Condition Responsive Control Patents (Class 477/174)
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Publication number: 20130296123Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a transfer function of a driveline disconnect clutch is adapted.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Yuji Fujii, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron
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Publication number: 20130296136Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline disconnect clutch operation is adjusted in response to vehicle mass so that the vehicle may operate similarly at lower and higher vehicle masses.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Yuji Fujii
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Publication number: 20130296124Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, compensation is provided for a dual mass flywheel positioned in a vehicle driveline. The approaches may reduce driveline torque disturbances.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, David Oshinsky
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Publication number: 20130297119Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine may be operated at an idle speed while a driveline disconnect clutch separating the engine from a driveline is open in response to a reduction in driver demand torque. Engine torque may be applied to the driveline by simply closing the driveline disconnect clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 8577572Abstract: A method of adapting control of clutches of a double clutch transmission, including: during a shifting process, controlling torque transmittable by an opening clutch and torque transmittable by a closing clutch according to nominal curves; during a shifting process, determining a difference between a nominal value and an actual value; and adapting a nominal curve of at least one of the clutches for a following shifting process by reducing a difference between the nominal value and the actual value.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Marian Preisner, Juergen Benz, Reinhard Berger
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Patent number: 8568276Abstract: A method for engagement of an impeller clutch includes a process for decreasing a back pressure relative to a clutch engagement pressure by decreasing an internal pressure of a torque converter in a case where the impeller clutch is brought into an engaged state, the impeller clutch enabling a driving force of an engine to be transmitted and disconnected to and from a pump impeller of the torque converter, transmission and disconnection of the driving force between the engine and the pump impeller being controlled by the clutch engagement pressure that is applied to the impeller clutch through an independent oil passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukihisa Tsuzuki, Yosuke Makino, Tomoko Yamamoto, Tomoyuki Kitagawa
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Patent number: 8565988Abstract: A method of controlling a drivetrain of a vehicle in which the drivetrain comprises a motor, a transmission with starting gears and a clutch located between the motor and transmission, a manual shift lever, and a control unit, for controlling the transmission and clutch, that communicates with a speed sensor, and an accelerator pedal and shift lever actuation sensors. When starting off from coasting, a starting gear is determined in a manner that can be influenced by the driver via actuating the manual shift lever. To assist the driver, it is checked whether the transmission is in neutral and the clutch is engaged, if the vehicle speed is within a specified speed range. If so, the clutch is disengaged, another gear is engaged, and starting is initiated in combination with situation-dependent clutch engagement and carried out as a function of accelerator pedal actuation, provided the shift lever has not been actuated.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Ludger Ronge
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Publication number: 20130275017Abstract: A vehicle has an engine having a crankshaft, a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch operatively connected to the crankshaft, and an output shaft operatively connected to the clutch. The clutch selectively transmits power from the crankshaft to the output shaft. A propulsion element is operatively connected to the output shaft. A hydraulic fluid supply system is fluidly connected to the clutch for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the clutch. A controller is connected to the hydraulic fluid supply system. The controller receives a torque signal indicative of engine torque and controls the hydraulic fluid supply system based at least in part on the torque signal. A clutch control method and system are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2011Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Jean-Philippe Gauthier, Philippe Micheau, Roger Rioux, Maxime Desjarding-Goulet
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Patent number: 8556774Abstract: A device for controlling an automatic start of the engine mounted on a vehicle which includes a clutch to transmit/block motive power between an output shaft of the engine and the driving wheel of the vehicle. The automatic start control device includes an automatic restart processing in which a starter is driven to crank the engine when predetermined restart conditions are met thereby restarting the engine. The automatic start control device detects a state of the clutch being either transmitting or blocking and detects whether or not a transition of the state occurs during the cranking of the engine in the automatic restart processing. The control device forcibly stops driving of the starter when the transition of the state occurs.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Tetsuo Morita
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Patent number: 8550960Abstract: A clutch of a hydrodynamic torque converter, which connects the drive input of the hydrodynamic torque converter to the drive output of the hydrodynamic torque converter, is actuated in a disengaging direction when a power at an auxiliary power take-off in a vehicle exceeds a predefined value.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Hans Hofler, Thomas Kurz
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Patent number: 8540602Abstract: A drive device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine and a motor generator. A one-way clutch is provided between the engine and the motor generator. Power is transmitted from the engine to the motor generator, while power from the motor generator to the engine is blocked. As a result, the electric motor can be operated without operating the engine. Furthermore, a torque converter is connected to the motor generator, and the engine is connected to the torque converter via a starting clutch. As a result, if a one-way clutch is provided, the motor generator can serve as a starter motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masatoshi Ishikawa
