pair of the engaging members which are provided in a power transmission path of the vehicle, and which are moved in the axial direction and engaged or released when switching is performed between power from a motor and power from an engine. The clutch control device has a rotation control unit for synchronizing the rotations of the engaging members when the clutch is shifted from a disengaged an engaged state, and a clutch engagement control unit for determining whether the engaging members have been engaged, based on rotational speed of the engaging members a predetermined time after axial movement of the engaging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukihiro Nissato
  • Patent number: 8606476
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, transmission, and controller. The transmission includes a clutch pack, a clutch piston, and a position sensor. The sensor measures a changing magnetic field with respect to the piston, and encodes the measured magnetic field as a raw position signal. The controller receives the raw position signal and processes the raw position signal through a signal processing module to generate a filtered signal attenuating signal noise in the position signal. The controller determines a commanded position of the piston, and calculates separate proportional (P), derivative (D), and integral (I) control terms using the commanded position and filtered position signal. The controller also calculates a feed-forward control term using the commanded position, and a required flow rate for actuating the clutch pack as a function of the PID terms and the feed-forward commanded position term. The controller actuates the clutch pack using the commanded flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. Whitton, Robert L. Williams, Steven P. Moorman, Cheol W. Kim
  • Patent number: 8600635
    Abstract: When a select lever is in a drive range, a microcomputer reads a value of an output voltage by a switch-operation-signal output circuit after detecting that both shift-up switch and shift-down switch are substantially simultaneously turned on, checks whether or not the output voltage by the switch-operation-signal output circuit is the output voltage indicating that the switch after a predetermined time has elapsed is in a normal condition, and only when the output voltage is such an output voltage, permits a manual mode of an automatic transmission and when the output voltage is not such an output voltage, cancels the manual mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Wakita, Yoshiyuki Nagayama
  • Patent number: 8600636
    Abstract: A method for determining clutch temperature. The method provides an accurate real-time clutch temperature that can be used to improve shift quality and protect against failure due to clutch overheating. A counter is incremented every time the clutch exceeds a threshold temperature to track cumulative high temperature conditions. Determining the clutch temperatures includes taking account of heat generation, clutch cooling by transmission oil flow from a groove when the clutch is engaged, clutch cooling by open transmission oil flow when the clutch is disengaged, oil vaporization, and heat conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Gang Chen, Yimeng Jin
  • Patent number: 8600633
    Abstract: A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) system includes a vehicle speed offset module that generates a vehicle speed offset signal based on a preselect time and a vehicle acceleration signal. A compensated vehicle speed module generates a compensated vehicle speed based on the vehicle speed offset signal and a vehicle speed. A preselect command module generates a predicted gear signal based on a comparison between the compensated vehicle speed and a shift point from a shift pattern module. The predicted gear signal, identifies a first predicted gear of a DCT. The preselect time is defined as at least an amount of time to disengage a second predicted gear and preengage the first predicted gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Xuefeng Tim Tao, Donald D. Crites
  • Publication number: 20130317716
    Abstract: Fault detection and response systems and processes can be used for pumps, e.g., pump/motors used in hybrid vehicles. The fault detection systems determine when certain operating conditions, which may affect the proper operation of the system, occur. The response systems take appropriate action based on which fault conditions are triggered. Example fault detection systems and processes include detection systems for different types of leaks, sensor malfunctions, or operation errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Stoner, Thomas D. Hawkins, Douglas D. Simpson
  • Patent number: 8594899
    Abstract: A method for operating a clutch includes operating the clutch with increased slip during a green phase and operating the clutch with normal slip during a post-green phase. In some example embodiments, increased slip consists of slip speeds greater than 40 revolutions per minute. In an example embodiment, increased slip consists of a slip speed of approximately 50 revolutions per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Loyal George MacMillian, Ekkehard Reibold, Georg Göppert, George Herr
  • Patent number: 8594898
    Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling a belt type CVT connected to an engine (prime mover) mounted on a vehicle through a forward clutch to change power of the engine in speed and transmit the power to a driven wheel of the vehicle, it is configured to determine whether it is in a predetermined operating condition where an operator is likely to apply a panic brake or the like, set a first value as a friction coefficient ? of the clutch to calculate and control a desired supply hydraulic pressure based on the first value when the determination result is negative, and set a second value greater than the first value to calculate and control the desired supply hydraulic pressure based on the second value when the determination result is affirmative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirohiko Totsuka
  • Patent number: 8589042
    Abstract: A control system for a transmission includes a memory module, a position module, an error module, an integral module, and an adjustment module. The memory stores a control value as a function of clutch torque. The position module controls a position of a clutch based on the control value. The error module periodically determines a slip speed error based on a difference between a target slip speed and an estimated slip speed of the clutch. The integral module periodically determines an integral of the slip speed error. The adjustment module adjusts the control value based on the integral. A method for controlling a transmission is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Robert L. Williams, Matthew D. Whitton, Kurt Mitts, Daniel Deras
  • Patent number: 8589044
    Abstract: A method for processing a signal originating from a position sensor of a motor vehicle control member, to produce a processed signal relating to the position of the control member. The method includes: a filtering phase in which the signal originating from the sensor is filtered using a first filter to obtain a first filtered signal, and a substitution phase in which the first filtered signal is supplied as the processed signal, a second signal being added to the first filtered signal if the instantaneous value thereof is greater than the value of a first threshold parameter, and, in the opposite case, the signal originating from the sensor is provided as the processed signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christophe Desfriches, Alessandro Monti, Richard Pothin
  • Publication number: 20130304338
    Abstract: A clutch control system for a clutch provided between an engine and a load drive. The clutch control system includes a sensor, a detector, an electronic control module and a controller. The sensor is configured to determine a running condition of an engine, and generate a load signal indicative of the running condition of the engine. The detector is associated with an operator control for a load drive to sense an issuance of a work command by the operator control to the load drive, and generate a command signal on issuance of the work command. The electronic control module is configured to receive and process the load signal and the command signal, and generate a control signal according to the load signal and the command signal. Further, the controller is configured to selectively engage or disengage the clutch according to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Toby A. Frelich