Condition Responsive Control Patents (Class 477/174)
  • Publication number: 20130296123
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Yuji Fujii, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron
  • Publication number: 20130296136
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Yuji Fujii
  • Publication number: 20130296124
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, David Oshinsky
  • Publication number: 20130297119
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8577572
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marian Preisner, Juergen Benz, Reinhard Berger
  • Patent number: 8568276
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukihisa Tsuzuki, Yosuke Makino, Tomoko Yamamoto, Tomoyuki Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 8565988
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Ludger Ronge
  • Publication number: 20130275017
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Gauthier, Philippe Micheau, Roger Rioux, Maxime Desjarding-Goulet
  • Patent number: 8556774
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Morita
  • Patent number: 8550960
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hans Hofler, Thomas Kurz
  • Patent number: 8540602
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatoshi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20130238204
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Matthew John Shelton, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
  • Publication number: 20130238213
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Edward Jensen
  • Patent number: 8532895
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christophe Desfriches, Alessandro Monti, Richard Pothin
  • Patent number: 8527169
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, David C. Ames
  • Patent number: 8512206
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Ebara, Takao Iijima, Tomoko Ohta
  • Patent number: 8500589
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar
  • Patent number: 8504260
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe-und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Stepper, Joerg Meissner, Ralf Trutschel
  • Patent number: 8494735
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hans Hofler, Thomas Kurz
  • Patent number: 8491445
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Tanaka, Takeshige Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8494711
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Awadesh Tiwari, Vijay Shettigar, Amit Kumar, Srinivas B. Chande
  • Patent number: 8491442
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Saito, Munetoshi Ueno
  • Patent number: 8489298
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie
  • Publication number: 20130178330
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Marvin Paul Kraska, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Brian Thomas Soo
  • Patent number: 8473172
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
  • Publication number: 20130150209
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: SANGHYUN JEONG, JONG HYUN KIM, YOUNGCHUL KIM, JANG MI LEE, SANGLOK SONG, SEUNGJAE KANG, JAESHIN YI, HAKSUNG LEE, SEUNG KI KONG
  • Publication number: 20130150212
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Man Se HEO
  • Patent number: 8463514
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Johannes Quehenberger, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8457823
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jens-Werner Falkenstein
  • Patent number: 8457850
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Yukiyoshi Inuta, Hideki Oshita, Morimasa Yamawaki, Kazuo Tomioka, Masayuki Mannen, Tatsuya Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8449433
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bjoern Stehle
  • Publication number: 20130131948
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicants: Transtron Inc., Isuzu Motors Limited of
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Iwao, Yasushi Yamamoto, Kazuhiko Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Arai, Kouhei Takama
  • Patent number: 8447482
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiko Tomoda
  • Patent number: 8443688
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. Whitton, Brandon E. Hancock
  • Patent number: 8439805
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Rainer Grundler, Thilo Schmidt, Christian Popp, Heinrich Zeller
  • Publication number: 20130109535
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: MICHAEL THOMAS DICKINSON, Christopher Irwin Hopp
  • Patent number: 8428835
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Patrice Habert, Eric Vigerie
  • 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: 20130053217
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN AI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Tanaka, Takeshige Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8366587
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Inoue, Hitoshi Matsunaga, Yoshio Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8364361
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bret M. Olson, Robert L. Moses, Randall B. Dlugoss
  • Patent number: 8347749
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Manfred Guggolz, Werner Hillenbrand, Jürgen Hertlein, David Ulmer
  • Patent number: 8340850
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichiro Muta, Hiroyuki Ogura, Naofumi Magarida
  • Patent number: 8326503
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sei Kojima
  • Patent number: 8321109
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Rainer Petzold, Peter Herter
  • Patent number: 8298121
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sei Kojima, Daisuke Inoue
  • Patent number: 8285462
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Tung-Ming Hsieh, Bin Wu
  • Publication number: 20120214643
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Horst Rögner, Josef Haupt
  • 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: 8202200
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiko Tomoda