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Publication number: 20130238204Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a vehicle powertrain that may be automatically stopped and started are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a position of a transmission clutch in response to battery current during engine cranking. The method may reduce clutch wear and improve vehicle launch from a stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Matthew John Shelton, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
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Publication number: 20130238213Abstract: Flywheel diagnostic systems and methods may be advantageously employed on machines having flywheel assemblies to preserve the integrity of the flywheel and/or related components in the event of a malfunction. Feedback regarding flywheel or machine operating parameters may be used to determine the possibility of a malfunction. Remedial actions may be taken in response to the indication of a possible malfunction. For example, a cooling system may be operated to reduce the temperature of the flywheel, thereby to preserve flywheel integrity. Additionally or alternatively, the flywheel may be coupled to a CVT to actively slow flywheel rotation. For other malfunctions, the flywheel may be disengaged from the CVT to prevent damage to flywheel components that may result from further overspeeding of the flywheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.Inventor: Jeffrey Edward Jensen
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Patent number: 8532895Abstract: An assist device for a vehicle including a power train connected to drive wheels by a clutch, a bus, and a power-assist parking brake. The device includes sensors that transmit signals to the bus and a mechanism for learning-based estimation of a clutch curve on the basis of the signals, the curve connecting the position of the clutch pedal and a maximum torque range that can be transmitted by the corresponding clutch and a mechanism phasing the delivered signals to reduce an influence of noise on the sensors associated with the signals.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2008Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Renault S.A.S.Inventors: Christophe Desfriches, Alessandro Monti, Richard Pothin
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Patent number: 8527169Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling a torque transmitting apparatus having multiple selectively engageable couplers is provided. The multiple couplers may be selectively engaged and disengaged to provide a mechanical, friction or fluid coupling between portions of the torque transmitting apparatus and other components of a vehicle powertrain during various operational stages. The control apparatus includes a fluid pressure control device and a fluid flow control device.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Long, David C. Ames
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Patent number: 8512206Abstract: A transmission clutch controld evice that can perform adequate connection-disconnection control of a transmission clutch, regardless of disturbances such as variations in battery voltage and temperature variations.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Tatsuhiko Ebara, Takao Iijima, Tomoko Ohta
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Patent number: 8500589Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A gearing assembly mechanically couples an engine, an electric motor and an electric generator. During all-electric drive using the motor as a power source with the engine off, a clutch in the gearing assembly isolates elements of the gearing assembly from a power delivery path to vehicle traction wheels. A clutch may be used also to provide smooth engine starting torque when the generator acts as an engine starter motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar
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Patent number: 8504260Abstract: A method for activating a clutch of a vehicle drive train. A controller of an electronic control unit generates an electrical desired-value signal corresponding to a desired pressure with which the clutch is to be acted upon. The control unit receives from a sensor an electrical actual-value signal which is to correspond to an actual pressure with which the clutch is acted upon. The sensor measures the pressure at a measurement location which is connected via a transfer link to an action location at which the clutch is acted upon with a clutch pressure. The actual-value signal passes through a transfer element having a delay property before it is delivered to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe-und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KGInventors: Thorsten Stepper, Joerg Meissner, Ralf Trutschel
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Patent number: 8494735Abstract: A method of operating the torque converter lock-up clutch in a power transmission of a working machine comprising at least one hydraulically actuated lifting device. The torque converter lock-up clutch is actuated for disengagement when a predefined limit value for the position of the lifting hydraulic mechanism of the at least one lifting device is exceeded. When the position of the lifting hydraulic mechanism falls below a predefined limit value and when the turbine rotational speed exceeds a predefined threshold value, the torque converter lock-up clutch is reengaged.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Hans Hofler, Thomas Kurz
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Patent number: 8491445Abstract: The clutch control apparatus includes a first reference value setting portion for setting a first engagement amount reference value of the first and the second clutches and to obtain a target transmitting torque by calculating a target inertia torque by multiplying a target rotation speed change rate of the engine at a speed change operation by an inertia of the engine and subtracting the target inertia torque from the current output torque of the engine to be the target transmitting torque of the first and the second clutches and a second reference value setting portion for setting a second engagement amount reference value by correcting the first engagement amount reference value based on the vehicle speed and the turning radius.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masayuki Tanaka, Takeshige Miyazaki
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Patent number: 8494711Abstract: An automated start/stop system for a vehicle comprises an auto-stop module, a diagnostic module, and an auto-start module. The auto-stop module selectively initiates an auto-stop event and shuts down an engine while the vehicle is running. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in a clutch pedal position sensor of the vehicle. The auto-start module, while the vehicle is running and the engine is shut down, selectively initiates an auto-start event after the fault has been diagnosed when current drawn by a starter motor is less than a predetermined maximum starting current.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Inventors: Awadesh Tiwari, Vijay Shettigar, Amit Kumar, Srinivas B. Chande
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Patent number: 8491442Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is taught herein in which a clutch is disposed between an engine and a motor/generator and disengagement of the clutch is controlled in a coasting drive while dragging the engine. A drive controller engages the clutch so that the vehicle coasts while dragging the engine at a time of coasting deceleration. While coasting, when the stepped transmission of the hybrid vehicle downshifts, the clutch is disengaged during the downshift.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masakazu Saito, Munetoshi Ueno
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Patent number: 8489298Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine, a transmission, and a torque converter located between the engine and the transmission. Subsequent to a rapid increase in engine torque commands, torque converter slip is controlled by monitoring a measured torque converter slip after the rapid increase in engine torque commands, determining a maximum measured torque converter slip value resulting from the rapid increase in engine torque commands based upon the measured torque converter slip, determining a target value to which to reduce the torque converter slip, determining a recovery profile to reduce the torque converter slip from the maximum measured torque converter slip to the target value, and utilizing the recovery profile to controllably reduce the torque controller slip. Determining the recovery profile includes commanding reducing slip through the profile at commanded torque converter slip values selected to prevent the torque converter slip from reaching zero.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Paul G. Otanez, Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie
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Publication number: 20130178330Abstract: A method for controlling a downstream clutch in a vehicle during an upstream torque disturbance includes slipping a downstream clutch by reducing the downstream clutch pressure, varying the downstream clutch pressure to a target threshold to control the slip of the downstream clutch, increasing the downstream clutch pressure to engage the downstream clutch. A vehicle includes a first prime mover, a second prime mover connected to the first prime mover using an upstream clutch, a transmission connected to the second prime mover using a downstream clutch, and a controller connected to the first and second prime movers and the upstream and downstream clutches. The controller is configured to (i) slip the downstream clutch by reducing the pressure, (ii) vary the downstream clutch pressure to a target threshold to control the slip, and (iii) increase the downstream clutch pressure to engage the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Marvin Paul Kraska, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Brian Thomas Soo
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Patent number: 8473172Abstract: Systems and methods for assisted direct start control are provided. An example method varies engine torque, forward clutch engagement pressure, and wheel brake pressure during a vehicle launch responsive to longitudinal vehicle grade to improve launch performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
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Publication number: 20130150209Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing and controlling an unusual hydraulic state of an electric variable transmission of a hybrid vehicle achieving multi modes including a first mode and a second mode, the method may include determining whether the first mode is converted into the second mode, determining whether a hydraulic pressure is generated in a clutch which is engaged and the generated hydraulic pressure is higher than a predetermined hydraulic pressure when the first mode is converted into the second mode, and determining that the hybrid vehicle is in an unusual condition if the hydraulic pressure is not generated in the clutch or the generated hydraulic pressure is higher than the predetermined hydraulic pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: SANGHYUN JEONG, JONG HYUN KIM, YOUNGCHUL KIM, JANG MI LEE, SANGLOK SONG, SEUNGJAE KANG, JAESHIN YI, HAKSUNG LEE, SEUNG KI KONG
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Publication number: 20130150212Abstract: A damper clutch control apparatus for an automatic transmission may include a driving information detection unit detecting driving information including a displacement amount of an accelerator pedal, an engine speed, an engine torque, and a rotation speed of a turbine, a control portion which receives the driving information and realize a release control of a damper clutch when a driver's intention for acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle may be detected in a state of connection of the damper clutch, and an actuator which controls hydraulic pressure supplied to the damper clutch so as to realize connection or release of the damper clutch according to a control signal received from the control portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Man Se HEO
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Patent number: 8463514Abstract: A method and control system for an actuator of a clutch of a motor vehicle includes a main control unit determining a desired value for a torque to be transmitted in dependence on predetermined first parameters. A setting signal for the actuator corresponding to the desired value is generated by an additional control unit on the basis of the determined desired value. A desired value tolerance range for the determined desired value of the torque is determined by the main control unit in dependence on predetermined second parameters. The additional control unit determines an actual value of the torque transmissible by the clutch unit and generates a new setting signal for the actuator when the actual value is outside the desired value tolerance range.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KGInventor: Johannes Quehenberger, Sr.
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Patent number: 8457823Abstract: In a method for operating a hybrid vehicle, an idle first drive unit is started during the driving of the hybrid vehicle by transferring part of a torque from an operating second drive unit to the first drive unit. To minimize effects on the movement characteristics of the hybrid vehicle during starting and/or stopping of the first drive unit, a control unit is provided for influencing the torque of the operating second drive unit by at least one of the variables derived from the longitudinal movement of the hybrid vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Jens-Werner Falkenstein
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Patent number: 8457850Abstract: When an inertia phase of an upshift of the transmission is started during a lockup clutch engagement operation, a following command oil pressure to be used during a following lockup clutch engagement operation is learned on the basis of a slip rotation speed, which is a rotation speed difference between an input side rotation speed of the torque converter and an output side rotation speed of the torque converter, at or after a start point of the inertia phase.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Yukiyoshi Inuta, Hideki Oshita, Morimasa Yamawaki, Kazuo Tomioka, Masayuki Mannen, Tatsuya Hayashi
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Patent number: 8449433Abstract: A clutch device, which has at least one clutch, which can assume an open operating state and a closed operating state, in which a torque can be transmitted by the clutch, an actuator device for activating the clutch, and a sensor device, which has a motion sensor. In order to simplify the actuation strategy of the clutch device, the sensor device has an additional sensor, which detects whether the actuator device is in or near an actuator end position in which the clutch is in the open operating state thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Bjoern Stehle
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Publication number: 20130131948Abstract: A coasting control device capable of avoiding coasting control during turning is provided. A turning recognition unit that recognizes that a vehicle is turning and a unit for prohibiting coasting control during turning that prohibits coasting control when the turning recognition unit recognizes that the vehicle is turning are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicants: Transtron Inc., Isuzu Motors Limited ofInventors: Nobuyuki Iwao, Yasushi Yamamoto, Kazuhiko Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Arai, Kouhei Takama
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Patent number: 8447482Abstract: A shift control device includes a clutch for performing a connection/disconnection of power transmitted to a drive wheel from an engine based on an operation input to a shift operator, an actuator for performing a drive control of the clutch, and a controller for controlling the driving of the actuator. The controller includes an operation quantity detector for detecting an operation quantity of a shift operator, a shift starter performing a control toward the disengagement of the clutch by driving the actuator at a stage in which an operation quantity detected by the operation quantity detector exceeds a first threshold value, and a shift starter for performing a disengagement control of the clutch by driving the actuator at a stage wherein an operation quantity detected by the operation quantity detector exceeds a second threshold value which is larger than the first threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akihiko Tomoda
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Patent number: 8443688Abstract: A method of learning an initial capacity point of a clutch in a dual clutch transmission includes identifying when the dual clutch transmission is operating in a steady state gear condition with a first clutch continuously transmitting torque to a first shaft. When the dual clutch transmission is operating in a steady state gear condition, a second clutch is sequentially positioned in each of a plurality of application positions (Pn, Pn+1, Pn+2, . . . , Pn+i). The second clutch is configured to transmit torque to a second shaft. The second shaft is positioned in a geared state in each of the plurality of application positions. The first application position (Pn+i) in the sequence of application positions in which the second shaft is not successfully positioned in the geared state is defined as the initial capacity point of the second clutch.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew D. Whitton, Brandon E. Hancock
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Patent number: 8439805Abstract: An automatic vehicle transmission comprises a first oil supply unit (10) with at least one mechanically driven first pump (11) and a second oil supply unit (20) with at least one electrically driven second pump (21), and a valve device (14) and a clutch system (1). The second oil supply unit (20) supplies the clutch system (1), during a first operating condition, and the first oil supply unit (10) supplies the clutch system (1), during a second operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Rainer Grundler, Thilo Schmidt, Christian Popp, Heinrich Zeller
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Publication number: 20130109535Abstract: A system and method for regulating torque transmitted via a torque converter can include providing a lock up clutch between a crankshaft and transmission of a vehicle. A position sensor can output data indicative of at least one of an engaged position of the lock-up clutch, a transitional position of the lock-up clutch, and a disengaged position of the lock-up clutch. An engine speed sensor can output data indicative of rotational speed of the crankshaft. A controller can be placed in electrical communication with the engine speed sensor and the position sensor and configured to determine when actuation of the lock-up clutch is desired. The controller can be configured to determine a torque reduction target based on certain variables, for example, engine acceleration. The controller can then signal the engine to output torque substantially equal to the torque reduction target when conditions exist that warrant torque reduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: MICHAEL THOMAS DICKINSON, Christopher Irwin Hopp
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Patent number: 8428835Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a power unit group of a vehicle including at least one driving engine, a manual gearbox with plural gears and a clutch, in which a control system with a computer determines the target power to be supplied by the power unit group depending on information corresponding to an intention of the driver and displayed on an input of the computer. During a gear change, the information on the driver's intention is frozen during the clutch opening time so that the control system does not take into account a potential disturbing information, such as a quick foot release, displayed on the input between the clutch opening moment and the clutch closing moment to determine the target power to be supplied. The method can be applied particular to a manual gearbox having a system for displaying the recommended gear ratio on the dashboard.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Renault S.A.S.Inventors: Patrice Habert, Eric Vigerie
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Patent number: 8412429Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Masaki Mita, Ryohei Shigeta, Tomoaki Kato
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Publication number: 20130053217Abstract: The clutch control apparatus includes a first reference value setting portion for setting a first engagement amount reference value of the first and the second clutches and to obtain a target transmitting torque by calculating a target inertia torque by multiplying a target rotation speed change rate of the engine at a speed change operation by an inertia of the engine and subtracting the target inertia torque from the current output torque of the engine to be the target transmitting torque of the first and the second clutches and a second reference value setting portion for setting a second engagement amount reference value by correcting the first engagement amount reference value based on the vehicle speed and the turning radius.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: AISIN AI CO., LTD.Inventors: Masayuki Tanaka, Takeshige Miyazaki
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Patent number: 8366587Abstract: A control device of a vehicle drive-train system including an engine, an electronic throttle valve, an automatic transmission having a manual shift mode, a torque converter provided between the automatic transmission and the engine, and a lock-up clutch operable to directly connect an input member and an output member of the torque converter with each other includes a blipping control device that performs blipping control for temporarily increasing the output rotational speed of the engine by of the electronic throttle valve, when a power-off downshift is performed while the automatic transmission is in the manual shift mode; and a lock-up control device that engages or partially engages the lock-up clutch, based on a difference between a rotational speed of the output member of the torque converter and a rotational speed of the input member thereof, which the difference is reduced after the blipping control is started.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junichi Inoue, Hitoshi Matsunaga, Yoshio Hasegawa
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Patent number: 8364361Abstract: A method for controlling a clutch assembly includes controlling an actual clutch fill pressure using open-loop pressure controls when an active fill phase is detected, and using closed-loop pressure controls when the active fill phase is complete or when an overfill condition is detected. The method supplies the actual clutch pressure according to a second set of open-loop pressure controls when a step in commanded clutch pressure is detected. The method monitors a fill pressure and time during the step, and applies the clutch pressure according to the closed-loop pressure controls when either value equals a corresponding threshold value. A clutch assembly has a piston for compressing clutch disks to initiate a shift event, an algorithm for controlling the shift event, and a sensor for determining an actual clutch pressure during the shift phases. The algorithm switches between closed-loop and open-loop pressure controls in response to different shift phases.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Bret M. Olson, Robert L. Moses, Randall B. Dlugoss
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Patent number: 8347749Abstract: In a gear shift device and a method for operating a manual gearshift device of a motor vehicle including a control unit which, in a gear shift mode is adapted to resolve a recognized tooth butt condition of a gear shift device which is to be engaged positively by a starting clutch, the control unit is adapted to select a starting mode for resolving the tooth butt condition by setting a startup readiness parameter which determines a startup readiness condition as established before the tooth butt condition is resolved for initiating clutch engagement and thereby resolving the tooth butt condition and, at the same time, starting movement of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Manfred Guggolz, Werner Hillenbrand, Jürgen Hertlein, David Ulmer
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Patent number: 8340850Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle in which a fixed speed change mode can be realized by the locking of a rotational element, the mislocking of the rotational element is prevented. A hybrid drive apparatus which has an engine, a MG1 and a MG2 and which functions as a power unit of a hybrid vehicle is provided with a brake mechanism of a cam-lock type which can control the MG1 in a lock state and a non-lock state by changing the state of a sun gear between the lock state and the non-lock state. In mislocking prevention control, an ECU calculates MG1 angular acceleration D?g, which is the absolute value of angular acceleration of the motor generator MG1, on the basis of a MG1 rotational speed Ngm1 and judges that the sun gear S1 is in a mislocking state if the MG1 angular acceleration D?g is greater than a criterion value D?gth.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koichiro Muta, Hiroyuki Ogura, Naofumi Magarida
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Patent number: 8326503Abstract: When deceleration lock-up differential pressure learning control is entered and a difference between this deceleration lock-up differential pressure instruction value and a disengagement initial pressure of lock-up smooth off control becomes smaller than prior to deceleration lock-up differential pressure learning control, the disengagement initial pressure PS of lock-up smooth off control is corrected to a low side in accordance with a difference between that deceleration lock-up differential pressure instruction value and the disengagement initial pressure. Furthermore, by changing the sweep gradient of lock-up smooth off control to a small side, and in addition, correcting the disengagement initial pressure PS of lock-up smooth off control to a low side in consideration of disengagement delay of the lock-up clutch pursuant to that sweep gradient change, the actual disengagement time during lock-up smooth off control can be matched with a target disengagement time.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Sei Kojima
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Patent number: 8321109Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a clutch, for example an automatic friction clutch forming part of a drive train of a motor vehicle, for a torque transfer between an engine and a transmission, with the clutch having significant clutch way points assigned to it. For achieving the operational readiness of the clutch over the shortest possible time period, whereby an accurate clutch adjustment is still guaranteed, a clutch way point coordinate system is monitored by checking the point of engagement of the clutch, established through a learning process and having at least a relevant clutch way point for the starting procedure. In case of any recognized change(s), the clutch way point is suitably corrected or otherwise used as is.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Rainer Petzold, Peter Herter
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Patent number: 8298121Abstract: In one embodiment, when a condition (specifically, brake ON) of rising of a source pressure (line pressure) of a lock-up control valve is satisfied during deceleration lock-up control, a lock-up differential pressure instruction value is corrected to a low side with that source-pressure rising amount taken into consideration.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sei Kojima, Daisuke Inoue
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Patent number: 8285462Abstract: A hybrid transmission is operative to transfer torque between an input member and torque machines and an output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear and continuously variable operating range states through selective application of torque transfer clutches. The torque machines are operative to transfer power from an energy storage device. A method for controlling the hybrid transmission includes operating the hybrid transmission in one of the operating range states, determining a first set of internal system constraints on output torque transferred to the output member, determining a second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member, and determining an allowable output torque range that is achievable within the first set of internal system constraints and the second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Tung-Ming Hsieh, Bin Wu
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Publication number: 20120214643Abstract: A method and device for actuating a shift element of an automatic transmission having a start-stop function and a pressure medium pump driven by an internal combustion engine. The shifting elements are clutches or brakes that can be actuated by a piston which is actuated for engagement via pressure supplied to a pressure space. The pressure space is depressurized when the engine stops. To enhance start-stop operation, the shifting elements comprise an additional pressure space that acts, in opposition to the pressure space acting in the engaging direction, as a controllable restoring mechanism which can be rendered inactive, if desired. If the engine stops and the automatic start-stop function is activated, the additional pressure spaces, acting in the restoring direction, are depressurized before the pressure drop in the pressure spaces, acting in the engaging direction, of the pistons, but are otherwise permanently pressurized during driving operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Horst Rögner, Josef Haupt
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Patent number: 8246519Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tadanao Ohkubo
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Patent number: 8202200Abstract: A clutch control device providing an engagement feeling which conforms to a state of a vehicle without requiring a correction of an engagement position even when a clutch is worn. A clutch control device includes a vehicle state detection part for detecting a state of a vehicle, an actuator control part for controlling the actuator, a target torque decision part for deciding a target friction torque value Tt to be generated by the clutch in response to a time which elapses from a point in time that the engagement of the clutch starts as well as in response to a state of the vehicle, and a target oil pressure decision part for deciding a target oil pressure value Pt corresponding to the target friction torque value Tt. The actuator control part controls the actuator so as to set an oil pressure value to the target oil pressure value Pt.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akihiko Tomoda